President James Michel attended the golden jubilee celebrations of Bishop French Chang-Him at a special service held the St Paul’s Cathedral this morning. The Anglican Bishop, French Chang-Him, celebrated 50 years of priesthood in a service also attended by former President James Mancham, Designated Minister Vincent Meriton, Minister for Education Macsuzy Mondon, Bishop Denis Wiehe of the Roman Catholic Diocese, members of the judiciary, family members, friends and members of the Anglican congregation and of other denominations.

President Michel expressed his personal congratulations to Bishop French Chang-Him, and wished him well in his future endeavours.

Bishop French was ordained on June 9, 1963 as the first Seychellois Anglican priest, and was consecrated the first Anglican Bishop of Port Victoria in 1979. He was also elected Archbishop of the Indian Ocean Province in 1984.

Bishop French retired in 2004 but is still in charge of St John’s parish at Glacis and presides at services, including weddings, baptism and funerals. He is also very active member of various organisations such as Friends of Prison, the National Council for the Disabled and the National Council for Children and Seychelles Inter-faith Council.