Green light for York Minster Refectory Restaurant plans
Last night, City of York Council’s Planning Committee, unanimously resolved to grant planning permission for a new refectory restaurant on the site of the former Minster School. Award-winning chef Bex Toppin and partner Will Pearce of Robinsons Cafe, York, have been brought on board to run the new York Minster Refectory Restaurant as part of a prominent, award-winning development team that also includes GEM Construction (York) Ltd., The Star Group of Restaurants, and Rachel McLane Ltd.
GEM Construction’s chairman Mike Green, who is joint director and partner in the new venture with The Star Group’s director Andrew Pern, said: “This is an ambitious, high quality but accessible restaurant launch in an historically sensitive refurbishment of The Minster School, York, that will benefit the people and the city of York with new jobs and a fabulous restaurant while embracing the vision of the Chapter of York, the governing body for York Minster.”
The Right Revd Dr Jonathan Frost, Dean of York said: “We are delighted that City of York Council granted planning permission and listed building consent last night. This excellent partnership fully embraces Chapter’s vision to create a warm, welcoming refectory facility in the heart of the city. Re-purposing the former Minster School buildings to create a wonderful new space is fundamental to the principles of sustainability set out in the York Minster Precinct Neighbourhood Plan.
“We are also delighted to work with partners whose ethos as a community employer is aligned with York Minster’s core values for openness, inclusivity and support for disadvantaged groups, such as ex-prisoners, who are often excluded from mainstream employment opportunities.
“We are confident that the new Refectory Restaurant will operate very much in the caring spiritual, historical tradition of York Minster as a place of sanctuary and alms for feeding and watering pilgrims and the needy. The venture remains ‘subject to contract’ and we continue to work closely with Gem and The Star Group to finalise the detail”.
The team behind the new Refectory Restaurant are experienced, highly talented professionals working on the project from the historical conservancy side, to interior design, hospitality and catering.
GEM Construction itself employs 35 full-time staff including project and professional staff, alongside Gem’s sister company, Lanstone Conservation, which specialises in the maintenance, restoration and conservation of ecclesiastical, historic and ancient buildings and monuments.
Gem Construction was founded in 1997 by Chairman Mike Green, who is passionate about the project, the jobs in construction and hospitality the new restaurant will create, and the opportunities it has opened up for the project team.
“At Robinsons, Bex and Will have really made a name for themselves since they opened the cafe in 2016 and will bring good quality but very affordable dining in an accessible-to-all refectory-style restaurant cafe,” added Mr Green.
“Plans are still being finalised but we expect there will be a daytime takeaway element, and day time and evening dining; we also aim to have a mix of smaller function and private dining rooms, which are relatively rare in York,” added Mr Green.
Looking after the interior design side of the project is Rachel McLane Ltd, the multi-award-winning interior designer from Pickering – a finalist in three categories at this year’s Northern Design Awards, including best Interior Design Practice.
Bringing 20 years’ experience to the project across numerous hospitality projects, Rachel McLane said: “We want the Refectory’s design to be an honest, community space, unpretentious, public focused and accessible, making it look like it belongs and won’t take away from the essence of the building, by doing justice to its historical importance.
“The design concepts that we have come up with really respect and enhance the old school – the main floor Refectory restaurant space will be the space in which school pupils and staff ate their meals and hosted school concerts,” she said. Andrew Pern, at the Star Group of Restaurants is the other main investment partner and brings the expertise and resources of those restaurants including The Star at Harome and The Star Inn the City, York.
Mike Green added: “Although Andrew and I have been working very closely together on this project as we have on our other Star restaurants, people can expect the Minster Refectory restaurant to be a distinctly different concept to the Star.”
This new project is obviously very close to the hearts of the Refectory team Rachel, Bex, Will, Andrew and Mike, who added: “We are all from the area, or live, work and have close connections not just to York, but to York Minster and the former school itself.
“So, it goes without saying, that we want to see that the building’s history is respected and that any project is done well and to the highest standard.”
The new team also hope that the new restaurant will add to the increasing lure of York as a destination place for high quality, good value restaurant and cafe dining.
“We’re keen to build that up for York and the people here, not only to attract more people from Yorkshire and further afield to the city but to give local people employment and opportunities in what will be a fantastic new restaurant,” added Mr Green.
