Syrian Orthodox service in Westminster Cathedral

There is a chance to experience one of the oldest Christian liturgies in the world this Saturday, when the head of the Syrian Orthodox Church in Great Britain , Archbishop Mar Athanasius, leads Lenten Vespers with his clergy and choir in Westminster Cathedral. The service will be celebrated in English and Aramaic, and prayers will be offered for peace and reconciliation in the Middle East. The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Faustino Sainz Munoz; Bishop Bishop Bernard Longley, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster, and Bishop Christopher Chessun representing the Archbishop of Canterbury will be attending. Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira and Great Britain will also take part, with representatives of other Orthodox Churches together with their nations' ambassadors. "We are delighted to welcome Archbishop Mar Athanasius and members of his Church to Westminster Cathedral," said Fr Michael Seed, a Cathedral chaplain and ecumenical secretary for the Diocese. He said: "The Syrian Orthodox community is the smallest Christian group in Britain and Ireland. We hope to help them to create a Cathedral Church in London by taking a collection within Vespers for this intention " All are welcome to attend the service which begins at 3pm. Please telephone 020 7798 9055 for more information. The Syrian Orthodox place of worship in London is the Parish of St Jacoub Baradaeu located in St Andrew's Church, Star Road, West Kensington, London W14.