Persecuted Church the focus for St Patrick’s Day
The Diocese of Down and Dromore will partner with Open Doors UK & Ireland for its annual St Patrick’s Day Festival on Monday 18 March.
The theme is Counting the Cost – Standing with the Persecuted Church and there will be a unique opportunity to hear from an Egyptian Christian, ‘Michael Jones’, and the President of Open Doors, Eddie Lyle.
“Michael” is a Cairo–based businessman and evangelical Christian who has addressed the UK Parliament. He will speak at the Festival Service in Down Cathedral (11.45 am) and Eddie will speak at the service of Holy Communion at Saul (9.15 am). The Prayer Pilgrimage from Saul to Downpatrick will also focus on the persecuted church and will be led by Chris Philips from Open Doors.
Christians in Egypt make up 10% of the population but around 50% of all the Christians in the Middle East. They face daily discrimination and intimidation. Christians are overlooked for jobs or promotion, university students are given bad grades or failed, schoolchildren are made to sit at the back of the class, shop owners are boycotted and hospital patients are not given proper treatment. Yet they refuse to give up their faith.
All are welcome on Monday 18 March to stand with them and the persecuted church worldwide.
Click here for timings, transport arrangements and the full programme which includes lunch for all in the marquee.