Friends of the Holy Land Press Release dated 7 May 2025
A Moment of Unity & Prayer for Peace
Date: Tuesday 20 May 2025 | Time: 12.00pm (noon)
Location: Temple Church, Temple, London EC4Y 7BB
And Simultaneously: The Latin Co-Cathedral of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, Jerusalem
“This ecumenical service marks the 1700th anniversary of the opening day of the Council of Nicaea (20 May 325). At the Council 318 bishops agreed on “the Nicene Creed”, the foundational statement of Christian faith which still unites all Christians all over the world. The service will bring together Christian leaders and communities for a profound moment of unity and prayer for peace, during this time of brokenness and conflict. We shall pray in particular for peace and safety for the Christian communities in Christ’s own native land.” The Revd Robin Griffith-Jones, Master of the Temple
The service will commence at 12.00pm (BST) in London and 2.00pm (IDT) in Jerusalem and can be watched live online (no registration required).
His late Holiness Pope Francis sent a written message of support and welcome just a few days before his death. The message will be read out at the start of the service.
Presiding in London:
His Eminence Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster
The Rt Rev. Archbishop Hosam Naoum, Anglican (Episcopal) Diocese of Jerusalem
Presiding in Jerusalem:
His Eminence Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem
Alongside leaders of Anglican, Armenian, Coptic, Greek, Methodist and Free Church, Pentecostal and Syriac Churches as well as Churches Together in England.
“It has been a very painful Holy Week and Easter for our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land; therefore, we ask you to join us in this historic ecumenical service to pray for a ceasefire and a path to lasting peace. As well as the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches, many of those whom Friends of the Holy Land know by name as part of their mission will be gathered in Jerusalem to pray with us.” Brendan Metcalfe, CEO FHL.
After the celebration of the Holy Fire service HB Patriarch Theophilus III said:
“In the midst of this affliction, we lift our hearts to the Risen Lord, imploring His just peace to reign over His Holy Land…. May the light of the Resurrection shine once more upon all the peoples of our region, bearing witness to the triumph of justice, hope, and freedom.”
HB Cardinal Pizzaballa in his Easter Homily said:
“Following Jesus, even in our difficult trials, is as compelling as it gets. So let us not forget that the Gospel speaks of an overturned stone. Therefore, even though there are so many problems and difficulties that beset us, let us affirm with serene confidence and clear determination that nothing keeps us trapped in our tombs, that we are a living Church that does not give up in the face of the stones that lie before us.”
The service will be in English, Greek, Latin, Aramaic and Church Slavonic.
The service is free to attend, however, to assist with our planning please register: www.friendsoftheholyland.org.uk/temple25.
View or download the official poster here.
