Worship and Dialogue at Church of the Resurrection, Istanbul

The Church of the Resurrection in Istanbul, a Turkish-speaking parish in the city, is now close to celebrating one year of life as a formal congregation in the diocese. On Sunday 20 March I presided and preached at their Sunday Eucharist. Several members of the congregation stayed after the service for a dialogue session (pictured above) at which we explored together many aspects and questions related to Christian life in Turkey and the unique contribution that the Anglican tradition can offer.

The priest-in-charge, the Revd Engin Yildirim, reports that after a year congregational life is deepening with several activities and groups organised: a drama group, music group, programme for discipleship training, "mercy ministry" (outreach) and childrens' ministry. 18 people are now enrolled in the programme to deepen a sense of lay vocation and discipleship. Among the activities included in "mercy ministry" is collaboration with the Roman Catholic organisation Caritas in work among refugees.

The growing congregation meets in a church building rented from the Armenian Protestant Church.

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