Chief Rabbi to join Royal Family at thanksgiving service at St Paul's cathedral

The Chief Rabbi is attending the Platinum Jubilee thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Cathedral as part of the national celebrations.

Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis is taking his place alongside members of the Royal Family other faith leaders, and Board of Deputies president Marie van der Zyl at the historic gathering on Friday.

The service is being broadcast live on BBC One and includes a number of the Queen’s favourite Bible readings, anthems, prayers and hymns.

It ends with an anthem specially composed for the occasion by Judith Weir, the Master of the Queen’s Music, setting new music to words from the third chapter of the Book of Proverbs.

GettyImages-1240859578

The Queen

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby had been due to conduct the service but was forced to pull out after he tested positive for Covid on Monday and was also diagnosed with pneumonia.

Archbishop Welby announced that he was “deeply saddened” not to attend.
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, is taking his place.

While it is unusual for Orthodox Jews to enter a church, it is permitted when an invitation is extended by a monarch.

After the service, Rabbi Mirvis is attending a lunchtime reception at the Guildhall organised by the City of London.

GettyImages-632767012

The Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis