Joint Advent Service between Glasgow and Bethlehem 2023

Following the success of our simulcast in Advent 2022, you are once again invited to join us at 2 pm in Glasgow Cathedral (St Mungo’s or High) for an ecumenical service with a simultaneous link to the same service in Bethlehem. This year we have arranged this service in partnership with Embrace the Middle East.

The service will be hosted by the Minister and Kirk Session of Glasgow Cathedral and 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. The service will be led by the Revd Mark E. Johnstone, Minister of Glasgow Cathedral and we have confirmation from the Former Moderator the Revd Dr Iain Greenshields, the Most Revd William Nolan, Archbishop of Glasgow and the Rt Revd Kevin Pearson, Bishop of Glasgow & Galloway that they will be participating in the service, along with other Church Leaders from Glasgow. 

Brendan Metcalfe, CEO of Friends of the Holy Land states “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. Joining us in prayer and solidarity with our brothers and sisters is one positive way we can respond and make a difference whilst we may feel impotent in the face of so much suffering”.

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.

There will be a reception in the Cathedral supported by the Lord Provost’s Office after the service. 

The service is free to attend and walk-ins are welcome on the day, however, to assist with our planning for catering please register below.

For those who are unable to attend the service in Glasgow in person they can follow the service on the Glasgow Cathedral website ‘watch’ page Glasgow Cathedral Ecumenical Advent Service where it will be live streamed.

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.