A service of Lessons and Carols for Christmas was first developed in 1880 by Bishop Edward Benson of Truro (who eventually became the Archbishop of Canterbury). A later adaptation by King’s College, Cambridge, became widely known. Christ Church Cathedral Ottawa has further adapted this iconic Christmas liturgy, using readings and carols to narrate the story of God’s loving purpose in creation, from the Spirit of God, which moved over the waters at the beginning of time, and the covenant God made with humankind, to the abandonment of that covenant and the hope-filled promise of humankind’s redemption by the Holy Child of Bethlehem. This service is offered by Christ Church Cathedral as a gesture of peace and goodwill to the people of the Nation’s Capital.

This service will be livestreamed at: https://www.youtube.com/c/christchurchcathedralottawa

Join in adorning our Cathedral with flowers and decorations to celebrate the season, and remember loved ones at the same time. To make a memorial donation towards the flowers please send an e-transfer to info@ottawacathedral.ca or donate online with a note specifying the names of those whom you would like remembered by Wednesday, December 18th at noon. If you sent in your donation via Canada Post, please email us at info@ottawacathedral.ca to ensure that we have received the names. The names of those being memorialized will be printed in the orders of service at Christmas.

A good question! It is a stomach pleasing meal of tortiere and other goodies, washed down with mulled cider, and accompanied by live music. It is a wonderful way to enjoy the season and meet other members of our Cathedral and beyond. Make sure to take in the hauntingly lovely acapella service (sung by the men) of O Antiphons beforehand at 4 pm.

Tickets are on sale (cash/cheque/credit) from the Cathedral office and after the 10.30 am service on Sundays. The cost is $10 for those 12 years old and under, $30 for those over 13 years old and all adults, on sale until Wednesday, December 18th.

The O Antiphons, sung in ancient evening offices during mid-Advent as antiphons to the Magnificat, provide a rich source of devotional imagery, and are well known through the hymn “O come, O come, Emmanuel.” In this contemplative and gentle evening liturgy, they offer a tone of expectation and hope. “Look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Luke 21:28

A very full trunk load of beautiful gift bags  were delivered by Paul to Belong Ottawa this week for distribution to clients of St. Luke's Table, The Well, and Centre 454. Thank you for your geneorsity in supporting our Diocesan Community Minstries and those they serve, especially during this season.

To say that this concert was awesome is an understatement! Huge thanks to each and every chorister for all their hard work preparing and singing; to the parents for their wonderful support, and volunteering as bartenders, ushers, and duty parents. Most of all, bravo to Andrew and to James who planned, conducted, directed, and played with skill and grace. We are blessed by them and their teamwork. It was also fabulous to have a full Cathedral to see and hear the skill and talent of our choristers. We are all very proud!

Archbishop Hosam Naoum of our Companion Diocese of Jerusalem has entrusted us with offering friendship and support to an outstanding young graduate of St George’s College, Jerusalem, who took up a partial scholarship in September for undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto, majoring in neuro-science and immunology.

Tareq Qirreh, who is from a Christian Palestinian family living in Jerusalem, will be spending the Christmas and New Year holiday in Ottawa, as the guest of Bishop Shane and his family, and will attend several of our festive celebrations.

Come and meet Tareq over coffee and Palestinian treats, hear his story as he tells it himself, and ask questions. Please make him welcome!

December
Sunday 15th | 4 pm | Nine Lessons and Carols
Sunday 22nd | 4 pm | O Antiphons | 5 pm | Wassail Dinner (Tickets available at the office)
Tuesday 24th | 7 pm | Christmas Eve Reading of the Christmas Gospel, Carols, and Choral Eucharist
Tuesday 24th | 10 pm | Christmas Eve Festal Eucharist
Wednesday 25th | 8.30 am | Christmas Morning Quiet Eucharist
Wednesday 25th | 10.30 am | Christmas Morning Choral Eucharist with Children's Story
Sunday 29th | after 10.30 am | Palestinian Student Welcome

January
Wednesday 1st | Noon | New Year's Day Eucharist and Festive Reception with our Acting Primate

In order to give our staff and office volunteers a well-deserved rest, the Cathedral offices will be closed as of Wednesday, December 25th and will reopen on Monday, January 6th. If you need assistance during this time, please be in touch with The Reverend Canon Doug Richards (613.236.9149 ext. 19 or doug.richards@ottawacathedral.ca) as he will be on call and checking his email.

Please do send an e-transfer to info@ottawacathedral.ca or give online if you would like to make a donation before the end of the year in order to receive a 2024 tax credit.

Make sure to check out all the wonderful services that we will be providing over this season. May the hope, peace, joy and love of the Christ Child bless your heart and home and those you love this Christmas!

These lovely calendars featuring scenes from around the Canadian church are available for sale in the Cathedral office. Get yours now - they make great stocking stuffers!

Take some time for yourself during Advent to hold a prayer in your heart and colour a beautiful image. Let yourself relax and be with God. There is a new image for each week during Advent and one for Christmas so download, print and enjoy!

Our Cathedral
All those who are ill or suffering, and those who care for them; all who find this time of year difficult.
Our Diocese
The Right Reverend Dr. Shane Parker; St. Paul’s, Hazeldean-Kanata The Reverend Canon Stephen Silverthorne.
Canadian Cathedrals
The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Saksatoon, SK, The Reverend Laura Marie Piodrowicz.
Anglican Church of Canada (ACC)
The Most Reverend Anne Germond, Metropolitan of Ontario and Acting Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada; Staff of the Primate's Office; The Most Reverend Chris Harper, National Indigenous Archbishop; The Venerable Alan Perry, General Secretary, and the staff of the General Secretary’s Office.
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC)
Bishop Susan Johnson; National staff; Bishop Carla Blakley; Peace Anthony-Idoko, Director of Finance and Administration, and the staff of Finance and Administration.
The Moravian Church (MOR)
Mr. David Jones, District President, and the members of Board of Elders of the Canadian District of the Moravian Church Northern Province.
Companion Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East
The Diocese of Jerusalem, Archbishop Hosam Naoum; St. George's College, Jerusalem; peace in Israel and Palestine.

A Prayer for Peace
O God of all justice and peace, we cry out to you in the midst of the pain and trauma of violence and fear which prevails in the Holy Land. Be with those who need you in these days of suffering; we pray for people of all faiths - Jews, Muslims, Christians, and for all people of the land. While we pray to you, O Lord, for an end to the violence and the establishment of peace, we also call for you to bring justice and equity to the peoples. Guide us into your kingdom where all people are treated with dignity and honour as your children for, to all of us, you are our Heavenly Father. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Our Clergy and the Cathedral Prayer Team will pray for all requests sent to info@ottawacathedral.ca during the week.

Scripture Readings for Sunday, December 22nd - Fourth Sunday of Advent | Micah 5:2-51; Canticle 18 (Luke 1:46-55); Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45

Children's Worship Activities | Weekly worship bulletins, books and other activities are on the shelves at the entrance to the Cathedral. There is also a table in the Great Hall to use and the labyrinth to walk. If your child is interested in being a junior server, member of a choir, or a reader, please speak with our clergy.

Hearing Assist Sets | Are available at every service from our sidespeople.

Newsletter Deadline | Wednesdays at noon.

General Info | Please visit our office, call 613.236.9149, or email info@ottawacathedral.ca. Office hours are Monday to Thursday, 9 am to 3 pm, and Friday from 9 am to noon, except during holiday seasons.

Parking | Street parking is free around the Cathedral on Sundays. Other options for free and paid parking are noted on the map.