Weekly Notices | 23 November 2025

A Reflection by Dean Anthony

Many of Shakespeare’s plays explore the meaning of royalty.   They are full of kings, along with a whole variety of people from every aspect of society.   The quotation, ‘Tis not vestures which shall make men royal’ is sometimes presented as Shakesperean, and although these exact words are nowhere to be found in the plays, they are nonetheless a pretty good summary of Henry V’s reflections as he walks anonymously amongst his soldiers the night before the battle of Agincourt.   The trappings of royalty - the garments, the crowns, the courtiers - do not by themselves make someone a worthy king.  What is it then, that makes someone truly ‘royal’?

Over the past few years, because Leicester is a good meeting points for Deans from different parts of the country, I’ve had a number of opportunities to visit the tomb of Richard III in the Cathedral.   That tomb is ten years old now, after his remains were famously discovered underneath a Leicester car park back in 2012.  The design is elegant and the placement carefully considered, not least in being orientated towards the east to symbolize the hope of the resurrection – and to ensure it faces a stained glass window featuring Christ the King.

This Christ the King window, overlooking the tomb, serves as a visual reminder that all earthly power is ultimately derived from God.  It is a reminder that proper kingship, as revealed by Christ, is about service, justice, love and sacrifice.   

This coming Sunday, we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King in the Cathedral, as the current church year draws to a close.  As it happens, it is exactly one hundred years since Pope Pius XI established this Feast, in response to the turmoil of his times following the devastation of the First World War.  Given the continued elusiveness of peace, and the struggles of our current political, social and economic life, it is relevant as ever to be reminded that the Kingdom of God transcends worldly powers.  

Likewise, to be reminded that it is not ‘vestures’ that make us royal, nor our place in society, but rather responding to the call of Christ to the King to follow him in the ways of peace and sacrificial love.   This call is for all of us, kings and commoners alike.

With my prayers and good wishes,

Anthony Cane,
Dean of Portsmouth

Dates for your diary…

Community News 

Our new Welcome Area


Come and see our new Welcome Area & City Centenary Exhibition from Saturday 22 November.
 
Now that November is upon us, we're very pleased to announce that from Saturday 22 November, you'll be greeted by our new Welcome Area as you come into the Cathedral. This project, which has been funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and delivered in partnership with the Mary Rose Museum will see the shop move to the South Tower Transept, a custom-created welcome desk installed, and a brand-new heritage exhibition opened ready for the City's Centenary in 2026.
 
Visitors to the Cathedral on the 22 November will be amongst the first to experience the new space, and we're expecting visitors in their thousands as we also host the annual Love Southsea Christmas Market on the same day. Why not come along and join us or do come into the Cathedral after the 22 November to see the new Welcome Area at your leisure.

With the introduction of the new Welcome Area please note a change of Shop Opening Times.
 
The shop will be open Monday–Saturday, 10:30am - 3:30pm, and Sunday 1:30pm - 3:30pm. We’re open on 22 November, so please come and explore.
 


A Fair to Remember - Sweet & Savoury🧁


It's only 2 weeks to go until the Portsmouth Cathedral Christmas Fair on Saturday 6th December, and we need your most delicious help!
 
🧁 Cake Stall: While we all love a good Victoria sponge or chocolate cupcake, this year we’d like to offer something for everyone’s tastes and dietary needs. Could you consider baking/donating some savoury biscuits or bakes or some gluten-free or alternative-diet cakes, so no one misses out on the treats of the cake stall.  All Cake donations welcome, let us know what you have planned here.
 
You can read the full story here.


Fairtrade Cathedral Status

It is with great pleasure that we can announce that our Fairtrade Cathedral status has been renewed. This means that we are committed, as a community, to using as many Fairtrade goods as possible. 

‘The Fairtrade mark makes a tremendous difference to the lives of thousands of people in developing countries whose lives and businesses are at present under the intense pressure of climate change. Having Fairtrade certification means they can rely on an income that remains viable despite the vagaries of the market and the community receives a premium that can be spent on projects to improve their lives.’ Sue Ward, our volunteer Fairtrade Champion.

