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Events in 2020


THE FEAST DAY OF ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST
27 DECEMBER 2020


One of special days (a Feastday) which the Order observes is that of Saint John, the Apostle and Evangelist.

St John the Evangelist


In the first extract from the Holy Bible below we read St John's own accound of his encounter with Jesus.  The second piece is from St John's Gospel.  St John is sometimes depicted as an eagle and similarly used in church lecterns to hold the Bible - carrying the Word of God across the world.

The Epistle

1 St. John 1.1-end

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, That God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all un-righteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.


St John the Evangelist - lectern


The Gospel

St. John 21.19-end

Jesus said unto Peter, Follow me. Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou me. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, That that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which if they should be written every one, I suppose, that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.

St John the Evangelist


A Prayer

Merciful Lord, we beseech thee to cast thy bright beams of light upon thy Church,
that, it being enlightened by the doctrine
of thy blessed Apostle and Evangelist Saint John,
may so walk in the light of thy truth,
that it may at length attain to the light of everlasting life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.


KT - Cross

___________________________________


SNOW AT CHRISTMAS ?

Have you ever wondered whether it actually ever snows at Christmas-time in the Holy Land?


You may remember the Christmas carol usually sung to a tune by Gustav Holst with the words written by Christina Rossetti in about 1872, entitled: "In the bleak mid-winter" :

In the bleak mid-winter
Frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron,
Water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow,
Snow on snow,
In the bleak mid-winter
Long ago.

Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him
Nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away
When He comes to reign:
In the bleak mid-winter
A stable-place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty,
Jesus Christ..

Angels and archangels
May have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim
Thronged the air,
But only His mother
In her maiden bliss,
Worshipped the Beloved
With a kiss.

What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man
I would do my part,
Yet what I can I give Him,
Give my heart.


So the question is whether Rossetti was writing with "poetic licence" or did she know that it did occasionally snow at Christmas-time in the Holy Land?

The answer is a definite 'Yes'.  It certainly does snow there and the following photographs taken on 12 and 13 December 2013 show it snowing in Bethlehem and Jerusalem:

Snow in Jerusalem

Jerusalem - Christmas 2013

Snow at the Dome of the Rock

A Palestinian youth throws a snowball in front of the Dome of the Rock
at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in the old city of Jerusalem
on 12 December 2013
as a winter weather front hit the region,
bringing early snow and a steep drop in temperatures.


The first Knights Templar believed that the Dome of the Rock was the original Temple of Solomon.  Consequently, when they made the site their headquarters, they came to be known as the Knights of the Temple - in short the Knights Templar - hence our name today.

Snow in Jerusalem

Jerusalem - Christmas 2013

Snow in Jerusalem

Jerusalem - 13 December 2013

Snow in Jerusalem

Jerusalem - 13 December 2013

Bethlehem - 12 December 2013

Snowing at Christmas in Bethlehem

Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity
12 December 2013


Jerusalem Cross

Jerusalem Cross


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CHRISTMAS DAY 2020

 We are pleased to send our most heart-felt Good Wishes and Blessings to the hundreds of individuals who read items on this website every day of the year.  On this special day we pray that God will keep you safe in His Love and in the New Year ahead grant us all a Peaceful time in the knowledge that He is ALWAYS with us.


One of our Assistant Chaplains, Tony, has recorded the following carols and we hope that you will enjoy listening to them.

 
Oh Holy Night

https://youtu.be/CcUn4Y3fIiQ

 

Mary Did You Know

https://youtu.be/KsG7PrzTUkw

Silent Night

https://youtu.be/J1btRbyoHYs

 



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CHRISTMAS 2020

Christmas - 2017

Illuminated Letter 'A' - Venturino Mercati (c. 1450-1500)



At this most Holy and Joyful Christmas time we sent our very Best Wishes and Blessings to all of the
Knights and Dames of the Sovereign and Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem throughout the world
and to the hundreds of others who visit these pages on a daily basis.


A Blessing

May God
(the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit - Ever and Only One)

bless, preserve and keep you safe

in His Love and Care today

and in the New Year ahead

Amen.

‡ The Grand Prior of All Britain and Grand Prior of Wales


In the Holy Bible, the Gospel of St John tells us who the Babe at Bethlehem is - none other than Jesus, the incarnate Word of God, the Creator and Lord of All .....

John 1: 1 ─ 14

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 He was in the beginning with God.  3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.  5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.  7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe.  8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.  9 That was the true Light, which gives light to every man coming into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.

12 But as many as receive Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

 

Peace

 

 

KTW - Banner Small
 
  Non Nobis, Domine, Non Nobis,
Sed Nomini Tuo Da Gloriam

 

 

__________________________KT - Cross__________________________


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ADVENT SEASON 2020

[Advent Sunday 29 November 2020 to Christmas]


Advent Candles

 

O Lord our God,
make us watchful and keep us faithful
as we await the coming of your Son our Lord;
that, when he shall appear,
he may not find us sleeping in sin
but active in his service
and joyful in his praise;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
                                          Amen.


Advent Star



Advent Star

 

Advent and Candles

 

Welcome to Advent, our theme for this year is one of light in the darkness.

 

Light in the darkness 1

 

Imagine for a moment, the world just before the birth of Christ; a world that was dark, in need of salvation, a world that was lost and believed in its own righteousness, a world of empire and of human laws.

The Light arrived in the most inauspicious of circumstances, born to a carpenter and his bride-to-be in a stable in Bethlehem.  This event was largely ignored by the human world at the time but let’s not rush ahead.  Advent is a special season in which we look at the events that led to the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ.

The first candle is a candle of hope; the hope that those early prophets such as Daniel and Samuel had in God, the faith that they held, knowing the Holy Spirit would move, and bring a new possibility, a new way, a change for good, a hope that in this moment things would never be the same again.

And so we can light the candle for this first period in Advent:

 

Advent Candle 1

 

We hold that hope of change, especially at this time of the Covid-19 pandemic, economic uncertainty and increasing secularisation.  But there is good news, we get to be hope-givers to a weary and hurting world.  We get to share our hope so that others are liberated and can also walk free from chains of despair, or addiction, or fear.  We have that faith that God will send the Holy Spirit, His Light upon us.

And so we pray:

Creator God, who saw a world in darkness.  And when you saw your people losing hope, you kindled the flame within them and sent hope to the world that was not an empty hope but a hope that has moved through your people and that has touched the hearts of many  the hope that we can bring and live out, that we can inspire others and bring your kingdom closer.  Amen.



Advent 2

Our theme for the second period of Advent is peace.  When I say that word … “Peace”, what comes to mind?  Perhaps a pristine snow-draped mountain, a deserted beach, a quiet fireside and a good book?  Or maybe it’s an image less tangible, or maybe peace is more of a feeling?  A state of being?  A person whose presence brings peace?

Most renditions of the Christmas story begin with the angel Gabriel telling Mary she is to bear a son.  Yet in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus’ birth story parallels that of John the Baptist.  Months before visiting Mary, Gabriel appeared to Zechariah to announce that Zechariah’s wife, Elizabeth, would bear a son to be named John.  Because he is so old, Zechariah, not unlike Abraham (see Genesis 18: 10-12), questions whether paternity is possible, like Mary’s initial response to her improbable pregnancy.  But while Mary’s question is answered, Zechariah is chastised for doubting, then struck mute for the duration of his wife’s pregnancy.

Looking at Zechariah for a moment it’s tempting to see him as being punished but I wonder if he was in fact blessed: how many of us would like to just shut out all things for a moment?  Muting the perpetual cycle of thought brings a calm, a quiet, it brings a greater peace.  We are called to mute our own thoughts.  With quiet minds and open hearts, we find rest in the peace that surpasses all understanding.

And so we can light the candles for the second period of Advent.  We hold onto that calm, that peace that the Lord sends, whatever form it takes.  We keep in mind how we don’t just receive the gift of peace from God but we also have a duty and a calling to share that peace with others, not just in our gathering as one family but out in the world also, to let others see it in our lives.

 

Advent Candle 2


So we pray:

Loving God who knows the world your people are in today, who sees the distractions, the trials and the dangers we face.  Grant us your peace, a peace that comes from the knowledge that you are our God, that you stand beside us all, and that we are beloved in you father.  Amen.



Advent 3

Our theme for the third period of Advent is love.  How do we define love?  Is it nurturing?  Sacrificial? Affirming?  Poets, scholars, playwrights and artists have wrestled with this question since the time of the Old Testament.  Indeed, we will all have our own ideas of what love is.

