BISHOP REHALLOWS CHAPEL DAMAGED IN TERRORIST ATTACKThe Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe, the Rt. Rev Geoffrey Rowell has just returned from re-hallowing St Helena’s Chapel in Istanbul. He led a service with local congregations and the Chaplain Canon Ian Sherwood during which a new Reader Ros Dannenburg was licensed. St Helena´s Chapel adjoins the British Consulate in Istanbul on land which was gifted by the Turkish Sultan Selim III to the British crown in 1801 and specifically set aside for the purpose of Christian worship. In November 2003 two lorries containing explosives were used by terrorist suicide bombers in an attack which left 30 people, including the Consul General Roger Short dead and 400 more injured. In 2006 the Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirmed they had agreed with the diocese on a programme of repairs to St Helena's Chapel. Once they were completed the building was leased back to the diocese and re-opened for worship. The repairs included work to restore a courtyard area between the chapel and Mesrutiyet Caddesi, so people visiting the chapel can now gain access directly from the street. This also provides an independent access to the Chapel and avoids restrictions on its use for worship. Canon Ian Sherwood and members from Christ Church with St Helena are delighted that the venue is being used again for worship. The renovation has also been welcomed by Mrs Victoria Short whose husband died in the attack six years ago. Bishop Geoffrey with Canon Ian and members of the Istanbul congregations |
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