St Barnabas Limassol today welcomed clergy, laity and friends from across Cyprus for the licensing of the Reverend George Vidiakin as parish priest, at a service led by Bishop Sean.

Bishop Sean’s sermon reflected on the calling of Elisha and the theme of Christian discipleship as a response to God’s call—one that involves trust, commitment and renunciation. He encouraged both priest and congregation to work together in discerning God’s purposes for the future of the parish, highlighting the unique opportunities for mission and growth in Limassol, and urged the parish to deepen its understanding of the Anglican tradition. Offering pastoral counsel to Fr George, Bishop Sean called upon him “to pray for his people, visit them, love them and minister with integrity, truthfulness and transparency”.

Echoing that message, Fr George expressed his gratitude to Bishop Sean, Archdeacon Paul, the clergy and congregation, and all those who had supported him on his journey to this new ministry. That, of course, includes his family—his wife Regina, and their two young children. Fr George reflected that young families bring stability, consistency and a healthy rhythm to community life—qualities he hoped would also characterise his ministry as parish priest.

Fr George spoke of his desire to offer prayerful, confident and strategically grounded leadership, while remaining focused on “the heart of priestly ministry: being a ‘people’s vicar’ who is present, approachable and available”.

“Christians,” he said, “are called to become agents of reconciliation through the work of the Holy Spirit, demonstrating the unity that is found in Christ.”