Durham Cathedral is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.
During this national period of mourning Durham Cathedral is inviting those in the North East, across the UK and around the globe to join them in prayer and reflection, both in person or online.
In memory of Her Majesty The Queen, people are welcome to come to the cathedral, reflect, sign a book of condolence, light a candle, offer a prayer, join a special services or simply just to be in the days to come.
The cathedral is flying the Union Flag at half mast, in Her Majesty The Queen’s honour until she is laid to rest. The cathedral's bells will toll 96 times at minute intervals today, from 12noon, also in Her Majesty The Queen’s honour, marking each year of her life.
There will be a special service of Evensong on Saturday 17 September at 3pm. This service will give thanks for Her Majesty The Queen’s life, commend her to God’s safekeeping and share prayers for the royal family. All are welcome to book a free ticket to attend the service, these tickets will be available from the cathedral's website very soon.
The Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Paul Butler said: “Her Majesty has served this nation with such deep love for the people and care for the well-being of all. Her devotion to her duty and responsibilities has been amazing. All of this has been firmly rooted in her deep personal faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Saviour.
“We give thanks to God for her, knowing that she rests in peace and will rise in glory. Our prayers are with our new monarch, King Charles, all the Royal Family and our nation in this time of sadness and grief.”
The Reverend Canon Michael Hampel, Acting Dean of Durham, said: “Durham Cathedral stands in mourning with the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth at this moment of profound grief at the death of Her Majesty The Queen. Grief is the price we pay for love and the love we have borne for decades for this remarkable woman deepens our grief – a grief we share with the whole world.
The Queen has been a focus for unity for people of all sorts and conditions – not least through a selfless sense of duty which sprang directly from her Christian faith. She stood alongside us at times of rejoicing and at times of grief and we stand now with the Royal Family and with each other, in mourning, but with a sense of rejoicing that Queen Elizabeth rests now in the eternal arms of God Almighty. We look now to her legacy and we pray for The King and all the Royal Family and we pray for each other as we journey on in faith and hope and love after the example of Jesus Christ – Elizabeth’s pattern and guide – and our Lord.”
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has been a symbol of unity over the past 70 years. During her time as the longest reigning UK monarch, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has encompassed many milestones, including becoming the first monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee. From her first visit to the North East in 1954, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has made more than 20 Royal visits to the region.
For more information on visiting Durham Cathedral and the special service during this period of mournng visit www.durhamcathedral.co.uk