Gulf Archdeaconry
Welcome to the Archdeaconry of the Gulf
Uniquely situated, the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf covers eight countries across the Middle East, with 14 church compounds.
St Christopher’s Cathedral in Bahrain provides a historic focal point for Anglican worship in the region. Inclusive and diverse, our international congregations are actively involved in community, cooperation, and growing together in faith.
Archdeacon in the Gulf
The Venerable Mark Derry
Anglican Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf
The Venerable Mark Derry was collated Archdeacon in the Gulf in 2025, continuing to serve as Senior Priest and Rector of the Anglican Church of the Epiphany in Doha, Qatar. He is currently president of the Christian Churches Steering Committee in Qatar, representing all churches in the Religious Complex.
Before his calling into full-time ministry at the age of 40, Mark began work first as a sports journalist, moving on to a 20-year corporate career in public relations covering sub-Saharan Africa.
A South African, Mark was ordained in 2003. He has a bachelors in Theology (TEEC), a post-graduate degree in Biblical Archaeology (UNISA) and a masters in Christian Spirituality (UFS).
Mark has served in various roles in the Diocese of Port Elizabeth, including Bishop’s Executive Officer, Dean of the Diocese and Vicar General, Archdeacon and Canon on Bishop’s Chapter. He was previously rector of St Francis Xavier and St John’s Anglican churches in Port Elizabeth.
Mark is married to Debbie and they have three adult children, Kate, Matthew and Meghan.