Advent Wreath Raised At York Minster As A Sign Of Hope

YORK, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 27: Volunteer flower arrangers, Liz freeman (L) and Mandy Barker make finishing touches to the Advent wreath before it is raised into its traditional position below the central tower at York Minster on November 27, 2020 in York, England. At 4 metres wide the Advent Wreath at York Minster is thought to be one of the largest in the country. It will be lifted into place below the Central Tower for the first time since 2017. The wreath, which has been made by the cathedral’s volunteer flower arrangers using ivy and holly sourced mainly from the Minster’s gardens, will hold five candles which are gradually lit each Sunday during Advent in the countdown to Christmas Day. The first of the 1m tall candles, which are capable of burning constantly for three weeks, will be lit on Sunday 29 November, the first day of Advent, during the Minster’s 11am Eucharist service. The scaffolding surrounding the Grand Organ as part of the once-a-century refurbishment project has prevented the wreath from being put into position for the last two years. York Minster is inviting people to mark the start of Advent this year by joining its worship online. The Minster hopes the digital services and webinars will allow people near and far to join its worship, with livestreams of services broadcast from the cathedral over recent months attracting viewers from the US, Canada and Australia as well as the UK. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)