Getting to know ..... Jill Pirdas

In this first of what we hope will be an ongoing series of interviews with members of our church community, Morag Jordan spoke with Jill about her relationship with Holy Trinity.

WHAT IT WAS THAT BROUGHT JILL TO HOLY TRINITY, AND WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL FOR HER

How did you first become involved with Holy Trinity?

As a child I used to go to my local Anglican church in Southport near Liverpool, and I remember my confirmation there fondly. However, I drifted away from churchgoing once I left there to work initially in London and then in Nice, which is where I married and then raised our two daughters. About forty years ago an English friend suggested we try going along to Holy Trinity together and I was delighted by the warm welcome that I found here (especially as on my first visit the church warden told me that she too had a Greek husband!). I was happy to find this informal, friendly English-speaking environment, so Holy Trinity became my church. 

What makes Holy Trinity so special for you?

I have always appreciated the beauty of our church, the music and the caring nature of our community. I’m so happy to be part of a community that is welcoming and inclusive and which, over many decades, has supported the project that my brother runs in India (Arogya Agam), helping me raise funds for the children living with HIV that the project supports. I am deeply grateful to our church for these many blessings.

Why do you feel such a connection with Holy Trinity?

Holy Trinity has played a large role during various stages of my life in Nice and for me has been closely connected with both happy and sad occasions. Although my two daughters were baptised into the Greek Orthodox Church, they received a special blessing from the bishop here in lieu of confirmation. They then attended our Sunday School and social activities at the youth club. My eldest daughter Elisabeth’s marriage was celebrated here and her two sons were baptised here too. Our church was somewhere that I could depend upon during my husband’s long and complicated bipolar illness when other aspects of my life seemed so uncertain; and following his untimely death in 1999, his funeral was held in this church.

How has Holy Trinity helped you on your own faith journey?

The many sermons I have heard over the years have been enriching. I have also learnt much from retreats and bible study groups, especially the online group during Covid; there is always so much to learn. I feel that quiet meditative times when you can be in the moment are important too, as we are often so focused on words. I believe that it’s permissible to have doubts! I pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit when reading difficult (to me) parts of the liturgy, that I may be given discernment in order to arrive at the heart of Christ’s teachings

JILL’S INVOLVEMENT WITH HOLY TRINITY AS CHURCHWARDEN OVER THE YEARS

Jill has been a churchwarden at Holy Trinity at various times since 1984. This turned into a full-time job during the recent 18-month interregnum when, as Presidente of our Association she had to oversee the running of our community and to deal with the authorities, the diocese and all the various locum priests. Together with Christine Harvey and Howard Dellar, Jill led the long recruitment process which resulted in Fr Jeremy’s appointment; then helped by a terrific team, Jill prepared the presbytery, the presbytery garden and sacristy ahead of his arrival.

What are the most rewarding aspects of being a churchwarden?

That’s an easy question to answer. I have learned many lessons through working together with dedicated people, whose many and varied talents are put to use to ensure the working of the church in all its different aspects. The camaraderie and shared experiences have been enriching; it’s all about working cooperatively and in good spirits with the other office holders and the Church Council, and of course with our Chaplain!

What essential qualities are needed to be a churchwarden?

It is important to be aware of all the different aspects of church life, not just the spiritual side but also the day to day running of the church; for example, whatever is going on in the church hall where so much important outreach in the community takes place. Not taking yourself too seriously is also important and having a good sense of humour - and speaking French also helps!

Have you come across any particularly memorable people over the years?

There are many, often unsung heroes; people who just get on with things quietly and discreetly, including for example a frail, elderly lady who for years would always wash up the dishes after every Community Lunch.

What is the most unusual request you have ever received?

Performing an intramuscular injection into the midriff of a prominent Church Council member who has since passed away - but that had nothing to do with the jab!

How time-consuming is it being churchwarden?

I don’t know! It all depends – as long as a piece of string!