A good-sized and appreciative congregation braved the elements to be present in St Ia’s Church for the Advent Procession, a part of the church’s preparation for Christmas.

This ancient and deeply spiritual service began in darkness at the west end of the church with the St Ia Choir singing the Matin Responsory, set to music by Palestrina, a 16th century Italian composer. Afterwards, choir and clergy moved eastwards towards the direction of the rising sun, symbolic of the coming of the Light of the World and of God’s presence among us through the birth of Jesus Christ.

Specially appointed bible readings for Advent that look forward to the coming of Christ were interspersed with traditional Advent Hymns for congregational participation and a number of choral items sung by the Parish Church Choir. These latter pieces included a selection of the ancient, plainsong Advent Antiphons that were traditionally sung on appointed days in the run-up to Christmas Day itself.

St Ia’s Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols will be held on Sunday, December 22 at 6.30pm when all are invited to come along to hear the Christmas story re-told through bible readings and choral items, and to join in the singing of traditional carols for congregation.