The Archbishop of York celebrates 1350 years of worship at Ely Cathedral.
Ely Cathedral will be celebrating the 1350 years of the founding of Ely by welcoming The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, to preach during a weekend of celebratory worship and fabulous floral displays.
On Saturday 24 June everyone is invited to attend a special anniversary service which will be led by The Bishop of Ely with The Archbishop of York preaching. The Cathedral Choirs will be in full voice and accompanied by Prime Brass performing well known hymns and choral music.
The Dean of Ely, The Very Revd Mark Bonney said “We’re so looking forward to welcoming the Archbishop of York, who is an inspirational preacher, to our celebrations on 24 June. An occasion to rejoice together as a Cathedral, City and Diocese, giving thanks for heritage of faith and service that was started by St Etheldreda 1350 years ago, and which sustains and inspires us into the future. A great reason to celebrate! Please do join us.”
From Friday 23 June to Monday 26 June the Cathedral will be decorated with floral displays in honour of Saint Etheldreda, whose feast is being celebrated. There will be a large floral tribute at the entrance to the Cathedral depicting Etheldreda’s arrival to Ely by boat in 673, plus several other arrangements throughout the building including flowers at the shrine of Etheldreda near where she was buried following her death on 23 June 679.
Other services over the weekend include a Festival Evensong with Procession at 4.00pm on Sunday 25 June where the Cathedral Choirs will perform Parry’s I was glad, and music by Vaughan Williams.
For information about the weekend, and details of other 1350 anniversary celebrations, please visit Ely Cathedral website www.elycathedral.org