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At 4pm on September 25, 2022, at Christ Church Cathedral, the diocese of New Westminster in collaboration with the diocesan cathedral, Christ Church Cathedral celebrated a Choral Evensong in Commemoration of Her Late Majesty Elizabeth the Second.

The liturgy included the attendance of representatives from several different organizations including the current mayor of Vancouver and ecumenical and multifaith participation. It was a memorial that highlighted the diversity of the diocese.

The homilist for the liturgy was the Bishop of the diocese of New Westminster, the Right Reverend John Stephens. He began his address with these words:

When King George VI died on February 6, 1952, newspapers around the world proclaimed: ‘The king is dead, long live the queen!’ The young princess Elizabeth was on a royal tour in Kenya at the time and hastened her return to England. And after a long delay, on June 2, 1953, the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II took place at Westminster Abbey. And she would reign with a wisdom, compassion and kind-heartedness that won many hearts as she became both foundation and pinnacle to the United Kingdom, countries of the commonwealth and places far beyond. Today we recognize that about a week ago, once more, she returned to Westminster Abbey but for a final time; not to mark a beginning, but an ending... at least an ending in this world. But she has left an indelible mark on the history of the planet, an impression that will stay with us for countless years to come. 

Bishop Stephens homily is available here on the diocesan website; video, audio and text.
Download a .PDF of the Order of Service bulletin here

Please fine include in this post a video containing all the images shot by Geoff Howe at the September 25 liturgy

IMAGES

  • Order of Service Cover
  •  Mayor Kennedy Stewart, Elder Rikki Kooy, and some of the ecumenical partners:  Pastor Rebekah Swanson (ELCIC), Bishop Gerard LaPlante (Old Catholic) seated in the front row.  Vancouver Fire and Rescue Department member stands as a Vigil Guard.
  • Bishop Stephens preaches the homily and reminds us of the Queen’s constant call for unity and peace amongst all people of faith and those with none which emanated from her own deep faith in Jesus Christ.
  • Bishop Ingham listens as Imam Mohammad Shujaath Ali Nadwi
    — Imam, BC Muslim Association, Vancouver Branch leads prayer as one of Interfaith partners. 
  • Bishop Stephens prays the Benediction as Evensong concludes.

Photos: Geoff Howe

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