The Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols was popularized at King’s College, Cambridge, by the then Dean Eric Milner-White in the early part of the twentieth century. 

The music at the very first service in Cambridge in 1918 was directed by Arthur Henry Mann. The service was first broadcast by the BBC in 1928.

The format of those early services did not differ substantially from that familiar to us today. Scriptural lessons, or readings, are interspersed with music and carols.

Our music will be provided by members of several excellent local choirs, including the Gabrieli Choir, and as in years past, the Exultate Boys’ Choir.

This will be a wonderful opportunity to introduce friends and neighbours to this enriching and stirring service in the days before Christmas itself. There is no sermon at Lessons & Carols. A free-will offering is asked. The service lasts a bit over one hour

Date and time: Friday Evening, December 14, at 6.00 pm (18.00)
Venue: Saint Columba’s Scottish Presbyterian Church
1064 Budapest, Vörösmarty utca 51
Getting there: Metro 1 to the Vörösmarty utca (not tér) stop. Walk north to the church.

Saint Margaret’s Anglican Church Christmas Schedule 2018

Sunday, 23 December: 10.30 - The Fourth Sunday of Advent

Location: District Seven, Pest - Városligeti fasor 17
The Gimnázium second-level Assembly Hall

This morning service continues our reflective Advent theme of preparation for Christ’s coming. The children’s prayer rug will be set out with toys but there will be no Sunday School activities. And there will be a fellowship period with tea, coffee and treats after the service, as on other Sunday mornings.

Monday, 24 December: 22.30  - Christmas Eve: Midnight Mass

Location: District Seven, Pest - Városligeti fasor 17
The Gimnázium second-level Assembly Hall

This traditional service, ending near midnight on Christmas Eve, consists of Holy Eucharist with sermon and carols of the season. It marks the beginning of our holy Christmas festivities. The children’s prayer rug will be set out with toys but there will be no Sunday School activities. Given the hour, there is likewise no fellowship period after the service.

Tuesday, 25 December: 10.30  - Christmas Day: Festive Holy Eucharist

Location: District Twelve, Svábhegy - Eötvös út 35
The Szakkollégium lower-level Chapel

Our festive Christmas morning service with Holy Eucharist, sermon, carols, and Communion. The children’s prayer rug will be set out with toys but there will be no Sunday School activities. There will be a fellowship period with tea, coffee and treats after the service, as on Sunday mornings.

Wednesday, 26 December - Boxing Day

A national holiday in Hungary. No services at Saint Margaret’s this day.

Sunday, 30 December: 10.30  - The Sunday after Christmas

Location: District Seven, Pest - Városligeti fasor 17
The Gimnázium second-level Assembly Hall

Our regular Sunday service. The children’s prayer rug will be set out with toys, and older children will be provided for. There will be a fellowship period with tea, coffee and treats after the service, as on other Sunday mornings.

Tuesday, 1 January - New Year’s Day 
A national holiday in Hungary. No services at Saint Margaret’s this day.

Click here to learn more about Saint Margaret’s Anglican Church Budapest