A group of young people on the Diocese of Europe Ministry Experience Scheme visited St Paul’s Cathedral in Nicosia on Wednesday for morning prayer led by Bishop Sean, with a welcome from Dean Jeremy Crocker. The service was followed by a Q&A session with the bishop in the Diocesan offices. 

Bishop Sean expressed his great joy at being able to welcome participants from the Diocese of Europe to Cyprus, sending his greetings to Bishop Robert.

The bishop celebrated the rich Christian history of the island, and indeed the wider Diocese. While every diocese is unique, he noted, the 10 jurisdictions comprising Cyprus and the Gulf were home past and present to a thriving Christian faith. Anglican churches enjoyed the hospitality of Muslim authorities throughout the Gulf—source of frankincense and myrrh (Oman); and the location of the Garden of Eden (Iraq). In Cyprus—scene of the story of Paul and Barnabas—congregations worshipped across the island, north and south. 

The group spent the previous day in Famagusta district, exploring St George’s Orthodox Cathedral, St George’s Old Church, and the 13th-century St Anna’s Church. Led by Diocese of Europe Scheme Director Canon Dr Clare Amos and Director of Ordinands the Reverend William Gulliford, along with the Reverend Annie Bolger (Holy Trinity Brussels), the group was warmly welcomed by the Reverend George Vidiakin (Christ Church Ayia Napa) and local guide Chrystalla Koutsofta. Exploring the three churches provided an opportunity to learn about the theology of iconography and key features of the Orthodox tradition. A small museum at St Anna’s Church offered further insight into the island’s Christian heritage.

While in Nicosia the group also visited the Home for Cooperation in the buffer zone of the divided city, to learn more about the troubled history of the island.

“It was a real pleasure and joy to host them at the Home for Cooperation,” said Salpy Eskidjian, Director of the Religious Track of the Cyprus Peace Process–adding that it was “always wonderful to work with fellow World Council of Churches colleague”, Dr Amos.

A dusting of snow greeted the group when they visited St George-in-the-Forest in the Troodos mountains on Thursday, to celebrate a Eucharist that looked forward to the Transfiguration.

The group will also visit important Christian sites in Paphos, before leaving the island on 24 February.

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