First Evensong since the death of HM The Queen

The first Evensong since the death of HM The Queen will soon be taking place in our cathedrals which will give thanks for her life and her selfless service.

For Queen Elizabeth II, thanks be to God.

St Paul’s will lead the nation with the first national Service of Prayer and Reflection at 6pm

Elsewhere Evensong is expected to start taking place in all our cathedrals from around 5.30pm  – with Coventry Cathedral inviting visitors to join them in the old cathedral ruins at 6pm where people have been leaving floral tributes throughout the day.

There has been a steady stream of people to our cathedrals today. We’ve had chaplains and stewards on hand to help with finding Books of Condolence, lighting candles, saying prayers or simply to have someone to be with or talk to at this time.

All our cathedrals are ready to be at the heart of their communities during this time of national grief. Their doors are open every day, there are Books of Condolence, candles, prayers throughout the day and a place to leave floral tributes.

More details about the services and tributes can be found here.

Please check each cathedral’s individual website to find out up to date information about services and events you can be part of during this time.

If you can’t attend, here is a prayer especially for Her Majesty the Queen > here.

Truro Cathedral too is getting ready for Evensong and the Dean, the Very Revd Roger Bush said:

“Throughout her life, she was completely devoted to tasks and duties set before her as our monarch, and her life of selfless devotion in such a role marks her out for special praise and thanksgiving. She reigned at a time of great social change, and fifteen prime ministers have served under her. Her wisdom and breadth of knowledge have been salient features in guiding her principal minister over the years.

“We send our sympathy and prayers to King Charles III and all members of the Royal Family. 

For Queen Elizabeth II, thanks be to God.

Truro cathedral will open daily from 8am to 8pm for the signing of a Book of Condolence.

Ely Cathedral will hold Evensong at 5.30pm with the Dean, the Very Revd Mark Bonney making this statement:

“We are all deeply saddened by the news of the death of Her Majesty The Queen. For nearly all of us Her Majesty is the only monarch we have known, and this truly marks the end of an era. Her dedication and commitment to this country has been unwavering, and her Christian faith an inspiration. May she rest in peace and rise in glory’.

Chester Cathedral’s Evensong this evening will too mark the death of the Queen on the first Friday night after the announcement and has announced it will be open every day throughout the mourning period from 9am to 5.30pm

The Cathedral community of Liverpool will be remembering Her Majesty in prayer at every service including the first Evensong this evening and the cathedral is open from 8am to 6pm throughout the period of mourning.

The Dean of Liverpool, The Very Revd Dr Sue Jones said,

“Alongside the city and nation, we mourn the loss of her Majesty. Queen Elizabeth is held in great affection by members of the cathedral company as we remember with fondness her visits to the Cathedral, not least when she formally opened the Cathedral in 1977.  We give thanks for her ministry and pray for the Royal Family at this time.”

More about Choral Evensong here.