A reflection from Dean Anthony

St Mary-le-Bow, unlike its near neighbour St Paul’s Cathedral, sustained severe bomb damage during World War II. It had been the historic home of the Arches’ Court of Canterbury, and now – beautifully rebuilt – it continues to be the venue for sittings of the ecclesiastical court for the Province of Canterbury (which includes the Diocese of Portsmouth). And so it was that last Tuesday the Archbishop of Canterbury, and his Vicar General, were back in St Mary-le-Bow, along with representatives of this Cathedral and Diocese, to confirm the election of Jonathan Frost as the tenth bishop of Portsmouth.

I had never attended such a service before, with its mixture of hymns, prayers, legalities, and a solemn moment when +Jonathan stood before the Archbishop to receive his ‘charge’ – that is a summary of what is asked of our new bishop as he moves from York to Portsmouth for this new phase in his ministry. Here is part of it:

‘As Bishop of Portsmouth, you will share the gospel with those in and outside the Church, encouraging other disciples to be bold in living and sharing their faith and refreshing the ministry of God’s Church. You will lead a journey of transformation, holding together those who support change and those who do not. You will work in partnership with secular agencies, responding to economic and social challenges. And you have a particular accountability for ensuring that the Diocese of Portsmouth is a safe space for all, with the highest standards of safeguarding. May the Lord of Heaven and Earth give you strength to perform these things.’

A cathedral is defined as ‘the seat of the bishop and a centre of worship and mission’ and therefore as a cathedral community it is our duty and joy to support our new bishop in responding to the high calling expressed in the Archbishop’s words. The challenge to be bold in living out the gospel, working for transformation, and offering a safe space to all, is one we are all called to share with +Jonathan and the wider diocese.

Let us therefore pray for both him and ourselves, in the words of a prayer used in the service at St Mary-le-Bow:

Almighty God, by whose grace alone we are accepted and called to your service: strengthen us by your Holy Spirit and make us worthy of our calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

With my prayers and best wishes,

Community News

Bishop Jonathan confirmed as the tenth Bishop of Portsmouth

This week Dean Anthony and members of Portsmouth Cathedral’s Chapter travelled to London for the legal ceremony confirming Bishop Jonathan as the tenth Bishop of Portsmouth.

The ceremony took place at St-Mary-le-Bow, Cheapside, which is used for such legal ceremonies as it is built over the site of the historic Court of Arches, the church used from the 13th century as the seat of the ecclesiastical court for our province of the Church of England.

Bishop Jonathan has now formally received spiritual responsibility for our Diocese. He will next pay homage to HM the Queen in February and be formally installed at a special service at Portsmouth Cathedral at 3:30pm on Saturday 12 March. Dignitaries, community leaders, representatives from parish and schools, family and friends will all be invited. The service will also be broadcast, and more details will be available soon.

Read more on the Diocese of Portsmouth’s website →

Journeying with Christ

We’re pleased to announce our 2022 Sunday Evensong sermon series “Journeying with Christ – a personal pilgrimage with the Honorary Canons of Portsmouth Cathedral.” Throughout the year each of our Honorary Canons will be joining us as guest preacher at our Choral Evensong services at 5:45pm on Sundays.

The first three sermons in this series will be:

• Sunday 23 January – Canon Bob White, Vicar of St Mary’s Portsea

• Sunday 20 February – Canon John Owen, Vicar of Steep and Froxfield

• Sunday 20 March – Canon Hugh Wright, Vicar of Ventnor on the Isle of Wight

Come to hear their experience about journeys of faith and their wisdom about the pilgrimage through life that we are all on together.

Annual Muslim Christian Evening

Portsmouth Cathedral and the Wessex Jamaat are looking forward to celebrating their 27th annual Muslim Christian Evening on 25 January at 7:15pm. This much-valued event will once again be online via Zoom, with both communities looking forward to strengthening bonds of friendship and exploring together the impact and opportunities which the pandemic has presented for faith groups.

Further information can be found on our website →

January Shop Sale

Christmas 2022 will be here before you know it! Shop our January Sale now and get a head start on next year. Sale includes cards, wrapping paper, decorations, and gifts.

Limited lines available online or for the full sale visit us in storeportcath.link/sale

Worship and Visiting

Portsmouth Cathedral is open daily for prayer, services and visiting. Booking is no longer required for services, unless otherwise indicated. You can find out more on our website , where you can also download orders of service.

We continue to take every precaution to reduce the spread of coronavirus. It is still mandatory to wear a face covering inside the Cathedral, including when singing as part of the congregation, unless you are medically exempt. Please also continue to check in with the NHS Covid-19 app and remaining at a safe distance from other groups. Further information can be found on our Covid-19 information page.

Prayers and Intercessions

All those affected by COVID-19

We remember the following for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community: Beverley, Richard, Jane, Alan, Stan, Andrew, Amanda, Wendy, Jeff, Derek, Denise, Debbie, and all those in need.

We give thanks for the recovery in health of: Aaron and others.

Long-term sick including: Alison, Christopher, Clifford, Jane, Johnny, Melissa, Jenny, Suzy, Sarah, Bob, Michael, Rita, Izzy, Meriel, Graeme, Clare, Libby and Hilary.

We pray for those who have died recently: Elva Corbett, David Baird, Jenni Flynn and John Hopkinson (Cathedral Funeral - 1:30pm, Monday 31 January) 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 pastoral@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk or leave a message via phone on 023 9282 3300.