The plans for the new Refectory Restaurant remain subject to final planning permission in a deal that is ‘subject to contract’, as York Minster, Gem Construction and The Star Group of Companies work in partnership to finalise contract arrangements.
Spectacular Advent Wreath Raising returns to York Minster
York Minster’s spectacular Advent Wreath, will be suspended below the Minster’s Central Tower today marking the beginning of the Christian festival of Advent and Christmas at the Minster.
The wreath is assembled around a vast and heavy three metre wide, metal ring with built-in channels to hold the water required to keep the foliage fresh. The structure also features five one metre high candle holders. It takes the Minster’s expert team of volunteer flower arrangers almost two hours to transform the metal ring into a spectacular, abundant display, overflowing with fresh, evergreen winter foliage. This year’s display will be mainly of ivy, kindly donated from the gardens of internationally renowned flower arranger George Smith.
For Head Flower Arranger, Mandy Barker and her team, dressing the Advent Wreath is one of the most important challenges of the year. Mandy said: “Between us, we’ve had plenty of practice assembling and installing the advent wreath and getting creative with the seasonal foliage that we can find. It is just wonderful to see it come together and to produce a display which is so important for the Minster’s Advent and Christmas celebrations.”
Decorating the wreath this year will also provide an important social occasion for the Minster’s flower arrangers. Mandy said: “There are volunteers who come to help who have been coming along for the last 30 years. It is a really lovely occasion and we all take great pride and satisfaction in making a wonderful display.”
Once the wreath is complete, children from St Peter’s School, York, will arrive at the Minster to help Head Verger Alex Carberry, lift four one metre high candles into position on the wreath and watch as Alex lifts the fifth candle into its central position. The wreath will then be hoisted into position below the Central Tower. The first candle will be lit on Sunday 28 November (the first Sunday of Advent), and then on three successive Sundays with the final candle being lit at the Christmas Day Eucharist service.
Canon Victoria Johnson, Precentor said: “After two difficult and challenging years, the raising of this wreath and the hope that it brings, is more poignant and wonderful than ever. The lighting of each candle brings us ever closer to the joy of the birth of the Christ child and the bringing of His light into the world.”
World premiere for composition celebrating the return of York Minster’s Grand Organ
A new composition written to celebrate the return of York Minster’s Grand Organ following a once-in-a-century refurbishment will receive its world premiere on Sunday at the cathedral’s Advent Procession service.
The piece, Toccata on ‘Wachet Auf’ written by David Halls, is the winning entry in the aged 19 and over category of the Grand Organ Composers’ Competition, which was launched in June to mark the instrument’s return after a £2m refurbishment project which started in 2018.
The competition, which was run in partnership with the Cathedral Music Trust and Banks Music Publications, attracted more than 60 entries from amateur and professional musicians across two categories – aged 19 and over and 18 and under.
The winner of the 18 and under category will be announced next month ahead of the winning composition receiving its first performances during the Minster’s Nine Lessons and Carol services on 22 and 24 December.
Ben Morris, York Minster’s Assistant Director of Music, said: “We were delighted with the response to the competition which attracted a high calibre of entries.
“The competition was designed to celebrate the Grand Organ’s return at the heart of worship in the cathedral, continuing a heritage which goes back centuries.
“It’s been fantastic to be able to invite people to be part of this landmark project, adding to this rich musical history while celebrating the instrument’s future.”
The competition was judged by a panel of industry experts including New York-based composer Nico Muhly, composer and former York Minster Organist and Master of Music Philip Moore, British composer Roxanna Panufnik, Canadian-born organist, conductor and composer Sarah MacDonald and York Minster’s Assistant Director of Music Ben Morris.
As well as hearing his piece played at the Minster’s Advent Procession service, Mr Halls will receive a financial prize and his composition will be printed by Banks Music Publications.
Second prize was awarded to Stephen Barber for Toccata on ‘Creator alme siderum’ and third prize to Liam Condon for Veni ad Salvandum nos, with both runners-up receiving financial prizes.
Tickets are required to attend this year’s Advent Procession to help the cathedral safely manage visitor numbers inside, and the service is now fully booked, but people can listen to the composition’s premiere by joining the livestream of the service via the cathedral’s website. Visit www.yorkminster.org/whats-on for further details and to access the livestream from 5.30pm on Sunday (28 November).
