The Prayer Book Society organised the Church of England’s online service for Advent Sunday.

From St James’ church, Garlickhythe, in the City of London the service of Choral Mattins was recorded just a few days before.

Father Tim Handley led the service which included readings and prayers from two 2022 Cranmer Award finalists, and PBS members young and old, drawn from across the country.

“I’d like to thank the rector, choir and organist who went the extra mile, at short notice, to help us make the recording a resounding success,” says Bradley Smith, chairman of the PBS.

Over two thousand people accessed the recording in the first 24 hours.

Feedback to the service has been very positive; “A joyous celebration of faith. A stunningly talented choir and marvellous readings. My sort of service”, “a beautiful amazing service today. So reverent” and “Fabulous service, hallelujah”, where just some of the online comments.

Father Tim Handley told the online audience that since the church was re-built by Christopher Wren following the Great Fire of London, the church has know no other liturgy than the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. He went on to say how deeply proud his parish is to be a long-time Corporate Member of the PBS.”

Following the success of Sunday’s service, the Prayer Book Society has been invited to run more services for the national service in 2023.

The Advent Sunday service is available for a little while longer.