What if I said love is freedom?  There is an incredible sense of power and freedom in both giving and receiving love without condition or expectation.  The experience can be so profound that we lose track of whether we’re the giver or receiver.  This is the love Jesus would later preach on in his ministry.  The Love of God.

 

Love in Advent is especially poignant, Mary’s love of God provided her with the courage to give herself to God’s plan.  We sometimes forget that she was a teenager, yet she displayed a love and courage well beyond her years.  She, in receiving that gift of love, freely gave it in the purest way in her caring for and journeying with Jesus for his whole life.

 

Joseph, moved by his love of Mary committed himself to be a guardian, an adoptive father to Jesus.  Indeed we see the very real gamut of emotions that he felt before he returned to Mary’s side.  His love drove him to protect the baby Jesus, to teach him as he grew, to give him a trade and an idea of what it was to be a man.


And as we light a candle for the third period of Advent we think of the love that God showers on us so freely, the profound and limitless love that he gave to come and be among us, to give us the gift of salvation, of hope and to change everything in one loving act.


Advent Candle 3


Let us pray:

Loving Lord, you devoted yourself to us the moment you created us and you reaffirmed that love when you came to earth on a cold night in Bethlehem.  You chose Mary and Joseph, and trusted them with this task.  You helped them to build a family based on love, with you at the core.  We ask Lord that you move in our lives too.  Let us love intently and freely.  Let us love as you love, Lord.  Amen.

 

 

Advent 4

Our theme for the fourth period of Advent is joy.  We so often confuse joy and happiness, but is happiness not fleeting?  We can all think of some examples: a delicious meal is interrupted and goes cold; a happy day out ends; a holiday becomes a past event.  Joy though is something that remains.  The moment of joy may pass but the feeling remains long after.


Joy is always so good that it has to be shared.  In telling the Christmas story, think of the last time you felt joy, real joy.  What happened in the lead-up to that moment?  The Gospel writers remind us that when things seem darkest, joy can come in unexpected places and in small packages.

Light in the darkness 2

A lesson I learned in my life before the church, working with children and teenagers is that they have such a unique way of seeing the world, they remind us of the joy of playing, giving, learning, and loving.  In the presence of such joy, our inner child can help us feel joy in a way we as adults are maybe not used to.  In that freedom of feeling, can we reflect the joy we feel back to those we meet daily, that joy that Christ brings?

As we have journeyed together this Advent we have looked at Hope, Peace, Love and Joy.  It’s no accident that they come in this order, they are interconnected and flow from each other.

A special thing happens as we open to the possibility of hope: we realise that we are not alone.  When we live in the understanding of peace, we act as a channel for it, as in the prayer sometimes attributed to St Francis.  When we give love, we are truly doing the Lord’s work and in that we find joy.  We find all of these in each other as we have walked this path together as one people under Christ.

And so as we light the candle for joy let’s remember the joy of the Holy Family.  There is the joy that Mary would have felt as she felt baby Jesus kicking; the joy of Joseph as he watched his beloved wife move throughout the trimesters of pregnancy and the joy that the two of them must have felt the moment they held their new-born son in their arms knowing that their almost impossible journey had led to this moment when they saw the joy for all humanity, who lay in their arms.

Advent Candle 4

Let us pray:

Dear God, thank you for all the joyful moments that we have experienced in this most difficult of years.  Thank you for all the times when we have helped people and been helped ourselves so that we have had a chance to give and receive the joy that comes from the unity of one Christian family.  Thank you for the birth of baby Jesus and the joy that this has given people.  We pray Lord, help us to experience true joy this Christmas.  Amen.

 

 

Final thoughts.

Is it me or, with the passing of the old year, does it feel as if we’ve finished one movie and are moving into the sequel?

I was thinking about the season of the New Year, what it means; new beginnings, new starts and the possibilities that brings.  Not much will have changed in the world by the time you read these words, Covid-19 will still be out there, we will still be in lockdown but what if we don’t need the world to be new, what if it us who need to be new?  Hear me out  in 2020 we were caught off guard, we didn’t know how to handle a global pandemic  but now we have learned to adapt.

Yes, we all miss the normal we are used to, but as St Paul himself tells us: “Be on the alert.  Stand firm in the faith.  Be people of courage.  Be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13)  I don’t know about you but I find those words comforting, there are many lessons we could learn from our brothers and sisters in antiquity.  They were not hiding from Covid-19 but from the Romans, yet they endured, they outlasted their foe.

That’s what I believe 2021 will hold for us, like those who followed Moses into the desert, like those who met in secret in Rome, those who bucked the trend in Corinth, we must walk in faith: that God will be alongside us.  The road we walk in 2021 will not be an easy one but we will walk it together in faith, in love and in fellowship.

As always, my brothers and sisters, my prayers for you are that you are happy and safe.

Darren

[Assistant Chaplain]

Advent Star


FROM THE GRAND PRIOR & SPIRITUAL PROTECTOR
OF THE GRAND PRIORIES OF ALL BRITAIN AND OF WALES

A BLESSING

      Go forth into the world in peace;

      be of good courage;

      hold fast to that which is good;

      render to no one evil for evil;

      strengthen the fainthearted;

      support the weak;

      help the afflicted;

      honour everyone;

      love and serve the Lord,

         rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit; and

      May Christ the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you,

      scatter the darkness from before your path,

      and make you ready to meet him when he comes in glory;

and

      Mae Bendith Duw Hollalluog,          The blessing of God Almighty,

      y Tad, y Mab a'r                            the Father, the Son, and

        Ysbryd Glân,                                  the Holy Spirit,

      a fo yn eich plith ac                        be among you and

      a drigo gyda chwi yn wastad.          remain with you always.

      Amen.                                           Amen.

 



KT - Cross



_______________________________________________


NOVEMBER

The Time of Remembrancing

Lest We Forget


Armistice Day : 11 November 2020

Poppy Logo - 1      

Remembance Soldier 1Poppy Wreath  Remembance Soldier 2


     1918 - Battlefield, France  2019 - Thiepval, France
                1918 - Battlefield, France                                   2019 - Thiepval, France


                                                  Westminster Abbey November 2020

The Queen paid a private visit to the Abbey and stood at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior:

       HMQ  Westminster Abbey - 1     HMQ  Westminster Abbey - 2

   HMQ  Westminster Abbey - 3    HMQ  Westminster Abbey - 4

Her Majesty bowed her head to honour all those killed while serving their country, as a floral tribute inspired by her bridal bouquet was placed on her grave.

It was the Queen's idea to have a small, private service to mark 100 years since the unidentified British serviceman was laid to rest there on 11 November 1920, in the presence of her grandfather George V and her father, the then future King George VI.

She was driven from Windsor Castle  to Buckingham Palace, where the royal standard briefly flew to mark her first visit to her official London residence since March.

Wearing a black coat, hat and gloves, the Jardine Star brooch pinned under her poppy and a black mask trimmed with white, she then arrived at the Abbey with just her equerry, Lieutenant Colonel Nana Kofi Twumasi-Ankrah.

Inside, she stood close to the black Belgian marble tombstone lined with poppies in the western nave of the building as the Dean of Westminster Abbey, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, led prayers.

The Queen then moved to look at a bouquet of white and lilac orchids, myrtle and greens, created by a palace florist to reflect the one she carried on her wedding day, touching them briefly before her equerry knelt to place them on the tomb.

After a moment of silent reflection and more prayers, Piper to the Sovereign, Richard Grisdale, played the lament “The Flowers of the Forest” from the organ loft overhead.

Her Majesty’s poignant gesture echoed that of her mother who, as Elizabeth Bowes-Lyonplaced her own bridal bouquet at the same spot in 1923.  The Queen Mother’s touching tribute was made in memory of her brother Captain Fergus Bowes-Lyon, who died aged 26 in the Battle of Loos in 1915.  It has inspired many royal brides to leave their own bouquets on the tomb – usually a day after the wedding.

This week marks the centenary of the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior and also of the Cenotaphwhich was unveiled by George V during the unknown serviceman’s funeral procession on Armistice Day 1920.

The warrior’s remains were brought back from the World War One battlefields of Northern France and laid to rest in the Abbey, where thousands filed past to pay their respects.  It became a moment of collective mourning for the nation and one that the Queen was determined to commemorate.

A royal source said: “The grave of the unknown warrior is as relevant and poignant today as it was when Her Majesty's grandfather and father stood in the abbey at its side 100 years ago.  It holds enormous significance for the country and the royal family.  The Queen was keen that the centenary was marked appropriately.  A simple but deeply personal act reflecting a tradition started by her mother 97 years ago felt the right thing to do."

