An Ecumenical Syrian Orthodox Vespers at Westminster Cathedral

Saturday 10th March, 2007

Vespers was attended by a large Ecumenical gathering. Bishop Bernard Longley, auxiliary in Westminster, represented the Cardinal Archbishop. Archbishop Gregorios of Great Britain and Thyateira represented the Greek Orthodox Community. Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Woolwich, represented the Archbishop of Canterbury. Metropolitan Seraphim, of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Great Britain represented the Oriental Orthodox communion, together with the celebrant Archbishop Mor Athanasius of the Syrian Orthodox Church.

Subdeacon Peter Theodore Farrington was in the congregation and writes that the service was most moving. The mixed choir was beautiful and some of the solo pieces were stunning. H.E. Mor Athanasios led the Vespers with great dignity, and it was wonderful to realise that we were hearing prayers and hymns being sung in the language used by Jesus Christ Himself.