St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral in Edinburgh has re-opened its doors for private prayer.
The Cathedral, whose three spires look over the west end of Edinburgh, is usually open daily, as a place of prayer and refuge.
Ruth Davidson, the local MSP for Edinburgh Central, joined the cathedral team on Wednesday 24 June as the doors were throw open once again at the iconic West End building.
As permitted under Phase 2 of the Scottish Government’s Route Map out of the coronavirus lockdown, the Cathedral will be open for individual prayer every day (except Saturdays) between 10.30am and 1.30pm.
The Cathedral and its staff have been working hard to ensure the building can reopen safely. As well as offering a place to pray and reflect, the Cathedral will invite visitors to sign a Book of Condolence, a record of the griefs and thanksgivings of these extraordinary times.
The Rt Rev’d Dr John Armes, Bishop of Edinburgh, has shared his joy at the Cathedral’s reopening.
“I am delighted that St Mary’s Cathedral is to reopen for private prayer,” said Bishop John. “This is not only good news for the many people who regularly drop-in to pray but it is also a symbolic moment for the church at large as we emerge from lockdown.
“From the beginning of the emergency we have cooperated with the Scottish Government, encouraging people to stay at home and to save lives and as we reopen we shall continue to follow government advice and do all we can to resist the spread of Covid-19.
“Nevertheless, the closure of church buildings has been a real deprivation. This crisis has challenged us in all sorts of ways and has threatened the mental well-being of many. Until lockdown, our Cathedral was open daily as a safe space, a place of peace and refreshment and I believe it is of huge benefit that this ‘sanctuary’ will once more be available to the general public.
“I am very grateful to the Provost, John Conway, and his team for enabling us to say once again, ‘All are welcome in this place!’”
The Cathedral’s services of worship will continue to be online. Details of online services can be found on the Cathedral’s website: www.cathedral.net
