Every day of the year the Cathedral’s day starts with the service of Morning Prayer, also called Matins. This is a said service during which we offer to God the new day, and ask his blessing on all that we might do this day. The service includes reading the psalms allocated for that day and two passages from the Bible.
Evening Prayer is usually sung by the choir and known as Evensong; although the two Bible passages and most of the prayers are said, the choir sing the 'office' of the service, the canticles and an anthem. Just as Morning Prayer marks the beginning of the new day, so Evening Prayer gives thanks for the day that has passed and asks God to watch over us through the night ahead. It is a beautiful service to mark the end of the working day and appreciated by local business people on their way home from work. At Evensong during the week we read an excerpt from the Rule of St Benedict and commemmorate all those who have served the Cathedral community through the ages.
The word Compline comes from the Latin word meaning ‘Completion’. The service is normally said, and is designed to be a service of quietness and reflection before rest at the end of the day. Compline has always been the final service of the day for monastic communities; after Compline the whole community, including guests, often remain silent until the first service the following morning.
Holy Communion, also called the Eucharist, is celebrated twice every weekday. The word Eucharist means thanksgiving. During the week it is generally a said service but at weekends and festivals the choir sing and the ceremonial is rich and colourful. Whether said or sung, this service lies at the heart of the Christian faith; in breaking bread and sharing a cup of wine we remember the night before Jesus Christ died when he shared a meal with his disciples and told them to 'do this in remembrance of me'.
At services of Holy Communion in Norwich Cathedral all who have been baptised and are in good standing with their own church are welcome to come to the altar to receive the Blessed Sacrament (Christ’s Body and Blood). Those who would rather receive a blessing should indicate their wish by holding a service book or paper when the people move forward to the altar rail.
If you would like to read today's services of Morning or Evening Prayer or Compline please follow these links to the official Church of England website: