The Venerable Dr. John Holdsworth, Archdeacon of St Davids and Vicar of Steynton since 2003, has been appointed to the newly created post of Executive Archdeacon for the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf. He will hold this post in conjunction with that of Archdeacon in Cyprus. The post will be based at St Helena’s Church in Larnaca, where Dr. Holdsworth will be Chaplain.

Prior to his appointment in St Davids, Dr Holdsworth was principal of St Michaels College in Llandaff and is widely credited with laying the foundations for the modernisation and subsequent growth of that institution. During his time in Cardiff he was a lecturer in Biblical Studies at the University, and sometime Dean of the Faculty of Theology. He is the author of several books on biblical and especially Old Testament themes, and was a major contributor to the Church Times Study Guide series. He is well known as a broadcaster in Wales on radio, and especially television. For a ten year period in the 1980’s and 90’s he was the principal presenter of religious programmes for HTV Wales. He has held a number of parish appointments throughout South Wales, including Newport, Abercraf and Gorseinon.

Rt. Rev. Wyn Evans, Bishop of St Davids said: “we shall be very sorry to lose John, whose energy, vision and skill has added so much to the life of the diocese and the province, but we wish him well in a job which offers fascinating possibilities.”

Announcing the appointment, Rt Rev Michael Lewis, Bishop in Cyprus and the Gulf said: “This new post is a significant role in a significant area. It calls for imagination, experience and creative flair. We look forward to welcoming John to a committed and motivated team. We are sure he will make a huge contribution here.”

Dr Holdsworth, who is 61, is married with two children and three grandchildren. He will take up his new post in December.