A reflection from Dean Anthony

 
At this sad time for our nation and the Commonwealth, we at Portsmouth Cathedral join the people of this diocese in expressing our affection and gratitude as we mourn the death of our Sovereign.  Her Majesty the Queen has not only served this nation and the whole commonwealth with great distinction throughout an outstandingly long reign, she has been a particular inspiration to people of faith through her personal commitment to God and the way this has shaped her life of service.  
 
Through her seven decades on the throne, the Queen has lived through a period of enormous change, and together with her family has provided a sense of security, continuity and unity within our nation.  
 
She, together with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren hold a special place in the affections of the people of the diocese, which she visited many times, not least for the Royal Maundy Service at Portsmouth Cathedral in 1998.  
 
As we honour the memory of Her Majesty and give thanks for her reign, we extend our condolences to our new Sovereign and to all members of the royal family, and assure them of our prayers. 
 
Portsmouth Cathedral is open for all to come and pay their respects, to sign books of condolence, attend worship, light candles and offer prayers. 
 
The Very Reverend Dr Anthony Cane,
Dean of Portsmouth

Extended opening hours

 
During the mourning period for Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Cathedral will be open for extended hours from 8:00am–7:00pm. All are welcome to come and pay their respects, to sign books of condolence, attend worship, light candles and offer prayers. 

Services for Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

 
Friday 9 September, 5:45pm
Choral Evensong with special prayers for the repose of her soul.
 
Sunday 18 September, 3:00pm
Commemoration and Thanksgiving for the Life of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
 
Sunday 18 September, 5:45pm
Choral Evensong followed by a vigil.
 
Regular services also continue at the Cathedral with prayers for Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
 

Proclamation of the Accession

 
The Bishop and the Dean will be attending the Proclamation of the Accession at Guildhall Square, this Sunday (11 September) at 2pm. This will offer the first opportunity for communities to come together and reflect on this important moment in the history of our country. All are welcome to join.

Highlights this week...

• Choirs return for Choral Evensong this evening – 9 September

• Heritage Open Days (tours only, no family workshops) – from 10 September

Upcoming dates for your diary…

• RSCM Singing Day with Philip Stopford – 17 September

• Commemoration and Thanksgiving for the Life of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – 18 September

• Choral Evensong followed by a vigil for Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – 18 September

Community News

Heritage Open Days 

 
Due to the recent sad news from Buckingham Palace, free family activities will no longer be happening on Saturday 10 September. Cathedral and organ tours will continue to run, with booking available on our website.
 
Learn more →
 

Harvest – With Thankful Hearts

 
Due to the recent death of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, our harvest service will now be rescheduled for later in the autumn. If you would still like to donate to the city harvest campaign ‘With Thankful Hearts’, donations can still be brought to the Cathedral after any of our morning services this Sunday (11 September).
 

Toddler Group returns 14 September as #PompeyTots

 
Toddler Group returns on Wednesday 14 September, 2:00pm at Portsmouth Cathedral. We begin with a short welcome, bible story and song time in St Thomas Chapel, then move to the hall for play and refreshments. Babies, toddlers and pre-school children and their big people are welcome!
 
Read more and enquire →
 

Fish and Chips on Cathedral Green – Launches 23 September

 
This week we were due to launch a new partnership with local fish and chip van Frying High, set to be located on Cathedral Green on Friday and Saturday evenings. Due to the sad news from Buckingham Palace, this will now be launching on Friday 23 September.
 
Read more →
 

Upcoming Friends events

 
The Friends of Portsmouth Cathedral Annual General Meeting will be held on 25 September at 4:00pm in Becket Hall. The Friends' council hope as many members will be able to attend the meeting as possible and look forward to welcoming Bishop Jonathon to his first meeting of the Friends as president. Friends are asked to confirm their attendance via email friends@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk
 
Learn more about the Friends here →
 

Silver Birch tree on the corner of the High Street and Lombard Street

 
Over the summer the Cathedral has been in contact with the City regarding the health of this Birch tree and especially the lower limb. The City has responsibility for the trees on Cathedral Green.
 
Having inspected the tree, the City has found no signs of root plate movement, but agree that the lower limb appears lower than earlier in the year. The City will prune the tree accordingly and this will be carried out towards the trees dormant period later in the autumn so as to avoid damaging the tree.
 
Many thanks to all who brought this to our attention.
 

Work on the south side delayed

 
Work on the lower south side Nave wall will now be delayed until after the period of National mourning. Please check the Cathedral Notices for further updates about this work.
 

Statutory Meetings

Chapter meets on Wednesday 14th September. The agenda for the meeting can be found on our downloads page.

The annual meeting of the College of Canons will take place on Thursday 15th September.  The College comprises the Archdeacons, Residentiary, Honorary and Lay Canons and is required under the current Constitution and Statutes to receive the Annual Accounts.
 

Career opportunities

 
We are currently recruiting for several roles at the Cathedral, including our first ever Visitor Experience Manager, as well as two part-time Administrative Assistants. Please do share with your extended networks.
 
Find further information and apply from our careers page →

Help for Ukrainian Refugees

Our diocese is continuing to work as a partner with the charity Citizens UK to offer accommodation to refugees who are fleeing from the conflict in Ukraine. They were already running a project to sponsor refugees before the Ukrainian crisis, and have partners in Ukraine, Moldova and Poland who can identify refugees and organise transport to the UK.

If you would like to know more, visit the Diocese website or speak to Canon Nick Ralph.

Foodbank Donations

‘New to you’ The Roberts Centre is going to launch a ‘New to you’ project – which will include pots and pans, crockery, cutlery, household goods – not furniture (good enough that you would give them to someone you cared about). If we cut down the amount spent on essential bits and bobs that redirects outgoings to the basics like food and heating.

‘Layers’  - the Roberts is launching – children and young People - Layers. We have asked for coats for some years but since the advent of central heating we as a society have stopped wearing layers of clothing. We are potentially back to those days. Do you know people who might turn off their heating who might benefit from having more layers – given not charged for?

Toiletries – we are in need of Toiletries, can you help?

Please bring your donations to the Foodbank collection point in the Welcome Area during the Cathedral’s daily opening hours.

Worship and Visiting

Worship & visiting

Portsmouth Cathedral is open daily for prayer, services and visiting. Booking is not required for services, unless otherwise indicated. You can find out more about visiting on our website, where you can also download orders of service.

Prayers and Intercessions

We pray for Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, His Majesty King Charles III and the Royal Family.

We remember the following for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community: Tom, Beverley, Richard, Jane, Alan, Amanda, Derek, Lucy, Jean, Alistair, John, Edda, Nina, and all those in need.

Long-term sick including: Alison, Clifford, Christopher, Jane, Melissa, Suzy, Bob, Sarah, Izzy, Andrew, Peter, Rachel.

We pray for those who have died recently: Anna Harriman, Rita Robinson, Patrick Symes, Gavin Simpson, John Pengel (Cathedral Funeral 12.00pm Monday 12th September) and Cristina Ferretti 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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