News Release
December 21, 1999
CARDINAL BEVILACQUA TO WELCOME ECUMENICAL LEADERS FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE PRAYER SERVICE
Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will host an Ecumenical Prayer Service to celebrate the arrival of the Year 2000, the year of passage to the third millennium. While there are many secular events throughout the Delaware Valley, the Ecumenical Prayer Service spiritually ushers in the Year of Our Lord-the 2000th Anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ. Protestant and Orthodox leaders from around the Delaware Valley will participate.
Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter and Paul
18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia
5:00 p.m. (Midnight in Bethlehem)
The Ecumenical Service will consist of four parts:
1. An expression of joy, thanksgiving and celebration
2. A reflection on selected scripture readings
3. Dramatic readings on three social ills (war, violence and racism)
4. A candle-lighting ceremony which will include an Act of Commitment challenging Christians in the Third Millennium to fight the above-named social ills
Individuals and families are invited to take advantage of the unique spiritual nature of the evening this year by taking part in this Ecumenical event while still having the opportunity to enjoy their own traditional celebrations of New Year's Eve. Everyone is welcome!
Contact
Cathy Rossi
Director
215-587-3747