7 milestones in the life of Anglican Archbishop French Chang-Him of Seychelles, celebrating 60 years of service in 2023

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(Seychelles News Agency) - In March this year, the Anglican Diocese of Seychelles celebrated its Golden Jubilee. The diocese was established on March 25, 1973. Prior to that, since the introduction of missionaries of the church in Seychelles in 1813, Seychelles - 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean - belonged to the Diocese of Mauritius.

Now at 85, Archbishop Chang Him is still active with his pastoral duties and currently serves at the St John Chapel of Glacis in the north of the main island of Mahe.  

Our first in this series features are 7 milestones in the life of Anglican Archbishop Emeritus French Chang Him, who was born on May 10, 1938, to a father of Chinese origin -- Francis Chang Him – and a Seychellois mother – Amelia Zoe.

In a series of Buzz topics, the SNA will bring you interesting facts about the Anglican Diocese of Seychelles.

1. Ordination into priesthood

French Chang-Him was ordained to the priesthood in June 1963. This was after his theological studies at Lichfield Theological College in the United Kingdom. Over the years, he pursued other studies which included Post Ordination Studies at St Augustine’s College in Canterbury, England, and at the Trinity College at the Toronto University of Canada.  

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2. 2023 – 60 years of service in the Anglican Diocese of Seychelles

This year marks the 60^th anniversary since French Chang-Him gave his life to the service of the Anglican Church and community of Seychelles and the Indian Ocean. Over the years, he served in parishes all over the main islands of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue as well as for the Anglican community on Cousine and for the leper settlement on Curieuse Island. 

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3. Survivor in a sinking ship incident

August 12, 1975, is a day that marked French Chang-Him. This was the sinking of the Ero, a wooden passenger schooner that capsized and sank, with 22 passengers, between Mahe and Praslin. Chang-Him was one of the passengers and, at the time, the young priest was left stranded at sea, threatened by sharks but recounted how the dolphins protected him until he was rescued.

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4. First Seychellois Anglican Bishop and Archbishop of the Anglican Province and Diocese

French Chang-Him served as the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Seychelles from 1979 until his retirement in 2004. He was consecrated by Bishop George Briggs, his predecessor, and Bishop Trevor Huddlestone, a leading anti-apartheid campaigner from South Africa, assisted by three other bishops from Madagascar.

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In 1984, he was appointed as Archbishop of the Indian Ocean Province. Archbishop Chang Him was conferred the title of Archbishop Emeritus by the Indian Ocean Province of the Anglican Church in 2014.

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5. OBE from Queen Elizabeth II

In December 2014, Archbishop Chang-Him was designated an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II. This was for his services to reconciliation, human rights, charity, and democratic values and his invaluable service to British nationals in Seychelles, past and present.

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6. French Chang Him Road 

One year after taking office as the new head of state, President Wavel Ramkalawan announced that 15 streets in the island nation's capital city of Victoria with names related to the island nation's June 5, 1977 coup d'état would be renamed.

Thus, Liberation Road – leading from Mont Fleuri to Bel Eau and Bel Air was renamed to become the French Chang Him Road.  

(Joe Laurence, Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

7. Archbishop French – marking the history of an island nation

 Archbishop French, born from humble beginnings, has left his mark on the history of Seychelles. The octogenarian is the first Seychellois Anglican priest, celebrating 60 years of service on June 9, 2023. He became the first Bishop, Archbishop, and Archbishop Emeritus of the Indian Ocean Province of the Anglican Church. 

The award of the OBE to Archbishop French was the first award of an order of chivalry in the British and Commonwealth honours systems given to a Seychellois citizen in 35 years.

(Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY