Following the announcement of the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 96, the country has entered a period of mourning, during which time York Minster will observe the following pattern of worship.

Monday to Saturday:

7.30am – Morning Prayer in the Nave

7.50am – Holy Communion

12.00pm – Holy Communion in the Nave

2.00pm – Hourly Prayer

3.00pm – Hourly Prayer

5.30pm – Choral Evensong with the Choir of York Minster and specially selected music and prayers (Evening Prayer on Monday 19 September)

This pattern of worship and prayer will follow throughout the official period of national mourning, Monday to Saturday. The pattern of worship on Sundays can be found here.

All are welcome to the Minster to pray or reflect. Entry is free.

Dates of note/special services:

Saturday 17 September

5.30pm – Commemorative Service of Evensong for Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II

This Choral Evensong Service with special prayers and music will take place in the Nave to commemorate and give thanks for the life of the late Queen.

Full details can be found here. 

Sunday 18 September

4pm – Civic Service of Commemoration for Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II

Led by the Acting Dean of York, The Revd Canon Michael Smith, this is the City of York’s civic service honouring the life and service of the late Queen.  Councillors and Aldermen from City of York Council will process into the Minster ahead of the service.  There will be special music and prayers for the late Queen, the new King and the Royal Family.

Please arrive in good time to be seated for this service – doors open at 3.00pm.

Full details can be found here.

8pm – National One Minute Silence

At a few minutes before the hour, people queuing inside and outside the Minster will be invited by members of the cathedral’s clergy to prepare for the national one minute silence in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth.  The minute’s silence will commence as the Minster’s Great Peter Bell strikes the final chime on the hour.

Monday 19 September – The State Funeral

Daily services will take place at 7.30am, 7.50am, 12 noon and Evening Prayer at 5.30pm.

Outside of each service, the Books of Condolence will be open for the final day from 9.30am until 7.30pm.