Weekly Notices | 18 January 2026

A Reflection by Canon Nick

The season of Epiphany which continues as a time of full celebration until Candlemas on Feb 2, is rich in symbolism throughout. Epiphany light continues to shine even into the darkest recesses.

This week’s Sunday gospel reading is from the second half of John chapter 1, where we hear John the Baptist talking about Jesus – that he ranked ahead of him because he was before him and would baptise with the Holy Spirit. He had said earlier that he was ‘not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals’. The comments are notable for their utter humility; no self-aggrandising, no ego or macho posturing, just simple, humble truth that built up Jesus rather than himself. It is a useful antidote amidst all the political posturing at home and abroad.

In Jesus Christ, the light of the world, we follow a different master with different values, that are about love, compassion, and human flourishing. Better to spend time dwelling on those and on the light rather than despairing over other things over which we have no influence.

This Sunday is also the beginning of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Churches Together in England reminds us that ‘There is one body and one Spirit’ (Ephesians 4:4) and further information can be found here. It is a good reminder that we are sharers in the light of Christ but also that none of us has a monopoly on it. We all have something to learn from each other. This year's theme also reminds us that the call to unity is a call to work for peace for all people everywhere.

We look forward to welcoming Bishop Christopher Hill as our preacher at 11:00am. He was formerly Bishop of Guildford and before that Archbishop’s Secretary for Ecumenical Affairs with which he has remained involved throughout his ministry including working with the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC) and the Council of European Churches (CEC).

Our celebration of light continues with the Epiphany Carol Service on Sunday evening at 5:45pm. On Tuesday 20 Jan, we have our annual Christian-Muslim evening at 7:00pm to which all are welcome. It is now in its 31st year! It always a great opportunity to learn from one another.

As we reflect on the light of Christ, and how it shines through all sorts of people, it is good to think about how we might be bringers of light, hope, peace, and joy to all in our communities, nation, and world.

Nick Ralph
Residentiary Canon

Dates for your diary…

Organ Recital: La Nativité du Seigneur – Friday, 16 January at 7:30pm
Matthew and the Atlas + Ian Jamieson – Saturday, 17 January at 7:30pm
Epiphany Carols – Sunday, 18 January at 5:45pm
Muslim Christian Evening – Tuesday, 20 January at 7:00pm
#PompeyTots – Wednesday, 21 January at 2:00pm
Lunchtime Live - Annika Lindskog & Steve Copland (voice & piano) – Thursday, 22 January at 1:10pm
Burns Night Ceilidh – Saturday, 24 January at 7:00pm

Community News

Third Cathedral Early Music Festival

We are delighted to host our third Early Music Festival. Between March 5 and 15 we shall be joined by The Gabrieli Consort and Baroque Alchemy, as well as our own cathedral musicians in concert including Britten’s Noyes Fludde and Handel’s Messiah on Saturday 15 March.

More details at festivalofearlymusic.com

Annual Muslim Christian Evening - Tuesday 20 January

Join us in the Cathedral Nave for the 31st Annual Muslim–Christian Evening, a much-loved tradition that celebrates friendship and dialogue between our communities. The evening will feature readings from the Qur'an and the Bible, a short talk to inspire conversation, and time to share food and fellowship in a warm and welcoming setting. Open to all, this event offers a unique opportunity to come together, learn from one another, and affirm the values of peace and understanding that unite us.

If you are able to, please bring a plate of vegetarian food to be shared during the evening.

Burns Night Ceilidh - Saturday 24 January

Tickets are selling fast for our annual spectacular evening of Scottish revelry.

All tickets include a hearty Scottish-inspired broth and delectable dessert to keep you fuelled for an evening of dancing! A range of snacks and drinks will also be available to purchase from our bar. The incredible Woodsiders Band will play you through a night of traditional Scottish music and lively ceilidh dancing. Throughout the evening their experienced leaders will talk you through the steps of simple dances, so you'll be able to join in the night!

Book tickets online or from our shop.

Coffee with Anna

Coffee with Anna, will recommence on Monday 19 January at 11:00am.

Hosted by the Anna Chaplaincy. You are warmly invited to join us at 11:00am for tea, coffee, biscuits and a chat. Suitable for older people and those who care for them.

The next Coffee with Anna date is
Monday, 19 January followed by 16 February.

Read more about Coffee with Anna here.

Coat of Hopes and Congregational Tea

On Sunday 8 February, Portsmouth Cathedral will be hosting the Coat of Hopes - a precious patchwork garment which is on a long term pilgrimage through the UK, and has been made by, worn and walked by more than 2000 people, for a distance of over 2000 miles so far, carrying their hopes in the face of climate and ecological breakdown. The Coat is currently travelling along the South coast and will be coming from Chichester Cathedral and St Faith's Church, Havant, stopping off at Portsmouth before going on to the Isle of Wight.

