Solemn Evensong and Benediction

On Sunday evenings at 6.30pm we offer Solemn Evensong and Benediction. The service normally lasts around 60 minutes.

Evensong follows a form of readings, music and prayer which have resounded through English-speaking cathedrals and churches for over 400 years and are based on the ancient monastic offices of Vespers and Compline.

Evensong is followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Here we hold a short silence in which we privately give thanks to God. The priest then holds the Sacrament of Christ's Body (the consecrated bread) before us so we might receive Christ's blessing. In unison as a congregation, we then bless God using an ancient form of prayer.

During Benediction, you will see the priest using incense (burning fragrant resin) as a symbol of not only our prayers ascending to God but of the prayers of countless believers who have gone before us.

During the winter months Evensong begins with the ceremony of Lucernarium – the lighting of the lamps of eventide.