Synod 2008
 Claire, Ruby, Victor, Alan, Pam and Angela |
This institution, like
many other similarly convened gatherings, has its framework of
tradition. Aside from core administrative sessions, certain elements
of Synod always add depth and character to its broad canvas. This
year was no exception. Once again the Lordos Beach Hotel in Larnaca, Cyprus, was the venue, a familiar rendezvous for many delegates and observers who this year exceeded one hundred people. This being Bishop Michael’s first attendance at a Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf Synod, inevitably there was eager anticipation, not least of all among those who had been called to serve on the Vacancy-in-See committee. For me, it had been a unique privilege to be among the committee’s lay representatives. |
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To
hear Bishop Michael deliver what can only be described as a “master
class” tutorial following the first service of Morning Prayer was an
indication of what Synod might expect in the coming sessions. Bishop
Michael’s crafted thesis retained the attention of all for more than
an hour. So the scene was set’
For
those who have never attended Synod, a key feature is the variety of
worship: three times a day, drawn from the elements of Morning
Prayer, Evening Prayer, Eucharist, and Night Prayer (compline). For
the second year, Synod was honoured to welcome Canon Robert Jones,
Diocesan Director of Development in the Diocese of Worcester,
England. His heavy-weight title belies his subtle, stimulating and
stylish approach to teaching musical settings, featuring responses,
hymns, canticles, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, Psalms and songs.
The subtlety lay in the fact that when everyone assembled for the
climatic Synod Euchariast in St. Barnabas Church on the British
Sovereign Base at Dhekhalia, unknowingly they had rehearsed the full
choral repertoire. Magnificent.
Delegates from Iraq, Kuwait, Kyrenia, Larnaca and Limassol
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Some more pictures
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Very Rev'd Alan Hayday chairing one of the Synod sessions
Very Rev'd Alan
Hayday waiting to commence Eucharist in
The Diocese's two
Archdeacons, Alan Hayday and Steve Collis |
In
