Join us praying for peace in the Holy Land in solidarity with our brothers and sisters. Working in partnership, Friends of the Holy Land and Embrace the Middle East have organised an Ecumenical Advent Service at Glasgow Cathedral to be held on Saturday 9 December at 2 pm. The service will join with a simultaneous service in Bethlehem in the Chapel of the Divine Child at Bethlehem University through a simulcast link provided conditions in Bethlehem on the day allow. We have confirmation from church leaders in Glasgow that they will be participating in the service including the Most Revd William Nolan, Archbishop of Glasgow, the Rt Revd Kevin Pearson, Bishop of Glasgow & Galloway and the former Moderator Revd Dr Iain Greenshields, as they have supported a similar service last year.
For those who are unable to attend in person they can follow the service on the Glasgow Cathedral website ‘watch’ page https://glasgowcathedral.org/watch where it will be live streamed.
Together we will pray for all those killed and injured, those taken hostage and those in anguish in Bethlehem, Gaza, Israel and within our own communities here in Glasgow and around the UK as they fear for family and friends. We will demonstrate that the Christians of Scotland are with the innocent victims of this war in prayer and concrete solidarity; we know that their suffering is united with the redemptive suffering of Christ and pray it will bring a lasting justice and peace ever closer in the Holy Land.
Brendan Metcalfe, CEO of Friends of the Holy Land, says: “I am sure like me you have been distressed and upset by the abhorrent acts of Hamas, the plight of hostages and the devastating bombing of Gaza resulting in the loss of so many innocent lives, all of which is unfolding before our eyes in the media. Promoting this service as widely as possible to ensure not only a maximum attendance but also the maximum power of prayer is one positive way we can respond and make a difference whilst we may feel impotent in the face of so much suffering.”
There will be a reception in the Cathedral supported by the Lord Provost of Glasgow’s Office after the service. The service is free to attend, and walk-ins are welcome on the day, however, to assist with the planning for catering please register at:
www.friendsoftheholyland.org.uk/glasgow-service2023
Friends of the Holy Land and Embrace the Middle East are most grateful to the Revd Mark E Johnstone, Minister of Glasgow Cathedral, and his team, and Cllr Jacqueline McLaren, the Lord Provost & Lord Lieutenant of Glasgow, for all their support in making this service possible.