61. PASCHAL CANDLE

To the right of the nave altar stands the Paschal candle. The candle reminds us that Christ is the Light of the World, and is lit prinarily around Easter time. This candle has a particularly impressive candle stick!   INDEX

62. CHOIR AND SANCTUARY

We move past the cathedra and up towards the sanctuary. There is seating for choir and serving clergy. there is a rood cross overhead, and the high altar and Eastern windows before us. We also now see how the central chancel lies between the two ambulatories we have already explored.

63. CHANCEL CEILING

Above us is the wonderful colourful chancel ceiling. The large square panels have a common pattern, but there is variation in the central emblem: blue or red with Christian symbols such as the cross, the IHS nemonic for Jesus, and the Chai-Rho symol for Christ.

64. ROOD CROSS

Hanging from the roof is a large rood cross: a crucifix with the ends of the cross fashioned with fleur-de-lys representations. The word ‘rood’ comes from the Old English ‘rod’, and perhaps refers to the components of the early cross.

65. SANCTUARY WINDOWS

The three sanctuary windows show scenes from the life of Christ, from the Annunciation at left to the Crucifixion at right. The windows are separated and flanked by large carved figures.

66. SANCTUARY FIGURES

But just who are these four figures? From left ... . There is not much doubt about King David shown here playing his lyre. Next to him is an old man with a solid staff and a basket with two doves. Noah? The next two are more puzzling. An older lady, presumably studying the Holy Scripture ... Eunice, the mother of Timothy comes to mind. And the man at right with chalice and scripture: my guess is St John the Evangelist.

67. HIGH ALTAR

Behind the altar stands a central gold cross, with a scene on either side. At left, Mary holds the body of Jesus taken down from the cross – a more detailed rendering of Michelangelo’s ‘Pietà’. And at right, Jesus as Risen King crowns Mary.

68. SANCTUARY VIRGIN AND CHILD

Above these scenes and the central cross stands an image of the Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus.

69. SANCTUARY CRUCIFIX

The central image has to be the Cross of Christ – the symbol and basis of the Christian faith.

70. LOOKING WEST

We finish our tour of this Cathedral by looking back along its length. The dark timbers of corona, chandeliers and roof contrast stunningly against the white walls and columns.