Across the weekend of 11 and 12 November 2023, we remembered those who gave their life in battle, and prayed for peace in areas of war and conflict today. Dr Philip Plyming was preaching at this service for the first time since being installed as Dean of Durham.
"It was a privilege to take part in my first Remembrance weekend at Durham Cathedral. I thank God for the opportunity to welcome so many guests from across the city and county to remember the sacrifices of others and pray for peace."
The weekend of Remembrance began with the Festival of Remembrance on Saturday evening at 7.30pm. This year's Festival commemorated the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War with an emotional mix of readings, music and the silent poppy drop, a spectacular moment when thousands of poppies silently fell inside the cathedral from the central tower.
The festival is organised by the Army Benevolent Fund -The Soldiers Charity and was supported by the Band of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and the Pipes and Drums of 102 Battalion REME. Read more about the Festival here.
On Sunday 12 November Durham Cathedral held its annual Remembrance service attended by the Lord Lieutenant, civic leaders across the county and serving and ex-service personnel, together with members of uniformed organisations. This special service, remembered the lives of those who were killed in the line of duty and those who put their lives at risk today through spoken word and choral music sung by the cathedral choir.
Dr Philip Plyming, was preaching at this service for the first time since being installed as Dean of Durham. In his sermon he spoke about the theme of sacrifice within the Christian faith:
Quote from The Very Revd Dr Philip Plyming, Dean of Durham
"For me, as a Christian, the sacrifice of Jesus…is the right place from which on Remembrance Sunday to honour all those who have died in conflict and in the cause of peace. For it reminds me that sacrifice is not a place of shame but of honour. It encourages me that death is not the end but can be the place from which peace and life come. And it challenges me to walk in the way of the one who calls me to love my enemies and work for peace in my heart, in my community and in my world."
The Very Revd Dr Philip Plyming
Dean of Durham
Take a moment to remember the lives lost
The Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Chapel is open during normal cathedral opening hours. The chapel is a place of peace, respect and gratitude, where it commemorates the service and sacrifice of local soldiers.
