Choral Vespers

Thursday, February 1, 2018
Blue candles in a church
6:00 pm
Choral Vespers
Location: Duke Chapel
Vespers Ensemble

This evening we celebrate the feast of the Presentation of our Lord in the Temple at Jerusalem - also called Candlemas, or The Purification of the Virgin Mary.

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.

The Duke Chapel Vespers Ensemble will perform special music by the great Renaissance English composer William Byrd: his Propers for the Purification of the Virgin Mary.

Members of the Anglican Episcopal House of Studies will help celebrate the Eucharist, which will last about an hour.

All are welcome.

Event Categories