There was a large congregation in St Columb’s Cathedral, on Sunday 1st December, for one of the highlights of the festive season, the traditional candlelight Advent Procession. Based on the Great Advent Antiphons, the service is held in deep affection by a devoted congregation, many of whom return year after year to listen to readings, hymns and anthems on the theme ‘Darkness into Light’.
The Christmas trees lining the aisles in preparation for tomorrow’s opening of the Cathedral’s Christmas Festival lent a festive atmosphere to the special occasion. As is customary, though, the church was plunged into darkness for the beginning of the service, representing the darkness before creation and the darkness of sin.
The four Cathedral Choirs – directed by Nicky Morton and Louis Fields – began singing in the gallery of the Cathedral, gradually making their by candlelight from the west end of the church to the chancel, symbolising our journey of faith towards Christ.
This evening’s service was led by the Dean of Derry, Very Rev Raymond Stewart, assisted by the Cathedral’s Pastoral Assistant, Rev Canon John Merrick. The lessons and readings were read by People’s Churchwarden, Miss Muriel Hamilton; Diocesan Reader Mr David Bell; and Parish Readers Ms Jacqui Armstrong and Mrs Heather Fielding.
