Order of Service
Friday, 15th October 2021
17:00
Friday of the Octave of the Translation of St Edward the ConfessorEvensong
Please join in saying the words printed in bold type.
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The service is sung by the Choirs of Westminster Abbey and Westminster Cathedral.
Introduction
The Benedictine monks of Westminster Abbey sang in Latin each day seven services, or 'offices', consisting of psalms, canticles, prayers, and biblical readings. When the monastery was dissolved, and re-founded as the present Collegiate Church of St Peter by Elizabeth I in 1560, daily prayer continued in the form of the two offices of Matins and Evensong.
Evensong is an Anglican office, conflating the monastic evening offices of Vespers and Compline, and set out in the Book of Common Prayer of 1549, the first Prayer Book to provide for services in the English language. The two canticles, Magnificat (The Song of Mary, Luke 1: 46–55) and Nunc dimittis (The Song of Simeon, Luke 2: 29–32), form the invariable heart of Evensong, and have, together with the Versicles and Responses, been the subject of a wide range of musical settings.
This service provides a juxtaposition of liturgical music from two traditions which have developed independently of one another, but which are also intimately related.
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Westminster was established in 1850, with the building of the Cathedral commencing in 1895. Since 1903 the Latin office of Vespers has been sung daily in the Cathedral.
Tonight's Evensong, sung jointly by the Lay Clerks of Westminster Cathedral and the Choir of Westminster Abbey, is a celebration of our common heritage which stretches back to and beyond St Edward the Confessor, whose example and devotion is commemorated with joy by both our churches. Here, at the Shrine of St Edward, we pray for the gift of unity which is Christ's own divine will.
The Choir of Westminster Abbey is conducted by James O'Donnell, Organist and Master of the Choristers
The Lay Clerks of Westminster Cathedral are conducted by Simon Johnson, Master of Music
The organ is played during the service by Peter Holder, Sub-Organist
Music before the service, played by Marko Sever, Organ Scholar, Westminster Cathedral
Andante serioso ma con moto (Sonata in E flat), Edward Bairstow (1874–1946)
Order of Service
All stand as the choirs and clergy enter
The Lay Clerks of Westminster Cathedral sing the Introit
Iste Confessor Domini, colentes
Quem pie laudant populi per orbem,
Hac die laetus meruit supremos
Laudis honores.
Qui pius, prudens, humilis, pudicus,
Sobriam, duxit sine labe vitam,
Donec humanos animavit aurae
Spiritus artus.
Cuius ob praestans meritum frequenter,
Aegra quae passim iacuere membra.
Viribus morbi domitis, saluti
Restituuntur.
Noster hinc illi chorus obsequentem
Concinit laudem celebresque palmas,
Ut piis eius precibus iuvemur
Omne per aevum.
Sit salus illi, decus atque virtus,
Qui super caeli solio coruscans,
Totius mundi seriem gubernat
Trinus et unus. Amen.
He whose confession God of old accepted,
whom through the ages all now hold in honour,
gaining his guerdon this day came to enter
heaven's high portal.
God-fearing, watchful, pure of mind and body,
holy and humble, thus did all men find him;
while, through his members, to the life immortal
mortal life called him.
Thus to the weary, from the life enshrined,
potent in virtue, flowed humane compassion.
Sick and sore laden, howsoever burdened,
there they found healing.
So now in chorus, giving God the glory,
raise we our anthem gladly to his honour,
that in fair kinship we may all be sharers
here and hereafter.
Honour and glory, power and salvation,
be in the highest unto him who reigneth
changeless in heaven over earthly changes,
triune, eternal. Amen.
All remain standing as the officiant introduces a general Confession
Beloved, we are come together in the presence of Almighty God and of the whole company of heaven to offer unto him through our Lord Jesus Christ our worship and praise and thanksgiving; to make confession of our sins; to pray, as well for others as for ourselves, that we may know more truly the greatness of God's love and show forth in our lives the fruits of his grace; and to ask on behalf of all such things as their well-being doth require. Wherefore let us kneel and keep silence, and remember God's presence with us now.
