Induction of New Rector for Charlton

The news of the appointment of The Revd Elizabeth (Liz) Newman, as Priest-in-Charge of the Charlton United Benefice (St. Thomas & St. Luke) was very welcome news. Not only has the British Orthodox Church worshipped at St. Thomas’s, Old Charlton, since May 1989, but Liz, who has been attached to the Anglican parish as a non-stipendiary priest for many years, so is a well-known and respected member of the local community. As former Chaplain to Blackheath Bluecoats School until its closure in 2014, she served on the staff as the same time as Archdeacon James Maskery. As Abba Seraphim was away from London for her induction at St. Thomas’s on 24 July, Subdeacon Athanasius Hall, represented the British Orthodox Church at the service, which was performed by Dr Woyin Karowei Dorgu, the newly appointed Bishop Suffragan of Woolwich and the Venerable Alastair Cutting, Archdeacon of Lewisham & Greenwich and conveyed greetings on behalf of the Orthodox Parish.