The Archbishop of York is to host the first Royal Maundy service of the King and Queen Consort slated to hold in April.
The Very Revd. Dominic Barrington, the Archbishop of York, on Wednesday expressed his delight that the first Royal Maundy Service in the reign of His Majesty The King will be held at York Minster on Thursday, 6th April, and His Majesty will be accompanied by Her Majesty, The Queen Consort.
According to a release on the official website of The Archbishop of York – 74 men and 74 women (signifying the age of the Monarch) selected from Church of England dioceses across the country, and Anglican and Ecumenical partners across the UK, will receive the Maundy, a gift from The King, to thank them for their outstanding Christian service and for making a difference to the lives of people in their local communities.
Maundy Thursday commemorates Jesus Christ washing the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper. The service is rooted in the ancient history and traditions of the church.
Commenting on the service, Dean Dominic said: “We are honoured that His Majesty has chosen York Minster to be his cathedral church for the first Maundy Service of his reign.
“Taking place in Holy Week, this historic service symbolises, humility, care, kindness and appreciation of others. The King’s Maundy gift will be a moment of celebration and thanksgiving for 148 exceptional people who have made an impact in their communities.”
Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York said: “It is a great honour for The Minster, the city of York and indeed Yorkshire, that HM The King along with The Queen Consort have chosen to come to York Minster to distribute Maundy money in the first year of his reign. We look forward to welcoming the royal couple to the city and also to have the opportunity to celebrate some of the many people who daily make a difference to people’s lives in their local communities.”
The late Queen distributed the Royal Maundy at York Minster on two occasions: first on 30 March 1972 and again on 5 April 2012, during her Diamond Jubilee Year. A plaque commemorating both visits can be found on the Queen’s Path between St William’s College and York Minster.
