Wanted: a new Priest-in-Charge of St Nicholas, Ankara, Turkey

St Nicholas Church
I am presently recruiting a priest-in-charge for a very stimulating position in the diocese: St Nicholas, Ankara. The position becomes vacant in January 2015 and is open to priests in communion with the Church of England, both men and women. This is a post which is suitable for someone recently retired but still interested in an active and engaging ministry.

There is a small stipend of approximately £620 per month (about US $980). Medical cover and other expenses of office are provided. The accommodation is a light and airy, concierge-served, fully furnished three bedroom apartment, with a separate study, lounge and dining area.

The essential qualities that are needed in the next priest include:

• Wide and deep parish experience
• Ability to develop parish relationships in a mobile community
• Ecumenical and inter-faith sensitivity
• An international outlook

Saint Nicolas is the only Anglican Church in the city and one of only a small number in Turkey. (The others are located in Istanbul, Izmir and Didim). Turkey is officially a secular nation but the vast majority of the population of Ankara is, like the rest of Turkey, Moslem. The parish offers worship and pastoral care in the Anglican tradition to the international community in Ankara. The congregation is dynamic and mobile with about a 30% turnover each year. Most are working for one of the various diplomatic missions, NGOs and the like.

Visitors and regular parishioners
The capital of Turkey, Ankara is a modern city of more than four million people, good facilities for healthcare and cultural activities.  St Nicholas is a modern building is located on the British Embassy compound. Customarily, the priest-in-charge is also chaplain to the British Ambassador.

The liturgical tradition is “catholic” but open, welcoming and inclusive. The sacrament is reserved, vestments and incense are used. Readings are often in various languages of the home countries of the members of the congregation. There is a ministry team of an assistant priest and lay ministers. There is an active Sunday school.

Ankara is on a major migration route from the Middle East to the West. Many members of St Nicholas are Christian refugees from Middle Eastern countries. The parish is active in ecumenical outreach to refugees and migrants.

If you are interested, or know of someone who is, please contact the Diocese in Europe Appointments Secretary, Ms Catherine Jackson: catherine.jackson@churchofengland.org.

Prayer before the Sunday liturgy



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