Anglican Communion News Service - Digest News

The Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, the Most Revd Dr Robin Eames, has today (Sunday 18 December) met officers and soldiers from every county in Northern Ireland and also from the Republic of Ireland, as part of his three-day pastoral visit to the 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment currently serving in Iraq.

The Archbishop spent the day at Basrah Air Station and at Shaibah where he met soldiers of all ranks, held services and celebrated Holy Communion. Dr Eames emphasised the visit was of a purely pastoral nature to troops who would be spending Christmas away from loved ones.

And in his address and conversation with troops Dr Eames said the soldiers 'are in the thoughts and prayers of those back home as Christmas approaches.'

He further stated that he was very impressed with the 1st Irish Regiment, 'their family togetherness, their professionalism especially in the uncertainty of the future of Iraq.'

The Archbishop also met with soldiers going out on patrol and conducted a sunset field service where carols were sung.

Further information from:
Tel: Belfast (028) 9023 2909 Dublin (01) 497 8422
Press Officer: Sarah Williams (duty phone) +44 (0)7787 881582
Website: www.ireland.anglican.org