Poppy Pin - We Will Remember     Poppy Pin - All Gave Some


KT - Cross


In memoria aeterna erit iustus.
Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine,
et lux perpetua luceat eis.

The just shall be in everlasting remembrance.
Grant them eternal rest, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them,

  

KT - Cross


    __________________________________________


9 November 2020

31st Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall

9 November 1989

Berlin Wall - Crowd   Berlin Wall - on the wall

Berlin Wall Celebrations

___________________________________


Covid-19 restrictions, unfortunately, have limited public observances of Remembarnce Sunday so below are some items which may assist you to contemplate, in silence, the sacrifices made by men, women and children across the world due to the wars and conflicts of the last 100+ years:

Silent Remembrance coin


Remembrance Sunday : 8 November 2020


Souls of the Righteous


Poppy Pin

                            A Prayer for the Fallen

                                     Remember, O Lord

             all those who have died the death of honour and
       are departed in the hope of resurrection to Eternal Life,
                   especially the Officers, Men and Women
                          of our Sea, Land and, Air Forces,
               to whom it was given to lay down their lives
                     for the cause of Freedom and Justice.

                          In your heavenly place of Light,
        where pain, sorrow, tears and mourning are no more,
            give them rest, O Lord, the Lover of all people.

                         Grant this for Jesus Christ’s sake.

                                                Amen.

 Poppy Pin - We Will Remember    Poppy Pin - All Gave Some


                          In Flanders Field       All gave some

In Flanders Fields - in script

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
  That mark our place; and in the sky
  The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
  Loved and were loved, and now we lie
      In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
  The torch; be yours to hold it high.
  If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
      In Flanders fields.


Lt Colonel John McCrae was a Canadian soldier, physician and poet.  He wrote this poem on 3 May 1915.  In the above autographed copy of the poem from In Flanders Fields and Other Poems, his handwritten version ends the first line with "grow", unlike the printed copy in the same book where the first line ends with "blow".


                   In Flanders Fields - Lt Colonel John McCrae      In Flanders Fields - 1921 page 1

In Flanders Fields - red poppies


KT - Cross


In memoria aeterna erit iustus.
Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine,
et lux perpetua luceat eis.

The just shall be in everlasting remembrance.
Grant them eternal rest, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them,

 

KT - Cross

____________________________


All Souls' Tide : 2 November 2020

   Crowned Cross

Non Nobis, Domine, Non Nobis,
Sed Nomini Tuo Da Gloriam

 

 At this All Souls' Tide we remember past Knights Templar
and particularly those who have kept the Christian Faith
in their lives, actions, homes, hearts and minds.

Especially we give thanks to God for those who have died for the Faith.

Therefore we recall those Knights Templar who have suffered martyrdom,
including Jacques de Molay (the last medieval Grand Master) and
Geoffroi de Charnay (the Master of Normandy)
who were cruellly burnt at the stake in Paris on 11 March 1314
on the false orders of the King of France, Philip IV (known as Philip the Fair)


Arms - Jacques de Molay
Jacques de Molay - Coat of Arms
 
 
Jacques de Molay - Execution
Depiction of the Martyrdom of
Jacques de Molay, Grand Master and
Geoffroi de Charney, Master of Normandy




Nearer to home we remember our Patron Saint, St Thomas Cantilupe (1218-1282),
also known as St Thomas of Hereford.
He was a Provincial Grand Master of the Order
and Bishop of Hereford (including parishes in Wales):


  St Thomas Cantilupe - window    St Thomas Cantelupe - Hereford    St Thomas Cantilupe - Hambleden
                      Credenden Hill Church                                    Hereford Cathedral                                          Hambledon Parish Church

Locally we recall our brother Knights Templar of the Grand Priory of Wales
who have passed from our sight in recent times:

Chevalier H John Sommerin (1946-2020)
Chevalier Brian W Ansen (1941-2018)
Chevalier David Bergstrom (1946-2016)
Chevalier Jonathan Griffiths (1955-2017)



KT - Cross


In memoria aeterna erit iustus.
Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine,
et lux perpetua luceat eis.

The just shall be in everlasting remembrance.
Grant them eternal rest, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.

 

KT - Cross

_______________________________


1 November 2020

All Saints Day - 1

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened
in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you -
the riches of his glorious inheritance in his saints

[Ephesians 1: 18]



The well-known hymn "For all the saints" is a favourite with Templars.
It expresses our hope and trust in the future and
calls upon us to follow the example of our forebears:


1 For all the saints who from their labours rest,
who thee by faith before the world confessed,
thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

2 Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might;
thou, Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight;
thou, in the darkness drear, their one true light.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

3 O may thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold,
fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
and win with them the victor's crown of gold.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

4 O blest communion, fellowship divine,
we feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
yet all are one in thee, for all are thine.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

5 And when the fight is fierce, the warfare long,
steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
and hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

6 The golden evening brightens in the west;
soon, soon to faithful warrior cometh rest;
sweet is the calm of paradise the blest.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

7 But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day;
the saints triumphant rise in bright array;
the King of glory passes on his way.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

8 From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast,
through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

                                    Words: William Walsham How (1864)
                                     Tune (Sine Nomine): Ralph Vaughan Williams (1906)



Some Prayers:

Let us pray:

THANKSGIVING

 

God of time and eternity 

we give you thanks and praise:

for life in all its fullness,
for love in all its power,
for joy in all its wonder.

 

SUPPLICATIONS

 

Rejoicing at our good fortune ...

we nonetheless pray for those in need:
   the hungry and the thirsty
   the destitute and the homeless,
   the lonely and the despairing,
   the sick and the fearful,
   the individuals and families with or at risk from Covid-19,
   the weak and the oppressed,
   the refugee and those in prison.

 

Almighty God 

 We commend to your loving mercy
all those known and unknown to us
who are not able to pray with us today.

Comfort and encourage them
with your healing Love and Care: …
that each precious life may be redeemed
by love of You and love of neighbour,
that together we may share in one another’s joy.

Amen.

 

Dear Father …

 

We pray for those who have no one
who loves them enough to pray for them.

Give them a share of our blessings
and in your mercy let them know
that they are not forgotten.

Amen.


Merciful God 

 

We thank you for the memory
of your faithful saints and servants
who have departed this life,
who have fought the good fight,
finished their course, and kept the faith.

Help us to imitate their example of holy living,
and to follow them in all virtuous and godly ways.

Amen

 

For ourselves Lord …

 

We humbly place our lives
into your loving hands of mercy and
ask that you continue to bless us and
grant us peace in our hearts and homes.

Amen.

   

Finally we pray for Christian Unity:

 

LORD GOD, we thank you
for calling us into the company

of those who trust in Christ
and seek to obey his will.

May your Spirit guide and strengthen us
in mission and service to your world;
For we are strangers no longer

but Pilgrims together
on the way to your Kingdom.

Amen.


(The Swanwick Declaration: the Council of Churches for Britain and Ireland, 1987)


Some encouragement from the Bible's New Testament:

1 Peter 2, verses 9 and 10:

You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.



All Saints Day - 3



KT - Cross


_______________________________________________________________________________________



Saturday 3 October 2020

INVESTITURE AT HEREFORD CATHEDRAL

Hereford - Investiture Group - 3 October 20200

For further details see the menu page below: 'Latest Investiture - 3 October 2020'

_____________________________________


11 September 2020

It has been announced that the Dean of Hereford, The Very Reverend Michael Tavinor, is to retire in February 2021.  He has been a very good friend to us in recent years and we have valued his support and encouragement.  The Knights and Dames of the Grand Priory of Wales will certainly miss him (at the Cathedral) but as he is only moving 'over the border' to Wales we shall be pleased to welcome him!  He has been able to give us valuable insights into the life and times of St Thomas Cantilupe - one of our Patron Saints and a previous Provincial Grand Master of our Order.

Needless to say we wish Michael "Every Blessing" for the future and look forward to meeting him again before his retirement at our forthcoming Celebration & Investiture in the Cathedral on 3 October, when he is to be our Preacher on that occasion.

jDean of Hereford - Message

Dean of Hereford - Announcement

_________________________________

13 September 2020

400th Anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower
to the Americas.

