Cathedral Notices - 21 June 2026
A reflection from Dean Anthony
This weekend we are recording a service to be broadcast on Sea Sunday, 12 July, at 8:10am on Radio 4. Before that, our annual Seafarers Service takes place here in the Cathedral on 28 June, perhaps the most distinctively Portsmouth service of the entire year.
It occurs to me, as we approach our centenary, that our distinctive identity as the ‘Cathedral of the Sea’ is much clearer to us now than it was in 1927. Out of all the English cathedrals, this is our particular gift, as seen throughout the building itself (the Golden Barque, the Navy Aisle, the Mary Rose grave, etc.) as well as what happens within it.
What a rich and wonderful theme this is. After all, the sea plays a vital role in the biblical story of salvation, from the first book to the last. In Genesis, for example, there are the stories of creation (chapters one and two) and the narrative of the flood (chapters six to nine). In Exodus 14, the crossing of the Red Sea is central to the movement of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to their promised land. Then there are Jonah and the whale, the missionary journeys of St Paul, and the many stories of Jesus that involve fishing and shipping, including the calming of a storm.
The sea has also inspired reflection and creativity in almost every sphere of human life and culture, from theologians to artists and writers to psychologists. Britain is often described as an ‘island nation’, and there is a particular sense of maritime history and identity in Portsmouth and its diocese, which includes the Isle of Wight.
In Portsmouth Cathedral, prayers are said daily for those who go ‘down to the sea in ships, doing business on the mighty waters’ (Psalm 107.23). This ‘business' encompasses a whole variety of human activity, including journeying, discovery, international trade (the Strait of Hormuz!), migration and the ‘small boats’, leisure, defence and peacekeeping. The ship is also an ancient image of the church, bearing a cargo of souls to the harbour of salvation. The symbol of both the World Council of Churches and Churches Together in England is a boat with the mast in the form of the cross, signifying the search for Christian unity.
There is much to reflect on here as we approach our Seafarers' Service, Sea Sunday, and our Centenary.
With my prayers and good wishes,
Community News
Cathedral Choir Tour to Normandy D-Day 82
The Cathedral Choir travelled to Caen, Bayeux and Arromanches for a long weekend of D-Day82 commemorations in France. Wednesday 3 June 19 boys and 15 music staff, The Dean, Canons Jo and Angela, choir matrons, lay clerks and scholars boarded the night boat to Ouistreham. The stormy conditions were a salutary reminder of those faced on a similar but far more dangerous journey 82 years ago.
An Evening with the Scholars
Jeremy, Henry, Alex, Sam and Michael will be joined by a few other musician friends to present a programme of solo and ensemble songs, both sacred and secular. This will be a perfect opportunity to hear these talented young people once more before they move on from Portsmouth in July, so please come and support them!
The concert will be at 7:30pm on Tuesday, 23 June - Admission free with retiring collection.
Just announced: Cathedral Institute ‘Patriotism: How to love one’s country in an age of nationalism’
Dr de Graaff, a member of the Church of England’s Faith and Public Life team, will explore key themes relating to the state of our nation today, such as:
How to love one’s country in an age of nationalism
Love of country: more than supporting the national football team?
Love of God and love of neighbour – where does love of country fit in?
Is there such a thing as Christian patriotism?
What exactly do we or should we love about our country?
Reflecting on Generosity
This fortnight we shall be reflecting on generosity and how our giving can support the worship and mission of Portsmouth Cathedral.
If you would like to update your giving, please email us on fundraising@portsmouthcathedral.org.uk, or visit the Cathedral website for more information by following this link.
Seafood on the Green - 4 July - What to expect…
As well as the delicious Seafood Platters and Paella that the PCCA will be serving on Saturday 4 July there will be a fantastic summer raffle! With a first prize of £100 worth of M&S vouchers and second prize of £50 Portsmouth Theatre voucher we are delighted to say that local business Camber Wine have donated the third prize of a trio of wine. To whet your appetite here are some tasting notes on the three delicious wines…
Out and About
Canon Nick will be taking the 10:00am service at St Mary's Rowner on Sunday 21 June as part of the Ministry Team's ongoing commitment to supporting benefices in vacancies.
Dean Anthony, as Chaplain to the City Council, will be leading prayers at the Armed Forces Day Flag Raising Ceremony at the Guildhall on Monday 22 June at 9:20am.
Just 162 sleeps, and so much to do!
Cathedral Christmas fair is on Saturday 28 November and there’s so many things to do... Could you help us improve Santa’s grotto? I need people to help with Sewing the roof decoration so that the setup is super easy.
Choir Farewells
As at the end of every choir year, we shall be bidding farewell to some choristers as their time comes to an end in choir as well as this year's Scholars. But this year too we shall be saying thank you and good luck to Bass Lay Clerk Alex Wallace who has accepted the offer of a similar role at Chichester Cathedral.
'I have had an incredible time in Portsmouth Cathedral Choir, and have learned so much from Dr Price and the other members of the back row. Highlights include playing clarinet on a BBC broadcast, and tours to Denmark and Belgium! I'd like to thank everyone involved in the choir over my three years here for making it such a wonderful experience.'
We shall miss Alex's contribution to the sound of the choir and his immense expertise and musicality.
We’ve hit our £50,000 target and the steeplejacks are booked in to start work on our belfry!
We are delighted to share that thanks to a generous anonymous donation, success obtaining two grants from Benefact Trust and Syder Foundation, and your appeal donations, we have managed to raise to date over £65,000 to meet the belfry works and work can begin in September.
As total costs for this work equal £120,000 and our projected budget is running at a deficit this year, we need to keep the appeal open as well as run fundraising tours to help meet the remaining costs.
Fundraising Tours
We shall be offering tours of our historic belfry throughout June and July. Each tour will allow you to enjoy the chance to enjoy the view from the top with a glass of bubbly and discover more about this amazing part of our cathedral’s history and architecture from one of our experienced guides and bell ringers. This could be a perfect treat for yourself or a birthday or anniversary present for someone you love.
Further details on how to book will be shared in the coming weeks.
Prayers & Intercessions
We pray for: those licensed as Readers and Lay Ministers on Saturday, and for those to be Ordained next Saturday including, as Deacon, Stuart McKerracher - and, as Priests, Kitty Price and Chris Nicol.
We remember those for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community: Don, Simon, Pauline, Hillary, John, Ann, David, Marion, Gordon, Jean, Andrew, Tom, Matthew, Paul, Sylvia, Anne, and William.
We continue to pray for the long-term sick, including: Abbie, Wynne, Nigel, Jill, Martin, Colin, Richard, Hazel, Spencer, Jennifer, Karen, Carole, Davina, Philip, Mathai, Chris, Graeme, Alistair, Ralph, Lila, Lotti, Elizabeth.
We remember those who have died recently, including: The Revd Mary Tillman (Cathedral funeral 2:30pm on Thursday, 25 June), Selwyn, Jeremy, Linda Green (Cathedral funeral 11:00am on Monday, 6 July), Annabel Benton (Cathedral memorial service 2:30pm on Monday, 13 July) RIP.