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As has become custom, the communities of Christ Church Cathedral and the Church of St John the Divine once again join forces to celebrate the Feast of the Ascension with a Choral Eucharist featuring choirs from both churches and a homily from The Very Reverend Jonathan Thomas.

The service, which takes place at St John the Divine (1611 Quadra Street) beginning at 7.00pm, features music by Herbert Howells and contemporary Canadian composer, Stephanie Martin.

What is the Ascension?
Forty days after Easter, Christians celebrate Christ’s bodily ascension into heaven. According to Acts 1, Jesus tells the disciples “to remain in Jerusalem and await the coming of the Holy Spirit;” he is then taken up from the disciples in their sight, a cloud hides him from view, and two men in white appear to tell them that he will return in the same way they have seen him go into heaven.

In contemporary theology, this moment is a kind of “inversion” of the Christmas story. Christmas teaches us that God is with us here on earth. The Ascension teaches us that we are also with God “in heaven.” In other words, if Christmas brings divinity to humanity, the Ascension bring humanity to divinity. And if that is the case, then we are in a very good position indeed to accomplish Christ’s objectives for the world.

This year there are two events marking Ascension, a Eucharist on Thursday evening and a lunchtime organ recital on Friday.

Thursday, May 29 (Ascension of the Lord) – at the Church of St John the Divine, 1611 Quadra Street
7.00 p.m. Choral Eucharist with the Cathedral Choir and the Choristers of St John the Divine
Prelude Messiaen Majesté du Christ
Setting Howells Collegium Regale
Psalm 47
Anthem Stephanie Martin Ascension
Voluntari Messiaen Transports de joie

Friday, May 30 – at Christ Church Cathedral
12.30 p.m. Lunchtime Organ Music : Donald Hunt
Eugène Gigout (1844-1925): Grand choeur dialogué
Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992): L'Ascension
Maurice Duruflé (1902-1986): Choral varié sur "Veni Creator"
More information: https://www.christchurchcathedral.bc.ca/events/lunchtime-organ-music-donald-hunt/2025-05-30