THURSDAY 23RD JULY 2026
A cold winter’s night did not deter family, friends and Parishioners from attending the service where the Rev’d Dr Akilan Arokiasamy was commissioned as Rector of All Souls’ Parish.
What a joy it was to have the church filled with love and support for Akilan and his family as they begin a new chapter.
Prayers for Akilan and his family, the Parish and Parishioners were complemented by the joyful singing of hymns of praise and thanksgiving accompanied by the organ and brass ensemble.
Archbishop Brad Billings presided over the commissioning of Akilan together with members of the Diocesan priesthood and representatives of the wider church and community.
Akilan was presented to Archbishop Billings by the churchwardens of his previous Parish and the All Souls’ churchwardens supported him in his new role.
The ceremony included presentations of a Bible and Prayer Book together with instruments for his ministry in the Parish.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Akilan thanked the congregation for their attendance and support. He later wrote:
“Throughout the liturgy, we felt the gentle yet powerful moving of the Holy Spirit, drawing us together in worship and filling our hearts with peace, hope, and joy. It truly seemed as though the angels, the saints, and the holy souls joined us in praising God, reminding us that the Church is a communion embracing both heaven and earth.
We were also deeply touched by the beautiful collegiality and unity witnessed among our Archbishop, the clergy, and the reverend laity. Their prayerful presence, mutual support, and shared commitment to Christ’s mission were a powerful testimony to the unity of the Body of Christ and an inspiration to us all.”
As was noted during the welcoming speeches, the average age of the congregation has now been reduced considerably with the arrival of Akilan, Maria and their delightful children 3-year-old daughter Aadhini and not-quite-two-year-old son Aalayan.
Click on photos in the following gallery to open them.