The project to refurbish the Grand Organ started in 2018 and was the first refurbishment of the instrument on this scale since 1903. It involved the removal of the organ, including nearly all of its 5,000 plus pipes, to organ specialists in Durham for cleaning, repair and replacement.
The instrument was rebuilt and voiced over several months from summer 2020, before returning to use as part of services in March this year with a formal dedication by the Archbishop of York on Easter Day (Sunday 4 April).
A programme of events to celebrate the organ’s return will continue throughout 2022, including a series of inaugural recitals planned for the summer.
Could your child be a chorister at York Minster?
York school pupils currently in Year 3 and who love singing are encouraged to audition for a place in York Minster’s world famous choir and the chance to be educated at St Peter’s School, York, the choir school for York Minster since September 2020. Formal singing experience is not required for the auditions.
Children joining the choir, which is made up of 16 boys, 16 girls and 12 adult singers, will be part of an internationally renowned team of singers whose voices are an essential part of worship at the cathedral. The choristers are trained by Robert Sharpe, Director of Music at York Minster.
Choristers perform at services, high profile occasions, events and concerts. They will also have the opportunity to take part in broadcasts for national media organisations such as BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM, recordings for classical music labels and to tour abroad.
York Minster’s choristers receive an excellent education at St Peter’s School. The Chapter of York provides a bursary for each chorister with means-tested funding potentially increasing the level of funding to 100%.
Robert Sharpe explained that the process aims to identify children with musicality and potential, rather than recruiting fully formed singers. He said:
“There will be many parents in and around York with a son or daughter who just loves singing and who may be searching for ways to nurture their child’s ability. Becoming a chorister at York Minster is an excellent way to harness a child’s musical talent. Energy, enthusiasm and humour are just as important as musical talent.
“In addition to developing their musical skills, chorister training helps children to develop lifelong skills such as self-discipline, organisational skills, concentration, poise and attention to detail. Choristers are educated at St Peter’s School which shares a common foundation of 627AD with the Minster, and is the fourth oldest school in the world.
“This is a unique opportunity for a child to have a superb education and to play a part in the life of one of the most important and beautiful cathedrals in the world.”
Commenting on the auditions, Jeremy Walker, Head Master of St Peter’s School York said:
“The experience of being a chorister at York Minster, combined with an education at St Peter’s, offers wonderful opportunities for girls and boys with musical talents and interests. I have first-hand appreciation of the incredible experience this provides, as a former chorister parent myself and Head Master of two cathedral choir schools, and encourage you and your families to find out more and consider an application.”
The new choristers will join York Minster Choir from September 2022.
About the 2022 Chorister Auditions
York Minster’s 2022 Chorister Auditions will be held in the week commencing 17 January 2022 at St Peter’s School, Clifton, York YO30 6AB. The deadline for applications is 31 December 2021. For an application pack and more details, contact Sara Bath, Master’s PA, on 01904 527391 or email s.bath@stpetersyork.org.uk
York Minster’s first Christmas Tree Festival
York Minster’s first Christmas Tree Festival will open next Thursday (18 November 2021) in the cathedral’s grounds, featuring nearly 40 trees decorated by local business, schools and charities.
The festival will take place in a festive marquee by the South Piazza, with the medieval Minster as its backdrop, and will be open daily (excluding Christmas Day) until 6 January 2022.
Visitors will be able to see the trees decorated to individual themes, vote for their favourite tree in a ‘best dressed tree’ competition and take part in activities, including adding their own Christmas message to a tag to hang on a prayer tree, and family craft sessions on Saturday 20 November.
The festival is linked to the new Winter Village at York Minster which will take place by the South Piazza and feature wooden chalets offering seasonal food, drinks and gifts.
Neil Sanderson, Director of the York Minster Fund which has organised the festival, said: “We’re excited to be opening our new Christmas Tree Festival which we hope will help spread some seasonal cheer while supporting one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals.
“Nearly 40 trees are being decorated to individual themes, from handcrafted ornaments by our stonemasons and the team at York Glaziers Trust, to music inspired creations and everything in between, so we can’t wait to see the ideas our participants have come up with.
“Entry to the festival in free, but we are encouraging donations to cover the running costs for the event, with any remaining proceeds being invested to help support the conservation of the cathedral.”
The trees for the festival have been provided with support from local company York Christmas Trees, who supplied the Christmas tree for 10 Downing Street in 2020.
