four new commemorative stamps.

The Bermuda Philatelic Bureau will release the stamps today along with a first day cover which will be available from the General Post Office in Hamilton.

Stamp values are 25 cents, 60 cents, 75 cents and $2.

A bureau spokesperson said: "Bermuda's area equals approximately 20 square miles and yet there are nearly 30 religious denominations.

"Considering that the islands have a population of about 60,000 people it is noteworthy that most of the churches and meeting halls have good sized congregations every Sunday.

"These places of worship range from a tiny white-roofed chapel perched high above the sea to the massive neo-Gothic cathedral that dominates the skyline of the City of Hamilton.

"Bermuda can be proud to have windows by the famous Kempe Studios in England and by La Farge in the United States.

"The technique of making these windows has hardly changed over the centuries since the earliest were made in the 11th century in Europe.'' Both the 25-cent and 75-cent stamps are designed by Vivienne J. Gardner. The 25 cent shows the wreck of the Sea Venture , with the Bermuda motto "Quo fata ferunt'' or "Wither the fates may lead.'' The 75-cent stamps shows a cardinal, or red bird, with Saint Francis. The red bird and the Bermuda bluebird can also be seen on the 60-cent stamp The $2 stamp shows detail of a window made in England, but based on a design by long-time resident of Bermuda, Florence Fish. It shows some of the Island's sea shells.

And the spokesperson said: "This is a magnificent art form and, while most durably serving the purpose of keeping out the weather, these windows both tell their stories to the glory of God and fill a church with a radiance of coloured light.'' The next commemorative issue of stamps will celebrate the Seventh Congress of Kennel Clubs and will be issued on November 12.