Bishop Sean led the congregation of St Helena Larnaca in bidding a fond farewell to the Venerable Christopher Futcher, Archdeacon in Cyprus, and the Reverend Anne Futcher, assistant priest and Social Concern Officer, at a service of Evening Prayer on Saturday (14 September), ahead of their retirement at the end of the month.

Archdeacon Christopher is also Diocesan Director of Ministry and Cyprus Vocations Adviser. During the service, Bishop Sean presented accreditation certificates to five new Lay Worship Leaders who have recently completed training led by Christopher — Estelle, Margaret, Nerina, Samuel and Talal, from the parishes of St Barnabas Limassol, St Helena Larnaca and St Paul Nicosia.

The Futchers began their ministries in Cyprus in 2019, arriving from our link diocese of Exeter, in England.

Bishop Sean thanked Anne and Christopher for their ministries on the island, and their work for the wider diocese. Please join Sean in holding them in your prayers.

Photo credit: Maria Evangelou, Revd Ken Gabbadon, Canon Georgia Katsantonis