The King attends a service to celebrate Christian witness

Wednesday, 10th December 2025

The King attends a service to celebrate Christian witness

His Majesty The King and faith leaders from across the UK and Middle East attended a service to celebrate Christian witness in Advent at Westminster Abbey on Wednesday 10th December.

In a personal message shared in the Order of Service the King said: 

'It is a great joy to gather with you in the most glorious setting of Westminster Abbey as we celebrate the light, hope and, above all, the peace of this season of Advent. This period of preparation, of readying ourselves and looking forward to the wonder of Christ's birth. Today, we gather for prayer, reflection and music, and to celebrate the Good News in which all Christians rejoice: those around us, and those in areas where it is not easy to live out one's faith.'

The service was led by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, who said in his Bidding: 

As brothers and sisters in Christ, sharing a hope of the coming of God’s kingdom we meet today in a royal church and on holy ground. We gather in penitence, acknowledging our need of grace and looking to the One who is our Saviour and Judge. We gather in Advent, looking, in the darkness of our times, for the light that cannot be overcome. We gather, as the churches of Christ, praying that we may be strengthened in faith and drew ever closer in love.'

Bishop Mike Royal, General Secretary, Churches Together in England read Isaiah 11: 1–9.

The Gospel was proclaimed by the Reverend Archdeacon Dr George Tsourous, Greek Orthodox Diocese of Thyateira and Great Britain.

The Address was given by His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Radcliffe. 

Ribqa Nevash, an advocate for persecuted Christians in Pakistan, gave a Testimony about her personal experience.

Prayers were led by the Reverend Dr James Hawkey, Canon in Residence, and said by: 

  • The Right Reverend Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark
  • His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, The Coptic Church in Great Britain
  • His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas, Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain
  • His Grace Bishop Hovakim, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Great Britain and Ireland
  • The Most Reverend Hosam Naoum, Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem

The Reverend Helena Bickley-Percival, Minor Canon and Sacrist, chanted the Collect for Advent.

The Coptic Diocesan Choir sang The Virginal Birth, Hymn for the Nativity Feast; and the Choir of the Syriac Orthodox Church in London sang a traditional Syriac hymn.

The service was sung by the Choir of Westminster Abbey, directed by Andrew Nethsingha, Organist & Master of the Choristers. The organ was played by Matthew Jorysz, Sub-Organist. 

Discover more

Order of Service: A Service to Celebrate Christian Witness in Advent (PDF, 448KB)

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