The Diocese bids a fond farewell to three priests moving on after several years’ service in the Gulf and Cyprus.
The Reverend Christine Trainor is to leave her post as Senior Chaplain at St Andrew Abu Dhabi after Christmas. Revd Christine told her congregation, “I give thanks for the many I have had the privilege to baptize into the faith and those whom I have accompanied to the grave; the many gifts of our young people, and the friendships I have formed.”
In the Archdeaconry of Cyprus, the Reverend Ian Nicholson and his wife Carol have retired from the parish of St Barnabas Limassol. They are returning to New Zealand after three years in Cyprus, preceded by several years at the Church of the Epiphany in Doha, Qatar.
The Reverend Martin Philips-Last, previously of Christ Church Ayia Napa, remains in Cyprus with the Bishop’s PTO after serving his parish for six years.
Cyprus Archdeacon the Venerable Christopher Futcher said, “I was delighted to be present in a large congregation at St Barnabas on Sunday for the last service with Fr Ian and Dr Carol Nicholson.”
In addition to his parish ministry, Ian served the Diocese as Discipleship Adviser, Chair of the House of Clergy, and vice-chair of the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel. Carol attended three diocesan discernment conferences as a selector, bringing much wisdom and experience to the role.
“I join all in thanking them for ministry generously offered and gratefully received,” said Archdeacon Christopher. “We wish them God’s blessing in the next stage of their lives.”
The three-year appointment of Fr Martin Philips-Last in Christ Church Ayia Napa and St Mark Famagusta finished at the end of August.
“Fr Martin has been a source of inspiration to many through his preaching, Bible Studies and prayer ministry,” said Archdeacon Christopher. “He has also built deep friendships with the local Greek Orthodox bishop and priests in south-east Cyprus.”
Martin remains on the island and has the Bishop’s Permission to Officiate. We wish him well for the future.
Main image: Revd Ian Nicholson with members of his congregation; bottom left: Revd Martin Philips-Last; bottom right: Revd Christine Trainor
