Evensong is one of the oldest services in the Anglican Church. It dates back to the original Prayer Book of 1549 written by Thomas Cranmer. To create Evensong, Cranmer combined the monastic offices of Vespers (sung at sunset) and Compline (sung just before bedtime) into one rite to be sung in the evening. The structure of Evensong is closely related to Morning Prayer (Matins). Lessons from the Old and New Testaments combine with psalms and canticles to provide a biblical base for our worship. ... view more »
Evensong is one of the oldest services in the Anglican Church. It dates back to the original Prayer Book of 1549 written by Thomas Cranmer. To create Evensong, Cranmer combined the monastic offices of Vespers (sung at sunset) and Compline (sung just before bedtime) into one rite to be sung in the evening. The structure of Evensong is closely related to Morning Prayer (Matins). Lessons from the Old and New Testaments combine with psalms and canticles to provide a biblical base for our worship. The Apostles’ Creed, the Collects and other prayers complete this liturgical expression of praise.
Evensong reflects the great Christian tradition that singing is the normative form for liturgical expression. Evensong is a beautiful and sacred method of giving praise. The tradition of daily liturgical prayer puts us in touch with our Judaic and Christian roots. Think about participating in a tradition that goes back thousands of years—a tradition that is alive and well today.
On March 10 at 4pm, Choral Evensong features St. Paul’s Choir singing St. John’s, Lafayette Square Canticles by Bruce Neswick; anthems by Ned Rorem and Johann Kuhnau. A prelude featuring strings begins at 3:45 p.m.
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