Annual bell ringing for peace today at Portsmouth church

Christ Episcopal Church to host bell ringing, prayers for peace on anniversary of end of Russo-Japanese war. (Courtesy photo)

PORTSMOUTH - Christ Episcopal Church invites the public to a service of Bell-Ringing, Music, Reflection and Prayer as they remember the signing of the Portsmouth Peace Treaty in 1905. The service begins at 3:45 p.m. today in the church at 1035 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, NH 03842.

Christ Episcopal Church will join other area Portsmouth churches in this annual observation, organized by the Portsmouth Peace Treaty Forum. This Prayer Service will include music and reflections from local clergy about how to be peace-makers in our community.

In 1905, the Russian delegation to the treaty negotiations gathered at Christ Episcopal Church for a service of prayer to thank God for the end of the Russo-Japanese War. Leading that service of prayer was Father Alexander Hotovitsky, who later returned to Russia and was martyred during the Russian Revolution. Today, the Russian Orthodox consider Father Hotovitsky a saint.

"I am grateful for this service of prayer for peace and for peace-making," said the Rev. Jason Wells of Christ Episcopal Church, "As we today pray for Afghanistan many people feel the need to pray for peace worldwide. When we learn more about how to be peace-makers, we contribute to the peace that God intends for us globally, here in the United States and within our own hearts."

Because Rockingham County is a place of substantial community transmission of COVID-19, attendees are encouraged to wear a mask and maintain social distance while indoors.

For more information about Christ Episcopal Church in Portsmouth, please visit: http://www.christepiscopalchurch.us/

For more information about the Portsmouth Peace Treaty Forum, please visit: https://portsmouthpeacetreaty.org/