The festival will include an activity tent where visitors will be able to write a Christmas message and add it to a prayer tree. Other activities include family-friendly craft sessions on Saturday 20 November, when participants can create their own Christmas tree decoration to take home.
Throughout the festival’s run, visitors will be able to vote for their favourite tree with the winning charity or school receiving a £200 prize and the winning business £200 to donate to a charity of their choice.
Opposite the festival will be The Winter Village at York Minster, which is being run in partnership with CMJ Events, and brings the best of both location and local produce to this brand new event.
Situated at the foot of the majestic South Door of York Minster, The Winter Village comprises several decorative wooden cabins offering food, drinks, gifts and the perfect place to sit and admire the view.
Both The Winter Village and the Christmas Tree Festival will run daily from 18 November to 6 January (except Christmas Day) from 10am to early evening and admission is free, although donations are encouraged to the tree festival.
Tickets do need to be purchased and booked in advance for the family-friendly Christmas Tree Decorations craft sessions on Saturday 20 November, with various sessions running between 10am and 3pm. Tickets cost £2.50 per participant and are available at HERE or by calling 01904 557200.
The festival forms part of a busy programme of services and events at the cathedral to mark Advent and Christmas. For full details visit www.yorkminster.org/whats-on.
St Cuthbert figure returned to York Minster on All Saints Day
Conserved medieval panels of stained glass featuring the figure of St Cuthbert will be returned to York Minster on All Saints Day (Monday 1 November) as part of an exhibition exploring the life and miracles of one of northern England’s most significant saints.
The figure, which runs over two panels of nearly 600 year old stained glass, was removed from the Minster in March as part of a five-year, £5m project to conserve the St Cuthbert Window – one of the largest surviving narrative windows in the world – and the stonework of its surrounding Transept.
Experts at York Glaziers Trust have been carrying out painstaking cleaning and repair work to the 152 panels removed from the window, with a selection gradually being put on display as part of the cathedral’s Light, Glass & Stone: Conserving the St Cuthbert Window exhibition, which opened in June.
During the work, conservators found the use of a technique dating from the 12th century which demonstrates the level of glazing expertise and skill in the city when the window was created around 1440, and the care and prestige given to the figure of St Cuthbert.
Professor Sarah Brown, Director of York Glaziers Trust, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to return St Cuthbert to the Minster on All Saints Day, the annual date when Christians remember all the Saints who have inspired the church over generations, and to be able to showcase the work that has gone into conserving these panels as part of the new exhibition.
“The panels normally sit in the bottom third of the St Cuthbert Window, which is remarkable in that this whole section of glazing is devoted entirely to historical figures, all clustered around this depiction of the saint.
“One of the most exciting things we’ve discovered is the inclusion in St Cuthbert’s vestments of some ‘jewels’ – small pieces of coloured glass used to enrich his robes.
“The jewels were produced using a glazing technique first described in the very earliest source book for stained glass technique from the 12th century, as a way to enrich white glass with colours without the need to use lead.
“There are a small number of known examples of the glazing technique, which involves painting around the ‘jewels’ avoiding any paint running between the two glass surfaces before firing it in a kiln, in Regensburg Cathedral and elsewhere in York.
“The discovery in this 15th century window is evidence of the level of skill and expertise of the glaziers in the city at the time, who preserved or revived this difficult technique, and the care and status afforded to the figure of St Cuthbert as one of Northern England’s most significant saints.”
St Cuthbert was an Anglo-Saxon monk and bishop of Lindisfarne who lived between c.634 and 687 and was renowned for his good works and miracles. In the stained glass panels St Cuthbert is shown wearing the robes of a bishop and carrying the head of St Oswald, which was placed in his coffin when Viking raids in the 9th century forced the monks to flee Lindisfarne, taking with them the saints’ remains.
The work to conserve the St Cuthbert Window, which dates from around 1440 and is located in the Minster’s East End, and the stonework of the South East Transept started in 2021 and will take around five years to complete.
The project includes installing state-of-the-art protective glazing to the window, to replace external quarry glazing installed in the 1930s and provide a barrier between the medieval glass and the elements.
The work is part of a 20-year partnership project between York Minster and York Glaziers Trust to ensure all 128 of the Minster’s mostly medieval windows have protective glazing to shield the delicate glass from decay and buy time for much needed conservation work.
