Marking the Jubilee of the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf, the annual in-person Synod was held in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The Rev'd Maria Evangelou, serving at St Paul's Cathedral Nicosia, was present and shares her impressions.
The Synod began on the 1st of February.In a previous synod we were informed that the word synod literally means ‘to walk together’, and I think this should be the spirit of synods….unity in diversity, and so it proved. A House of Clergy Retreat, titled “A Golden Jubilee: Reflection on Faith in Cyprus and the Gulf” moderated by Elizabeth Botha, preceded the main business. For me, a very enjoyable part of this retreat was a discussion we had with four students from St. Christopher’s School and Al Raja School during which we explored together how faith shapes the lives and communities of young people. This was effectively facilitated by Wendy Jones, the wife of the Deacon of St. Christopher’s Bahrain, the Reverend Rob Jones.
Synod proper started on Monday 2nd February 2026 with an opening Eucharist at St. Christopher’s Cathedral led by Bishop Sean. There followed a workshop titled “How Can Church Leaders Manage Heart Wounds,” organized by the Trauma Healing Institute in collaboration with our Diocese. It was facilitated by two lovely ladies, Dr. Feba Percy Paul and Mollie Daniel. During the two very relaxing and exciting hours, we opened our hearts to how to support healing through scripture using stories, art and meaningful discussions integrated through best mental health practices. We laughed and cried during our discussions concerning all types of traumas.
In the evening, we were invited to a Gala Dinner celebrating the Jubilee of the Diocese and sponsored by ‘This is Bahrain’. The hospitality and atmosphere was exuberant with presentations, music and delicious food.
Synod sessions began on the following day, initiated daily, after prayer, by addresses by Martha Jarvis, Anglican Communion Permanent Representative to the United Nations, a very talented speaker. This was followed by the presentation of Reports including the Bishop’s Report, Report from the Diocese of Jerusalem and Provincial Report, report on Middle East Council of Churches, from the Bishop’s Task Force, from the Constitutional Review Committee. (More details about the Reports can be found on the Diocesan website).
After listening to all these reports an interfaith Service was held on boats out at sea. This took place during the setting of the sun, outlining the amazing buildings of Manama.
Wednesday continued in similar vein to the previous day with the highlight of the day being a retreat in the beautiful gardens of Awali and then the Chrism Eucharist led by Bishop Sean and in which I had the absolute honour of being Deacon of the Mass. We were graced by a sermon preached by Bishop Moira, from Exeter Diocese, which again included a lot of her wonderful humour while getting over her theological message.
Thursday was the final day of sessions during which reports and briefings were provided including reports on a Survey of Disability by the Reverend Andrew Warmback and a Survey on Servant Leadership by Mr. Jaywant Michael. I was most impressed by a talk by Kathleen Snow in a report from Diocesan and Worldwide Mother’s Union, Kathleen was doing 10kms runs in different countries to mark the years of the Mother’s Union. One symbolic action represented our unity in diversity. Each seaside parish was asked to bring a jar of sand. On Thursday they were all tipped into a big pot and mixed by the bishop.
As we flew out of Bahrain, I reflected on how much I have enjoyed every Synod, this one was special being a Jubilee celebration of our diocese and being held in the beautiful kingdom of Bahrain. The sessions were very fruitful, and I truly believe led and guided by the Holy Spirit.
If you would like to support the work of the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf you can donate here
Picture credits: Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf.