Latest News from the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross

The Bishop of Cork Cloyne and Ross, the Right Reverend Andrew Orr is delighted to announce the appointment of the Reverend Canon John Ardis as Archdeacon of the diocese. Archdeacons are appointed by the bishop of the diocese, and their role is to assist the bishop in his or her pastoral care of the diocese, as well as the general oversight and administration of the diocese.

Bishop Orr said:

I am delighted to make this appointment, John is one of the most experienced priests in our diocese. He is highly regarded by clergy and laity alike, not least in his current parish of Abbeystrewry union. The position of archdeacon is an important one, as they are the “oculus episcopi”, the Bishop’s eye, keeping watch over the welfare of parishes and clergy alike.

As a ‘child of the rectory’, John grew up in a number of places around Ireland. Before coming to Cork, John lived in Dublin, Wexford and has spent his formative years in Mayo. Prior to ordination, John studied Archaeology and Medieval Studies at University of Wales, Lampeter. After his degree he worked as an assistant University Chaplain, then as a field Archaeologist on various sites around Ireland, and then as a virger in Canterbury Cathedral.

After training in the Church of Ireland Theological College he was ordained Deacon in 2006 and Priest in 2007, serving as curate in Christ Church Cathedral Group of parishes in Dublin Diocese. After two years, he moved to Cork Diocese where he has served ever since, working as Dean’s vicar at St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, then Church of Ireland Chaplain at University College Cork and since 2013 in his present position as Rector of Abbeystrewry Union of Parishes in West Cork.

John has also served in the Diocese in a number of other ways throughout the years. He was Bishop’s Chaplain and currently serves Chapter Clerk and since 2011 Canon (Honorary) of St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Diocesan Liturgical adviser since 2009, Rural Dean for West Cork since 2017 and as the Diocesan Director of Ordinands since 2023.

In the wider church John has served on the Church of Ireland Marriage Council, and currently serves on the Bishop’s Appeal advisory committee, Standing Committee and General Synod.

The Right Rev’d Andrew Orr was consecrated as Bishop of the United Dioceses of Cork, Cloyne and Ross on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, at a service in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin.

Bishop Andrew was consecrated by the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Rev’d Dr Michael Jackson, with Right Rev’d Adrian Wilkinson, Bishop of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory, and the Right Rev’d David McClay, Bishop of Down and Dromore as co-consecrators. The bishops of the Church of Ireland and the wider Anglican Communion were joined by Rev’d Dr Heather Morris and the Rev’d Laurence Graham, representing the Methodist Church, in the laying on of hands during the act of consecration. The President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, was represented at the service by Captain Niamh FitzGerald, Aide-de-Camp to the President. Jerry Buttimer TD was also among those attending.

Bishop Andrew was joined on the day by his wife, the Rev’d Susan Green, their adult children Rachel, Ciara and Patrick, and members of their wider family. There was also a large attendance from Cork, Cloyne and Ross, including clergy, diocesan lay readers and parishioners from across the United Dioceses, who travelled to Dublin to share in the service and support their new Bishop as he begins his episcopal ministry.

The lessons were read by Jim Farrell, Chair of Eco-Congregation Ireland, and Hilda Connolly, Diocesan Youth Officer for Cork, Cloyne and Ross.

The preacher at the service was the Right Rev’d Michael Burrows, Bishop of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe, who took as his text the words of Jesus from St Luke 12:32: “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

The same text was used at the consecration of George Otto Simms as Bishop of Cork in 1952 and Bishop Burrows looked back at sermons preached at the consecrations of successive Bishops of Cork in 1952, 1978, 1988 and 1999, drawing from them a message for the new Bishop and the Diocese today. He encouraged Bishop Andrew to approach his ministry with faith, bringing together different traditions and perspectives, remaining grounded in prayer and compassion, caring for communities large and small, and having the courage to dream boldly for the Church’s future. Above all, he encouraged him to bring joy to his episcopal ministry, trusting that the future of the Church ultimately rests with God.

Bishop Andrew succeeds the Right Rev’d Dr Paul Colton. He was elected by the Episcopal Electoral College in June, and his election was subsequently confirmed by the House of Bishops.

Ordained deacon in 1992 and priest in 1993, Bishop Andrew has served in a variety of ministries across the Church of Ireland. His parish appointments have included incumbencies in Castlecomer, Castleknock and Tullow, and he previously served as Archdeacon of Ossory and Leighlin. Since coming to Cork, Cloyne and Ross, he has served as Archdeacon of the Diocese since 2023, and as Chaplain to Midleton College and Priest-in-Charge of Youghal Union since 2018.

Alongside his parish and diocesan ministry, Bishop Andrew has had a longstanding involvement in environmental and creation care work. He formerly chaired Eco-Congregation Ireland and has represented the Church of Ireland in international environmental networks.

Enthronements in Cork, Cloyne and Ross

Bishop Andrew will be enthroned in each of the three cathedrals of the Diocese in October. His first enthronement will take place at Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Cork, on Sunday, 4 October at 3.30 p.m. He will then be enthroned at St Colman’s Cathedral, Cloyne, on Wednesday, 14 October at 7.30 p.m., and finally at St Fachtna’s Cathedral, Rosscarbery, on Sunday, 18 October at 3.30 p.m.

Everyone is warmly invited to attend the enthronement services and to join the people of Cork, Cloyne and Ross in welcoming Bishop Andrew and supporting him and his family as this new chapter in the life of the United Dioceses begins.

Tomorrow, Friday 11th September, the Rev. Elise Hanley will take the midday service at St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, marking the 25th anniversary of the attacks of 11th September 2001.

Elise, who is originally from New York City and is now Rector of Cobh and Glanmire Union of Parishes, witnessed the collapse of the Twin Towers from outside her apartment building in New York. She has spoken of how the events of that day caused her to reconsider what was important in life and how best to serve others, becoming part of the journey which eventually led her into ordained ministry.

During Friday’s service, Elise will offer a homily reflecting on 9/11 from her perspective as an eyewitness. She will also remember Fr Mychal Judge, the Franciscan priest and chaplain to the New York City Fire Department who died while ministering at the World Trade Center and whose death was the first officially certified fatality of the attacks. You can read the full article that the Rev. Hanley did with EchoLive here.

Anyone who wishes to commemorate the anniversary is warmly invited to attend the midday service at St Fin Barre’s Cathedral. It will offer an opportunity to pause, pray and reflect, remembering those who lost their lives, those who were affected by the events of that day, and all whose lives have been shaped by its consequences.