"You are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ's own for ever"
(BCP, p. 308)
In the Diocese of New York, as in many other dioceses, the people gather on a day in Holy Week to celebrate the renewal of their clergy’s ordination vows and to bless the Chrism (oil) for the following year. As the name suggests, Chrism is used to anoint people after their Christening, that is, their Baptism. Only the Bishop may consecrate Chrism, so the clergy carry the oil home to their congregation from this service and use it throughout the year.

Usually, the Eucharist is celebrated. This year, because of COVID restrictions, we will instead celebrate sung Morning Prayer, the Bishop presiding and the deans (priests who oversee regions of the Diocese) and representatives of the diocesan-wide community of deacons, physically present.

The service will be live-streamed, and all the baptized members of the Diocese, lay and ordained, are encouraged to participate virtually.

How to Watch:

Option 1: Go to the Cathedral website.

Option 2: Watch the service on the Cathedral’s Facebook page.

(There will be no Congregation Zoom for this service because it is a livestream.)