Archdeaconry Synod Auction Raises over €400

Exotic items from across the world's largest Archdeaconry, the Archdeaconry of the East of the Diocese in Europe were auctioned at the recent synod in Izmir, Turkey. The goal was to raise money for the Archdeacon's discretionary fund. The Revd Canon Dr Simon Stephens (St Andrew's, Moscow) was auctioneer for the event which raised over €410 for Archdeacon Patrick Curran's discretionary use. Items brought by synod members to be auctioned included a rare 1996 bottle of Hungarian Tokay, described in the auction as "the king of wine and the wine of kings", a pair of elegant felt slippers from Kazakhstan, and an assortment of hats. Fr Robin Fox, the priest-in-charge of St Mary's Belgrade, is pictured here sporting his acquisition, purchased after a fierce bidding competition. It is a true collector's item - a woollen "Orange Revolution" hat from the Ukraine. It should also be practical for a Balkan winter.