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Cathedral releases new Michaelmas images from landmark ecumenical gathering

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Rare photos show Orthodox Divine Liturgy inside St Davids Cathedral

ST DAVIDS CATHEDRAL has released a striking new set of photographs capturing last month’s visit of the International Commission for Anglican–Orthodox Theological Dialogue, offering the first detailed public look at the liturgies and processions held during the gathering.

Although the Cathedral first announced the visit in mid-October, the newly published photographs – taken during Michaelmas – show the scale and solemnity of the services hosted in Britain’s smallest city. The images include choristers, clergy and Orthodox hierarchs taking part in an Orthodox Divine Liturgy inside the 12th-century building, an exceptionally rare sight in Wales.

The photographs, taken by the Revd Neil Vigers, show processions through the nave, clergy vested in ornate gold and brocade, and the Cathedral Choir leading worship during Solemn Choral Vespers. Several of the Cathedral’s youngest choristers, who sing regularly at major feast days, also feature in the newly released images.

Historic and international significance

The Commission met in St Davids at the invitation of the Church in Wales, marking two major milestones:

  • 1,700 years since the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, and
  • 100 years since an ecumenical celebration at St Davids marking its 1,600th anniversary, which also involved Orthodox representatives.

The gathering reflects long-standing historic links between Britain and the eastern Christian traditions. The Cathedral noted in its original October statement that in St David’s own time, “there were no divisions between east and west”, and early British Christians were known to share ascetic and liturgical practices with the eastern churches.

A boost for faith tourism and heritage

St Davids Cathedral says the decision to publish the photographs now is intended to highlight its international role, its musical life, and its place as a focal point for faith tourism in Wales. Visitor numbers and online engagement have risen steadily through 2025, with particular interest in heritage events, choral music, and international delegations.

More images from the Commission’s visit are expected to be released later this winter.

 

News

Tenby lifeboat tows yacht to safety after skipper falls ill near Caldey

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A YACHT was towed back to Tenby after its skipper became unwell off Caldey Island.

Tenby’s all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch at 1:40pm on Monday (Jun 15), after the coastguard received a call from the occupants of a yacht reporting that the skipper had become ill around one mile south of Caldey Island.

The volunteer crew quickly made their way to the vessel, which had three people and a dog on board.

Once alongside, the lifeboat crew discovered that the skipper was suffering badly from seasickness and that the other two people on board were unable to sail the yacht themselves.

After a full assessment by the coxswain, it was decided that the safest course of action was to tow the yacht back to Tenby. The vessel was drifting with the tide towards Caldey Island and was also considered a potential navigational hazard to other boats.

Two lifeboat crew members were placed aboard the yacht to help set up the tow and to monitor the unwell skipper during the journey back.

After a tow of around an hour, the yacht was placed on the lifeboat mooring in the calmer waters of North Bay.

The lifeboat then returned to station, arriving back at 3:15pm.

 

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Entertainment

Waverley marks 79th anniversary with Pembrokeshire sailings

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THE WORLD’S last seagoing paddle steamer will return to Pembrokeshire this week as Waverley marks the 79th anniversary of her maiden voyage.

The historic vessel will sail from Milford Haven and Tenby on Tuesday (Jun 16), with trips including a daytime cruise around Skokholm, Skomer, St Brides Bay and Ramsey Island from 11:30am to 4:30pm.

There will also be an evening sailing from Milford Haven at 5:00pm, travelling to St Govan’s Head, Caldey Island and along the Pembrokeshire coast, returning at 9:50pm.

Passengers can also join Waverley at Tenby, with sailings to Milford Haven and an evening cruise around Caldey Island and the coast.

On Wednesday (Jun 17), Waverley will make her only Fishguard visit of 2026, with an evening cruise to St David’s Head, passing Strumble Head Lighthouse, from 6:15pm to 9:15pm.

Tickets are available through Waverley Excursions.

 

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Crime

Mid Wales peace activist arrested outside court after Palestine Action ruling

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MID WALES peace activist Angie Zelter was arrested outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London after holding a placard in support of Palestine Action.

The 75-year-old campaigner, from Knucklas, Powys, was detained at around 12:20pm on the steps of the court, according to Radnor Palestine Links.

The group said Ms Zelter was arrested under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 after holding a sign which read: “Saving lives is not terrorism. I support Palestine Action.”

She was taken to Charing Cross Police Station and released around two hours later, the group said.

The arrest came as the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the UK Government over its decision to proscribe Palestine Action under terrorism legislation.

The ruling overturned an earlier High Court decision which had found the ban unlawful. The Court of Appeal held that the Government’s decision was lawful and proportionate.

Palestine Action was banned after the Home Secretary moved to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000. Supporting or inviting support for a proscribed organisation can be a criminal offence.

Radnor Palestine Links said the protest formed part of an ongoing campaign against the use of counter-terrorism laws against peaceful demonstrators.

Ms Zelter, a long-standing peace and human rights campaigner, has been arrested more than 100 times worldwide during decades of non-violent direct action. She is also known as a founder of Trident Ploughshares.

Speaking after her arrest, Ms Zelter said: “I think it’s a terrible indictment of the criminal justice system that you are charging me with terrorism for holding a peaceful sign.

“We have to uphold the most important international laws. Peaceful, disruptive protest is absolutely essential to protect democracy.”

The Metropolitan Police has been asked to confirm the circumstances of the arrest, whether Ms Zelter was formally charged, and the conditions of her release.

Photo caption: Court protest: Angie Zelter outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London holding a sign in support of Palestine Action (Pic: Radnor Palestine Links).

 

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