St. Paul's Cathedral [antikvár]

St. Paul's CathedralIntroduction by Eric Evans, MA, Dean of St Paul'sWelcome to St Paul'sSince ad 604 Christian worship has been offered up on this site and people have used this place as a means whereby they can get in touch with God, and alsó discover for themselves something of the meaning of life. We all need to look beyond ourselves and this building proclaims that although God is within us, yet He is alsó far greater than us and beyond us. This is one of the great mysteries of the Christian religion.The first wooden church of King Ethelbert was succeeded by Bishop Erconwald's Saxon stone church, and this in turn was rebuilt by the Normans (1087 onwards), to become, at the end of the Middle Ages, one of the largest Gothic churches in Europe. After its destruction in the Great Fire of London (1666), it was rebuilt between 1675 and 1710 by Sir Christopher Wren and is his masterpiece. 'Thus was this mighty fabric, the second church for grandeur in Europe, in the space of 35 years, begun and finishedby one architect, under one Bishop of London----' (StPeter's Romé, had taken 145 years and nineteen Popes.)On many Sundays in the year up to 2,000 people worship at the main services, and in the course of the year, over two millión people pass through the doors, to worship, to visit or to gaze. Christians of many different Churches and traditions are welcomed and can feel at home here, and others of no particular religious commitment are encouraged in their search for a meaning to life.The Cathedral is a place where the Bishop of the Diocese has his 'cathedra' or chair, and St Paul's is the Cathedral for the Diocese of London. It is, therefore, in a sense, the ecclesiastical home of the Diocese, the mother church. Because it is the Cathedral of the capital city, it alsó has a national significance and its links with the wider Anglican Communion, and indeed with the world at large, give it an international flavour. People from all parts of the world, but especially the Commonwealth countries and the United States, visit us in large numbers throughout the year. We welcome them all and hope noone leaves this splendidly majestic building without feeling better for having come. Because of the sheer numbers of those who visit us, the nave is often not as quiet as we would wish, but there are chapels where you can find time to reflect in stillness and quietness.Friends of St Paul'sThe Friends of St Paul's now number between 3,000 and 4,000 members from Britain and around the world. They have their origin in the Watch, thatOpposite: The view from the High Altardevoted band of volunteers to whose nightly vigilance the Cathedral largely owes its survival through fire and devastation in wartime. Many of today's Friends welcome visitors, act as guides and supply infor-mation and help of various kinds daily throughout the year. They are kept in touch through the annual magaziné Dome. If you wish to help St Paul's in a practical manner and keep in touch with us from no matter what part of the world you come, then we ask you to jóin the Friends. Further information can be obtained from the Friends' Office, The Chapter House, St Paul's Churchyard, London, EC4M 8AD (tel: 01-248 1150).The Daily Round of WorshipThe Cathedral was built for the worship of God. This is our prime function. Evervthing else is secondary. Holy Communion is celebrated daily at 8 am, being preceded by Mattins at 7.30 am. There is another Eucharist (or Mass) at 12.30 pm, and Evensong is sung at 5 pm. There is a choir of 18 men and 36 boys who sing daily at Evensong and lead our worship to the praise of God. On Sundays there is a quiet early morning Communion Service at 8 am. Mattins is sung, with a sermon, at 10.30 am, followed by a Sung Eucharist at 11.30 am, and Evensong, with a sermon, is at 3.15 pm. Christians who are communicants in their own Churches, of whatever denomination, are welcome to jóin in making their Communion with us here at St Paul's.ExpensesSt Paul's cannot be run on a shoestring! To maintain our high musical tradition, to pay for virgers, main-tenance staff (stonemasons, carvers, carpenters, electricians, cleaners, scaffolders, plumbers, painters and other technicians), without whom the Cathedral as we know it could not function properly, costs over L2 millión a year. We receive no Government aid and very little from the Church Commissioners. It is essential, therefore, if we are to maintain our high standing, that we continue to pay our way and balance our books. Consequently, anything you can do to help will be greatly appreciated. If you think St Paul's can help you, or if you would like to help St Paul's, please get in touch with me at 9 Amen Court, London, EC4M 7BU.With all good wishes,Dean