Hello. I'm Anthony Cross and I am an ordinand (priest in training), studying full time at Sarum College in Salisbury. I am currently preparing both to hand in my final assignments and for my ordination as deacon on Sunday 29th June.There are three levels of ordination within the Church of England: deacon, priest and bishop. All clergy are ordained as deacon; most are ordained as priest; some are chosen to be ordained as bishop.The term deacon comes from the Greek word diakonos which means servant. The first deacons are chosen in Acts 6 to lead the charitable work of the early church, a role that was quickly expanded to leading worship and teaching. In Paul’s letter to the Romans, Phoebe is identified as a deacon, and it is believed that she transported, read and interpreted this letter to its audience.To be a deacon in the Church of England is to be a servant of God in a ministerial role. In being ordained deacon, I will be promising to serve the Church of England and the communities in which I minister. I will be licensed to take non-Eucharistic services, to preach, to baptise, and to conduct funerals. A deacon cannot celebrate Holy Communion or perform the act of marriage. When delivering the absolution and the blessing, deacons use the word “us” instead of “you”. These are rites that are reserved for those who are ordained priest.In addition to taking services, I will serve by being a pastoral presence across the benefice. Expect to see me at events! Under Tom’s guidance I will work on developing my skills and competencies in preparation for my ordination as priest, which all being well will take place at the end of June next year. I will continue my studies by engaging in post-ordination training alongside my fellow curates across the diocese.Anthony