York Minster are marking the beginning of Advent with two special services for families.
The first took place today (Friday) with the raising of the Advent Wreath, accompanied by children from the Minster’s Schools Singing Programme.
The service, led by the Reverend Canon Timothy Goode, saw school children from across York sing a range of seasonal music – from Minka, a Ukrainian folk tune with words adapted for November and Advent, to Veni, Veni, Emmanuel, an ancient hymn.
The choir, which included children from local schools like St Lawrence’s and St Barnabas, was directed by Emilie Bels, the Minster’s Schools Singing Lead.
Before the wreath was raised, and with the help of a child volunteer from each school, five one-metre-tall candles were attached to the wreath – one for each Sunday of Advent. A central candle, representing Christ as the light of the world, will be lit at Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.
Then, to the cries of ‘Up!’ from the children, the spectacular 3-metre wide Advent Wreath was raised.
The second family service will take place at 10am tomorrow (Saturday 30 November). Once again led by Canon Tim, it will be the light switch-on of over 70 Christmas trees in the Minster, each decorated by local charities, schools and businesses.
Take a look at some of the decorated Christmas trees as part of the Minster’s Christmas Tree Festival in our gallery below.
Canon Tim said: “We are really excited to welcome school children and families to two special services as we mark the beginning of Advent at York Minster.
“This is a season when the cathedral can be busy, but we hope there’ll be a chance for us all to find a calm and bright moment in the Minster. You are all most welcome.”
Find out more at the York Minster website.
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