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New rector named for South Okanagan Anglican churches

Dr. Guna Vaddadi will serve at churches in Summerland and Okanagan Falls
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Dr. Guna Vaddadi has been named the rector at St. Stephen Anglican Church in Summerland and St. Barbara Anglican Church in Okanagan Falls. (Contributed)

A new rector has been named for two Anglican churches in the South Okanagan.

Dr. Guna Vaddadi will be the rector at St. Stephen Anglican Church in Summerland and St. Barbara Anglican Church in Okanagan Falls.

Rick Paulin, the last rector in Summerland, retired at the end of June, 2018. Since that time, Glenda Drew and David Irving filled in as interim priests.

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Vaddadi was born in Visakhapatnam on the east coast of southern India.

After attending school in Visakhapatnam, he went on to achieve a BA in commerce and MAs in English, divinity and education. He concluded his academic studies with a PhD in theology at Regency College of Bible and Missions.

Vaddadi initially went into the life insurance business in India, overseeing a staff of 40 sales advisors.

He became a minister in 1988 when he became active with St. Paul Anglican Church in Visakhapatnam.

He immigrated to Canada in the late 1990s and was assistant pastor at St. Bede’s Anglican Church in Toronto. He and his wife have two grown daughters, one living and working in Toronto and one living and working in Kelowna. He has had some experience working with the diocesan office here in the Anglican diocese of Kootenay.

Vaddadi is living in Summerland and began working with the churches on Jan. 1. He wishes to work to develop both congregations, hoping to see them grow spiritually, numerically and maintain sound financial stability. He also wants to become an integral part of the communities he is working in as well as taking advantage of the region to engage in hiking, camping, and outdoor sports.

Vaddadi and the faith communities of St. Stephen and St. Barbara would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to welcome and meet our new parish priest.

To join the churches’ Zoom services on Sundays please contact St. Stephen Anglican Church between 9 a.m. and noon Tuesday to Thursday at 250-494-3466.

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John Arendt

About the Author: John Arendt

John Arendt has worked as a journalist for more than 30 years. He has a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Journalism degree from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute.
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