JULY

HAVING been here now for nine months I still have one unanswered question: why St. Christopher? Of all the saints or dedications that could've been chosen for the Anglican Church in Bahrain, why a figure who may never have existed and who in 1969 was dropped from the calendar of saints by the Roman Catholic Church? He seems to have had two commemoration days: July 25 in the Catholic West and March 9 in the Orthodox East.

Now he has no day at all. According to tradition, St. Christopher died a martyr in Lycia in AD 251 during the reign of Decius, a Roman emperor who conducted the first systematic persecution of Christians. Very little is known about Christopher's life but many legends have developed around his name.

One of the most popular legends describes the saint as a tall man of tremendous strength who made a living carrying people across a raging river. One day his passenger was a child who grew so heavy as they crossed the river that he feared they'd both drown. Christopher was amazed that one as mighty as himself could be overcome by one so small.

Weight of the world
The child then revealed that he was Christ, and the heaviness was caused bythe weight of the world which he bore. The name "Christopher" means "Christbearer." It's no surprise that he's often depicted as carrying a child who, in turn, is carrying a globe.

Another legend describes him as a member of the North African tribe of the Marmarites, captured by Roman forces during Emperor Diocletian's reign. He was martyred on July 9, 308. So you can take your pick from confusing and dubious information as St. Christopher is consigned to the realms of myth.

But all myths have a purpose and value. One answer to the question: who is St. Christopher? is you are! Each and every one of us becomes a bearer of Christ to the world by our faith in Jesus Christ and the quality of our life.

The challenge
The challenge for us at St. Christopher's Cathedral-as it is for every Christian community-is to equip the "Christ bearers" for their ministry and pilgrimage. In September, when we all return to the fold, a comprehensive programme should be in place to equip us to be Christ bearers-little Christophers. This programme is designed to cover as many aspects of our community and individual life as possible:

	Weekly worship services for all ages with a clear teaching programme for all including those considering confirmation early next year
	A Sunday school led by Magda Roberts for children up to age 10-11 years every Sunday at 4 pm, beginning Sunday, September 14
	A youth group led by Isabella Andrews and Oliver Tromans for all, aged 11+, at 6 pm, beginning on Wednesday, September 17 in the coffee lounge
	A service for mothers and toddlers yet to be arranged
	A keep-fit session, "Soul Fit," with Tracey Carr (ladies only) at 10.30 am on Monday mornings; come on, fellas, what about it?
	A co-ordinated outward-giving programme including the Outward Giving Committee and the Thrift Shop now to be run by the Ecumenial Conference of Charity under Avril Al Khaja
	A clear and detailed financial budget to aid the Church Council in its future planning and a guide for us all in our financial commitment to the work of God's Church in this place
	An open forum at regular intervals (quarterly) to share ideas and concerns about our worship, ministry and mission as a cathedral
	A social programme for everyone arranged by Heather Dew and the Social Committee planned across the year
	A new promotional leaflet to help visitors and newcomers to Bahrain know where we are and what we have to offer

This, and much more is designed "to prepare God's people for works of service so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ". (St Paul to the Ephesians 4:12, 13). St. Christopher seems to be a very challenging saint to have as our patron. May God bless us all as we take a break and refresh ourselves for the challenge ahead.

Yours very sincerely,
Alan Hayday