Coronation will be a ‘significant and happy’ occasion, say Welsh bishops
The Bishops of the Church in Wales say the Coronation will be a “significant and happy” occasion for the nation.
In a statement released today, the bishops ask for God’s blessing on the new King and Queen and give thanks in particular for King Charles’ service as Prince of Wales.
The full statement follows.
The Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John, will be attending the Coronation and will be presenting regalia to the King. He will hand him the Sceptre with Dove.
Meanwhile churches across Wales will be holding special services, parties, concerts and events this Sunday (April 30) and next weekend to mark the Coronation with bell-ringers joining the “Ring for the King” event. A list of some of the larger services taking place follows.
Coronation statement
The Coronation of Their Majesties The King and The Queen is a significant and happy occasion for our nation and for the Commonwealth and we know people from across the world will be joining us in praying for our new King and Queen.
We send our warmest congratulations to them and we ask that God will bless them with the true gifts of power and authority: courage to speak the truth, wisdom to share insight and experience, and a servanthood expressed in humility and a commitment to others.
We give thanks too for The King’s long and dedicated service as Prince of Wales, for the people and causes he supported and the friendship he extended, not least to our churches and congregations.
May Their Majesties have a long and happy reign.
The Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John
The Bishop of St Asaph, Gregory Cameron
The Bishop of Monmouth, Cherry Vann
The Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, John Lomas
The Bishop of Llandaff, Mary Stallard.
A Coronation Prayer
Services and events
Bangor Cathedral
Sunday, April 30, 6pm: Diocesan & County Service of Prayer and Thanksgiving before the Coronation of Their Majesties The King and Queen. The Choir will sing music composed for and performed at previous Coronations, including Handel’s Zadok the Priest and Parry’s I was Glad.
All are welcome. Entrance is free. A drinks reception will follow. Places can be reserved for free here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gwasanaeth-y-coroni-coronation-service-tickets-618213462107?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
St Davids Cathedral
Friday, May 5: A Coronation Prom concert with the British Sinfonietta. This is a ticketed event. For more information see https://www.stdavidscathedral.org.uk/events/coronation-prom-british-sinfonietta-and-ian-macmillan-davidson
Saturday, May 6: Bells will ring before the Coronation service.
Sunday, May 7, 10.30am: Coronation Civic Service. Free but ticketed due to demand. The service will be filmed by BBC Wales.
Llandaff Cathedral
Saturday, May, 6, 8.45am: Bells will ring to celebrate the Coronation, starting with chiming, followed by a quarter peal. They will ring for almost two hours before the ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
Sunday, May 7, 10.30am: A Eucharist of Thanksgiving at which the Bishop of Llandaff will preach. It will be followed by refreshments.
There will be a party on the Cathedral Green from 1-7pm which will include refreshments, stalls, games, and singing from the Cathedral choristers. All are welcome.
Brecon Cathedral
Sunday, May 7, 4pm: a Choral Evensong with the Bishop of Swansea and Brecon. A choir and orchestra will perform Coronation anthems. There will also be a reception with refreshments.
St Asaph Cathedral
Sunday May 7, 3.30pm: a civic Coronation Evensong led by the Bishop of St Asaph.
Newport Cathedral
May 5, 7.30pm: a special service on the eve of the Coronation.
St Giles Parish Church, Wrexham
May 7: A coronation lunch party will be held after the church service at 11am. At 3pm there will be a Coronation Civic service, beginning with a procession to St Giles’ Church from St Mary’s RC Cathedral. The service will feature the Rhos Orpheus Male Choir.
The church is decorated with bunting and organza under the tower.
Bells will be rung on Coronation Day at 3pm, for the Sunday service at 11am and there will be two quarter peals on Monday, May 8.
St Mary’s Priory Church, Abergavenny
Sunday, May 7, 11am: A special Sung Eucharist with prayers for the King and Queen and a Festal Evensong at 5pm with coronation music, including I was glad (with Vivats) by Parry. It will be followed by a champagne and canapé reception in the Priory Centre. All are welcome to the services and the celebrations afterwards.
St Mary’s Church, Swansea
Sunday, April 30, 2.30pm: Swansea Civic Service for the Coronation in the presence of the Lord Lieutenant for West Glamorgan, The High Sherrif of West Glamorgan, The Lord Mayor of Swansea and other distinguished guests. Dunvant Male Choir and The Choir of St Mary's will sing. There will be displays in the church from 14 Swansea charities. All are welcome.
Sunday 7 May 3pm: Festal Choral Evensong in Celebration of the Coronation with the Choir of St Mary's.
