Bishop Richard Stika of Knoxville posted the following news on Twitter Friday night:
Tomorrow, I will ordain Ken Conklin as a permanent deacon, at his home surrounded by his wonderful class and his family. He will be ordained a year early as he has now entered hospice care and his time in this world is very limited. I offered this gift to him as he has fulfilled
— Bishop Rick Stika (@BishopStika) September 25, 2021
over 4 years of study and is spiritually ready as he prepares for a new life. He is physically, mentally and especially spiritually ready. Please pray for him and his family.
— Bishop Rick Stika (@BishopStika) September 25, 2021
UPDATE: Someone on social media noted: “It seems heartless, but if the point of ordination is service, then ordaining a dying person, unable to provide said service, is an abuse.”
My response:
Diaconal ministry is more than what you do; it’s who you are. Beyond that, there are myriad ways to serve God and his people. I would argue that soon-to-be Deacon Ken is serving his classmates, his family and his bishop by bearing witness — showing how to face the end of life — and by marking his final days with humility and gratitude and hope. He is serving by being — which can sometimes be the greatest service of all.
Lord, the one you love is sick, and his time on this earth is nearing its end. Draw close to him and those who love him. Help them in their hour of need, that they may remember that you are the Resurrection and the Life. Lord of consolation and mercy, we pray that you may welcome Ken into your embrace, and that this servant who loved you in this world may rejoice with you forever in the next. May he soon hear the words of gratitude and hope: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
SUNDAY UPDATE: Check out photos of Bishop Stika celebrating the ordination — against a stunning backdrop — right here.