There is an interesting book coming out in November entitled "Strangers and Pilgrims on the Earth : Remembering the Mayflower Pilgrims, 1620 - 2020":

Remembering the Mayflower Pilgrims

As you can see, the editors are Michael A G Haykin, John Clements and Roy M Paul.  The Revd Dr John Clements is one of our Chaplains.  He is also the pastor of "The Old Meeting House" off Colegate in Norwich.  The church's website is at: www.oldmeetinghousechurch.org.uk  and there is an excellent panorama of it to be found at https//www.norwich360.com/oldmeeting house.htm

Old Meeting House, Norwich


________________________________________


2 September 2020

75th anniversary of the end of World War II

Tokyo Bay - 2 September 1945 - 1

    Tokyo Bay - 2 September 1945 - 2

Japanese officials signing the unconditional Instrument of Surrender
on board the USS Missouri, in Tokyo Bay,
on behalf of Emperor Hirohito
2 September 1945
6 years (less 1 day) since it started.

_______________________________________________


27 August 2020

Call to address racial injustice by
The Presidents of Churches Together in England

CTE - Presidents 2020

The Presidents of Churches Together in England

·       Pastor Agu Irukwu, head of Redeemed Christian Church of God UK and CTE Pentecostal President.

·       Archbishop Justin Welby, The Archbishop of Canterbury.

·       Archbishop Angaelos of London, Archbishop of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of London and CTE President for the Orthodox Churches.

·       Cardinal Vincent Nichols, The Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster.

·       Revd Dr Hugh Osgood, The Free Churches Moderator.

The Fourth Presidency Group comprises Lutheran, Quaker and The Church of Scotland (English Presbytery) member churches.

The Presidents of Churches Together in England (CTE), with the support of the Fourth Presidency Group, have issued the following statement calling on churches to travel together on the journey of racial justice, addressing injustices both within our Church life and in wider society:

We as Presidents of Churches Together in England have responded to the killing of George Floyd in the United States, and the widespread call for real change to combat racial injustice in our world, above all in our own country.  We have spent time over the past few weeks listening to voices of people from the black community, especially the younger generation.  This has been a deeply moving experience and illustrated powerfully the many profound changes of heart and actions that need to be made.  The attitude that regards black people – and indeed other people of ethnic minorities – as inferior is evil and mars our common humanity.  We challenge this unreservedly, recognising the constant experiences of racism, including micro aggression, which black people face.

We believe that churches have a significant role to play in combating racial injustice. If we are to be effective in doing so, we must look at ourselves.

We are painfully aware of the racism that blights the life of our churches.  We are intent upon a process of identifying racial injustice within our churches – current and historic – repenting of it and taking action to effect real change.  This includes the potential for discriminatory behaviour in the way that we make church appointments, which we know can happen at the conscious or unconscious level.  We want to ensure that these processes are just and demonstrate the so often neglected gospel truth of Colossians 3:11 “there is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all”.  In this verse Paul makes it clear that racial injustice and discrimination is not only profoundly unjust and an affront to God but also the very denial of Christ who reached out to all human beings.

Some member churches of Churches Together in England have already embarked upon this journey of tackling racial injustice.  The Church of England plans a new action group, and among the Free Churches work by the Methodist and United Reformed Churches, together with Baptists Together, is already under way, as is also true for the Catholic Church.  The Pentecostal Forum has long held this issue in its view, as have the Orthodox churches.

We call upon all churches to travel together on this journey of racial justice so that together, as one community of churches in England, we may reach out in love and respect to one another in pursuit of our common witness.

An area of great concern to us as Presidents is the relationship between the black community and the criminal justice system.  We will therefore be facilitating conversations between young black women and men and senior members of the police service.  We are also seeking to engage both the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice in further considering the day-to-day experience of many young black people in England.

We encourage all churches throughout England to do all they can to build trust and improve accountability between black communities, the police, civic bodies and wider community groups.  In particular we call upon groupings of Church leaders throughout the nation to reach out to their black colleagues in church leadership who are currently absent from their membership, making more inclusive ecumenical leadership.  Our desire is that these groups will create spaces for those in authority to listen, as we have, to the powerful testimony of young black women and men as a step towards greater social cohesion.

We see these issues as matters of gospel and faith for all who follow Jesus Christ, the one who calls every nation and people to the justice of the Kingdom of God.

Extracted from: https://ctbi.org.uk/call-to-address-racial-injustice-by-cte-presidents/?ct=t%28CTBI_Monthly_Newsletter-August+2020%29

We the Knights Templar of the Grand Priory of Wales and the Grand Priory of All Britain confirm that in all of our activities we entirely support and endorse the statement above concerning the evils of racial injustice and intolerance.  We shall endeavour to put into action the suggestions made and, from our own ancient and historic experience, we are well aware that Templars have not always had a good record in these areas but in this 21st century we want to ensure that such failings are not repeated amongst us in future.


Coptic - 9 October 2018
Chevalier Ormond, Chevalier Ian, Archbishop Angaelos and Grand Chaplain-General Graham
8 October 2018


___________________________


15 August 2020

V.J. DAY

End of World War II : Victory over Japan

  

         Burma Star Medal   Veterans Badge   Pacific Star Medal
                 Burma Star Medal                       Veterans Badge                       Pacific Star Medal

When you get home, tell them from us and say:
"For your tomorrow, we gave our today"



___________________


Tuesday 4 August 2020

                          5 - British Red Cross Society     5 - British Red Cross Society

The Royal Mint issued this £5 coin today to celebrate the 150th Anniversary
of the
British Red Cross Society

_________________________________

Friday 17 July 2020

Her Majesty knights Tom Moore

Today, at Windsor Castle, Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth graciously 'dubbed' Captain (Honorary Colonel) Tom Moore a Knight Bachelor (KB).

Captain Tom We Salute You

We, the Knights and Dames of the Grand Priory of All Wales
are delighted to congratulate Tom on this well-deserved honour.

________________________________________

4 & 5 July 2020


This weekend was the 72nd Anniversary of the establishment of the National Health Service


NHS -  at 72


This weekend, people throughout the United Kingdom took part in the biggest ‘thank-you’ the country has ever seen on the birthday of the NHS.  It culminated in an epic pause for applause at 5pm today, Sunday 5th July, 72 years after the NHS was founded by Aneurin Bevan, who was the Minister of Health in the then Labour Government.  He said that the tax-payer funded service was to be free at the point of delivery (which it still is), with treatment based on clinical needs and not on a person's ability to pay.

The Prince of Wales (Tywysog Cymru), His Royal Highness Prince Charles, said today that this founding principle was a "profoundly moving statement of our values" which was never more relevant than now.

He paid tribute to the sacrifices made by the staff of the NHS to provide treatment to more than 100,000 patients who have been treated in hospital for COVID-19.  He said he had been lucky to get away with only mild symptoms from his diagnosis, and was not admitted to hospital.

Prince of Wales

He said, "To all who have given so much during this present danger, I just want to say that it is you who have been our shield.  It is your hands that have held us up."

"Despite all that has been endured, there is deep cause for gratitude, and a true reason for pride."


During the last few months, the NHS has been through the greatest test in its lifetime and will, no doubt, continue to deal with the many challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic for the foreseeable future.  So people came together across the country to thank everyone who has helped to support the NHS, other Support Staff, the Fire Service and Police throughout this period and beyond.


Following the applause many people enjoyed a drink or a cup of tea and reflected with family, friends and neighbours on the bonds that have sustained us in recent months.


NHS - Flag


____________________________________________

 

On Saturday evening, July 4th, everybody was asked to put a light in their windows in remembrance of all those lost during the pandemic.

Candle

Many public buildings were lit up in NHS blue, including the Royal Albert Hall, Stonehenge, Number 10 Downing Street and Windsor Castle.:

       NHS - Blue - Royal Albert Hall  NHS - Blue - Stonehenge

       NHS - Blue - No 10  NHS - Blue - Windsor Castle

                                                                  "Here's To The Heroes"

Here's to the heroes
Those few who dare
Heading for glory
Living a prayer

Here's to the heroes
Who change our lives
Thanks to the heroes
Freedom survives

Here's to the heroes
Who never rest
They are the chosen
We are the blessed

Here's to the heroes
Who aim so high
Here's to the heroes
Who do or die

Here's to the heroes
Who do or die.


Sir Simon Stevens, NHS Chief Executive, said:

“This year has been the most challenging in NHS history, with staff displaying extraordinary dedication, skill and compassion to care for the 100,000 patients with Covid-19 who needed specialist hospital treatment and many others besides.

“During this testing time our nurses, doctors, physios, pharmacists and countless more colleagues were sustained by the support of the public, not least through the weekly applause for key workers.

“No health service, not even the NHS, could have coped alone with this coronavirus pandemic.

“From bus drivers and teachers to care staff and food retailers and, of course, the public who took action to stay at home to stop infection spreading, everyone played their part.

“The NHS’s anniversary this year not only offers the opportunity for us to say thank you to the nation, but for us all to recognise all the work which has taken place in the last months and say a heartfelt thank you.”


