Celebrating All Creatures Great and Small at Ely Cathedral

Charlie the python and other special guests joined the Animal Service at Ely Cathedral on Sunday.

Celebrating All Creatures Great and Small at Ely

Curly the tarantula, Charlie the Royal Python and Tinky Winky, one of the largest breeds of tortoise in Europe, all made a special appearance at the annual Animal Service.

This special service dedicated to animals has been taking place inside the Cathedral for more than 30 years – and was one of the first Cathedral’s to do so.

This very special event is dedicated to celebrating all animals including those in service such as guide dogs, military dogs and therapy dogs, as well as acknowledging the joy and pleasure we experience from our own pets.

There was a special focus on rescue and rehoming animals with The Animal Experience,  a local organisation who take on, and care for, more unusual unwanted pet like Charlie the Python and Curly the Tarantula.  They shared stories behind these creatures and talked about the work they do,  taking them into schools and other events to raise awareness about their conservation and welfare.

Canon James Reveley, who took the service, said,

“The annual Animal Service at Ely Cathedral is always a joyful and heartwarming event. Our pets play such an important part in our lives, and this is a perfect chance to bring them to the Cathedral as we bless then animals and give thanks for all they mean to us.”

This informal family service also recognised the work of local branches of animal charities including Therapy Dogs Nationwide and Cats Protection

The music for the service was performed by the Ely Imps, Ely Cathedral’s voluntary children’s choir.

St Albans Cathedral will host their annual pet service this Sunday (5 October)

It is the third year St Albans Cathedral has hosted a service celebrating all God’s creatures.

It  will be a short and informal service and people are invited to bring their pets along.

All pets will be blessed during the service which will give thanks for all God’s creatures and the joy and companionship they bring in our daily lives.

All are welcome – two legs and four!

Service is Sunday 5 October 2-3pm.

Salisbury Cathedral’s Pet Service was a great success

Salisbury Cathedral opened its doors to its congregation welcoming all creatures great and small for their annual pet service earlier this month

All Creatures Great And Small: A Service Of Blessing For Our Pets gave thanks for all of God’s creatures and for the joy and companionship that they bring to peoples’ lives.

Over 250 people attended the service, along with over sixty dogs, as well as guinea pigs, mice, cats, gerbils and a tortoise.

The joyful service was led by the Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury and Revd Sophie Ferguson, and included readings, hymns, and music from Salisbury Cathedrals Girls Choir and Junior Choir.

Music included John Rutter’s All Things Bright and Beautiful, and an excerpt from Michael Flanders and Joseph Horovitz’s Captain Noah and His Floating Zoo.

The Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury, said:

“We love our pets – as faithful companions and as so much more. They offer invaluable support to the visually impaired. They contribute to the resilience of the vulnerable. And they play a vital role in our agriculture. The service was uplifting and enjoyable for everyone, allowing us to give thanks to God for the integral part that our pets have in our lives.”