Date: 27th October 2020
This year’s Isle of Man Post Office Christmas stamps, issued on 30 October, feature scenes and artworks inspired by the story of the Nativity.
2020 marks the 40th anniversary of the consecration of the Cathedral Isle of Man. It is the cathedral church of the Church of England Diocese of Sodor and Man and was made a cathedral by Act of Tynwald in 1980. To commemorate this anniversary the Right Reverend Peter Eagles, Bishop of Sodor and Man kindly provided the issue text for this beautiful stamp collection.
Issue Text Author the Rt Revd PA Eagles, Bishop of Sodor and Man, said: "These delightful Christmas stamps point to light and hope. The angel speaks of God’s presence in the world, and the simple shepherds are drawn to God’s light and love. Three Kings worship, representing the nations of the world. The light shines in the darkness, and the Mother cradles the Child in profoundest love. The eternal message of Christmas speaks to us today in these six beautiful designs."
Nigel Godfrey, Dean of Cathedral Isle of Man, said: ‘"t is good to have a stamp issue released on the 40th birthday of the Island’s Cathedral. The Cathedral was actually built a 100 years earlier to replace the ruined one on St Patrick’s Isle, but the driving force behind it - Bishop Rowley Hill died in office before the necessary legislation was passed by Tynwald, so it simply remained a parish church. The Cathedral as the ‘seat’ of the Bishop aims to offer the daily round of worship to God and serve the needs of our ever changing world."
Maxine Cannon, General Manager Isle of Man Stamps & Coins, said: “Christmas stamps help deliver festive messages of good cheer and celebration across the Island, the UK and around the world. This year’s stamps feature scenes from the Nativity. They are intended to remind us of blessings received throughout this difficult year and to give us a bit of tradition during these uncertain times.”
‘The Story of the Nativity’ collection is available as a Set and Sheet Set, Presentation Pack and First Day Cover. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Cathedral Isle of Man there will be a limited edition philatelic numismatic cover (PNC) featuring a £5 Peace Coin along with the stamps and photography of the Cathedral provided by Simon Park. The stamps will also be available as variable value self-adhesives (VVD). These will be vended via our retail kiosks, post office counter network and via hand-held vending machines at one-off events such as stamp exhibitions. For further information, please visit www.iompost.com/nativity
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Technical Details
Text: The Rt Revd PA Eagles
Design: Glazier Design
Printer: Lowe-Martin
Process: Offset Lithography
Colours: 4
Paper: 110 gms PVA gummed
Perforations: 13 per 2cms
Stamp Size: 32 x 26mm
No. of Stamps: 6
Format: Sheets of 25
Date of Issue: 30th October 2020