Gulf Archdeaconry

Welcome to the Archdeaconry of the Gulf

Uniquely situated, the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf covers eight countries across the Middle East, with 14 church compounds.

St Christopher’s Cathedral in Bahrain provides a historic focal point for Anglican worship in the region. Inclusive and diverse, our international congregations are actively involved in community, cooperation, and growing together in faith.

The Archdeacon

Ven Michael Mbona
Archdeacon in the Gulf
Anglican Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf

The Venerable Canon Dr Michael Mbona is Archdeacon in the Gulf and Rector of St Paul’s Church, Kuwait.

Archdeacon Michael was born in 1966 in Mutasa, Manicaland, Zimbabwe, and has lived in the Gulf since 2017. He is married to Christine and they have three children: Gerald, Reginald and Ronald.

  • 1986-1989:  Diploma in Education (Geography and Religious Studies), Gweru Teachers’ College, Zimbabwe
  • 1990-2000: Teacher, Deputy Headmaster and Acting Headmaster, St Peter’s Mandeya Mission, Zimbabwe
  • 1997-1999:  Bachelor of Arts with Education, Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe
  • 2000-2001: Trained for Ordained Ministry, Diocese of Manicaland, Zimbabwe. Ordained Deacon in 2000 and Priest in 2002
  • 2001-2006: Senior Master, Chaplain and Rector, St Faith’s Mission, Rusape, Zimbabwe
  • 2002: Made Canon of St John the Baptist Cathedral, Mutare, Diocese of Manicaland, Zimbabwe
  • 2007: Bachelor of Theology (Hons) (History of Christianity), University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
  • 2008: Master of Theology (History of Christianity), University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
  • 2009-2012: PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
  • 2013-April 2017: Dean of the Cathedral Parish of John the Baptist, Mutare, Diocese of Manicaland, Zimbabwe

Appointed Archdeacon of Mutare Urban and Rural, Diocese of Manicaland, Zimbabwe

Appointed Convenor of the Diocesan Theological Commission: Diocese of Manicaland, Zimbabwe

Appointed Deputy Chair of the Diocesan Board of Trustees: Diocese of Manicaland, Zimbabwe

  • 2017 May-present: Chaplain and Rector of St Paul’s Church, Kuwait
  • 2018: Appointed member of the Diocesan Theological Educators Group
  • May 2022: Appointed Archdeacon in the Gulf, Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf