The New Christian Cemetery was consecrated in Bahrain on Monday (8 September), with a multi-denominational service that drew together leaders of Churches in the kingdom. Bishop Sean was joined by Bishop Aldo of the Roman Catholic Church, Pastor Blaine Newhouse and Pastor Isaac Inayat (Reformed Protestant), Fr Rewais George (Egyptian Coptic Orthodox) and Fr Saba Haidosian (Greek Orthodox).

Bahrain now has three Christian cemeteries, overseen by the Christian Community Cemeteries’ Committee administered by St Christopher’s Cathedral. The Very Reverend Richard Fermer, Dean of St Christopher’s, was instrumental in organising the day’s ceremony.

The consecration marks the completion of two of five  project phases. Subsequent stages will include construction of a chapel of rest and a crematorium—this last to be offered as a service to other expatriate communities.

The New Cemetery “ensures that Christians of all nationalities can continue to be laid to rest in Bahrain,” said British Ambassador and CCCC chairman Alastair Long, speaking to local media outlet GDN. “This is something for which Bahrain is admired around the world, and we are grateful to His Majesty King Hamad and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.”

A total of BD84,000 has so far been collected in financial donations towards the project, with significant further support in kind. The stunning cemetery gate, featuring a Jerusalem cross, was designed by Nicholas Bonaventure and anonymously funded by a member of the St Christopher’s congregation.

The CCCC is now raising funds for remaining project phases.

Main photo credit: GDN