NEW ICONS REVEALED AT CHELMSFORD CATHEDRAL
Four large icons replacing built in windows high above the chancel were revealed yesterday, Education Sunday, at Chelmsford Cathedral. They were completed by three Orthodox icon painters during January. The Dean, the Very Revd Peter Judd joined them on occasions when he did his "Michael Angelo bit" high above the altar.
The icons are St Mary the Virgin, St Peter, St Cedd (who brought the Christian faith to Essex in 654AD )and Jesus Christ, In medieval times all art work in Churches was anonymous and the Dean says," this work at Chelmsford follows that tradition, as an offering to God. They are a wonderful addition in strengthening this house of prayer". The cathedral is the Mother Church of 612 churches in Essex and East London. The icons were seen for the first time by 500 worshippers at the Eucharists
The Dean says that when the transept was added on the north side of the Cathedral in the 19th century, four of the windows in the Chancel were blocked off and remained blank until now. "Now four icons (70" x 52") fill the windows and make them windows again." When St Cedd built a chapel at Bradwell on the Essex coast from bricks from the ruins of the Roman fort at Orthona there he named his chapel - St Peter's Chapel: hence St Peter and St Cedd. Chelmsford Cathedral is named the Cathedral of St Mary the Virgin (the old title of the town's parish church) St Peter and St Cedd. The saint travelled by boat from Lindisfarne to bring the faith.
The icons will be dedicated at a later date: the costs involved have been drawn from special funds including £1,000 from the Friends of the Cathedral.
TOP ORGANIST IN CONCERT
The Cathedral's Assistant Director of Music, Oliver Waterer gives an organ recital on Friday (Feb 5) as part of the Friday lunch time series. The following Friday (Feb 12) the artists are the Coggeshall Baroque Trio. Both concerts are at 12.30 with refreshments served from 12 noon. Mr Waterer was previously at HM Chapels Royal.
THANKSGIVING FOR MARRIAGE
A service to celebrate marriage will be held on Sun, Feb 14 (Valentine's Day) at 3pm when couples will be invited to renew their wedding vows. Children are welcome and tea arranged by the Mothers' Union follows. Please ring 01245 294489.to book.
ENDS