York Minster’s Season of Remembrance
This year’s Season of Remembrance at York Minster will help us to engage with the extraordinary power of love, the grief and pain of bereavement and the opportunity to honour and to pay our respects to those who have died in past conflicts.
The Revd Michael Smith, Canon Pastor at York Minster said: “All of us carry in our hearts the memory of relatives, friends, colleagues and acquaintances who have died leaving us bereft. In addition to those who died as a direct result of Covid-19, others died without contact with loved ones and often without the funerals and memorial services they deserved, leaving many with unresolved grief.
“We are providing a safe place for people to grieve, to remember, to honour and to pray for all their loved ones who have died, whether they died years ago or in recent months. We hope that people will come for worship and services or simply just come to the Minster to sit, reflect, pray or to light a candle in memory of their loved ones.”
York Minster’s events and services for the Season of Remembrance are as follows:
Saturday 16 October – Friday 12 November
People We Love
A commission by York Mediale from creative collective KMA, ‘People We Love’, returns to York Minster for a second year. The piece features five, floor mounted, high definition screens in the Nave that will each show video portraits of a York local, looking at a picture of someone they love. After over a year of being kept at a distance from family and friends, it’s a poignant reminder of how precious love, and those loved, are.
Originally commissioned for the 2020 York Mediale festival, ‘People We Love’ was open for just three days before the national lockdown in November 2020. Refreshed for 2021 with new subjects, the emotive installation watches those involved as they reflect, remember and are reminded of a loved one.
Sunday 31 October – 4pm
Solemn Evensong for the Eve of All Saints
All Saints Day (1st November), is the day when Christians remember all those Saints, known and unknown, who have gone before us in faith and inspired the church over many generations. In this uplifting service of Choral Evensong, we anticipate the festival of All Saints, when we give thanks for those who have been shining examples and lived out their love of Jesus Christ in word and deed. The Preacher is the Canon Precentor, Victoria Johnson with music by the Songmen and Choral Scholars of the Choir of York Minster.
Monday 1 November – 5.30pm
Solemn Eucharist for the Feast of All Saints Day
We celebrate all the Saints in light and join in with the worship of heaven in this jubilant service with music from the Songmen and Choral Scholars of the Choir of York Minster.
Tuesday 2 November – 9.30am – 4pm
Day to Remember Those Who Have Died
All Souls’ Day (2 November), is the day when Christians remember the departed. A space will be created inside York Minster for people to sit quietly, to reflect, to pray and to light a candle for their loved ones. Minster Chaplains will be available throughout the day alongside members of the St Leonard’s Hospice Bereavement Support team. The St Leonard’s team will be on hand to talk and to provide bereavement support to anyone who needs it. Entry is free for all (the Minster will be closed for sightseeing visits).
Tuesday 2 November – 5.30pm
Requiem Eucharist for All Souls’ Day
The annual Requiem Eucharist for All Souls’ Day, at which we remember loved ones who have died, will take place at 5.30pm. The Preacher will be the Canon Pastor, Michael Smith, with music by the Songmen and Choral Scholars of the Choir of York Minster.
Thursday 11 November – 11am
National Two Minutes’ Silence for Armistice Day
At just before 11am, York Minster will come to a standstill as prayers are said for all those who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of their country in the First and Second World Wars and in subsequent conflicts since. Great Peter will toll eleven times at 11am followed by the National Two Minutes’ Silence.
Sunday 14 November – 10.30am
Annual Service of Thanksgiving and Commemoration for Remembrance Sunday
The Dean of York will preach at this annual service of Thanksgiving and Commemoration for Remembrance Sunday which will include music by the Choir of York Minster, hymns, readings, prayers and an Act of Remembrance at 11am in unison with the commemorations across the city, when Great Peter will toll eleven times followed by the Two Minute’s Silence. All are welcome.
Sunday 14 November – 4pm
Requiem Eucharist for Remembrance Sunday
To conclude the commemorations on Remembrance Sunday, the Choir of York Minster perform Faure’s Requiem as part of a moving and contemplative service of Holy Communion.
A service of Evensong with the Enthronement of the Archbishop of York
The Most Reverend Stephen Cottrell, will be enthroned as the 98th Archbishop of York at a service of Evensong at 4pm on Sunday 18 October at York Minster.