We ask that, as far as possible, those who use our facilities will ensure that the tea, coffee, sugar, and other goods produced in the developing world carry at least the Fairtrade Mark, thus ensuring our support for those most in need in these very difficult times.

Chapter would like to thank Sue for all her work and dedication in ensuring the Cathedral is supporting people and the planet in this way.
 

A Record-Breaking Breakfast


We’re delighted to share that the Fairtrade Breakfast on 5 October raised an incredible £472 – our best result yet! Thank you to everyone who joined us and supported this wonderful event.
 

 

Sermon by our Cathedral Honorary Canon

We are pleased to have the Honorary Canons of Portsmouth Cathedral preaching again this year on Sunday evenings at the 5:45pm service. The next sermon in the series will be preached by Canon Peter Hall, Diocesan Director of Vocations and Ordinands on Sunday 23 November.

Installation of Senior Girl Choristers

Last Sunday at Evensong we installed Jenna, Grace and Elsie as Senior Girl Choristers. Well done to them and thank you for their dedication, musical expertise and loyalty to choir and cathedral.
 


St Cecilia Evensong


Friday 21 November, we hold our annual St Cecilia Day Evensong. The Cathedral Choir will be joined by 150 children from - a mixture of primary schools we work with through Cathedral Sing and also three of our Choir Church projects in partnership with the Diocese.
 

Portsmouth Grammar School Chamber Choir
West Hill Park School
Choristers of St Mary’s Choir, Portsea
Faith in Harmony, Havant
ChoirClub@StMichaels
Boundary Oak School
St Alban’s CE Primary, West Leigh
St John’s CE Primary, Gosport
St Jude’s CE Primary, Portsmouth

 
 
We also welcome Jonathan Mayes, CEO of the Cathedral Music Trust and supporter of our music outreach work as well as Matthew Coleridge, composer of some of the music we will sing.
 

Masterplan Consultation - Give Your Views


We invite you to join us for this next engagement event, where we will share the emerging masterplan concept proposals and gather your thoughts on the stories, spaces and opportunities they present. Your insight and feedback will play a vital role in shaping a masterplan that reflects the Cathedral’s significance as both a place of worship and a landmark for the wider community.
 
Sunday 23 November, 2:00pm – 4:00pm. No need to RSVP, all are welcome.
 


Congregational Lunch - 23 November


All are welcome to join us at a Congregational Lunch on Sunday 23 November.  We will be enjoying cottage pie (or a veggie/vegan pie option), made and donated by the congregation, followed by delicious fruit crumble.  Please let us know if you and your family can stay after the 11:00am Eucharist or return after worshiping at the 8:00am or 9:30am services, by adding your order to the signup sheet on the Welcome Desk or following the link here. 
 
If you can help prepare the food or serve and clear on the day, please let Canon Jo know.

Worship & Visiting

Every day, Portsmouth Cathedral is open for worship, prayer, and visiting. Unless otherwise specified, services do not require booking. Our website contains orders of service, as well as information about visiting the Cathedral.

Services this Sunday


8:00am – Holy Communion
9:30am – #PompeySundays
11:00am – Eucharist
5:45pm – Choral Evensong

Prayers & Intercessions

We pray for: Rachel and Will, married here last Saturday, and all who were confirmed here.

We remember those for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community: Tom, Jason, Richard, Trevor, Abbie, Matthew, Hazel, Gina, Mark, Paul, Michael, Pauline, Susan, Jennifer, baby Lottie and baby Lily.  

We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including: Karen, Wynne, Carole, Davina,  Saphie, Ralph, Trudie, Marion, Jill, Suzy, Chris, Graeme, Alistair, Philip, Mathai.

We remember those who have died recently, including:Alan Sutherland (Cathedral funeral 1:00pm Thursday 4 December), Barbara Hyatt, Michael Jackson, Betty Baldwin and Lara Kynvin RIP.

 Upcoming Services & Events

See more events
See regular services

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 info@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk or leave a message via phone on 023 9282 3300.

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