Father Thomas Ward

I began my religious life spending eight happy years as a Catholic monk in Bedfordshire. Over time I began to have doubts about aspects of Roman Catholic doctrine. Not without sadness, I left my monastery and got a job as a railway signaller in Yorkshire. I loved my work on the railway and have stayed with Network Rail ever since. In my first years in the signal box I came across the Orthodox Church online. I did some reading and eventually turned up, rather anxiously, for the Divine Liturgy — the main Sunday service — at my parish in Doncaster.

I was astonished and moved by the liturgy from my first visit, and I remember feeling peculiarly at home. None of these feelings has ever quite left me. I was also touched by the warm welcome I received from parishioners. After more reading and praying I was received into the Church, and three years later I was ordained a deacon. It remains a massive honour and a joy to assist at the Divine Liturgy. I am conscious that I have an awful lot to learn, but both the priests and the people of my parish are extremely patient with me — for which I am very grateful.