The Venerable Paul Carr, Archdeacon in Cyprus, attended the Majma (Synod) of the Diocese of Jerusalem held in Amman, Jordan this week, on behalf of Bishop Sean. The Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf is part of the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East, led by Archbishop Hosam Naoum—Bishop of the Diocese of Jerusalem.
The Diocese of Jerusalem supports 28 congregations across five countries/territories: Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. The Majma also included friends and supporters of the Diocese from around the world, including the UK, Ireland and the US.
The opening service was held in the beautiful Redeemer Church in Jabal Amman.
“I’m looking forward to worshipping with my colleagues,” said Archdeacon Paul on his first day, “making new friends, sharing conversation, learning more about their mission and ministry and the joys and sorrows they experience in such a fragile region.”
Majma discussion centred on the theme of Planning by the Spirit, Enlightened by Hope—including thinking about church planting and the maintenance of church buildings, and a stimulating group discussion on drawing up a vision and mission statement for the diocese. The Majma also discussed diocesan finances and the 2026 budget, and held elections to the Standing Committee and the Financial Council.
Archdeacon Paul brought greetings from Bishop Sean, assuring Majma participants of their daily prayers for and solidarity with the people of the Diocese of Jerusalem. In his role as Paphos parish priest, Paul also looked forward to the 2026 Provincial Clergy Conference, which will be held in Paphos.
“It’s been a privilege to attend this Majma,” said Paul. “I’m deeply moved by the resilience, faithfulness and perseverance shown by the colleagues and church members I’ve met this week.”
A Lament delivered by the Venerable Imad Zoorob, Archdeacon in Lebanon had been particularly striking: “brilliant and heartfelt—a Lament that only someone from the region could write.
“I come away full of admiration, humbled and full of hope,” said Archdeacon Paul. “Not hope in the Western understanding that things will get better sometime soon—where for many in this region it’s simply not the case—but hope in the New Testament sense, which signifies a God-given certainty that is anchored in Jesus Christ.”