All kneel or sit to say together
O God, our Father, we have sinned against thee in thought, word, and deed; we have not loved thee with all our heart; we have not loved our neighbour as ourselves. Have mercy upon us, we beseech thee; cleanse us from our sins; and help us to overcome our faults; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The officiant gives the Absolution
May the almighty and merciful Lord grant unto you pardon and remission of all your sins, time for amendment of life, and the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
All say together the Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
All stand. The officiant and the Choir of Westminster Abbey sing the Responses
O Lord, open thou our lips
and our mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, and is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Praise ye the Lord.
Composer: Thomas Tomkins (1572–1656)
All sit. The Lay Clerks of Westminster Cathedral sing Psalm 15
Antiphon Homo iste fecit mirabilia in vita sua et probatus, perfectus inventus est in gloria æterna.
This man was found to be blameless and faithful; eternal glory will be his.
Domine, quis habitabit in tabernaculo tuo; aut quis requiescet in monte sancto tuo?
Qui ingreditur sine macula et operatur iustitiam;
qui loquitur veritatem in corde suo qui non egit dolum in lingua sua;
nec fecit proximo suo malum et opprobrium non accepit adversus proximos suos.
Ad nihilum deductus est in conspectu eius malignus timentes autem Dominum glorificat.
Qui iurat proximo suo, et non decepit;
qui pecuniam suam non dedit ad usuram et munera super innocentem non accepit.
Qui facit hæc non movebitur in æternum.
Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto;
sicut erat in principio et nunc et semper et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.
O Lord, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy hill?
Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right, and speak the truth from their heart;
who do not slander with their tongue, and do no evil to their friends, nor take up a reproach against their neighbours;
in whose eyes the wicked are despised, but who honour those who fear the Lord;
who stand by their oath even to their hurt;
who do not lend money at interest, and do not take a bribe against the innocent.
Those who do these things shall never be moved.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning is now and shall be forever. Amen.
Praise the Lord, O my soul; while I live will I praise the Lord : yea, as long as I have any being, I will sing praises unto my God.
O put not your trust in princes, nor in any child of man : for there is no help in them.
For when the breath of man goeth forth he shall turn again to his earth : and then all his thoughts perish.
Blessed is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help : and whose hope is in the Lord his God;
who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that therein is : who keepeth his promise for ever;
who helpeth them to right that suffer wrong : who feedeth the hungry.
The Lord looseth men out of prison : the Lord giveth sight to the blind.
The Lord helpeth them that are fallen : the Lord careth for the righteous.
The Lord careth for the strangers; he defendeth the fatherless and widow : as for the way of the ungodly, he turneth it upside down.
The Lord thy God, O Sion, shall be King for evermore : and throughout all generations.
All stand
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Chant: William Marsh (1757–1818)
All sit for the first Lesson, Proverbs 8: 1–11
Does not wisdom call, and does not understanding raise her voice?
On the heights, beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand;
beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries out:
'To you, O people, I call, and my cry is to all that live.
O simple ones, learn prudence; acquire intelligence, you who lack it.
Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right;
for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.
They are all straight to one who understands and right to those who find knowledge.
Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold;
for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.
All stand. The choirs sing Magnificat
Magnificat anima mea Dominum, et exsultavit spiritus meus in Deo Salutari meo;
quia respexit humilitatem ancillae suae. Ecce enim ex hoc beatam me dicent omnes generationes;
quia fecit mihi Magna qui potens est, et sanctum nomen eius.
Et misericordia eius, a progenie in progenies timentibus eum.
Fecit potentiam in brachio suo, dispersit superbos mente cordis sui.
Deposuit potentes de sede et exaltavit humiles.
Esurientes implevit bonis et divites dimisit inanes.
Suscepit Israel puerum suum, recordatus misericordiae suae.
Sicut locutus est ad patres nostros, Abraham et semini eius in saecula.
Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto;
sicut erat in principio et nunc et semper et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,
according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.
Magnificat primi toni, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (c 1525–94)
All sit for the second Lesson, Matthew 5: 1–16
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
'Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
'Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
'Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
'Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
'Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
'Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
'Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
'You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.
