From Alex ….
Arriving in Cyprus in 2022 was a difficult time for me. It meant leaving behind our four young grandchildren, all of whom I saw regularly and helped to look after. It was also our 13th move of home. Although undiagnosed at the time, I was also experiencing a slow allergic reaction to a medication I was prescribed which was causing various side-effects. All in all, not a great start.
Nick and I have been active churchgoers all our adult lives, so finding a new – and English-speaking – church in Cyprus was important to us both. We started off at the garrison church at Episkopi, near our home but, despite having a kind Padre, it was a very small congregation (5 including us!), an unfamiliar service, and no weekday activities. We then visited the garrison church at Akrotiri, which again had a friendly Padre but an unfamiliar service – guitars this time!
An internet search found St Barnabas’ Anglican church, and from the very first day we felt at home here. The service felt sincere and worshipful, the prayers thoughtful, and we enjoyed the opportunity to meet members over coffee afterwards. At St Barnabas’, I feel I have drawn closer to God and am learning more about the various (and varied) ways in which we can serve Him and each other. It’s challenging, thought-provoking and fun, and I truly feel part of a family here.
And from Nick …..
Following on from Alex’s comments, we were both lonely when we first arrived in Cyprus. I work in the Sovereign Bases but am not employed by the Ministry of Defence, so work apart from others. Also, Alex and I are about 20 years older than all our neighbours and considerably less fit! So socially, it took a while to find our place. The welcome we found at St Barnabas’ has been a great gift to us both. I am also a Licensed Lay Reader and have appreciated the opportunity to take part in church services and church life, despite not being available during the week. Alex, as a retired Vicar but still a priest, has been able to join in more church activities and has found fulfilment in serving God in a number of different ways, including working with AGAPI charity to support migrants, pastoral visiting, and making (and eating) cake!
Having been led to St Barnabas’ Church, God’s gifts of worship and friendship have kept us here happily ever since. We feel privileged and blessed to be part of this church family. Can recommend!
Rev’d Alex Sanders
Nick Sanders
June 2025