NHS - Flag 2

____________________________

27 June 2020


DIWRNOD Y LLUOEDD ARFOG

ARMED FORCES DAY



Armed Forces Day - Welsh Flag

DEWCH I GEFNOGI

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT


Rotating Cross

_____________________________________________

A MESSAGE FROM HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN
ON ARMED FORCES DAY

The Duke of Edinburgh and I join many around the United Kingdom in celebrating Armed Forces Day, and the efforts of our military both at home and overseas.

Today provides an opportunity for thanks, and a recognition of the dedication and risks faced by those serving our nation.  We also have cause to thank veterans, who continue to contribute to our way of life, long after they leave the Armed Forces.

Having had members of my family serve in each of the Armed Services, I know only too well of the pride Service personnel take in their duty.  As your Commander-in-Chief, I send my warmest best wishes to you all, your families, and the entire Armed Forces community.

Elizabeth R.

Armed Forces Day - 2020


The Knights, Dames & Guild of St Thomas Cantelupe of the Knights Templar Grand Priory of All Wales, many of whom are Veterans, are also delighted to show our support for Armed Forces Day today.

Armed Forces Day - Cadets


Crowned Cross


Flag - Wales - No border
The Banner of the Knights Templar of All Wales


Armed Forces Day - Show Your Support


Rotating Cross

____________________________


 

10 June 2020

Today is the 99th Birthday of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

Prince Philip at 99
Today's official photograph

We are pleased to express and send our Very Best Wishes to His Royal Highness and we pray that his exemplary service for Her Majesty The Queen, the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth will long continue to inspire and encourage us.

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN


____________________________



7 June 2020

TRINITY SUNDAY

This important Christian festival day is best summed up in the words of the great hymn: "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God almighty":

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee;
Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty,
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
Which wert and art and evermore shalt be.

Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee,
Though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see,
Only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,
Perfect in power, in love, and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name, in earth and sky and sea;
Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty,
God in three persons, blessed Trinity.

Holy, holy, holy

The writer of this hymn, Reginald Heber (1783-1826), was born into a wealthy, educated family.  He was a bright youth, translating a Latin classic into English verse by the time he was seven and entering Oxford University at 17.  He won two awards for his poetry during his time there.  After graduation he became rector of his father's church in the village of Hodnet near Shrewsbury in the west of England where he remained for 16 years.  He was appointed Bishop of Calcutta in 1823 and worked tirelessly for three years until the weather and travel took its toll on his health and he died of a stroke.  Most of his 57 hymns, which include "Holy, Holy, Holy," are still in use today.

The usual tune, NICAEA, is named after the Council of Nicaea (A.D. 325), convened in the town of Nicaea in Bithynia, at which church leaders formulated a consensus of belief and practice amongst Christians concerning the doctrine of the Trinity in order to oppose the heresies of Arius.  The result was the well-known Nicene Creed, a document passed down through the ages as one of the pillars of church doctrine.  The primary function of this creed was to establish a firm belief in the Holy Trinity, countering the heresy of Arius, who believed that Jesus was not fully divine and was neither the Creator of all things, nor “being of one substance with the Father …”, as the creed puts it so neatly.

New Knights and Dames, seeking to be admitted to the Grand Priory of Wales, recite the Nicene Creed before kneeling to receive the accolade on behalf of the Grand Master.

It was this creed that inspired Reginald Heber to write this great hymn of praise to the Triune God, with the intent that the hymn be sung before or after the creed was recited in church services, and especially on Trinity Sunday – eight weeks after Easter.

The tune for this hymn is one of the finest tunes composed by John Bacchus Dykes (1823-1876) and is also entitled NICAEA in recognition of Heber's text.  The words evoke a sense of awe at the majesty of God and call on all of creation - humans, saints and angels and all living things - to praise the non-divisibilty unity of God, three-in-one and one-in-three.


_____________________________________________________


PENTECOST

31 May 2020

Pentecost - 50 days after Easter - is the Anniversary of the Birthday of The Church

So let's celebrate!


Rose of Sharon
A Rose of Sharon (Hypericum) in the Grand Prior's garden today

The reason for celebration is a promise fulfilled by Jesus, made to his disciples, that when he returned to heaven he would ask the Father to send them another Comforter (a helper) to remind them of his teachings.

In St John's Gospel, Chapter 16: verses 26-27, it is recorded that Jesus said:

"When the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me; And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning".

Jesus told the disciple to wait in Jerusalem until this event took place.  And duly - 50 days after the Resurrection - the Holy Bible records in Acts, Chapter 2: verses 1-11 ....

The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs — we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”


                     Rose Red 2       Rose Apricot
                                                                                     Roses in the Grand Prior's garden today


One of the best known and loved hymns which celebrates Pentecost is "Come down, O Love divine"(Author: Bianco da Sienna [1350-1434]; Translator: Richard Frederick Littledale [1833-90]).  It is u
sually sung to the tune "Down Ampney"(Composer: Ralph Vaughan Williams [1906]).

1 Come down, O Love divine,
seek thou this soul of mine,
and visit it with thine own ardour glowing;
O Comforter, draw near,
within my heart appear,
and kindle it, thy holy flame bestowing.

2 O let it freely burn,
till earthly passions turn
to dust and ashes in its heat consuming;
and let thy glorious light
shine ever on my sight,
and clothe me round, the while my path illuming.

3 Let holy charity
mine outward vesture be,
and lowliness become mine inner clothing:
true lowliness of heart,
which takes the humbler part,
and o'er its own shortcomings weeps with loathing.

4 And so the yearning strong,
with which the soul will long,
shall far outpass the power of human telling;
for none can guess its grace,
till he become the place
wherein the Holy Spirit makes his dwelling.




Flower Not Known and a Bee
An unknown flower & a Bee in the Grand Prior's garden today


HMQ - Pentecost 31 May 2020
Her Majesty the Queen riding on her horse Balmoral Fern in Windsor Great Park today



___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


20 May 2020

Captain Tom We Salute You

It has been announced that Her Majesty the Queen has graciously decided to award Captain (Honorary Colonel) Tom Moore with a Knighthood.  We, the Knights and Dames of the Grand Priory of All Wales are delighted to congratulate Tom on this well-deserved honour.

______________________________________


8 May 2020

75th ANNIVERSARY of V.E. DAY

VE - Flag

VE - Buckingham Palace

                  VE - Picture Post    VE - Vera Lynn

VE - Flag - Wales

VE - Stamp - 1.63

Free French Flag
Free France Flag

__________________________________________


The Message in the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Emergency:

Stay In - Union Jack


_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________


22 April 2020
St George's Day


HRH Prince Louis of Cambridge
Second Birthday

   Prince Louis - rainbow hands   Prince Louis - aged 2

Princes Charles  Louis  

Their Royal Hignesses
Prince Charles & Prince Louis


________________________________


21-22 April 2020


Starlink Satellites

   Grand Priors Garden  Starlink Satellite Train  Grand Prior's garden set for the night's veiwing         25 satellites in a 'train' across the southern night sky at 9.04pm 21.4.20 

                                                        Lyrid Meteors

      Lyrid Meteor - 21-04-2020 - Nottingham      Lyrid Meteor - 21-04-20 - Arizona
  Nottingham (2 hour shot 22.4.20 - star trails, 1 Meteor top left)                  Arizona (Early Morning of 22 April 2020)


     Lyrid Meteor - Massachusetts 22-04-20         Lyrid Meteors - Copenhagen 22-04-20
   Massachusetts (Jupiter & Mars between arms, Mars left, 1 meteor top centre)              Copenhagen (Early Morning of 22 April 2020)


__________________________________

21 April 2020

Her Majesty, The Queen's 94th Birthday.


The Queen  Prince Philip
1947                                                                                             2017


We are delighted to send our loyal and most affectionate Greetings to Her Majesty and Prince Philip on the occasion of The Queen's 94th Birthday today.
We pray that God will continue to richly bless and keep them.

God Save the Queen


Apple Blossom
Apple Blossom in The Grand Prior's garden today



     Starlink Satellites    Lyrid Meteor Shower

_________________________________


19 April 2020
['Low' Sunday]

After all of the 'hype' over the 'high' celebrations at Easter, this Sunday in the Christian Calendar is often referred to as 'Low' Sunday.  Nevertheless the Bible Readings in many churches will have included the following passage from St John's Gospel (Chapter 20, verses 19 to 31).  It follows immediately after Mary Magdalene had reported that she had seen Jesus (alive):

Jesus Appears to His Disciples

19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Jesus Appears to Thomas

24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

The Purpose of John’s Gospel

30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.


