St Bartholomew’s hosts commemoration for 80th anniversary of VJ Day

Thursday August 21st 2025

Attending the VJ Day 80th anniversary service in St Bartholomew’s Parish Church on August 20 are, from left: Canon Kevin Graham MBE DL, Dr Alan Logan DL, Vice Lord Lieutenant, Dame Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle DBE DStJ DDL, HM Lord Lieutenant, the Lord Major of Belfast, Cllr Tracy Kelly, the High Sheriff of Belfast, Cllr Fiona McAteer. (Photo: Presseye)

A large congregation gathered at St Bartholomew’s, Stranmillis, on Wednesday August 20 to join with the Belfast Lieutenancy to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.

His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant, Dame Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle DBE DStJ DDL, was pleased to welcome dignitaries form civic society, the military and the Church. And there was a special welcome for the MacCarthy and Murray family members present, as Air Commodore Aidan MacCarthy and Major Frank Murray were both prisoners of war in the Eastern campaign.

Speaking in advance of the service, Dame Fionnuala said:

“The bravery, integrity and compassion of Frank Murray and Aidan MacCarthy shines as brightly today in their memory as ever it did. We are deeply honoured to have their families with us as the Belfast Lieutenancy gathers to mark VJ Day.”

The service was led by the Rev Canon Kevin Graham MBE DL, and the Preacher was the Rev Canon Andrew Totten OBE with the Rev Alan Cobain CF leading an Act of Remembrance.

VJ Day anniversary commemoration service in St Bartholomew’s, Stranmillis. (Photo: Presseye)

Music was provided by St Bartholomew’s Choir with organist Thomas Parke along with members of the Royal Irish Regimental Band conducted by WO1 Douglas MBE. Musical interludes were provided by Will Curran, clarinetist, Aaron O’Hare, tenor, and accompanist Richard Yarr MBE DL.

Readings and prayers were led by members of the Belfast Lieutenancy team with the blessing was given by the Rt Rev George Davison, Bishop of Connor.

Following the service, the congregation joined HM Lord Lieutenant for a reception in the parish halls.