The Archbishop of York, the Right Reverend Stephen Cottrell, will preside at an act of worship for the Feast of Candlemas, which will be livestreamed from York Minster on Sunday 31st January at 4pm.

Candlemas, marks the end of the season of Christmas and Epiphany and recalls the Presentation of Christ in the temple forty days after his birth. In their old age, the prophets Simeon and Anna who witnessed the event, recognised the child Jesus as their Lord.  Jesus is proclaimed as the Light of the World and at the same time, there is a hint of his future suffering as he turns from the crib to the cross.  The service of Candlemas allows us to hold on to Christ, the Light of the World and to pray for the light of God’s love to shine upon us and the world in all of its need. Those watching the service are encouraged to light a candle and pray for the blessing of light in the year ahead.

Archbishop Stephen said:  “I love the story of Christ’s presentation in the Temple – it is a story about recognition and purpose.  Guided by the Spirit, Simeon recognises the infant Jesus as the Messiah. God’s purposes are revealed in weakness and helplessness, in a child, a baby.   But this child will be a light, not just to Israel, but to the Gentiles – that is, to everyone. Jesus is the light of all the world. Jesus is the fulfilment of God’s promises to Israel and they now extend to all humanity.”

You can join York Minster’s Candlemas Service in the following ways:

Livestream:    
Sunday 31^st January at 4pm at Candlemas: A Light in the Darkness and on our YouTube channel. The Order of Service will also be available for download.
Catch up any time:
The service will be streamed again on Tuesday 2nd February (Feast of Candlemas), via our Facebook and YouTube channel and will then be available on both platforms for viewing at any time.