Anna, an NGO-worker living in Phnom Penh on-and-off for four years, has contributed this update of various Christmas church services that will take place in the coming weeks. If you’ve got something you’d like to add or would like to contribute holiday information for your faith, please drop us a line.
The Christian community in Phnom Penh celebrates Christmas throughout December with a variety of church services and concerts. Below is a list of some of the events for 2014. All of the events are open to anyone and everyone, regardless of whether they are believers, non-believers or somewhere in-between(ers). It is worth noting that these will all be conducted in English, and they are all kid-friendly.
Yes, Virginia, there are church services in Cambodia.
Sunday 14th December – Combined Churches Christmas Service, 10 a.m.
If you are going to go to one Christmas service this year, make it this one. Followers from multiple Phnom Penh churches, as well as many curious non-believers, will join to celebrate together in the air-conditioned splendor of the Intercon. There will be plenty of singing and a short talk, and it is recommended to arrive early because there will a lot of people attending.
The Intercontinental Hotel
296 Mao Tse Tung Blvd, Phnom Penh
T: 023 424 888 ext. 5000
ihg.com/phnom-penh
Friday 19th December – Carols by Candlelight, 6.00 p.m
Outdoor carols by candlelight is a mainstay of Australian Christmases but less so for those from the chilly northern hemisphere. It involves gathering under the stars, pulling up a rug, lighting a candle and singing along while trying not to let the candle wax drip on you or spill your precariously-balanced drinks. Christmas cheer! Importantly, Christmas cookies, mince pies and mulled wine will be available for purchase.
Gasolina
#56-58 Street 57, Phnom Penh
T: 012 691 402
Sunday 21st December – ICF Carols and Readings Services, 9.30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
A Christmas service at one of Phnom Penh’s non-denominational Christian churches – involving jolly carols, readings from the Bible and prayer, as well as coffee and cake afterwards.
ICF International Christian Fellowship
#19-21 Street 330 (near Toul Sleng), Phnom Penh
T: 089 883 210
icfpp.org
Wednesday 24th December, Christmas Eve Services, 6.00 p.m. and 11.00 p.m.
Every year one of Phnom Penh’s Anglican churches conducts Christmas Eve services. These usually have a warm atmosphere and are particularly nice for people from cultures where Christmas is traditionally celebrated on the evening of the 24th.
Church of Christ Our Peace (Anglican)
#57 St 334, BKK1, Phnom Penh
T: 023 362 023
facebook.com/ccopinternational
Thursday 25th December, ICF Christmas Day Family Service, 10 a.m.
ICF has a celebratory Christmas service with fun for the kids, Bible readings, singing and prayer.
ICF International Christian Fellowship
#19-21 Street 330 (near Toul Sleng), Phnom Penh
T: 089 883 210
icfpp.org
I am very interested in doing ministry work with Asian people. I would love to go visit a country such as Cambodia(Phnom Penh City) in 2015.I have some dear friend who are from there that I have been witnessing to. Is there opportunity there for some one like me in any type of Christian work. I would love to hear from you. GOD BLESSING Milt.
Anything in Siem Reap? Thanks
Good question! If you’re involved in the community, you might be better positioned to find out than me. If you come up with anything, I’m happy to post it here.