A reflection from Dean Anthony 

 
This week has seen the ‘Art in Advent’ project fill our Cathedral with images of stars, candles and angels produced by pupils from local schools. It has been wonderful to see these artworks drawing in local families, and in general adding an extra dimension to our preparations for the coming of Christ at Christmas. The large numbers attending our carol services will each receive their own candle, and the music of the angels will be much in evidence as we follow the star to the manger where the infant Christ is to be found.

Those ‘Art in Advent’ images are all about light in darkness, a theme that never dates and is as significant as ever this year. As the failings of the church I have done my best to serve for nearly thirty five years continue to be laid bare in the public realm, in the midst of widespread international conflict, I personally feel the need for the light of Christ more than ever. Never before, either, has the Advent theme of the need for repentance, and the ‘fruits of repentance’ (Luke 3.8) seemed more relevant.

As I say in a short video reflection to be released on New Year’s Day, one of the things that gives me hope is the incredible contribution of Cathedral volunteers to our life and work – including our efforts to ensure that our community is a place of welcome and safety for all. Volunteers often work behind the scenes in unappreciated ways (the ‘holy dusters – and vacuumers’ for a start) and their generosity of spirit is inspiring.   

Many of the nations charities are kept going by volunteers from all the faith communities. For me their often unseen work is a sign of a deep, usually unappreciated truth – that the universe itself is sustained from moment to moment by the quiet, unfailing, generosity of God. This Christmas, that unseen reality is made visible for us in the face of the Christchild, the ‘Word made flesh’ through whom ‘all things came into being’ (John 1). I look forward to sharing this good news, this ‘light in darkness’ with you in the coming days.

Prayers and best wishes,

The Very Reverend Dr Anthony Cane,
Dean of Portsmouth

Dates for your diary…

• Christmas Carol Services - 21 Dec, 22 Dec, 23 Dec and 24 Dec at 6:30pm – 7:30pm

• Crib Services - 24 Dec at 2:30pm – 3:15pm and 4:00pm – 4:45pm

• Midnight Mass - 24 Dec – 25 Dec at 11:00pm

• #PompeySundays Christmas Day – 25 Dec at 9:30am

• Eucharist for Christmas Day - 25 Dec at 11:00am

• Epiphany Eucharist - 6 Jan 2025 at 5:45 pm – 6:45 pm

• Exploring the Bible: Galatians & Ephesians - 6 Jan 2025 at 6:45 pm – 8:00 pm

Community News 

Christmas at the Cathedral

We warmly invite you to celebrate Christmas with us at Portsmouth Cathedral by joining us in worship throughout the season.
 
This weekend, as Advent draws to a close, we welcome you to attend one of our Carol Services which include choral music sung by the Cathedral Choir, as well as congregational carols and seasonal readings reflecting on the birth of Christ. (21 - 24 December 6.30pm). On Christmas Eve, we welcome you to one of our Crib Services, ideal for children and families, where we will retell the Nativity story in word and music, and invite you to be a part of our living crib scene. Children are invited to come dressed as an angel, shepherd or king! (Christmas Eve 2.30pm and 4pm).
 
Later in the evening, the Midnight Eucharist begins at 11pm - the first Eucharist of Christmas - all are welcome to this joyful celebration of the Incarnation. On Christmas Day we follow the usual pattern of services at 8am (Holy Communion), 9.30am (Pompey Sundays informal café style worship), and 11am (Sung Eucharist for Christmas Day).  This final service is the climax of our Christmas worship at the Cathedral and Bishop Johnathan will be the preacher.
 
The Christmas season continues after Christmas Day - please see ourservice listandwebsitefor details of Morning and Evening Prayer, and our daily Eucharist. On Sunday 29 December we remember our patron Thomas of Canterbury, on the anniversary of his martyrdom, and hold our usual pattern of Sunday services with visiting choir from Holland, Koorhuys, singing Choral Evensong. On Wednesday 1 January there will be a Eucharist for New Year's Day, an opportunity to reflect on the year past and look ahead with hope to the year to come.
 
Later in the Christmas season, on Sunday 5 January at 5.45pm, there will be an opportunity to joins us for Nativitas, a sequence of music and readings by Philip Moore, followed by our candlelit Taize worship at 8pm.  We celebrate the Epiphany on Monday 6 January with a Eucharist at 5.45pm.

Explore the Cosmos: Luxmuralis brings the universe to Portsmouth Cathedral with ‘Space’.

Portsmouth Cathedral is thrilled to announce Space, a breathtaking immersive light and sound installation by Luxmuralis, running from 25–29 March 2025. This extraordinary event promises to transform the Cathedral into a celestial journey, immersing visitors in the wonders of the cosmos through stunning visuals and evocative soundscapes.

Luxmuralis, the internationally renowned artistic collaboration of sculptor Peter Walker and composer David Harper, is celebrated for reimagining sacred spaces through their innovative installations. With Space, they invite visitors to explore the universe and humanity’s place within it, creating a profound and thought-provoking experience that bridges art, science, and spirituality.

This unique installation offers an opportunity to reflect on the grandeur of the cosmos within the magnificent setting of Portsmouth Cathedral. Through state-of-the-art projections and moving soundscapes, Space takes audiences on a journey that highlights humanity’s achievements, the beauty of creation, and our connection to the vast universe.

With its blend of art and science, Space is perfect for families, art enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a truly awe-inspiring experience.

What’s more, it makes an exceptional Christmas gift. Imagine giving loved ones the chance to step into the universe and create unforgettable memories in one of Portsmouth’s most iconic landmarks. Whether it’s for a family outing or a thoughtful gift for someone special, tickets to Space are a present they’ll never forget.

