A Christmas Pageant like no other...Â
About the Pageant
Saint Mark's Pageant of the Nativity is not a re-enactment of a single event in history, but rather a reflection and meditation on a sacred story which has spoken to people around the world and across the ages. Since 2015, this pageant has brought together the choirs and children of the community with costumes of cathedral finery, visual art displayed within cathedral architecture, and special instrumental accompaniment to reflect upon the Nativity of Christ as told in Holy Scripture.
The hymns and carols sung by the assembly, and the anthems offered by the choirs, have ranged from medieval chant to 21st-century world premieres. The visual images of the pageant reference art spanning the centuries, from Byzantine icons through Renaissance masters to the Victorian age and beyond. So while the stable in Bethlehem certainly did not contain fine velvet and brocade, we clothe our pageant in the most beautiful finery the cathedral has to offer, in order that we might offer of our best to the Christ Child today. It is the hope that, each year, the readings from Holy Scripture, imagery, and music bring new insight into the coming of the Prince of Peace, the incarnation of God among us.
The Pageant of the Nativity
Saint Markâs Pageant of the Nativity is a childrenâs Christmas pageant like no other. Donât miss this prayerful and inspirational meditation on Christâs coming into our worldâjoin in person in the cathedral nave, or via livestream.
Behind the Scenes of the Pageant
In December 2023, Choir School Director Rebekah Gilmore and Pageant co-producer Dr. James Savage offered a Sunday Forum on the history, inspiration, and imagery of Saint Mark's Pageant of the Nativity.
Pageant Video Archive
2022
2022 Pageant of the Nativity leaflet (presented January 6, 2023)
2020
2020 Pageant of the Nativity REPRISE leaflet
In lieu of a new Pageant of the Nativity in 2020, we premiered a "best-of" video online, highlighting scripture readings, anthems, and hymns from Pageants of the past, with a special new introduction by Dean Thomason. Selections were drawn from cathedral pageants of 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019.
Photo Gallery
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