Preparations for the historic service and procession for Candlemas, taking place next Tuesday 2nd February at 7.30pm, will begin early at Ripon Cathedral .
Ahead of the service, one of the most spectacular in the Cathedral’s calendar, five thousand candles will be placed around the ancient building by the team of vergers. The service is lit purely by the candles placed throughout the Cathedral - candles also form a spectacular cross of light in the main chancel.
The Candlemas service celebrates the Presentation of the Infant Christ in the Temple, and traditionally marks the end of the Christmas season. At Ripon Cathedral it has been celebrated for hundreds of years.
A visitor to the Cathedral in 1790 declared that the whole building was “one continued blaze of light all afternoon”.
Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd John Dobson said “Here at Ripon Cathedral the Candlemas Sung Eucharist has long been established as one of the most spectacular services of the year. The light from five thousand candles, the glorious music, and several hundred people gathering from across the region all combine, with the grace of God, to make this a great occasion of celebration and spiritual encounter.”
During the service the congregation is invited to process around the Cathedral holding candles. This year, the Rt Revd Paul Slater, Bishop of Richmond, will lead the service for the first time. He was consecrated in the Cathedral as a bishop in last June.
All are welcome.