VE DAY 75TH ANNIVERSARY FRIDAY 8 MAY, 2020

 

On Friday 8 May the nation celebrates the 75th anniversary of VE Day when Nazi Germany formally surrendered to the Allied Forces bringing an end to the war in Europe.

 

The war continued in the Far East for a further three months.  After the terrors and privations of war, the street parties and celebrations of the victory in Europe were heartfelt and joyful.  In peace-time people could gather again without fear, in their homes, in churches and on the streets.  VE Day ushered in a time of national rebuilding and of hope.

 

Normally we would be marking this significant anniversary with celebratory anniversary gatherings of our own.  As we inch forward through this current crisis, with the hope of a gradual end to lock-down, we know that large public gatherings are still some way off.

 

So the Cathedral will be offering a special VE Day act of worship for you on Friday through the Cathedral website.  Although we are not able to gather together in person, I do hope that this worship will unite us spiritually and give each one of us a sense of being with others on this significant anniversary.

 

Please see below for what is available this weekend.

 

At the Cathedral

As well as a special service for the day, the Cathedral will be publishing reflections and prayers and Evening Prayer will be available later in the day. Once published, all will be available throughout the weekend.

 

6.00am     A SPECIAL VE DAY SERVICE

Readings, reflections and music with prayers from the Dean,  The Very Rev’d Catherine Ogle, a message from HM Lord Lieutenant, Nigel Atkinson, esq., a sermon from the Vice-Dean, Canon Roland Riem, and a blessing from The Bishop of Winchester, The Right Rev’d Tim Dakin.

7.00am     A reflection from Dean Catherine

7.00am     A reflection from HM Lord Lieutenant

10.00am   A message and prayers from Dean Catherine.

5.30pm     Zoom Evening Prayer – please click here for joining instructions

 

Events around the region

In addition to the Cathedral’s own offering, Hampshire Council council have a video and other material which may be of interest. Again, once published, all will be available throughout the weekend.

 

6.00am      Hampshire County Council VE Day Video

incorporating prayers from the Dean of Winchester and  a message from HM Lord Lieutenant

11.30am      This is your Victory – a video from Wessex Archives and Hampshire Archives

 https://www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/ve-day-75th-anniversary/