The Enthronement will take place on the Feast day of St Luke, Apostle and Evangelist. Choral Evensong, one of the Church of England’s fastest growing services, is often considered a jewel in the crown of Anglican worship. Much of the service will be sung by the adult singers of the Minster Choir and there will be readings, music and prayers. Elements of the service will be based on previous historic enthronements and Archbishop Stephen will take his oath on the York Gospels.
This is a ticketed service and will be held under careful Government and Church of England Covid19 secure guidelines, with strict limits on the numbers attending.
The service will be streamed via York Minster’s and the Church of England’s national social media channels making it possible for communities across the Diocese of York, the Northern Province and the worldwide household of the Christian Church to experience the occasion in real time.
Stephen was confirmed as Archbishop of York on 9 July 2020, in a Confirmation of Election service broadcast entirely via video conference. He walked as a pilgrim through the city of York, praying first at the shrine of St Margaret Clitherow and then at the tomb of St William of York in the crypt of York Minster, before taking up the historic Braganza Crozier – his staff of office – from the cathedral’s High Altar.
Archbishop Stephen had previously expressed hope that an improvement in the pandemic might enable a large public enthronement service to be held at York Minster. However, three months into his role and with the country still on high alert, Archbishop Stephen is completing the final stage of becoming an Archbishop, taking up his seat in the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter in York, in a simple service of Evensong.
Archbishop Stephen said: “I am delighted and humbled to be the 98th Archbishop of York. I have begun my ministry at a time of huge hardship and challenge and at the moment Covid19 is having a particularly devastating impact in the north. We don’t know how long the current restrictions will be in place. However, the worship and work of the church goes on bringing much needed hope, relief and practical help to the communities we serve. I am hugely thankful for the tenacity and creativity of our churches. I pray daily that we make Jesus known to all whom we meet, even if it is via Zoom! I pledge to give my best powers of wit, energy and creativity so that we may become a more Christ-centred and Jesus shaped Church, witnessing to Christ and bringing the healing balm of the Gospel to our nation.”
The Dean of York, The Right Revd Dr Jonathan Frost, said that even in a reduced format, Archbishop Stephen’s enthronement will be both moving and significant. Jonathan said:
“Archbishop Stephen’s arrival has, like everything else in our lives at the moment, been affected by the constraints of the pandemic. So we are doing traditional things in new ways and we are learning to take this perspective into every part of our life. Archbishop Stephen radiates the joy, light and Good News of Christ wherever he goes. I’m quite sure it will be a wonderful occasion.”
Commenting on the enthronement, The Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Revd Justin Welby said:
“As Archbishop Stephen takes his oath on the York Gospels, he will be placing his hand over gospels that have survived over a thousand years, including through many times of struggle and suffering. It is this same Gospel that the Church is being called to live out and proclaim today. We are to follow Jesus to the side of those who weep, and weep with them. We are to come alongside those who mourn, and comfort them. Most importantly we are being called to keep alive in our hearts the hope and light of Christ, which no darkness can overcome – and to be bearers of that light in our nation and our world today.
“Even in these times of pain and struggle, it is a great joy for the Church to welcome Archbishop Stephen into his new ministry. He is a wise, courageous and faithful servant of Jesus Christ who will be a blessing to the north of England and the Nation. Archbishop Stephen and his family will be very much in my prayers as he prepares to be enthroned at York Minster.”
Because of the major organ work being carried out in the Quire, Archbishop Stephen will use the historic Garbett Throne, situated in the Nave of York Minster, for this enthronement. The Episcopal Throne was designed by Sir Albert Richardson in memory of Archbishop Cyril Garbett (Archbishop of York, 1942-1955) and has been used as the Nave seat of the Archbishop of York since 1959. The inscription on the throne reads Vos non elegistis me sed ego elegi vos, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you”, Christ’s words to His first apostles. Archbishop Stephen will deliver his first public sermon from his seat in the Cathedral and inaugurate his ministry of teaching and mission.
The following prayer will be said for Archbishop Stephen:
“Almighty and most merciful God, you have poured down your gifts upon us, making some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers for the building up of your church here on earth. We pray for your servant Stephen, that by your grace, he may be ready to share the good news of the gospel, and with humility and wisdom use his authority to draw others to the way of Christ, through the same Jesus Christ, who is the same, yesterday, today and forever, Amen.”
Watch the service HERE