Tickets are now available for this five-night-only event. With demand expected to be high, securing tickets early is essential. For more information and to book, visit www.portsmouthcathedral.org.uk/luxmuralis

Don’t miss this chance to experience the Cathedral like never before and give the gift of the cosmos this Christmas.

Art in Advent

In case you missed Art in Advent this week, and for those further afield, do enjoy these images of the exhibition of Advent themed art by the children of St Jude's Primary School, St George's Primary School and Portsmouth High School We have loved welcoming staff, parents and children, as well as the cathedral community, to enjoy the exhibition. The art has made the cathedral space twinkle and sparkle this week!

Cathedral Offices over Christmas

The Cathedral Offices will be closed from midday on 24 December until Monday 6 January.  If you need to contact Cathedral Staff please do so here or thorough the main number 023 9282 3300 which will be monitored throughout.

Out and About

Dean Anthony will be taking the Sunday 22 December 10:30am morning service at St Andrew's, Hayling Island as part of the Cathedral's ongoing support of parishes in vacancies.

Exploring the Bible: Galatians and Ephesians

Our next course in the Exploring the Bible series will focus on Paul’s letters to the Galatians and Ephesians and starts on Monday 6 January from 6:45pm to 8:00pm. The course will run for 5 weeks and will involve reading and discussion as we explore together.  No prior knowledge is necessary, and all are welcome. If you are interested in joining, please contact Canon Harriet here. 

Revision of Electoral Roll and Electoral Roll Officer

Every six years we are required to completely revise the Electoral Roll under the Church Representation Rules.  The renewal is due in 2025 and will take place before the APCM which will be held on 22 May.  Those on the Electoral Roll will be contacted direct and there will be further details in notices nearer the time.  If you would like to check whether or not you are on the current role please contact the Cathedral Offices.
 
Our current Electoral Roll Officer, Terry Ward, has generously offered to help with the renewal of the roll but will stand down before the APCM. If you would be interested in more details about what the role entails and skills required, please contact the Dean or Cathedral Office.

Chapter Member Announcement

We are pleased to welcome Pippa to Chapter. Pippa is the Sales and Marketing Director at The Mary Rose Trust, where her dynamic role spans visitor centre operations, sales, and marketing. Her recent achievements include launching the Dive the Mary Rose 4D cinema experience, revitalising learning and engagement areas, leading a Resilience Heritage Lottery Fund project, and delivering marketing campaigns that exceeded sales targets by an impressive 23% for 2023/24. Pippa is also a Director of Portsmouth Creates, driving initiatives such as light festivals, creators’ markets, and a creative space in Portsmouth City Centre, supported by over £1 million in Arts Council funding. Previously, as Business Director at the University of Portsmouth’s Centre for Creative and Immersive XR (CCIXR), she led impactful projects, including a £7 million immersive technology centre, major collaborations with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and innovative partnerships with artists and organisations. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a school governor, and a resident of Hayling Island with her husband and three children, Pippa brings a wealth of experience and creativity to our team.

Fabric Advisory Committee news

Congratulations to Ryan Stock, Designated Chair of our Fabric Advisory Committee (FAC), on recently qualifying as a RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Conservation Architect. Ryan is an Associate Architect at Pritchard Architects, Portsmouth and has been a member of FAC since 2023.
 
So what is a Conservation Architect? Architectural conservation is a process that prolongs the material, historical, and design integrity of built heritage. Conservation architects specialize in preserving and restoring historic buildings and structures, assessing their condition, developing conservation plans, and implementing strategies to protect and maintain them. The goal is to manage changes while preserving the heritage values.
 
Dean Anthony says, "Many congratulations to Ryan.  As we begin the process of looking at how to renew the Cathedral Precinct in the lead up to our centenary in 2027 and beyond, Fabric Committee members, as our Cathedral's legal planning authority, play a key role in helping us to conserve and renew the Precinct for future generations.  Ryan's new qualification will be of huge benefit for this oversight work of the FAC."

Worship & Visiting

Every day, Portsmouth Cathedral is open for worship, prayer, and visiting. Unless otherwise specified, services do not require booking. Our website contains orders of service, as well as information about visiting the Cathedral.

Saturday 21 December

9:00am - Morning Prayer
6:30pm - Cathedral Carol Service I sung by the Cathedral Choir (Girls)

Sunday 22 December - Fourth Sunday of Advent

8:00am - Holy Communion
9:30am - #PompeySundays
11:00am - Choral Eucharist sung by a Cantor
4:00pm - Evening Prayer

6:30pm - Cathedral Carol Service II sung by the Cathedral Choir (Boys)

Prayers & Intercessions

We give thanks for: the improvement in health for Margaret

We remember the following for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community:  David, June, Jess, Muriel, Tom, Spencer, Pauline, Elizabeth, Chris, baby Lottie and baby Etta.  

We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including:  David, Jill, Alison, Suzy, Richard, Alistair, Graeme, Rosy, Philip and Mathai and all in need.

We remember those who have died recently, including: Diana Turner, Andrew (Andy) Skora, Kathleen (Kay) Clark (funeral Wednesday 8th January 2.30pm at Portchester), Geraldine Tucker (Cathedral funeral Tuesday 21st January at 10.30am), Sheila Meaden (burial of ashes Wednesday 22nd January at 11am), Susan Morlock, Peter Hamer, Kenneth Reilly RIP.

 Upcoming Services & Events

Getting in touch

Please feel free to get in touch if we can help in any way, or if you just want to hear another voice!

Get in touch with us by email to info@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk or leave a message via phone on 023 9282 3300.

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