A reflection from Canon Anthony

In mid-October our thoughts often dwell on the theme of endings: the end of the summer, the end of hot weather, the end of the harvest, the end of the year. From mid-October until Christmas most of our liturgical life is taken up with remembering and commemorating the past, and reflecting on endings.
 
One human response to endings is a sense of grief and loss. As human beings, often we like continuity and prefer things to stay the same, even though we know that life would be incredibly dull if everything was always the same. We have a tendency to mourn for the past, and it is very easy for individuals and communities to create a mythical golden age in their minds, so that the present is never good enough, and current trends are always a sign of the decay of the world.
 
However, for Christians the world should not be like this. Whilst we should appropriately remember and mourn those who are no longer with us, Christians also have a sense of hope in the future, so that we do not construct our view of the world around pessimism. 
 
Endings can be a source of hope. Without endings there cannot be beginnings, and without beginnings the world is constantly stuck in a rut of being the same. Creation has a beginning and an ending, and these are the source of our freedom: nothing is decreed as constant for all eternity except God himself. To be human is to live in such a way that one is constantly ending and beginning. Before us are a plethora of choices and actions which will begin and end the way things are in the world. This is both a source of responsibility and of great joy: it is always possible to make a choice for the good.
 
Therefore as we enter a season of harvest and remembrance we do so with a sense of appropriately marking the past and mourning for those we have lost, but also thinking ahead to the choices that lie before us in a new year and throughout our lives.
 
Anthony Rustell

Community News

Now booking: A Night at the Movies with the Solent Symphony Orchestra

Experience the magic of the movies with the Solent Symphony Orchestra at Portsmouth Cathedral. This concert promises a captivating journey through the beloved film scores of iconic movies like Star Wars, Jurassic Park, and many more.
 
Prepare to be transported to galaxies far, far away as the orchestra brings to life the epic compositions of Star Wars. Feel the thrill of prehistoric adventure with the majestic melodies of Jurassic Park. In addition to these cinematic gems, you'll also be treated to breath-taking performances by soloists David Price and Valentina Seferinova. David Price will mesmerise the audience with pieces from the hauntingly beautiful Interstellar soundtrack, while Valentina Seferinova will evoke the nostalgia of romance with selections from A Brief Encounter.
 
The Solent Symphony Orchestra is renowned for its exceptional talent and dedication to delivering outstanding music. This night promises to be a celebration of music that transcends boundaries and is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who attend.
 
Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of film music, brought to life by the Solent Symphony Orchestra. It's an evening that promises to be unforgettable, and one that all music lovers are sure to cherish. Join us for a night of celebrated music that will captivate your senses.
 
Book online →
  

Curiosities of the Cathedral Museum – Supporting the Friends of Portsmouth Cathedral

Take a fascinating journey after dark into Portsmouth Cathedral's hidden treasures and stories.
 
We invite you to explore the secrets and stories of Portsmouth Cathedrals rich history. This extraordinary experience is not just a glimpse into the past; it's an opportunity to embark on a thrilling adventure after dark in the Cathedral. Delve into the intriguing heritage of our Cathedral and city, see rarely seen treasures from our archives, or challenge yourself to become a trainee curator with a family friendly interactive trail.
 
Our team of historians and guides will be on hand to provide insights into the significance of each artifact, from relics to rare manuscripts. Gain a deeper understanding of the Cathedral's role in the history of Portsmouth and beyond.
 
Tickets on sale from 28 September online and in the Cathedral Shop. All proceeds from this event will support the work of Friends of Portsmouth Cathedral.
 
See more and book online →
 

Cathedrals Measure 2021

Tuesday is the final day for comments on the Cathedral’s draft new Constitution and Statutes as part of our preparation for coming under the jurisdiction of the Charity Commission in addition to the Cathedrals Commissioners. 
 
Read more on our website →
  

Congratulations Malina

Congratulations to Malina Green, our Head Verger and Precinct Manager, on receiving her UK citizenship at the Guildhall on Tuesday. Colleagues celebrated with her the day before, sharing homemade cakes, gifts based on the emblems of the UK including a Welsh leek together with a glass bottomed pewter tanker to help her avoid "volunteering" for service in the Navy!
  

Fabric Advisory Committee News

The Cathedral's Fabric Advisory Committee met on Tuesday, 3 October. In addition to routine business, the Committee approved the testing of temporary secondary glazing at high level in the North Transept. This follows last winter’s   successful pilot. 
 
The Committee also received and reviewed the draft Heating Feasibility Study completed by TGA Building Services Engineering and Low Carbon Design Consultancy.    An informative discussion with TGA ensued. 
 
FAC will now consider the report and provide comment before the report then goes to Chapter.  This study, which was made possible due to generous grants from the Church Commissioners and the Friends of Portsmouth Cathedral, is a crucial step as Chapter looks at ways to replace the Cathedral's ageing boilers in a way to help meet the Net Zero 2030 targets set by the Church of England.
 
New members, Tarek Teba and Ryan Stock were welcomed to their first meeting alongside Alfred Hawkins, our new Cathedral Archaeologist.

Finally, the meeting marked the end of  20 years of membership for Deane Clark.  Tributes were paid by the Chair of FAC, Jane Jones-Warner, and Dean Anthony. Fellow FAC member and noted visual artist Mel Howse created an amazing multi-coloured glass roundel as a fitting gift of thanks to Deane for all that he has done for the Cathedral over his many years of service.
  

Safeguarding Update

The Cathedral’s Safeguarding Committee met on Tuesday.  The Committee chaired by our COO, Richard, meets regularly throughout the year to review policy, working practices that are designed to help ensure protection of children and vulnerable adults and ensure a continued smooth working relationship with our partners such as with the schools attended by our choristers.
 
Canon Harriet takes over as Safeguarding Lead from Dean Anthony on 10 October.
 
Read more about Safeguarding →

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.

#PompeySundays – 8 October

This Sunday 8 October, as there's no #PompeySundays service due to the Royal Marines Band Service, we will be meeting instead for brunch at Cafe Six, at 6 Highland Road, Southsea. Join us at 9:30am for a coffee, breakfast and chat.
  

Great South Run – 15 October

Please note that due to the Great South Run on Sunday, 15 October there may be some changes to our services for that day. Please also take into account road closures may affect your journey time, and some car parking options may be unavailable.

We remember the following for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community:  Philip, Myrna, Judith, Chris, Tom, Joan, Mathai, Philip, Nuno, Carol and all those in need.  
 
We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including:  Ian, Janet, Richard, Rachel, Suzy, Alison, Alistair, John, Renee, Jill and Graeme,
 
We remember those who have died: Sandra Jones (Cathedral funeral 19October 3:00pm), Heather Greaves, Rodney Saunders, Paul Nener, Beverley Thomas, Jack Nisbet, Bishop Keith Riglin 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.

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