It is interesting to note that the Disciples were in a state of 'lockdown' - just as many of us are at this time!  They were fearful and many people today - across the world - are also fearful, especially because of the present Covid-19 (Coronavirus) emergency.  But if we put our trust in Jesus he will bring us Peace and help to calm our fears.

Orange Tip Butterflies
Male (left)and female (right) Orange Tip butterflies in the Grand Prior's garden today


                        Female Orange Tip Butterfly        Female Orange Tip Butterfly

Female Orange Tip butterflies in the Grand Prior's garden today feeding on an Honesty flower
(This was the first appearance of the female 
Orange Tip butterflies, the males appeared over 2 weeks ago on 5 April)


______________________________________________________________________________



16 April 2020


Congratulations!

Captain Tom Moore - Finishing Line

Captain Tom Moore - 100 laps


Here is World War Two Veteran Captain Tom Moore approaching and then completing the 100th 'lap' of his garden to raise money for the National Heath Service.  He had originally plannned to raise £1000 but by the end of this day he had raised over £18,000,000 (£18 million!).  He said he would "keep walking" whilst the public continued to support the cause.

Also pictured are men from the succesor unit of Tom's original - the West Yorkshire Regiment - forming a well-deserved Guard of Honour.

West Yorkshire Regiment cap badge

Appearing on BBC "Look East" the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge added their congratulations to Tom.  Prince William has also made a donation to Tom's project.

William  Kate - Look East
William & Kate on "Look East"

Tom's "thumbs up" inspires us all to thank the NHS staff, Care Workers, the Police, Fire Service and many other agencies and charities at this difficult time.



________________________________


EASTER MONDAY
13 April 2020


EASTER BONNETS

Gnomes - Rhiwbina, CardiffRhiwbina, Cardiff - Wales Online, Easter Monday 2020


Gustav hatted   Lanb with bonnet


_________________________________________________________________


HOLY WEEK 2020
DAY-BY-DAY .....

  


_________________________________________________________________


EASTER SUNDAY MORNING
12 April 2020


ALLELUIA!  CHRIST IS RISEN!

Χριστός ἀνέστη!
Christós Anésti!

 

Christ is Risen

HE IS RISEN INDEED!  ALLELUIA!!

Ἀληθῶς ανέστη!
Alithós Anésti!


Here is the account in the Holy Bible of the first Easter Morning from the Gospel according to St John, Chapter 20, verses 1-18.


The Empty Tomb

1 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”

So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) 10 Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

11 Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father.

Noli me Tangere - Titian c.1514
Noli me Tangere - by Titian c.1514

Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.


Dandelions & Stone
Dandelions 'awake' & a rolling stone in the Grand Prior's garden 12 April 2020

God so loved the world,
that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in Him,
should not perish,
but have everlasting  life.
[John 3: 16]


Jesus said:

“I am the resurrection and the life.  Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.  Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die."

                                                                                                                                                                  [John 11:25-26]


        Grape Hyacinths       Tulips and Heather

  

                         Berberis       Honesty


                A Prayer:

Lord God, the resurrection of Jesus
gives us new life and renewed hope.
Help us to live as new people
in pursuit of the Christian ideal.
Grant us wisdom to know what we must do,
the will to want to do it,
the courage to undertake it,
the perseverance to continue to do it,
and the strength to complete it.
Amen.



Fish symbol


_________________________________


HOLY SATURDAY
11 April 2020


Yellow Archangel
Yellow Archangel in the Grand Prior's garden 10 April 2020

Here is a summary of the Biblical account of the first Good Friday evening and Holy Saturday:

That Friday evening Joseph of Arimathaea, a member of the Jewish Governing Council but also a follower of Jesus, asked Pilate if he might have Jesus’ body.  Once Pilate had given permission, the body was taken down from the cross and wrapped in a linen sheet.  Then it was laid in a tomb cut out of the rock, which Joseph had prepared for himself, and a large stone was rolled in front of it. Some of the women who had witnessed the crucifixion watched over the grave.

Dandelions asleep
Dandelions "asleep" & a rolling stone in the Grand Prior's garden 11 April 2020

The next day the Jewish leaders asked Pilate if they could protect the tomb with a guard, lest the disciples should come, steal the body and then falsely claim that Jesus had risen from the dead.  Pilate agreed to their request, and the tomb was sealed and guarded.

KTW - Holy Saturday

A church near to the Grand Prior's home,


Here is a Biblical prophecy from the book of Isaiah, written approximately 700 years before the birth of Christ:

He was despised, and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering; as one from whom men hide their face, and we despised him and we did not value him.  Surely he has borne our sufferings, and carried our pains; yet we considered him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.  But he was pierced for our transgressions.  He was crushed for our iniquities.  The punishment that brought our peace was on him; and by his wounds we are healed. [Isaiah 53:3-5]


Easter - Celandines

God so loved the world,
that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in Him,
should not perish,
but have everlasting  life.
[John 3: 16]

A prayer:

            Almighty God as the body of the crucified Jesus lay in the silence of the tomb;
            May we give ourselves some quiet time in the current Covid-19 crisis
            to still our hearts and minds to contemplate the mystery of death.
            Amen.

Holy Saturday

†  †


__________________________________________________________________________________________________




Her Majesty The Queen's Broadcast to the Nation

5 April 2020


The Queen - 5 April 2020

I am speaking to you at what I know is an increasingly challenging time.  A time of disruption in the life of our country: a disruption that has brought grief to some, financial difficulties to many, and enormous changes to the daily lives of us all.

I want to thank everyone on the NHS front line, as well as care workers and those carrying out essential roles, who selflessly continue their day-to-day duties outside the home in support of us all.  I am sure the nation will join me in assuring you that what you do is appreciated and every hour of your hard work brings us closer to a return to more normal times.

I also want to thank those of you who are staying at home, thereby helping to protect the vulnerable and sparing many families the pain already felt by those who have lost loved ones.  Together we are tackling this disease, and I want to reassure you that if we remain united and resolute, then we will overcome it.

I hope in the years to come everyone will be able to take pride in how they responded to this challenge.  And those who come after us will say the Britons of this generation were as strong as any.  That the attributes of self-discipline, of quiet good-humoured resolve and of fellow-feeling still characterise this country.  The pride in who we are is not a part of our past, it defines our present and our future.

The moments when the United Kingdom has come together to applaud its care and essential workers will be remembered as an expression of our national spirit; and its symbol will be the rainbows drawn by children.

Childrens Rainbows - 5 April 2020

Across the Commonwealth and around the world, we have seen heart-warming stories of people coming together to help others, be it through delivering food parcels and medicines, checking on neighbours, or converting businesses to help the relief effort.

And though self-isolating may at times be hard, many people of all faiths, and of none, are discovering that it presents an opportunity to slow down, pause and reflect, in prayer or meditation.

It reminds me of the very first broadcast I made, in 1940, helped by my sister.  We, as children, spoke from here at Windsor to children who had been evacuated from their homes and sent away for their own safety.

Princesses Elizabeth  Margaret 1940

Today, once again, many will feel a painful sense of separation from their loved ones.  But now, as then, we know, deep down, that it is the right thing to do.

While we have faced challenges before, this one is different.  This time we join with all nations across the globe in a common endeavour, using the great advances of science and our instinctive compassion to heal.  We will succeed  and that success will belong to every one of us.

We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again.

But for now, I send my thanks and warmest good wishes to you all.

_______________________________




22 March 2020 - Mothering Suday

Brimstone Butterfly - 22 March 2020
A Brimstone Butterfly
photographed by The Grand Prior in his garden this morning

________


Archbishop of Canterbury

Archbishop of Canterbury Jusin Welby's Sermon broadcast for Sunday Worhip today on Radio 4

There are some places that speak to our hearts very powerfully. For me there are bits of London, where I was born and spent a lot of my childhood, and there’s a section of the North Norfolk coast around Blakeney. It was where my grandmother lived and it has memories of cold winters and a fire, of security, of summers messing about in mud and sand, or later on, in a boat. Good memories.

Many of my friends in Africa, however long they have lived in the big city, talk about ‘my village’ in the same way.

Mothering Sunday is about place – about knowing where we are rooted, what gives us life, how we are related to others. It’s a place for starting from and returning to, in ancient tradition to the church where we were baptised, where we grew in faith.

But today many of us are disconnected from our roots, from our mother place. Lacking roots we now have to find ways to make a place of safety and welcome for other people at a difficult time. The temptation is, of course, to pull up the drawbridge and just look after ourselves. That’s the kind of thing that leads to panic buying, to growing fear and to spiritual and emotional as well as physical isolation. That kind of fear, in the end, destroys us.

