HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (1921-2021)

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From Archbishop Michael Lewis

It is with sadness that I along with countless others have heard of the death at the age of 99 of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Consort of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, which occurred at Windsor Castle this Friday of Easter Week, 9 April 2021.

In our multinational and diverse Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf we join with many, not just in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland but throughout the Commonwealth and across the world, who will reflect on and give thanks for Prince Philip’s full and varied life, lived to so great an age.  We respectfully offer our deepest condolences to Her Majesty the Queen in her bereavement, knowing that her strong and unwavering Christian faith and her trust in its promises of resurrection life will be the greatest support to her in these days of mourning, reflection, and prayer.

Every parish church where it is appropriate in this diocese is encouraged to hold a commemorative service in the period before the funeral, which will take place on a date and at a time to be announced.  In Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, as well as in the capital cities of Gulf countries and in Iraq, it should be planned after consultation with the British Embassy.

I also expect that in each church a book or record of condolence will be made available by one means or another to allow those who wish to record their prayers and condolences to do so.

Parish priests already have my guidelines for these and other aspects of this period of remembrance and mourning.

May his soul and the souls of all the departed rest in peace and rise in glory.

+ Michael Cyprus & the Gulf

THE MOST REVEREND MICHAEL LEWIS
Archbishop
Primate of the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East
Bishop in Cyprus and the Gulf