HHO mourns the death of Queen Elizabeth II
Today we enter a period of mourning with the Anglican Church, alongside the nation of Australia and fellow Commonwealth nations, and especially our brothers and sisters in the United Kingdom, upon the passing of our longest reigning monarch Queen Elizabeth II.
At Holy Hermits Online we will mark this with special prayers at worship on Sunday the 11th of September and in the decision to postpone our 2nd Birthday celebrations until after the customary 10 day mourning period comes to an end.
***A solemn choral evensong to commemorate the life, work and witness of her Majesty Elizabeth II Queen of Australia will be held tonight at 6pm to be streamed live on the Cathedral YouTube Channel. ***
***We gather on Wednesday 14th September 6pm (AEST) for A Service of Prayer and Reflection ***
Not only did Queen Elizabeth model a fine example of a life lived in communion with Christ, but as head of the Church of England, she has left a wonderful legacy for the Anglican Communion to continue building upon.
Here are some prayer resources for your use at home:
O eternal God, our Heavenly Father, we bless your holy name for all that you have given us in and through the life of your daughter Elizabeth, our late Queen. We give you thanks: for her love of family and her gift of friendship; for her grace, dignity and courtesy; for her humour, generosity and sheer love of life. And we praise you for: the courage that she showed in times of hardship; the depth and reality of her Christian faith; the good example that she set for us to follow. We offer you our heartfelt thanks for the deep affection she drew out of everyone she met, and we pray that you will grant her peace; let light perpetual shine upon her; and in your loving wisdom and almighty power work in her the good purpose of your perfect will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, the fountain of all goodness, we humbly pray you to bless our most gracious Sovereign, King Charles, Camilla, Princess Consort, William, Duke of Cornwall and Cambridge, and all the Royal Family: endue them with your Holy Spirit, enrich them with your heavenly grace; prosper them with all happiness; and bring them to your everlasting kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
And some video’s announcing the news of Queen Elizabeth’s passing and tributes to her life and reign:
Queen Elizabeth II: Australian Governor General David Hurley speaks
Anthony Albanese: Queen Elizabeth II lived a life of 'faithful service'
Tribute: Queen Elizabeth II dies aged 96
The The Church of England has more resources, including the opportunity to write a public post in: Her Majesty The Queen - book of condolence or to Light a candle. You may also like to read: Queen Elizabeth II: Tributes from Church of England Bishops
Our Birthday celebrations at worship and the 70's Faith-Music Party will be postponed until Sunday the 25th of September.
May Queen Elizabeth rest in peace and rise in glory and light perpetual shine upon her.
God save the King.