This service will be the formal ceremonial occasion at which the new bishop takes up his office, an historic and important event in the life of the city and the diocese.
The majority of seats for this service have already been allocated to invited guests, however there is additional congregational seating available on a first come first served basis. Please feel encouraged to attend and arrive early to avoid disappointment. Doors open at 12.45pm, congregation must be seated by 1.30pm.
About the service
The service will begin at the ancient church of St Lawrence in the city centre, where Bishop Philip will make the necessary oaths and declarations. He will then be met in The Square by
the Mayor of Winchester, the Chief Executive of Winchester City Council, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Portsmouth, and the Headteacher and a pupil representative from The Bishop of Winchester Academy in Bournemouth. Together they will process slowly and prayerfully to Winchester Cathedral.
According to tradition, Bishop Philip will then knock on the West Doors of the Cathedral and
be greeted by a child who asks the question ‘Why have you been sent to us?’, to which he
replies, ‘I come as one sent as Bishop to serve you.’
The themes of love, humility and service will continue throughout, in the carefully curated
prayers, oaths and in the beautiful selection of music, including the anthem ‘Love Bade me
Welcome’ (a setting of George Herbert’s poem by English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams), chosen by Bishop Philip himself and sung by Cathedral Choir and the Junior Choir.
The involvement of children will be central to the proceedings, including performances from
school choirs and the presenting of the crozier (hooked staff) by a child.
Other symbolic ceremonial acts during the service include the ‘installing’ of the bishop into
his ‘cathedra’ (throne), anointing the new bishop with holy oil, and a final act of blessing
which takes place outside the cathedral when the bishop will pray for the city of Winchester
and the whole diocese.
Bishop Philip will also preach the sermon, his first public address since he legally became
Bishop of Winchester and an opportunity for him to express his hopes and priorities for his
leadership.
Special visitors
The Cathedral and diocese are also delighted to be welcoming some special visitors at the
service, including Archbishop Angaelos, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London, and other
friends from the Anglican Communion overseas, including the Bishop of Rumonge in
Burundi, and the Bishop of Karongi in Rwanda.
Questions
If you have any questions about this service, please contact the Diocese of Winchester directly. Contact details can be found here.
