There was much sadness across the Parish of Rossorry on Sunday as Archbishop’s Commissary and Bishop-elect, Rev. Canon Dr. Ian Ellis, bid farewell to Rossorry Parish Church after six years of service to the community.

Rev. Ellis and his wife, Heather, have made a home for themselves in Fermanagh and speaking on Monday, Rev. Ellis said: “We are just sad because we are leaving a place where we were so happy.

“We’re looking forward to the next stage but it is very sad saying farewell to people and leaving somewhere where you are very happy and content.”

Rev. Ellis began his time at Rossorry during Holy Week, six years ago, with this year’s Easter Sunday marking the end of his time in the parish.

He said: “It’s hard to leave and say goodbye, and it was definitely difficult with the Covid restrictions.

“We weren’t able to shake hands or hug people, or to see them without a mask, so that was another level of complexity on Sunday.

“And then, of course, it was socially-distanced, so we were limited to the numbers in the church.

“It was the first Sunday back from the lockdown. It was a lovely farewell, and very nice things were said, and they gave us some beautiful gifts. We were given a very nice send-off.”

Before his time in Rossorry, Bishop-elect Ellis served as secretary to the Church’s Board of Education. He previously served as rector in Loughgall and Grange in Co. Armagh. Prior to that, he was a physics teacher.

There were many highlights during Rev. Ellis’s time at the helm at Rossorry.

He said: “I suppose the highlights for us would have been the 175 Anniversary year [in 2016].

“We had so many events happening to celebrate that, and that was a great way of bringing people together and reaching out to the community.

“The Christmas tree festival was an amazing time – we will always remember that year.”

Rev. Ellis referred throughout his interview with this newspaper to “we” – the “we” being the partnership between him and his wife, Heather.

Rev. Ellis commented on the close relationship between the Rossorry community and the Graan community – a relationship that has been in place for many years, thanks to Father Brian D’Arcy, and former Rossorry rector, Venerable Cecil Pringle, Archdeacon Emeritus.

He added: “That’s been good to take part in; the Novena, and other events. It’s been good to keep that connection.

“Heather has been really happy here and fitted in so well, and she enjoyed taking part in the community and playing our part in parish life too.

“We’ve had a lovely time, not just in the parish, but in the community [in Fermanagh] too.”

Rev. Ellis will be consecrated as Bishop of Clogher on April 26. The service will have limited numbers, and will be live-streamed.

Rev. Ellis said: “It is usually a big occasion with hundreds of people coming along, but it’s going to be restricted in numbers, and be performed in a socially-distanced capacity.

“The event will be live-streamed so it can be watched across the diocese.”

Rev. Ellis was hopeful that some Covid-19 restrictions will be lifted prior to the ceremony, as his three children live in London, Dumbarton, Scotland and Dublin, and hope to attend the service.