St Nicholas, joy and prayers for peace; A Malvern Christmas

Folk of all ages from across the world were welcomed into the wonderfully warm Priory for the International Carol Service, to the joyful sound of the 70-strong i-Sing Choir.

Candles and figures from the crib were carried to the altar and the congregation prayed for peace in all areas of conflict.

St Nicholas made a fleeting appearance whilst the children ‘slept’ and each one received a gift. Prayers were written on candle shapes and brought to the front, creating a collage of heartfelt prayer, for Ukraine, for the world, for each other.

With a joyful rendition of ‘O Holy Night’ from the i-Sing Choir, congregational carols and Bible readings in English and Ukrainian, after the blessing the Choir sang ‘We wish you a merry Christmas’. Fruit punch, mince pies and delicious home-made Ukrainian cookies for all rounded off a wonderful evening.

To all who have made Malvern their home, ‘Welcome. May you have a happy Christmas. And may there be peace.’