Archbishop of Canterbury to come to Cathedral's 900th Anniversary...

16th September 2008

For 900 years Chichester Cathedral has been a landmark from land and sea.  Chichester Cathedral is the Mother Church of the Diocese of Chichester covering the whole of Sussex.

Further information:  Ruth Poyner or Maria Gordon 01243 813586  bookings@chichestercathedral.org.uk

Cathedral Celebrates 900th Anniversary Weekend with the Archbishop of Canterbury...

Chichester Cathedral will be officially 900 years old in October.  The Cathedral will be hosting an Anniversary Weekend of celebration from Friday 3rd October until Sunday 5th October, and will be joined by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Archbishop will be participating throughout the whole weekend; he is the Celebrant at a service on the Friday evening, cake cutting on the Saturday - followed by a complete change of tone as he takes a question and answer session with the public - and he will preach finally on the Sunday.  Exact timings are given below.

Many other dignitaries will be coming to the Cathedral over the weekend, including several of the Cathedral's European partners and local figures too, such as the Lord Lieutenants and High Sheriffs of West and East Sussex, and the Mayors of Chichester and Brighton and Hove.

The weekend will also include a celebratory '900th Birthday Party' for all the family, including art, craft, puppets, dance, workshops, games, a treasure hunt and a birthday cake.

This special weekend will also remember Chichester's famous Bishop George Bell who died 50 years ago this year (1883 -1958).  The Sunday service will include the dedication of George Bell House by the Archbishop;  George Bell House is a newly restored Conference and Spirituality Centre within the Cathedral Close.

The Very Rev Nicholas Frayling, Dean of Chichester, says: 'One great anniversary would be reason to celebrate but two add up to something really special.  900 years of worship and service in Chichester's wonderful Cathedral, and an opportunity to celebrate the life and achievements of Bishop George Bell will make for a weekend to remember.'

All are welcome and there is no charge for any of the events over the weekend.  The timings are:

Friday 3rd October: 6.30pm  Sung Eucharist of Thanksgiving for the 900th Anniversary of the Consecration of the Cathedral

 Celebrant: The Archbishop of Canterbury

 Preacher: The Dean

Saturday 4th October: 11.00am - 3.00pm  A 900th Birthday Party

 An exciting event for all the family - art, craft, puppets, dance, workshops, games, treasure hunt, and cake!

3.30pm  Cake cutting by the Archbishop of Canterbury

4.00pm - 5.00pm Question and Answer session with the Archbishop of Canterbury

5.30pm  Choral Evensong

Sunday 5th October

11.00am  Cathedral Eucharist in Celebration of Bishop George Bell

 Celebrant: The Bishop of Chichester

 Preacher: The Archbishop of Canterbury

 The service will include the dedication of George Bell House and be followed by drinks in a marquee

3.30pm  Choral Evensong