In our gospel reading [John 19.25-27] we heard how Jesus created the first Christian community even while he was hanging on the cross. Two people left alone by his death, his mother and his closest friend. Through him now they find a new place and new hope. Even in the darkest moments Jesus Christ comes to us and makes a new place of nurture and hope for us. All we have to do is co-operate, listen to him, obey him, as John did with Mary, do what he says.

So how do we find consolation when fear and alarm, or struggle and suffering strike us? Many people would say their parents, often from their mothers. For plenty of others that is not true. Parenting is not simple. The one who bore us may be one who fails us, even betrays us. I suspect St Anselm, a long ago Archbishop of Canterbury, knew much love from his mother. Writing 800 years ago he likens God to a mother, and speaks so tenderly of that relationship of love that I imagine he can only have learned it at home.

Jesus, like a mother you gather your people to you; you are gentle with us as a mother with her children.

All love has its source in the immeasurable, wonderful love of God. All consolation comes from God, through being loved, and it comes to us abundantly, so that we can give it to others. Paul is breathtakingly honest at the beginning of the second letter to the Corinthians. He speaks of suffering and failure that almost destroyed him. Yet, somehow God consoled him in such a way that he could consoled others.

How did that happen? We don’t know. Perhaps through friends. Perhaps in deep prayer. I find consolation from God in moments of desolation in all sorts of ways. The love of family. Silent contemplation in the chapel. The prayers of a friend.

But to console others we must find our own consolation in God. It’s not a case of fake it until you make it. Its more seek until you find, come to God looking for the means to console the frightened, the panic struck, the panic buying, the fearful around.

In all of the current troubles, and they really are serious troubles, looking inwards will only reveal the limit of our own resources, and lead to deeper fear and selfishness.

Acting in love found from God in Jesus Christ will do the reverse. As we look out in love we can enable people to find the place of their nurture, a new place where they meet God. As we share our consolation the mother love of God will enfold them. As we love the poor, as we go and give to a food back, call someone isolated, do their shopping, pray with and for them from a distance, we will find that we are deeply consoled by our own gift of consolation.

Someone I know well, filled with understandable anxiety, posted a letter through every door in her street, inviting people to join her in caring for one another. The immediate result of these actions was wonderful. Strangers responded. Hope began. Of such small acts of love we make new communities as Jesus did with his mother and the beloved disciple. Of such small consolation we create hope in a time of sickness. And then we find God and know our call from God, driving out fear, filled with faith.


The Blessing

May God, who gave birth to all creation, bless you:
May God, who became incarnate by an earthly mother, bless you:
May almighty God bless you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever.
Amen.


Go in peace to love and serve the Lord
Amen.


KT - Cross



The whole of the Service can be found at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000gm8f

______________________________________

19 March 2020

A message from Her Majesty The Queen, 19th March 2020


The Queen

 

As Philip and I arrive at Windsor today, we know that many individuals and families across the United Kingdom, and around the world, are entering a period of great concern and uncertainty.

 

We are all being advised to change our normal routines and regular patterns of life for the greater good of the communities we live in and, in particular, to protect the most vulnerable within them.

 

At times such as these, I am reminded that our nation’s history has been forged by people and communities coming together to work as one, concentrating our combined efforts with a focus on the common goal.

 

We are enormously thankful for the expertise and commitment of our scientists, medical practitioners and emergency and public services; but now more than any time in our recent past, we all have a vitally important part to play as individuals - today and in the coming days, weeks and months.

 

Many of us will need to find new ways of staying in touch with each other and making sure that loved ones are safe. I am certain we are up to that challenge. You can be assured that my family and I stand ready to play our part.

 

ELIZABETH R


_____________________________________


9 March 2020

Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey

Wesminster Abbey

_________________________________


8 March 2020

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

A few years ago the decision was made to change a significant part of the Investiture Service for the admittance of Knights and Dames into this Grand Priory of Wales so that there was and is no difference in the ceremonial by any words, actions or intent between men and women.  While we retain the appellations of 'Knight' and 'Dame' all ranks and posts in the Grand Priory of Wales are treated equally.  These provisions also apply to the Grand Priory of All Britain.

We commend the campaign and work of those involved in the promotion of International Women's Day, wishing them every success both today in the future.

[Note: International Women's Day's distinctive 'colours' are Green, Purple and White.]

______________________________________________


1 March 2020

 

DYDD GWYL DEWI SANT HAPUS!

 

 Daffodils

Happy St David's Day

St David

Dewi Sant - Saint David

 

Dyuw ein Tad

Rydych yn enw dy was Dafydd
i gynnal y ffydd Gristnogol ymhlith pobl Cymru,
i'w hannog gan ei gadw at ymprydio ac ufudd-dod,
ac i ddangos tosturi iddynt trwy weithredoedd bach o gariad mawr.

Gan fod golau yn cael ei dywallt ar y bennau'r mynyddoedd
ac fel glaw ffres yn cael ei ysgeintio ar y bryniau,
yn ein helpu i fod yn ofalwyr da o un arall
ac o Eich Creation mawr a gogoneddus.

Amen.

†  †


God our Father,

You called your servant David
to uphold the Christian faith amongst the people of Wales,
to encourage them by his observance of fasting and obedience,
and to show them compassion through small acts of great love.

As light is poured onto the mountain-tops
and as fresh rain is sprinkled on the hills,
help us to be good carers of one another
and of Your great and glorious Creation.

Amen.

†  †

 

 (This prayer was written by the former Anglican Archbishop of Wales, The Most Reverend Dr Barry Morgan)

 

___________________________________________

29 February 2020

Cherry Blossom in the Grand Prior's garden
Cherry Blossom in the Grand Prior's garden

For the beauty of the earth
For the glory of the skies
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies
Lord of all
To thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise


___________________________________________


28 February 2020

Greta Thunberg

Greta Thunberg : Environmentalist Extraordinary
Campaigning in Bristol

Bristol crowd 1

Great and 3 fellow campaigners

Bristol crowd 2
 


  ___________________________________________


25 February 2020

ASH WEDNESDAY

Lent 2020

This is the front cover page of the Lent 2020 study issued by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.  The full document (in Welsh or English) is available at https://ctbi.org.uk/lent/

The opening words from St Luke's Gospel set the scene:

'Were not our hearts burning
within us while he was talking
to us on the road, while he was
opening the scriptures to us.'

[Luke chapter 24, verse 32]

Each period for the 5 weeks leading down to Holy Week has between 5 and 8 pages of interesting discussion of some particular section of scripture, together with numerous items of other material for meditation, prayer, thought, reflection and so on.

Holy Week is covered by a further 7 pages and the whole concludes with 3 pages of final thoughts for onward consideration.

We are pleased to recommend this document to all of our Knights and Dames as well as to all the many readers of this website.

Here's a prayer from the course written by Ann Lewin (the full citation is on page 10):

Lord Christ, set me on fire
Burn from me all that dims your light
Kindle an answering flame in lives around:
That darkness may be driven back
And glory stream into this world
Transforming it with love.




KT - Cross



  ___________________________________________

FEBRUARY - THE SNOWDROP SEASON

Snowdrops (Galanthus) are the habingers of Spring

Snowdrop Field

There are hundreds of varieties of snowdrops:

 Snowdrop - variety c Snowdrop - variety d Snowdrop - variety a


  Snowdrop - variety b  Snowdrop - variety e


Some places hold 'Snowdrop Festivals':

  Snowdrop Festival b   Snowdrop Festival a

 Snowdrop Festival c  Snowdrop Festival d

For the beauty of the earth
For the glory of the skies
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies
Lord of all
To thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise


  ____________________________________________

21 February 2020

HRH The Prince of Wales visited flooded Pontypridd
Pontypridd, 12 miles (19 km) north of Cardiff,
is the county town of Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Prince Charles in Pontypridd 1

  Prince Charles in Pontypridd 2  Prince Charles in Pontypridd 3

Prince Charles in Pontypridd 5  Prince Charles in Pontypridd 4

  Prince Charles - Getty Images  Prince Charles - Image by Jacob King - PA Wire
           Prince Charles - Getty Images                 Prince Charles - Image by Jacob King - PA Wire

   Prince Charles - Image by Ben Birchall-PA Wire   Veterans Badge
         Prince Charles - Image by Ben Birchall - PA Wire        [HRH is wearing a Veterans Badge]


  ____________________________________________

16 February 2020

STORM DENNIS

Llif -  Flood - Wales

The Meteorological Office issued a rare Red Weather warning
as the UK faced a second day of disruption:

Storm Dennis - Wales

Storm Dennis

   Weather - UK



From Exodus Chapter 9, Verse 29 :


And Moses said, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the Lord; and the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know how that the earth is the Lord's.


