One of Epiphany’s core charisms as an Episcopal Church in the Pacific Northwest is Choral Evensong, our weekly contemplative service which takes place every Sunday at 5:30 pm, in the church and streamed on YouTube. It is often described a transformative experience for people who grew up with this tradition, as well as for those of us who are new to this unique service, so we are unsurprisingly very eager to introduce this practice to others! But what is Evensong, anyway? Where did it come from? How does it work? And what relevance does it have for the world today? As a “learning church,” Epiphany will be offering more educational opportunities in this coming months as we grow our “evangelism” around Evensong in Seattle and beyond, so keep on the look out for that! In the meantime, here’s a rough and ready “beginner’s guide” to Choral Evensong to get us started.
What is Evensong? Defining the Service
Evensong is a musical form of evening prayer, most familiar in the Anglican and Episcopal traditions. It’s typically held in cathedrals, collegiate chapels, and parish churches, often at the close of the day. Unlike many other church services, much of Evensong is sung by a choir, accompanied by an organ, with the congregation usually participating through silent reflection or by joining in a few responses and hymns. The primary purpose of Evensong is to offer thanks for the day that is past, to seek spiritual peace for the evening ahead, and to provide attendees with a space for contemplation through beautiful music and scripture.
History and Origins of Evensong
The roots of Evensong trace back to the earliest Christian monastic communities, who would pause at several points throughout the day to pray. In the 16th century, following the English Reformation, the Book of Common Prayer brought together two traditional monastic offices—Vespers (evening prayer) and Compline (night prayer)—to create what we now know as Evening Prayer. Over time, the particular version called “Choral Evensong,” where most elements are sung rather than spoken, became a distinctive part of Anglican worship, especially in cathedrals and college chapels with established choirs. This service has evolved into a cherished musical and spiritual tradition, open to all regardless of faith background.
How Evensong Differs from Other Services
What sets Evensong apart is its emphasis on “awe” (through the beauty of music) and “transcendence” (through the practice of silent contemplation). While most church services involve a sermons, Evensong is designed around the choir’s singing and the rhythm of the liturgy; even the scripture readings and spoken prayers take on a musical quality that some of us at Epiphany have called a “sound bath for the soul.” