Anglican Church

On Saturday 18 February 2012 Bishop Peter Ramsden ordained Gilford Kove to the diaconate at a colourful service in the diocesan Chapel of the Good Shepherd at Begabari. This was the first ordination to take place in the diocese since Peter Ramsden became the 5th bishop of Port Moresby in March 2007.

Ordination of Gilford Kove

Gilford Kove is a single young man who was living in the Orobada settlement behind Jackson's Airport and helping the clergy in that parish (Sogeri Lowlands) when Bishop Peter recommended him to Newton Theological College in Popondetta. Gilford commenced his studies there in February 2008, and completed his Diploma in Theology in November 2011.

Bishop Peter about to present stoles

The ordination was attended by nearly all the diocesan clergy and many well-wishers from all the city parishes, as well as traditional dance groups from Tufi and Kokoda. At the start of the service Gilford's parents Rodney (formerly the drama co-ordinator for Anglicare) and Pauline (a nurse) handed over their son to the Archdeacon to present to the bishop for ordination.

Clergy after the service

The service was attended by the Australian High Commissioner Ian Kemish and his wife Roxanne Martens who are regular worshippers at St Martin's Boroko -  Ian was confirmed there as a child while his father was working in Port Moresby with ELCOM. His father subsequently become a priest in the Diocese of Queensland, and after his death two years ago Ian donated his priest's stoles to Port Moresby Diocese. It gave Bishop Peter great pleasure to give two of them to Deacon Gilford, in Ian's presence, at this first ordination service. 

Gilford, his parents, Ian and Bishop Peter

Deacon Gilford is now serving his title in the Parish of St Martin's Boroko, under the Archdeaon and Vicar General, Fr Denny Bray Guka.

+Peter Ramsden
Anglican Bishop of Port Moresby