A new priest has been installed at St Paul’s Church in Weymouth.

The celebration for the Collation, Induction and Installation of Father Gregory Lipovsky took place on Thursday, October 10.

The Rural Dean Nick Clarke welcomed the congregation to the special service.

The Bishop of Salisbury the Right Reverend Nicholas Holtam introduced the service.

Father Gregory was then presented by a member of the selection panel, before Bishop Nicholas introduced him to the congregation.

After a period of silent prayer, Father Gregory was presented with a vessel of water which he poured into the font to represent pastoral care.

He was then presented with a Bible which he placed on the lectern to represent the ministry of teaching and preaching.

To represent the ministry of the sacrament, Father Gregory was presented with a chalice and paten which he placed on the altar.

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles was delivered by the Archdeacon Penny Sayer.

Bishop Jonathan of Ebbsfleet then gave a sermon before Father Gregory was licensed when he affirmed and took the oaths.

The Archdeacon then led Father Gregory to the church door where he received the keys of the church.

After this, the Archdeacon took him by the hand and placed him in his stall.

The Rural Dean then introduced representatives of the church and the community to welcome Father Gregory.

Father Gregory gave out notices and invited the congregation to pray.

Intercessions followed.

During the final hymn, a collection was taken to support the people of South Sudan and Sudan with whom the diocese has a longstanding partnership.

After the Commission and Dismissal by the Bishop of Salisbury, all parties and the congregation went to the hall for refreshments to celebrate.

Father Gregory began his new role on Friday, October 11.