Members of Provincial Synod gathered for two days of meetings at the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence in Bahrain on 9 and 10 September, under the chairmanship of Archbishop Hosam Naoum. (Click to view short video of proceedings.)
Archbishop Hosam and Bishop Sean were deeply honoured to meet on the opening day of Synod His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, whose gracious welcome epitomised his Kingdom’s commitment to tolerance, coexistence and interfaith dialogue. (Story continues below photos.)
The meeting of Provincial Synod brought together representatives of two of the three dioceses of the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East. The Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf was represented by Bishop Sean, along with elected members the Reverend Faiz Jerjes, David Axtell (Provincial Treasurer) and Deborah Graham. The Diocese of Jerusalem was represented by elected members the Canon Fuad Dagher (Provincial Secretary), Bassam Dawani and Maher Shehadeh. The Diocese of Iran is not currently able to send members to Provincial Synod.
Synod members were supported in their work by Canon Don Binder, Canon Georgia Katsantonis, the Venerable Mark Derry and Sinan Kakarash.
An Opening Eucharist was held at St Christopher’s Cathedral on the morning of 9 September (top gallery, below), with a Closing Eucharist celebrated on the afternoon of 10 September (bottom gallery, below).
