The Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist which, this year, occurred on 18th October 2009, was both a gracious and grand affair in the chaplaincy of Bahrain.

The Bishop of Cyprus and the Gulf, the Right Reverend Michael Lewis presided over a unique service in the history of St. Christopher's Cathedral: the formal recognition and collation of the Venerable William Edward Schwartz OBE as Archdeacon in the Gulf, and the institution and installation of the Very Reverend Christopher Martin Butt as Chaplain in Bahrain and Dean of St. Christopher's Cathedral.

Dean-designate Rev'd Christopher Butt, Archdeacon The Venerable William Schwartz, Crucifer Wesley Carr, Bishop Michael Lewis Assistant Chaplain Rev'd Stephen Thanapaul

Ushers: Rosie, Charlotte, Joanna, Alexandria, Isabella Charles, Jola and Puna

But as is true with any significant event, it is not just the high profile side of the ocassion which remains etched in the memories of those who participated in the process.  For some, it is special because of their contribution to the event's success.  It was with great pride that a team of young people who regularly attend the Friday morning family service at the cathedral offered their services as ushers and sides-persons.  The eldest of the group modestly, yet flawlessly, assumed the crucifer's role.

Many people who attended were visitors from overseas.  Six were friends of Chris and Tricia Butt who had travelled from the UK to share in the celebration, one a licensed lay reader.  Several had travelled from elsewhere in the Diocese: from Nicosia, Mrs Julia Lewis together with members of the Bishop's Council; lay reader Jo Henderson from St. Andrew's Church, Abu Dhabi and Bill Simpson from Christ Church, Jebel Ali; supporters from the Archdeacon's own chaplaincy in Qatar including, of course, his wife Edith; and a substantial contingent from the Canterbury Group.

Members of the Cantergury Group with the Archdeacon and his wife Edith

Agnete Cleave (Bishop's Council member from Nicosia, Jo Henderson (lay reader from St. Andrew's Church, Abu Dhabi) with Tricia Butt

Edith Schwartz and Julia Lewis

The Dean with German Ambassador H.E. Hubert Lang

Georgia Katsantonis (Bishop Michael's PA) Anetta Stylianou (Diocesan Secretary), clergy (Sacred Heart Church) with Indian Ambassador H.E. Dr. George Joseph and Father Felicio Diniz (Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Visitation)

The community in Bahrain was significantly represented too: other church clergy; school principals, chairpersons of charities; "friends" of St. Christopher's Cathedral and of course, members of its congregations.  More than one hundred and fifty people thronged to witness a unique occasion.