Friends of the Holy Land invite Christians from across the region to join them for a carol service generously hosted by Lichfield Cathedral.

This seasonal occasion takes place on Friday, December 7th at 7.30pm, with doors open from 7pm.

Lichfeld’s world famous Cathedral Choir will lead the singing for a wonderfully festive celebration, whilst at the same time remembering the struggles faced by today's Christians living in the ‘little town of Bethlehem’.

Tickets for this unique event cost just £10 to include refreshments and souvenir programme.

Olive wood products, sourced directly from the workshops of Christian families in the West Bank, will be on sale after the service.

All proceeds go towards FHL’s work supporting the beleaguered Christian communities of the West Bank, Gaza, Israel and Jordan.

Parking in Lichfield city centre will be free from 6.30pm on December 7th.

For more than two millennia, the Holy Land has been home to Christians. Unfortunately, their numbers are dwindling fast, as more and more leave in search of a better life.

Their continued exodus means there is a very real threat the Holy Land might become a museum to a Christian past with no indigenous Christians left at all.

Each year FHL supports over 2,000 Christians living in the West Bank, Gaza, Israel and Jordan, and works to increase awareness of the challenges they face.

Since forming nine years ago, the charity has raised over £3.7 million to support and encourage the ‘Living Stones’ of the Holy Land, focusing on a mixture of sustainable and immediate relief for the most vulnerable Christians.

Cases are identified and verified by a committee based in the Holy Land, including Revd. Hosam Naoum, Dean of St George's Cathedral in Jerusalem.

The Very Revd. Adrian Dorber, Dean of Lichfield, said: “We are delighted to host the carol service for Friends of the Holy Land at Lichfield Cathedral again this year; it will be a joyous, reflective occasion which I would encourage all to come along to.

"The plight of vulnerable Christians in the Holy Land is a serious one and together, on the 7th December, we can show our support and pray for their wellbeing, as well as raise funds for FHL projects in the Holy Land.”

Peter Rand, FHL’s Vice Chairman, said: "What better time than Christmas, when Christians around the world turn towards Bethlehem, to remember the plight of the ‘Living Stones’ and to let them know they are not forgotten.

"This carol service provides an opportunity to give thanks for the generous donations of time and money we receive.

"Through FHL UK Christians of all traditions can show their Christian family in Bethlehem that their situation is not forgotten or ignored.”

Tickets for FHL’s Carol Service at Lichfield Cathedral can be booked by emailing [email protected] or by calling the FHL office on 01926 512980.

More information can be found here

Pictures show Lichfield Cathedral, and those being assisted by Friends of the Holy Land.