В Стратфорде-на-Эйвоне освятят новые иконы святых Бенедикта и Григория

Two newly commissioned icons of St Benedict and St Gregory will be blessed at a special service in Stratford-upon-Avon’s medieval Guild Chapel on Thursday, 3 September, the Feast of St Gregory. The icons have been commissioned by the Catholic parish of St Gregory in Stratford, and were written by Fr Alex Echeandia, a Benedictine monk from Lurin monastery in Lima, Peru. Lurin is itself a foundation of Belmont Abbey. A third icon, depicting Christ Pantocrator, will also be blessed as part of the service, before being installed in the town’s Anglican parish church, Holy Trinity. Ahead of the blessing, two talks will be held at Stratford Town Hall, given by Dr Rowan Williams, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, and Abbot Jeremias Schroeder, Abbot Primate of the worldwide Benedictine Order. The talks are due to begin at 1pm, with the Service of Blessing following at 4pm in the Guild Chapel. Eight monks from three Benedictine monasteries, Belmont, Douai and Downside, will take part in the service, singing the antiphons and psalms set for the Feast of St Gregory. The choir of Holy Trinity will also contribute, closing the service with a setting of the Magnificat and an anthem. The event is free to attend, though those wishing to go are asked to register in advance by calling 01789 292439 or emailing [email protected].