What is Taizé worship?

In 1940, a 25 year old man from Switzerland, Brother Roger, came to the small village of Taizé in the Burgundy Region of France with the dream of starting an ecumenical community for comptemplation and for the reconciliation of Christians of all faiths.

Today, the community made up of brothers from several continents and various denominations, draws tens of thousands of people from all parts of the world. They come as part of their search for trust and communion in their lives. Three times each day they join with the brothers for prayer in the Church of Reconciliation.

REPETITIVE SUNG PRAYER An important part of the Taizé experience is the singing of simple, meditative songs that were developed for the prayer service.

“Singing is one of the most important forms of prayer. A few words sung over and over again reinforce the meditative quality of the prayer. These simple chants also provide a way of praying when one is alone, during the day or at night, or even in the silence of one’s heart while one is working.” (Songs and Prayers from Taizé)

SILENCE Another characteristic of Taizé worship is its generous use of silence. The Taizé website says, “Calming our souls requires a kind of simplicity: ‘I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvellous for me.’ Silence means recognising that our worries can’t do much. Silence means leaving to God what is beyond our reach and capacity. A moment of silence, even very short, is like a holy stop, a sabbatical rest, a truce of worries. (taize.fr)

MEDITATIVE WORSHIP In addition to the Taizé community, other communities have contributed to what one might call “meditative worship”: worship that intentionally includes the elements of silence, repetition and sung prayer among other aspects. The Iona Community, founded in Glasgow, Scotland in 1938 by Rev George MacLeod, says, “Inspired by our faith and loving concern for the world and its people, we pursue justice and peace in and through community.” For more information visit their website iona.org.uk)

21 February 12pm | St Mary’s carpark

Simon and Susanne West will be offering pancakes in the carpark at noon.

Traditionally Shrove Tuesday was a day to be shriven (to confess and be forgiven of sins). The option remains (see prayer book page 750) though is not compulsory.

Rich food was also used up in preparation for the Lenten fast - hence the pancakes.

The Taizé prayer cross is based on icons that were brought from the Orthodox Church and painted by Brother Eric of the Taizé Community who was a gifted artist. Through his works - paintings, etchings, stained glass - he was one of the brothers who awakened sensitivity to beauty that is linked to the vocation of Taize. His numerous stained glass windows can be found in countries around the world.

Another well-know symbol from Taizé is the Taizé dove-cross (pictured at the top of the page) which represents reconciliation and peace.

22 February 12.15pm | St Mary’s

A short service of communion with imposition of ashes. Hugh will be looking for volunteer welcomers, and help with communion.

Did you know?

The JHS (or IHS) symbol decorates much church linen and is a common abbreviation which can be seen on many eastern icons. Various Latin inscriptions have been attributed to it, such as in hoc , i.e. the sign of the cross. Actually, it isn’t Latin but Greek iota - the letters I or J (in Greek, they were the same), eta or E, and sigma or S. It is transliterated as JESrst three letters of Jesus’ name.