Jerusalem and the Middle East
Church Association

Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf

Bishop:

Bahrain
Cathedral Church of St Christopher
and Awali

United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi, St Andrew
Dubai, Holy Trinity
Sharjah, St Martin
Ras al Khaima

Iraq
Baghdad, St George

Kuwait
Ahmadi, St Paul

Sultanate of Oman
Ruwi, Ghala, Salalah and Sohar

Qatar
Doha

Yemen
Aden, Tawahi, Christ Church

Cyprus
Nicosia, Cathedral Church of St Paul
Troodos, St George in the Forest
Limassol, St Barnabas
Paphos, Panayia Chysopolitissa
Larnaca, St Helena
Kyrenia, St Andrew
Ayia Napa Monastery
Famagusta, St Mark's Anglican Chaplaincy (St George the Foreigner)

The Missions to Seamen undertake work in Larnaca and Limassol in Cyprus, in Manama, Bahrain and in Jumeira, Dubai.

In 1976, when the new Province of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East was inaugurated, Cyprus, Iraq and the Gulf States and the Arabian Peninsula became the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf, providing support for the Chaplaincies in the expatriate communities which exist throughout the region. There are unique opportunities at the interface with Islam and great scope for ecumenical contact with Christian expatriate workers from the Indian sub-continent and the Far East. Cyprus itself has its problems and there are Churches on both sides of the dividing line in the island, with congregations that include elderly people who have retired to the island.

With so many of the ‘parishioners’ in the Gulf area on contracts of service, the Church structures are constantly changing, and the Diocese seeks to provide continuity and see that provision is made for leadership of the worship and the spiritual support of those who pass through the communities associated with, for instance, the oil and shipping industries. In many cases, great efforts have been made by the communities to provide the buildings and the support for such personnel.

The ministry of the Bishop is, by definition, a travelling one, with Christian communities, so widely scattered, looking to him as a Support guide and supporter. Since there is no endowment there has been an appeal for funds to make it possible to continue the episcopal ministry.

The Bishop maintains contact with the Canterbury Group, represented on the Diocesan Board.

Support from the Jerusalem and the East Mission Trust is mainly directed to helping with the Bishop’s stipend and expenses.

News from the Diocese can be found in our twice-yearly magazine, Bible Lands

The Diocesan web site is at www.cyprusgulf.anglican.org