From the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf

Kyrenia has become the first parish in the diocese to have a woman priest as its senior Chaplain.

The Revd Wendy Hough was Licensed and Installed at St Andrew’s Church on Saturday 12 April. She is the first “Papaziye” ('female priest' in Greek) in Kyrenia

The church was packed, with standing room only and the congregation included the mayor of Kyrenia and Muftu Fuat Tosan, the senior Muslim cleric for the area.

Clergy and Readers from across the island were joined by a number of supporters from Wendy’s old church in Bristol UK, including the Archdeacon of Bristol.

In his address, the Ven Dr John Holdsworth, Archdeacon in Cyprus, who conducted the service, spoke of the need for prophetic ministry that pointed to the evidence of God’s actions and power in the here and now.

After the service Wendy said, “I was thrilled to see so many people who wanted to be part of the occasion. I believe the church here has a great potential and I look forward to getting to know everyone and getting fully involved.”

She began with an invitation to everyone to join in the Holy Week services at St Andrew’s.