This Sunday, churches across the Diocese of Winchester will bring people together to reflect on the sacrifices made by brave military and civilian service men and women who have served their country.
Although the current coronavirus regulations will restrict churches from offering the usual Commemorations, many churches will be providing digital or recorded services, including acts of remembrance at war memorials.
The Right Reverend, Dr Tim Dakin, Bishop of Winchester said:
“With the world in the midst of a pandemic, this year’s annual Remembrance Sunday has an added poignancy. Sunday’s commemoration services will undoubtedly be different to those of previous years. Yet, our current circumstances emphasise the importance of remembering those who have served our country. Wherever we are in the world we can join together, in the presence of God, to pray for those who have served, and those who continue to serve, at risk to themselves. We also pray for their families and those who support them.
As we pray, the silence offers the opportunity to observe and appreciate the great sacrifices made by those who have given their lives. In our quiet contemplation, we ask that God may grant us peace and guide us, and that we may find security in the unfailing love and transforming power of Jesus Christ our Saviour.”
Services taking place across the Winchester Diocese include:
At St Mary the Virgin Church in Vernham Dean, an area with a significant military history, a short outdoor service is to be held for ex-service men and women. During the service, wreaths will be laid at the war memorial and the national anthem played. An online service will also be broadcast for the wider public.
The Mayor of Fordingbridge, Councillor Edward Hale, and the Reverend Canon Gary Philbrick, Rector of The Avon Valley Churches, will attend a Two Minute Silence at the Memorial Gates, at Stuckton Road Cemetery. An online service will present photos of the War Memorials across towns and villages in the region, and include singing from a local choir, the Hales Angels to mark the beginning and end of the service.
A broadcast service will be held at the Winchester Cathedral and there will be an act of remembrance at the War Memorial. The Mayor of Winchester, Councillor Patrick Cunningham, and the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Rear Admiral Iain Henderson, will lay the wreaths at the commemoration. The Bishop of Winchester will join this service. As in previous years, the ship’s bell from HMS Iron Duke will be sounded to mark the occasion.
