Journeying through Lent to Easter at Portsmouth Cathedral

As we continue through Lent, we begin to look ahead to Palm Sunday this weekend and the start of Holy Week, one of the most significant times in the Christian year. Lent is a season of reflection and preparation, a time to pause, to pray, and to consider the story at the heart of Easter. At Portsmouth Cathedral, you are warmly invited to join us in this journey, whether at one of our services, visiting for private prayer and reflection, or exploring our ’Sanctuary’ Lent exhibition.

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, when we remember Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem to crowds of welcome and celebration. There are several opportunities to join us, from  early morning Holy Communion, to our informal #PompeySundays service (with donkeys!), through to a Sung Eucharist with procession of palms. The day concludes with Choral Evensong, when the preacher will be the Revd Dr Claire Potter, a Methodist minister at Wesley’s Chapel in London, with a background in ministry, heritage, and research into migration and faith.

During the week...

From Monday to Wednesday, we gather each evening for a short Holy Week Address followed by Compline, offering a simple and reflective way to pause at the end of the day. These addresses will be given by the Venerable Kathryn Percival, Archdeacon of the Meon, who supports clergy and parishes across the diocese and has previously served at the Cathedral as Canon Chancellor and Vice Dean.

Maundy Thursday marks a turning point. At 11am, the Chrism Eucharist brings together clergy and lay ministers from across the diocese, as oils are blessed and commitments to serve are renewed. In the evening, we remember the Last Supper at 7pm, with the Revd Catherine Williams preaching. Catherine is a spiritual director, retreat leader and writer, and will also preach on Good Friday, exploring the theme ‘The Signs at the Cross’.

"Unless I wash you, you have no part with me"

Anyone who would be willing to join in for the foot washing at the 7pm Eucharist of the Last Supper, please let Canon Jo know. We remember how Jesus washed his disciples' feet and gave us an example of loving service. This is a beautiful part of the Maundy Thursday liturgy. We hope to have 12 people taking part each year. Please ask Canon Jo to find out more.

After the service, a quieter and more contemplative space is offered through the Watch of Prayer in St Thomas Chapel.

"Could you not watch with me one hour?"

On Maundy Thursday, after the Eucharist of the Last Supper (which starts at 7pm), we keep a Watch of Prayer in the St Thomas Chapel, remembering how Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. He said to his followers, 'Could you not watch with me?' Please sign up to say that you are willing to take part in this beautiful but poignant time of silent reflection. Gospel passages are read every half hour, telling of Jesus' last night before Good Friday. There is a sheet to sign in the welcome area with 30-minute spaces to say what time you are able to take part. Further details from Canon Jo.

Heading into Easter weekend...

Good Friday is a day of deep reflection, as we remember the suffering and death of Jesus. Throughout the day, there are services for all ages, including a children’s service, extended times of reflection, and the Liturgy of Good Friday. From 12 noon, ‘The Signs at the Cross’ will be explored through scripture, reflection, music and silence, drawing on the powerful signs described in St Matthew’s Gospel at the moment of Christ’s death. In the evening, Stainer’s The Crucifixion offers a moving musical meditation.

From the stillness of Holy Saturday, we move into the light of the Easter Vigil, the first celebration of the resurrection. Easter Day then brings joyful celebration, with services throughout the day including Holy Communion, #PompeySundays with an Easter Egg Hunt, a Festal Eucharist, and Festal Evensong to close the day.

Whether you are already part of our congregation, or are joining us for the first time, you are warmly invited to join us this Holy Week, and Easter. 

Find out more and see all our services on our website →