On Saturday, 7 March, 2026, the Asia-Pacific Diocese of the Indian Orthodox Church reached a significant milestone with the tonsuring of Mr Stephan Sabu to the subdeaconate by the hand of H.G. Dr Yuhanon Mar Diascoros. Not only is subdeacon Stephan the first subdeacon of the diocese, but he is the first locally born person to be admitted into the first clerical rank according to the Indian Orthodox tradition. This marks a significant shift which underscores the Indian Orthodox Church’s commitment and support for the growth of the Church in the Asia-Pacific region.
At St Cyril’s we are blessed to have been selected by the Holy Synod of the Indian Orthodox Church to be the official seminary for prospective clergy for the Asia-Pacific region. After their formation at St Cyril’s, candidates for the priesthood will then go on to pursue further studies in Kottayam, India. This approach ensures not only that are candidates taught within the context in which they will serve, but also receive the appropriate liturgical and cultural formation for the faithful adherence to Indian Orthodox tradition. Further, it will engender a filial bond of kinship between the Indian and Coptic communities.
Axios, subdeacon Stephan!