Weekly Notices Sunday 11 January 2026

 A Reflection by Canon Jo

This weekend is the 85th anniversary of the Portsmouth Blitz during World War II. The night of the 10th to 11th January 1941 was the night of the heaviest bombing raid on our City, with its strategic Dockyard, during the war. Here in Old Portsmouth, our local neighbourhood around the Cathedral was particularly affected by the bombings that night.

Fifteen years ago, in 2011, a memorial stone was dedicated after a service here to commemorate those who died locally in the Blitz at 101 High Street, which suffered a direct hit, and fourteen names are inscribed on that stone.

At Evensong today (Friday 9th) ahead of this weekend, we will be marking these events of 85 years ago and their aftermath. On Saturday prayers of commemoration will be said at the memorial stone outside the Cathedral. There will be events also ove the weekend in Guildhall Square and at the Garrison Church.

As we remember the loss of life during the Blitz, and the effect on this City, we give thanks for all who worked to rescue and rebuild, who offered shelter and support. And we are all invited to commit ourselves again to offer what help we can to assist and encourage any in need, in the situation we are facing in our own day.

This Sunday, the first Sunday after Epiphany, is the feast of the Baptism of Christ. So it’s lovely that we have an actual baptism taking place during the 11am Eucharist as well as the opportunity to renew our own Baptismal Vows. After the service, we will be making our way to the Seafront for the (now traditional!) Blessing of the Waters. Based on an Orthodox tradition, we are reminded how the Baptism of Jesus sanctifies the whole created order: at the river Jordan, Christ entered into the material creation, and so water is a source and symbol of divine blessing and renewal. All who wish are invited to join in follow the procession down to the Hotwalls, but any who choose to go onto the beach – or even enter the sea – are reminded that they do so entirely at their own risk.

At Evensong on Sunday, appropriately, our preacher will be the Archdeacon for the Royal Navy, the Venerable Ralph Barber. Ralph has been a locally based RN chaplain and joins us regularly, but this will be his first official visit since his appointment.

We pray for ourselves and for one another and ask God’s blessing to be poured out on us all in this coming year.

Canon Jo Spreadbury
Canon Precentor

 Dates for your diary…

Community News

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.


Parish Lunch Club & Coffee with Anna

Parish Lunch Club starts again this Monday 12 January at 12:30pm. Registration is on the day and the cost of a two-course meal with tea or coffee is just £5. Other dates and information here.

Coffee with Anna starts again on Monday 19 January. You are warmly invited to join us from 11:00am for tea, coffee, biscuits and a chat. Hosted by the Anna Chaplaincy and suitable for older people and those who care for them. Read more about Coffee with Anna here.


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 worshiping 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.


Baptism of Christ with Blessing of the Sea

This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of Christ with a baptism in the main Eucharist, and we follow the 11am service with the Blessing of the Waters at the seafront.

This year, on the feast of the Baptism of Christ, we have a baptism in the service, giving us all a chance to reflect on our own baptismal vows. At the end of the service, all are invited to join in as we process to the seafront for the traditional Blessing of the Waters at the start of the new year! (If the weather conditions permit, some people may choose to come in for a swim but we stress that this must be entirely at their own risk.)


Two Guest Preachers

This Sunday, 11 January, and next, we will have two guest preachers with us. This Sunday at Evensong at 5.45pm, we will be joined by the Venerable Ralph Barber, Archdeacon for the Royal Navy. Ralph has been a local Naval Chaplain for some time, but has been recently appointed to his new role as Archdeacon.

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.

 

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.


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.

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.

Christine Richardson RIP

We are saddened to hear that Christine Richardson, our Volunteer Shop Manager for seven years from 2010 and member of the congregation until relocating to Somerset in 2017, died on Wednesday after a short illness.  Her funeral will take place at Yeovil Crematorium on Wednesday 14 January at 1:20pm. Details can be found here, please remember Christine, Rachel, Steve and the family in our prayers at this time.

Worship and 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  followed by Blessing of the Sea

5:45pm – Choral Evensong

Prayers and Intercessions…

We remember those for whom prayer has been asked by members of the Cathedral Community: Peter, Phil, Wynne, Chris, Nigel, Jill, Colin, Alan, Martin, Steve, Tom, Jason, Richard, Trevor, 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 2.45 Thursday 15th January), Martin Phillips (Cathedral memorial 2pm Monday 2nd February), Christine Richardson, Jean Shann, Alan Cole and Lara Kynvin  RIP.

We pray for: Henry who is to be baptised on Sunday.

Liz Snowball