Do join us for a Congregational Tea, during which the Coat bearers will be pleased to talk about the Coat, to sing the "Coat Song" and to allow people to try it on!

If you would like to come to the tea, please let us know by completing the form available at the linkhere.

Change of service times on Wednesdays and during Choir Holidays

The Church year starts in Advent, but the Cathedral financial year begins in January. From the beginning of 2026 we have begun implementing the budget approved by Chapter in early December. This budget is designed to ensure that our life and work continue to thrive and grow, while also addressing the reality that our expenditure is more than our income.

We have looked to make changes, either income-generating or cost-reducing, that have the least impact. We have therefore made a small change to our worshipping pattern and opening hours…

On days when the choir is not singing Choral Evensong - Evening Prayer will take place at 4pm (previously 5:45pm) with the cathedral closing after the service has concluded.

This will primarily affect Wednesdays and also holiday periods, except when there is a visiting choir. Whilst this is a change we would rather not be making, we look forward to the day when our budget is balanced and we can reverse it.

Organ concert: La Nativité du Seigneur (Messiaen)

Olivier Messiaen, one of the most influential organ composers of the 20th century, wrote La Nativité du Seigneur in 1935 at the age of 27. It is a set of nine meditations on aspects of the narrative of Christ's birth, from the mystery of the Word made flesh to the mirth of the shepherds and the awe of the Magi.

Come and hear Messiaen's Christmas meditations, played by the Sub-Organist Sachin Gunga and Michael James Organ Scholar Michael Chamberlain, and feel free to experience this sublime music from different parts of the Cathedral.

Concert on Friday 16 January at 7:30 p.m. Admission free with retiring collection.

Tickets are now also available here for our Summer Organ Concert series.

Guest Preachers

On Sunday 18 January, which marks the start of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, we will have Bishop Christopher Hill as our preacher. Bishop Christopher worked as the Archbishop of Canterbury's Secretary for Ecumenical Affairs and was Co-Secretary of the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission before he became Canon Precentor of St Paul's Cathedral, London. From 1996 he was Bishop of Stafford and then Bishop of Guildford from 2004-2013. In 2013 he was elected president of the Council of European Churches.

Do join us to enjoy two excellent sermons from these distinguished preachers.

Cathedrals Plus Conference

Dean Anthony, as Chair of Cathedrals Plus and our Learning and Schools Officer, Diana Hutchins, have been attending the Annual Cathedrals Plus Conference this week. The charity exists to help cathedrals, abbeys and other greater Christian churches meet the educational and visiting needs of pilgrims, worshippers and visitors.

Read more What We Do – Cathedrals Plus

Portsmouth 100

Dean Anthony was delighted to represent the Cathedral at the formal launch of the Portsmouth100 on New Year's Day. The Dean joined civic, business, and community leaders from across the city at the event in Southsea Castle, hosted by Jack Edwards. The event saw the unveiling of a newly commissioned artwork from Turner Prize nominee Nathan Coley, an illuminated artwork wrapped around the lantern gallery of the Castle Lighthouse.

Portsmouth City Council Leader also introduced the Portsmouth100 film, specially commissioned for the event, shining a light on the city, its residents and culture in this momentous year. The full film, which is being shown at events and locations across the city this year, features our very own Bellringers as well as stunning shots of our Cathedral.

You can see the teaser of the video here.

Music in the Diocese

This Sunday and next our Organ Scholar, Michael is playing for services at All Saints Church as part of our on-going effort to support music-making in the diocese.

Cathedral Shop - January Sale

Start the new year with a visit to our Cathedral Shop! We’re open Monday to Saturday, 10:30am–3:30pm, and Sundays, 12:00pm–3:00pm. Our January Sale is now on, with selected items reduced, perfect for picking up a thoughtful gift or a treat for yourself. Pop in and see what treasures you can find or shop online.

Vacancies

We’re looking for a Shop Manager to lead the day-to-day running of the Cathedral Shop and help it thrive as a welcoming, efficient and community-focused space.

This key role is all about making sure the shop runs smoothly and successfully, maximising income to support the charity’s work. You’ll oversee stock management, coordinate our brilliant team of volunteers, and manage daily processes to keep everything running like clockwork.

You can learn more here.

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 - Epiphany Carol Service

Prayers & Intercessions

We remember those for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community: Peter, Phil, Wynne, Trevor, Tara, Lyra, Terry, Helen, Nigel, Jill, Colin, Alan, Martin, Steve, Tom, Jason, Richard, Abbie, Matthew, Hazel, Mark, Paul, Pauline, Susan, Jennifer, Lotti and 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: Karen Benson (Cathedral funeral 2:45pm Thursday 15 January), Martin Phillips (Cathedral memorial 2:00pm Monday 2 February), Christine Richardson, Jean Shann and Lara Kynvin RIP.