“O” Antiphons Advent Liturgy

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 7 p.m., in the cathedral nave and livestreamed

With the beginning of the season of Advent comes the return of the annual “O” Antiphons Liturgy, considered by many to be a highlight of the liturgical year at Saint Mark’s. The particular form of this liturgy that we use was invented here, first presented in 1986, and is today used by churches around the world. It is similar to a “Lessons & Carols” service, but rather than presenting a linear narrative from scripture, it is structured around seven medieval antiphons, each beginning with the word “O ,” which also form the basis of the hymn “O Come O Come Emmanuel.” This year’s service features a new anthem, O Clavis David by William White, written for this liturgy and premiered by the Cathedral Choir earlier this year, which sets the words of Elizabeth Hooton (1600–1672), the first Quaker woman preacher.