“Unity is not something reached by human effort, it is a gift given by God. Our task is not to create it, it is to protect it, live it and make it visible in a world wounded by delusion.” So said Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, Primate of the Armenian Church of Great Britain and Ireland at the opening service of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026.
Almost 70 representatives of cathedrals from across Ireland and the UK gathered in Christ Church and St Patrick’s cathedrals in Dublin this week.
Students and staff from the Diocese’s three Church of Ireland secondary schools gathered last Monday, 12th January 2026, at St Fin Barre’s Cathedral for a special service marking the conclusion of their shared worship with Bishop Paul Colton ahead of his retirement.
His Majesty King Charles III has given his approval for Sir Robert Scott KCVO OBE as The Lord Lieutenant of Co. Tyrone to appoint The Revd Canon Matthew Hagan MBE as a Deputy Lieutenant of Co. Tyrone.
The 2025 Black Santa Sit Out at St Ann’s, Dawson Street, has raised over €67,000. This was the 25th year of the annual appeal in Dublin and the funds raised will be distributed to local charities at a special service in St Ann’s on February 22.
‘Let us allow the love of God, through the birth of the Christ–child, transform the poverty of our nature by the riches of his grace to build shared love and lasting peace.’
‘As bishops serving the people of Cork, we send our warmest Christmas greetings to all who live in our city and county — to people of faith, and to all people of goodwill.’
The 2025 Dublin Black Santa Sit Out at St Ann’s Church is now underway on Dawson Street in the city centre.
As Dean Stephen Forde continues his Black Santa appeal on the steps of Belfast Cathedral, four short videos are being released to encourage support for this year’s initiative and show how money raised for Christian Aid Ireland last year is improving life for people in Northern Ireland, Kenya, and Burundi.
‘May we learn to pause, to wonder, to notice the gentle signs of His presence – the kindness of a friend, the peace of prayer, the song of hope that rises even in uncertain times.’
