A Meditation on the Passion of Christ, with Carols

The Choir of Men and Boys
The St. Cecilia Choir of Girls

Since Holy Week never falls within term time at the University of Cambridge, this service was conceived by the Rev. Andrew Macintosh, Dean of Chapel at St. John's College, and Dr. George Guest, college organist, as a means for the college community to share the Holy Week experience. The overwhelmingly positive response to the new liturgy immediately secured it a permanent place on the Chapel's schedule of choral worship services, second in popularity only to the Advent Carol service. Even Dean Macintosh stated, "I think it's actually more wonderful than the Advent Carol service."

Since typical parishes and cathedrals do celebrate Holy Week services, the Passion service was adapted by Dr. Dale Adelmann for their use. The service centers around three sung Passion gospels, interspersed with readings, as well as congregational hymns, and carols sung by the choir.

Many who have attended this service have made the comment, "It was the most moving service I've ever attended in my life." It is indeed a powerful preparation for Holy Week which reinforces that inextricable link between Christ's Incarnation and Passion.