‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it’ John 1: 5
Advent marks the beginning of the Church’s year, and is a season of reflection, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day. Our schedule of special services and events for this season, to which all are welcome, can be found below.
Thinking of coming to the Cathedral this Christmas for the first time? Whether it’s your first time with us, or maybe coming back after a time away, you can find some helpful answers to common questions here.
Many of our Advent and Christmas services will be available to watch live on the Cathedral website and via our Social Media Channels. Click here to access our Online Worship Page.
Services
Christmas Carol Service | 4pm Sun 14 December
Our Traditional Service of Lessons & Carols is one of the highlights of the Cathedral’s year. Music and readings tell the story of the birth of Christ, led by the Cathedral Choir with traditional Christmas carols for all to sing. The Very Revd Dr Andreas Loewe, Dean of Melbourne, will preach.
Christmas Eve
Children’s’ Service | 3pm 24 December
Bring the whole family along to celebrate Christmas! Join us on Christmas Eve as we recall the Birth of Christ through stories, music, and activities that everyone will love whether they’re 0 or 100.
Christmas Carol Service | 6pm 24 December
Our Traditional Service of Lessons & Carols is one of the highlights of the Cathedral’s year. Music and readings tell the story of the birth of Christ, led by the Cathedral Choir with traditional Christmas carols for all to sing. The Dean, the Very Revd Dr Andreas Loewe, will preach.
If you are unable to make it you can watch this service at this link.
First Eucharist of Christmas | 9pm 24 December
As we welcome the birth of Christ we gather together to celebrate the first Eucharist of Christmas. Music from the Cathedral Choir announces the Christmas feast. The Dean, the Very Revd Dr Andreas Loewe, will preach.
If you are unable to join us in person please join us online at this link.
Midnight Mass | 11pm 24 December
A joyful and uplifting service of Holy Communion, with carols for all to sing led by the Open Door Gospel Singers.
The service is led by the Archbishop of Melbourne. The Dean, the Very Revd Dr Andreas Loewe, will preach.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day Holy Communion (BCP) | 8am 25 December
A traditional service of Holy Communion according to the Book of Common Prayer (1662), with Christmas Carols. The Precentor, The Revd Canon Dr Tim Watson, will preach.
If you are unable to join us in person please join us online at this link.
Christmas Day Choral Eucharist | 10am 25 December
The principal service of the day with carols for Choir and congregation and led by the Archbishop of Melbourne, The Most Revd Dr Ric Thorpe.
If you are unable to join us in person please join us online at this link.
Chinese Christmas Day Service | 1.00 pm 25 December
All are welcome to a feast of Christmas Carols, Christmas Bible readings and joyful worship.
中文圣诞日崇拜 （25/12/2024 下午一点）
热诚欢迎每个人一起来享受圣诞诗歌，圣诞故事和喜乐的崇拜。
Christmas Concerts
Christmas Celebration with Victoria Chorale
Sat 13 Dec • 5pm
This season we invite you to be part of something truly magical – a concert that will transport singers, musicians and audience into a choral celebration of the mystery of Christmas. Our Program, titled “O Magnum Mysterium”, celebrates the wonder and awe of Christ’s nativity through centuries of magnificent choral music.
There will be selections from J.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, along with carols old and new.
Enquiries visit www.victoriachorale.org.au/
Royal Melbourne Philharmonic presents Carols in the Cathedral
Fri 19 Dec • 8.30pm
Sat 20 Dec • 2.00pm
Sat 20 Dec • 7.00pm
RMP presents its ever-popular “Carols in the Cathedral” – Melbourne’s premier concerts of traditional Christmas music, carols, and readings, in the stunning setting of St Paul’s Cathedral. A magnificent feast of spectacular fanfares and carols, and glorious Christmas music and verse, performed by massed choirs, superb soloists and majestic brass and percussion.
This year’s concerts will again feature a magnificent selection of music of festive music by composers from around the world, including ever-popular classics such as “O Come All Ye Faithful”, “Once in Royal David’s City”, “Joy to the World”, and many more, as well as beautiful works by composers including William G. James, John Rutter, Eric Whitacre, Dan Forrest and more! Featuring the angelic voices of special guest performers the National Boys Choir of Australia, and outstanding soloists.
A Christmas event not to be missed. Celebrate the season in style and book your tickets now.
Tickets trybooking.com/CSNUX • $55 – $99, Students $35
Enquiries: secretary@rmp.org.au or visit www.rmp.org.au