Bishop Sean last night led Evening Service at Holy Trinity Dubai—a special opportunity to be with, and pray with the congregation, alongside parish priest the Reverend Canon Prem Mitra (see photos below).
He arrived in Dubai from Jebel Ali, where he celebrated Passion Sunday at Christ Church–as Manisha Cornelius reports, below.
Manisha Cornelius writes from Jebel Ali:
Christ Church Jebel Ali (CCJA) was honoured and privileged to welcome Bishop Sean on the Fifth Sunday of Lent. Our parish was truly blessed by his presence, and grateful for his special effort to come to the UAE to be with his people in these turbulent times.
During his sermon on Passion Sunday, Bishop Sean reflected on the journey from suffering to hope, highlighting how the readings reveal God’s power to bring life out of death.
Drawing on Ezekiel’s vision of the dry bones, Psalm 130, and the raising of Lazarus, he reminded us that even in moments of deep despair, God is present, redeeming and restoring. He spoke of how Jesus, as “the resurrection and the life”, not only brings new life but also walks with us in our grief and struggles. In a world marked by conflict and uncertainty, Bishop Sean encouraged us to remain people of hope—holding together the reality of human suffering with the promise of God’s renewing love, as we journey towards the joy of Easter.
We are deeply aware of the commitment behind Bishop Sean’s visit. Despite disrupted flight schedules, Bishop Sean made this a priority—taking the first available flight after services resumed between Cyprus and the UAE. At the time of writing, even his return travel remains uncertain, which makes his presence among us all the more meaningful and appreciated.
The Bishop came among us, embodying the presence of Jesus in our midst and offering words of comfort and hope. His visit brought a deep sense of encouragement and refuge to the CCJA family, and we are sincerely grateful that he took time out of his busy schedule to be with us and the wider churches across the UAE.
Even as schools remained on holiday and we were coming to the close of the Eid al-Fitr break, we were blessed with a total attendance of 208, including 27 children—a testament to how God continues to move in the life of our congregation.
In a time of uncertainty and global tension, such moments of pastoral care and solidarity remind us that we are not alone. These glimmers of grace help us hold firmly to our faith and to the hope that better days will come.
We also give thanks for our parish priest, Father Jim, whose steady leadership, care and prayers continue to guide and strengthen our parish community in faith during these challenging times.
