The Vatican post office is issuing three new commemorative postmarks.

The first postmark will commemorate the Special Assembly for the Middle East of the Synod of Bishops, which will take place Oct. 10-24 in Rome. The postmark, created by the Vatican post office, depicts a chalice, a Bible, and a map of the Middle East. Anyone interested in obtaining the postmark must send the philatelic material to be franked, with a stamped addressed envelope, to the Vatican post office franking office before Nov. 10.

The second postmark, which was created by the Vatican Philatelic and Numismatic Office, honors the Romafil Philatelic Fair, scheduled for Oct. 29-30 in Rome. It depicts the Roman church of the Most Holy Trinity at Monte Pincio. Those interested in this postmark must send their material to the same franking office before Nov. 30.

The third postmark commemorates the 64th Fall Philatelic Exhibition in Paris, which will be held Nov. 4-7. The Vatican Philatelic and Numismatic Office also created the Paris exhibition postmark, which depicts that city's Basilica of the Sacred Heart. People interested in this postmark must send their material to be franked by Dec. 7.

Stamp Collecting Related Articles:

• Search Continues for Secret U.S. Stamp Honoring John Glenn’s Historic Spaceflight
• Cardinal John Henry Newman on New Vatican Stamp
• Hong Kong and Romania Jointly Issue Stamps on Handcrafts