Thursday, February 2, 2023
This service celebrates the feast of the Presentation of our Lord in the Temple at Jerusalem-also called Candlemas, or The Purification of the Virgin Mary. The main music for the service is William Byrd's "Mass for Four Voices," a sixteenth-century choral setting of the Mass.
When Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Temple according to Jewish law, he was recognized by the old prophet Simeon, who knew that this child was "a light for revelation to all nations." Thus the image of light carries an important part in today's liturgy, and by ancient tradition the service begins with the Blessing of Candles (whence the name Candlemas), and a procession "to meet the Lord," just as Simeon and Anna went to the Temple and found the Christ there. The service begins in the Narthex with the Blessing of Candles, and a Procession into Duke Chapel. All are welcome.
Paid parking is available on a first-come-first-served basis in the Bryan Center Garage at 125 Science Drive. ADA parking is available in surface lot at the same address.
Find a livestream of this service in the video player below.