In a historic development, Joice James, a father of four has been conferred with
permanent diaconate by Card. Alencherry, of the Syro-Malabar Church at a ceremony
held on June 6.
Though the Church has conferred deacon status on laymen in the past, it is for the
first time that a permanent diaconate is being conferred on a married man after the
Syro-Malabar Church became an independent Church.
Deacon Joice belongs to the St George Parish at Muthalakkulam under the Kothamangalam
diocese. His wife Jibi and children were present at the function. Joice had been working
in the education sector in London for the last 15 years.
Joice had pursued a total of five years of seminary study in India and London. He
will serve in the Ujjain diocese of the Syro-Malabar Church.
A person who is made deacon can perform services except certain sacraments. (UCAN)
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