Weekly Notices | 21 December 2025

A Reflection by Dean Anthony

We live in the age of the dark web and conspiracy theories, with huge anxiety about the way power is being exercised not only publicly but also behind the scenes, without our knowledge.   Some of these worries seem (to me at least) more plausible than others, such as the political influence of hugely wealthy individuals and corporations.  
 
At Christmas we see the antidote to all this, with the light of Christ shining in the darkness; with God revealing to us what is usually hidden and out of sight.  It is a ‘reveal’ with shock value: the Creator of the Universe, often referred to in prayer as ‘Almighty God’, giving away all strength and power as they are usually understood.   At Christmas, God shows us the kind of love found in a helpless child in a cradle, and then in later life through death on a cross.  
 
In a turbulent, violent world, we human beings are all too often focussed on our own safety, and on being in control as much as we can.   We are used to power being used coercively or corruptly.  But Christmas tells us what Good Friday and Easter tell us, that God freely chooses to give Himself away in love.   The world we live in exists because of the overflowing love of God, who has given us something of His own life, inviting us to be so caught up in the self-giving, generous life of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ that we want to live this way ourselves.   To live the kind of lives that are not dominated by concerns about safety or control, but are rather focussed on love of God and neighbour.
 
I wish you and your loved ones a blessed and joyful Christmas, and hope you will join us as we celebrate the coming of ‘God with us’ in Jesus Christ.

Anthony Cane,
Dean of Portsmouth

Dates for your diary…

Community News 

Christmas Fair 2025 & Thank you!

 

Our amazing community came together to raise more than £6,300 for our Cathedral Church and Choir Association.

 
The dedicated teamwork of our volunteers, and the generosity of all those who donated items old, new and hand-made meant that the stalls, such as Cakes, Jam & Preserves, Chocolate and Bottle tombola and more, were well stocked, Thank you all!
 
You can read the full story here.


Tickets selling fast for magical Christmas concerts...


On 20 December, The Snowman Live offers a magical screening of the classic animated film, accompanied by the Solent Symphony Orchestra and the voices of our Cathedral choristers.

 


Christmas Carol Service - This Sunday


This Sunday sees the first of our traditional Christmas Carol services, set amidst the Cathedral’s beautiful candlelit surroundings. With special readings and wonderful carols sung by the Cathedral Choir, it is a great way to celebrate Christmas.

If you are unable to join us in person, the service will be live-streamed so you can take part from home here.
 


Choir Christmas Album

 
‘For even more Christmas fanfare and ceremony, The Band of the Royal Marines Collingwood sound fabulous with Portsmouth Cathedral's choristers on The First Nowell, especially in Once in Royal David's city. A spectacular opening to a very atmospheric album’ GRAMOPHONE 
 
‘Like the fabled long-awaited bus, two albums book-ended by tremendous fanfares for brass and organ, launching choir and congregation into the Service and sending them out glowing, have appeared at once. Both establishments give generously for Advent and Christmas, but let's begin with the lesser known, one that proudly presents four seasonal choral services annually, the Choir of Portsmouth Cathedral. The First Nowell (Signum Records SIGCD943) carries the listener from the Advent Prose to Rutter's All bells in Paradise with affectionate interpretations, immediacy, and, above all, an engaging. youthful sound. Lesser-known gems such as June Clark's Let us light in a candle and Nativitas: Reflection 8: O magnum mysterium by Philip Moore for solo organ, impress among the 'usual suspects!’ CHOIR AND ORGAN
 
Available from the Cathedral Shop or on all major streaming platforms.


Silence in Heaven


Join us for half an hour of silence during Advent. Each session will begin with a brief introduction to the silence, using words from the Advent Antiphons and the Scriptures.


2:00pm - 2:30pm
Chapel of Healing & Reconciliation Mondays in Advent
(22 December)


All welcome - no prior experience or knowledge are necessary. Feel free to come and go as you wish.
 

Flower Guild


The Flower Guild would be very pleased to receive donations for poinsettias to decorate the Cathedral for Christmas (£5 each). Please use the reference “Flower Guild Poinsettias” for any donations made by envelopes placed in collection boxes, or for any donations made online or by bank transfer.
 


Word is Near update


The Word is Near is taking a break over Christmas and will return on Wednesday 7 January at the usual time of 10:30am. In the new year we will meet in the Corner Meeting Room in Cathedral House. If you are new and not sure where to go, please ask at the Cathedral Welcome Desk. 
 


No Highlights Tours


Due to the Christmas season, there will be no highlights tours from the 21 December - 1 January. Please remember our Highlights Tours are subject to availability.
 

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
6:30pm - Christmas Carol Service

Prayers & Intercessions

We pray for: Sophia, baptised last Sunday, and her godparents and family

We remember those for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community: 
Margaret, Peter, Mark, Phil, Wynne, Chris, Nigel, Jill, Colin, Alan, Martin, Steve, Tom, Jason, Richard, Trevor, Abbie, Matthew, Hazel, Paul, Michael, Pauline, Susan, Jennifer, Lotti and baby Lily. 

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

We remember those who have died recently, including: Jean Shann, Karen Benson, Barbara Hyatt, Gina King, Lara Kynvin, and Julian Bomyer 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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NoticesPortsmouth Cathedral