15.12.2014
International Celebration at Discovery Carol Service
People of many nationalities gathered under one roof for the annual International Christmas Carol Service in the Church of St George and St Thomas on Cathal Brugha Street yesterday (Sunday December 14).
The service featured music from St George’s Brass Band and singers from the Discovery Gospel Choir. There were readings in Irish, German, Luganda (Uganda), Igbo, French, Malayalam (India), Italian, Filipino and English. The congregation was welcomed by the Rector, the Revd Obinna Ulogwara, who is Diocesan Chaplain to the International Community.
The sermon was given by Archbishop Michael Jackson. Referring to St John’s Gospel he spoke about the long lasting gift of Christmas to the world.
Many people worshipping at St George and St Thomas’s come from troubled parts of the world and the Archbishop spoke about opposition to the Gospel and to Jesus Christ. He said that that opposition was played out across our television screens and said many in the congregation may have experienced these difficulties.
“This level of punishment we who have grown up in Ireland from earliest childhood know nothing about; although some of you worshipping here, our sisters and brothers, know about it and I have no doubt that you know it first hand. We need and admire your witness and your testimony. We are blessed by your presence with us,” he stated.
The service concluded with a vote of thanks given by the Parish Reader, Gillian Dean, who presented gifts to the Archbishop and the Rector.
Photo caption: Archbishop Michael Jackson, the Revd Obinna Ulogwara and Gillian Dean with St George’s Brass Band.