Looking back over the past year, one of the things that stand out was an excellent Annual Synod. We were very privileged to have Angela Ashwin with us who conducted two retreats. Many people come together for Synod, including many representing the different groups like the Friends and Diocese of Exeter, with which we are closely linked and whose support we value so much.

In Cyprus we have seen the departure from Larnaca of Danny and Kay Borkowski. Their ministry in Larnaca has been very greatly appreciated, as has their continuing role within the Diocese as a whole. At the end of 2005, Marvin Bamforth will move on after seven years in Paphos. His main work now will be with the Bishop of Kinkizi in the Church of Uganda. Meanwhile, we have welcomed David Sutton and his wife Jacky to share ministry in Paphos. David will become Senior Chaplain at the end of the Year.

While there is much new building across the Island, there are particular developments in the North around Kyrenia and the North Eastern Coast North of Famagusta. In order to meet the opportunities for ministry here, we are exploring the establishment of two chaplaincies. Robin and Val Brookes, who have been in Ayia Napa for the last few years, will move to a new base. To some extent, this is a ministry in which, under the auspices of the oversight of Tony Jeynes in Kyrenia, they have already had a role.

Meanwhile, the Marriage Ministry in Cyprus continues to develop, often with amazing stories of how the spiritual dimension has entered in new measure into the lives of those who come to the Island for their weddings. Although it makes a considerable demand upon the chaplains, they are all convinced that it is a very worthwhile aspect of their ministry.
We were all shocked by the sudden illness of Peter Crooks in Aden who was struck down with Gullain Barre Syndrome. With excellent care in both Dubai and England he has responded well to treatment and it is hoped that he and Nancy will soon be back in Aden. Meanwhile, we have been most fortunate in Ben and Bobbie Chase, who served for many years in the Canterbury Group, being able to oversee the Ministry in Aden. The work of the clinics is going very well and there is a good spirit within the staff team. Valentina , the Russian midwife left in August after a number of years of devoted service. I would like to pay special thanks to Mansour, our senior administrative assistant at Christchurch.

In the Canterbury Group, we have welcomed Jeff and Annie Mead from the USA. Jeff is now the second “special teacher” joining Bill Schwartz in the work there.

At last there is movement on the new church in Qatar, with the lease on the land having been signed. We need to raise something like £4m sterling. A UK Appeal will be launched in October at Lambeth Palace.

At St. George’s Church, Baghdad, a congregation meets every Sunday. This is made up of Christians from Iraqi Churches who cannot get to their own churches safely or easily. Total numbers are about 700. Canon Andrew White, who was Co-Director of the Centre for International Reconciliation of Coventry Cathedral, has now been licensed as a chaplain in the Diocese with particular responsibility for Iraq.

Two members of the Cathedral in Nicosia, Mike Loader and Sue Place will be ordained as Deacons on October 2nd. Please remember them in your prayers. There are also two other potential ordinands.

We continue to exercise a close ministry in conjunction with the Missions to Seafarers , both in the Gulf and in Cyprus. In Limassol, we are very pleased that it has been possible for the Mission Centre to move back inside the Port. In the Gulf, Stephen Miller finds his work growing all the time. Meanwhile in Bahrain, it is hoped that a new pattern of ministry will enable Victor Salve to exercise a ministry jointly with the Mission to Seafarers and St. Christopher’s Cathedral.

We are deeply grateful to Terry Finney, Mary Banfield and the committee of the Friends for bringing us together for the AGM and the support around the year. We also value the welcome of the people and staff of All Hallows and join with them in welcoming their new vicar, the Rev. Bertrand Olivier. The ladies who provide the lunch over which many friendships are cemented and extended are deserving of our very grateful thanks.

There are others by whom the fellowship of this Diocese is strengthened and extended, including the Diocese of Exeter. Brigadier Nigel Speller and his team in the Liaison Group do a sterling service in many ways especially in the ready supply of locum priests who give devotedly of their time and experience especially in times of vacancy and holiday. One of the exciting things which has happened was the inauguration of the of the new companionship link between the Diocese of Exeter, the Diocese of Thika in Kenya and our own Diocese. The next stage of that inauguration will take place at the next Diocesan Synod in Cyprus and be followed, we hope, by visits to Thika.

We are grateful to the Jerusalem and the Middle East Church Association, also to the Episcopal Church of the United States of America for their support in friendship, prayer and funding. This support makes a significant contribution to what we are able to do in our ministry in the Diocese.

There can be few Dioceses within the Anglican Communion with a richer mix of persons than this Diocese. It contains an amazing number of nationalities, each person bringing his or her own contribution to the richness of the whole. In many ways, it is a microcosm of the world church. God has richly blessed us setting before us great joys and opportunities. We pray that by God’s grace we may rise to those opportunities, for His Glory.

+CLIVE
Cyprus and the Gulf
President Bishop