At a special ceremony on Saturday, 6 December a second bishop will be created at St German’s Cathedral, Peel – but he will serve for only 22 days!

The ceremony forms part of a festival to celebrate St Nicholas – sometimes better known as Santa Claus – and revives an ancient tradition stretching back to the days of the Vikings, when a boy from the Cathedral Choir would serve as Bishop between 6 and 28 December.

Head Chorister, Peter Boussougou, has been chosen as the first Chorister Bishop of modern times and, during the service, he will be given a pastoral staff, dressed in replica Bishop’s regalia and installed in the Bishop’s throne.

As Chorister Bishop, Peter will lead the prayers, distribute presents to the children and bless the congregation. He is also expected to take part in other services at the Cathedral over the Christmas period.

The fascinating story of St Nicholas and his connection with the Island will be told by young members of Messy Church, and there will be a special performance by the Grace Notes choir from Peel Clothworkers’ School, as well as an anthem by the Cathedral Choir itself.

The service is an acknowledgement of the important part that music and the Cathedral Choir play in the life of the Cathedral, and puts children first, echoing the recorded actions of Jesus.

Children will be made specially welcome for the Feast of St Nicholas – as well as any guests they choose to bring – so to learn a little bit more about Christmas and its traditions join us at Peel for this very special service at 4.30pm on Saturday 6 December. There will be a Christmas tea after the service.