Stories from Iraq

Meet Archdeacon Bill Schwartz in Philadelphia

Meet Archdeacon Bill Schwartz in Philadelphia SWIC . November 26, 2016 Events

Christmas in the Middle East

The Episcopal Diocese of Philadelphia warmly welcomes
the Venerable Canon Bill Schwartz, Archdeacon of the Gulf
December 15-19, 2016

anglican_diocese

DioPa is honored to welcome the Venerable Canon Bill Schwartz, OBE, the Archdeacon of the Anglican Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf, during the Season of Advent 2016.

Archdeacon Schwartz will be discussing Christianity in the Middle East, past, present, and future, at various venues throughout the Diocese. He will provide firsthand testimony and perspective on the crucial and life-giving work our Anglican Communion is doing throughout the Middle East, and answer your questions.

Perhaps most importantly, Archdeacon Bill can offer thoughts and ideas about how we in DioPA might form closer bonds of friendship with DioCyp & Gulf, and walk with our sisters and brothers in that region as they experience extraordinary challenges, changes, and a sense of hope.

Meet Archdeacon Bill on:

Thur. 12/15, 6:30PM-8:00PM

St. John’s, Concord PA, The Rev. Dr. John Sorenson, (610) 459-2994

Dinner, Presentation and Q&A

Sat. 12/17, 10:00AM-12:00PM

St. David’s Church, Wayne PA, The Rev. Frank Allen, (610) 688-7947

Brunch, Presentation and Q&A

Sat. 12/17, 7:00PM-8:30PM

St. Paul’s, Chestnut Hill, PA. The Rev. Cliff Cutler, (215) 242-2055

Refreshments, Presentation and Q&A

Sun. 12/18, 10AM-12:00PM

St. Martin’s Church, Radnor PA, The Rev. Chris Bishop, (610) 688-4830

Archdeacon preaches at 10:00AM Service, Q&A to follow

Sun. 12/18, 2:00PM-4:00PM

Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral, The Very Rev. Judith Sullivan, (215) 386-0234

Refreshments, Presentation and Q&A

A Brief Bio:

  • 1952: Archdeacon Bill was born in Omaha, Nebraska, USA
  • 1970-1975:  Bachelor of Arts degrees in English Literature and Philosophy from Tarkio College, Tarkio, Missouri
  • 1973-1977:  Director of the overseas study program of Tarkio College in Alexandria, Egypt
  • 1977-1981:  Administrator and Assistant Director, Institute of Middle East Studies, Skouriotissa, Cyprus
  • 1981-1989:  Director of Research (Middle East) for ‘Open Doors,’ Limassol, Cyprus
  • 1986-1999:  Limassol: Chairman of the House of Laity of the Diocesan Synod, Assistant Treasurer of the Diocese, lay member of the Provincial Synod, lay member of the Diocesan Standing Committee of the Diocese. Nicosia: Diocesan Secretary/Treasurer
  • 1993: Ordained deacon in Larnaca, Cyprus
  • 1993 (August): Ordained priest at All Hallows by the Tower
  • 1999-2007:  Rector, Canterbury Group (Saudi Arabia)
  • 2006 (February 6):  Made Canon of St Christopher’s Cathedral, Bahrain
  • 2007-2014:  Senior Chaplain, Qatar
  • 2007-present:  Provincial Treasurer
  • 2009:  Appointed as Archdeacon in the Gulf
  • 2013:  Awarded DMin at Nashotah House Seminary, USA

Archdeacon Bill is married to Edith and they have four children: Ann, Tobias, Luke, and Katherine.

The Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf comprises a huge geographical area, including Cyprus, the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Peninsula, Iraq and Yemen. Churches throughout the region under the care of Bishop Michael Lewis and Archdeacon Bill Schwartz include:

Please plan to attend a stimulating evening with Archdeacon Bill to discuss the Christian Church in the Middle East– both the birthplace of Christianity, and where Christians today are facing some of the most serious challenges confronting the Church anywhere in the world.

For more information, or if your parish would like to host Archdeacon Bill, please contact The Rev. Christopher Bishop, St. Martin’s Church, Radnor, (610) 688-4830 or email standiwthiraqichristians@gmail.com.