Father Waymon Ahart of Fayetteville was recently appointed to serve as a canon in the Charismatic Episcopal Church.

“The rank of ‘canon’ is given in many dioceses to senior parish priests largely as an honorary title, although there are some ‘working canons’ who have significant areas of responsibilities,” said the Most Rev. David Epps who serves as bishop of Georgia and Tennessee and who made the appointment.

“The title usually is awarded in recognition of long and dedicated service to the diocese,” Epps continued. “Those so honored are entitled to call themselves ‘canon’ and have a role in the administration of the cathedral or the diocese, depending upon the desires of the supervising bishop.”

Anglican/Episcopal canons are equivalent to a monsignor in the Catholic church, often wearing the red-trimmed cassock which is associated with that rank. During diocesan liturgical processions, canons (and archdeacons and deans) process in a place of honor behind the deacons and priests but in front of the bishops.

Ahart’s appointment was made by Epps during a service at Christ the King Church in Sharpsburg, where Ahart has served in many capacities.

A certified public accountant and a law school graduate, Ahart will serve the Mid-South Diocese as a spiritual and financial advisor to the bishop. He was first ordained to the diaconate and later to the priesthood by Bishop John Holloway.

Ahart and his wife, Lavada, have been married more than 50 years.

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