Thanksgiving is a festival that belongs to everyone. It is not the possession of any one faith tradition. The desire to praise and thank God is an instinct common to all faiths, and on Sunday Nov 18 representatives of the major faith traditions came together in the cathedral to express their joy in their shared longing for God. The event was organized in partnership with the Greater Philadelphia Inter Faith Center, led by its director, Abby Stamelman-Hocky. Participants included Balbir Matharu and her family, from the Sikh tradition, seen here with Dean Richard and Sue Giles. The service included the giving of thanks to God for water, for bread, and for light, and culminated in the gathering of the congregation round a circle of light as a sign of our unity.

The members of the Intercessory Prayer Ministry pray regularly for other members of the congregation in need of prayer. They may pray alone or together with a team of three or four, respecting confidentiality and the privacy of those for whom they pray.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

The Cathedral opens its doors to members of different faith traditions for interfaith worship, study, and dialogue. Each year, a service incorporating elements from the three Abrahamic traditions, Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, is celebrated as an observance of Thanksgiving.  This focus is reflected in the Hebrew inscription on the ambo, and on the Muslim prayer rug on which the altar table stands.

The Cathedral also collaborates with its partners in residence, The Philadelphia Interfaith Network and the Arts and Spirituality Center, as well as the Diocesan Interfaith Committee, and other local groups which also seek mutual understanding.  

“Is it not written, my house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations?” Matthew 11:17