Psalm 24 Verses 1 and 2 :

1.  The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof: the world, and they that dwell therein.

2.  For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.


________________________________________

27 January 2020


DIWRNOD COFIO'R HOLOCOST
HOLOCAUST  MEMORIAL DAY

Dysgn gwersi o'r gorffennol er mwyn
cren dyfodol gwell a mwy diogel

Learning lessons from the past
to create a safer, better future


We Knights Templar have reason to remember that in the 14th century Templar knights across Europe were rounded up and many killed or died in prison, all as a result of the trumped-up charges of heresy and the like brought against the Order by King Philip of France. 

Today such an attempt to destroy a particular group of people on the basis of their perceived religious beliefs or practices would constitute an act of genocide.

However, and fortunately for the Order, the Pope eventually absolved the Order and its knights from the accusations.  Unfortunately this was not until after the Order had been 'officially' disbanded throughout the areas of the Pope's authority.

But many knights escaped the persecution, either having fled abroad or they were already based in countries like Scotland, Switzerland or Portugal where they regrouped and survived thus enabling the Order to emerge again and today it thrives and is growing acoss the world including, of course, in Wales!


                                                     "FIRST THEY CAME"
                                                                    by
                                                   Pastor Martin Niemoller

First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist;

Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist;

Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist;

Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew;

Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me.


Holocaust Memorial Day 2020


For Holocaust Memorial Day, 27 January 2020, people are asked to Stand Together in remembrance of people who were murdered by the Nazis and join thousands of others to  ensure that those who were murdered are not forgotten.


200 survivors attended the wreath-laying ceremony at Auschwitz
Monday morning, 27 January 2020

   Wreath-laying at Auschwitz - 27 January 2020 - 1

 

             Wreath-laying at Auschwitz - 27 January 2020 - 2


Wreath-laying at Auschwitz - 27 January 2020 - 3


Today marks the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.  Thousands of people from across the UK are also coming together to mark this landmark anniversary.

Commemorative ceremonies are taking place in Wales, England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

In London, Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will join the UK’s faith, political and civic leadership, and survivors of the Holocaust and genocides, at the UK Commemorative Ceremony:

The Duke  Duchess of Cabridge

The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge

Faith Leaders light candless

Faith Leaders light commemorative candles

___________________________________


As Presidents of the Council of Christians and Jews (CCJ), and in respect of the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, we ask our churches to join in the use of this prayer on the Sunday closest to Holocaust Memorial Day 2020.

The Rt Hon and Most Revd Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster
His Eminence Nikitas Loulias, Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain
The Rt Revd Colin Sinclair, Moderator of the Church of Scotland
The Revd Dr Hugh Osgood, Moderator of the Free Churches


A prayer for use by Christians on Holocaust Memorial Day 2020

 

Please invite the congregation to stand and to join in the words in bold.

God of the past, present, and future,

We remember today, 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust, the millions of other victims of Nazi persecution, and all those who have been targeted and killed in subsequent genocides.

We remember those who, having survived genocide, share their stories with us:

We give thanks to You for the lessons of human stories, both in their suffering and in their joy.

We remember those who stood up against injustice and saved lives:

We give thanks to You for their example.

Together we acknowledge the sacrifice of those that stood together with those who suffered during the Holocaust and other genocides.

And we affirm that every life is loved by You and sacred.

Yet, during the Holocaust too many failed to stand together with their neighbours. Oppression stains Your world and contradicts Your love.

So we pray that You will inspire us now as we stand together on this day in the love that we know of God in Christ Jesus.

Let us commit to remembering:

And glorify God in our words and actions.

We make these prayers in the name of Christ Jesus who through His life, death, and resurrection, journeys with us into the eternal hope of Your truth and light.

Amen.

 


Holocaust Memorial Day - Kindertransport
Kindertransport - bringing children from Nazi Germany to Great Britain


Ar Ddiwrnod Cofio'r Holocost (HMD) - 27 Ionawr 2020 - fe gofiwn am y miliynau o bobl a laddwyd yn yr Holocost o dan Erledigaeth Natsiaidd, ac achosion ers hynny o hil-laddiad yn Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia a Darfur a hyd heddiw, heriwn gasineb ac erledigaeth.

On Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) - 27 January 2020 - we remember the millions of people killed in the Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution, and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur and challenge hatred and persecution today.

In particular Holocaust Memorial Day this year marks the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp:

Holocaust Memorial Day - Auschwitz-Birkenau 27 January 1945

Auschwitz Liberation

In the UK, thousands of local events and activities take place every year – each one an opportunity for people to reflect on those whose lives were changed beyond recognition, and to challenge prejudice, discrimination, and hatred in our own society today.

                                             A prayer:

Heavenly Father,
    whose many gifts include memory and empathy:
    we hold in remembrance before you those many of the Jewish people
    who were murdered, harmed, or displaced in the horror of Nazi persecution,
    and whose communities were destroyed.

In your mercy, help us to learn to accept our differences without fear
    and cleanse our hearts of all hatred.

So may every human community flourish and every home be secure,
    to the advancement of your loving purposes
    and the glory of your name.

                                               Amen.


Holocaust Memorial Day - logo

Ymddiriedolaeth Diwrnod Cofio'r Holocost yw'r elusen
sy'n hyrwyddo a chefnogi 
Diwrnod Cofio'r Holocost yn y DU

Holocaust Memorial Day - Information


More information can be found about Holocaust Memorial Day
on the website of the 
Holocaust Memorial Day Trust.



__________________________________________________________________________


23 January 2020

Jerusalem

His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, along with many other world leaders, attended an event in Jerusalem to remember the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi 'death camp' at Auschwitz-Birkenau.  Prince Charles spoke to the huge audience saying that "hatred and intolerance still lurk in the human heart".


Prince Charles
  HRH Prince Charles at Yad Vashem  in Jerusalem : 23 January 2020’


Heads of State gathered at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre in Jerusalem, on 23rd January 2020 for the Fifth World Holocaust Forum to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Nazi ‘death camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau being liberated by Soviet troops on 27th January 1945.

During his speech the German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier acknowledged that ‘the worst crime in the history of humanity was committed by my countrymen’.  He added: ‘Seventy five years later after the liberation of Auschwitz I stand before you all as President of Germany and laden with the heavy historical burden of guilt.’

Other guests at the event included the Prince of Wales, the Russian President Vladimir Putin and France’s President Emmanuel Macron.

During his speech the Prince of Wales urged world leaders to learn the lessons of the past and combat hatred and intolerance.  Condemning the scourge of anti-Semitism, Charles described the extermination of six million Jewish people during the Second World War as a ‘universal human tragedy’ affecting all, not just the families of those killed by the Nazi regime.

He went on to warn that ‘hatred and intolerance still lurk in the human heart’ but society must remain ‘resolute in resisting words and acts of violence’ and that the story of ‘incomprehensible humanity’ must not be forgotten.

Charles said: ‘The Holocaust was an appalling Jewish tragedy, but it was also a universal human tragedy, and one which we compound if we do not heed its lessons.’  He told the guests the stories of the Holocaust belonged to many of those in the hall and Jewish people across the globe.

The Prince added: ‘But we must never forget that they are also our story: a story of incomprehensible inhumanity, from which all humanity can and must learn.  Warning that intolerance was never far away, he said: ‘We must be vigilant in discerning these ever-changing threats; we must be fearless in confronting falsehoods and resolute in resisting words and acts of violence.’

Charles also paid tribute to the ‘selfless actions’ of his grandmother, Princess Alice, who in 1943 while living in Nazi-occupied Greece, sheltered a Jewish family in her own home.

In 1993 Yad Vashem bestowed the title of Righteous Among The Nations on her and she is buried at the nearby Mount of Olives.  Charles described the title as ‘a fact which gives me and my family immense pride.’


Read more: https://metro.co.uk/2020/01/23/prince-charles-warns-world-leaders-hatred-holocaust-remembrance-speech-12113341/?ito=cbshare

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MetroUK | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MetroUK/

said ‘hatred and intolerance still lurk in the human heart’


Read more: https://metro.co.uk/2020/01/23/prince-charles-warns-world-leaders-hatred-holocaust-remembrance-speech-12113341/?ito=cbshare

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MetroUK | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MetroUK/


______________________________________________________________________


18-25 January 2020

KT - Cross


Week of Prayer for Christian Unity


KT - Cross

__________________________________________________________





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