St Andrew Kyrenia, the Archdeaconry of Cyprus, and the wider Diocese bid farewell to the Reverend Alec Mitchell–St Andrew’s parish priest, and his wife, Diocesan Safeguarding Officer Linda Balfe. A beautiful Farewell Service was held at St Andrew’s on Sunday. 

Bishop Sean paid tribute to Fr Alec’s ministry, “undertaken with grace and generosity”, as well as his work leading theological students on the Diocesan Exploring Faith programme, offering his skills as “an experienced, stimulating and gentle guide”.

Bishop Sean also acknowledged and thanked Linda, for her support for her husband, and her own ministry in this parish and in the Diocese.

“Linda’s ministry has been most visible to me in her two diocesan roles. First, in her participation in the Constitutional Review Committee which is tasked with revising and renewing the Diocesan Constitution–intellectually demanding work to which she has contributed magnificently.

“The second role is even more challenging and that is in her role as Diocesan Safeguarding Officer. Linda has been involved in re-engineering our diocesan safeguarding framework and operation from the ground up. I am deeply grateful that Linda will remain on as DSO—working remotely.”

Fr Alec and Linda leave St Andrew’s and the Diocese “better than they found them”, said Bishop Sean. “They have made a huge difference to us and so today we feel many conflicting emotions: grateful for them as people and their valued ministries, bereft by their departure, but praying for God’s blessing and favour to rest on them as they settle into their new lives and ministries in the UK.”