'You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.'
All stand. The choirs sing Nunc dimittis
Nunc dimittis servum tuum Domine, secundum verbum tuum in pace;
quia viderunt oculi mei salutare tuum, quod parasti ante faciem omnium populorum,
lumen ad revelationem Gentium et gloriam plebis tuae Israel.
Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto;
sicut erat in principio et nunc et semper et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.
Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.
Nunc dimittis tertii toni, Tomás Luis de Victoria (c 1548–1611)
All face east to say together the Apostles' Creed
I believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth:
and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord be with you.
And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
All kneel or sit. The officiant and the Choir of Westminster Abbey sing the Lesser Litany, the Lord's Prayer, and the Responses
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. Amen.
O Lord, shew thy mercy upon us.
And grant us thy salvation.
O Lord, save The Queen.
And mercifully hear us when we call upon thee.
Endue thy ministers with righteousness.
And make thy chosen people joyful.
O Lord, save thy people.
And bless thine inheritance.
Give peace in our time, O Lord.
Because there is none other that fighteth for us, but only thou, O God.
O God, make clean our hearts within us.
And take not thy Holy Spirit from us.
The officiant sings the Collects; of the day, for peace, and for aid against all perils
O Sovereign God, who didst set thy servant Saint Edward upon the throne of an earthly kingdom and didst inspire him with zeal for the kingdom of heaven; grant that we may so confess the faith of Christ by word and deed, that we may, with all thy saints, inherit thine eternal glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels and all just works do proceed: Give unto thy servants that peace which the world cannot give; that both our hearts may be set to obey thy commandments, and also that by thee we being defended from the fear of our enemies may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
Lighten our darkness we beseech thee, O Lord; and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of thy only Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Thomas Tomkins
The officiant says the Prayers; for the Royal Family, and for the members of the Order of the Bath
Almighty God, the fountain of all goodness, we humbly beseech thee to bless our most gracious Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth, Charles Prince of Wales, and all the Royal Family: Endue them with thy Holy Spirit; enrich them with thy heavenly grace; prosper them with all happiness; and bring them to thine everlasting kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
God save our Gracious Sovereign, and all the Brotherhood of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath living and departed. Amen.
All sit. The choirs sing the Anthem, during which the Shrine of St Edward is censed
O sing unto the Lord a new song; sing unto the Lord, all the whole earth.
Sing unto the Lord, and praise his name; be telling of his salvation from day to day.
For he cometh to judge the earth, and with righteousness to judge the world, and the people with his truth.
Words: Psalm 96: 1–2, 13b
Music: A New Song, James MacMillan (b 1959)
The Administrator of Westminster Cathedral says
Let us pray.
Faithful God, who called thy servant Saint Edward to serve thee and gave him joy in walking the path of holiness: renew in us the vision of thy glory and strengthen us to follow the way of perfection, until we see thee face to face in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
All stand to sing the Hymn
All hail the power of Jesu's name;
let angels prostrate fall;
bring forth the royal diadem
to crown him Lord of all.
Ye seed of Israel's chosen race,
ye ransomed of the fall;
hail him who saves you by his grace,
and crown him Lord of all.
Hail him, ye heirs of David's line,
whom David Lord did call;
the God incarnate, Man divine,
and crown him Lord of all.
Sinners, whose love can ne'er forget
the wormwood and the gall,
go spread your trophies at his feet,
and crown him Lord of all.
Let every tribe and every tongue
to him their hearts enthral,
lift high the universal song,
and crown him Lord of all.
Words: On the Resurrection, the Lord is King Edward Perronet (1726–92) and others
Tune: Miles Lane 332 NEH, William Shrubsole (1760–1806)
All remain standing for the Blessing, to which all respond Amen.
Music after the service, played by Peter Stevens, Assistant Master of Music, Westminster Cathedral
Allegro (Symphonie VI Op 42 no 2), Charles-Marie Widor (1844–1937)
Those who wish to may sit for the remainder of the organ voluntary. As you leave the church, please be sensitive to those who might wish to maintain social-distancing.
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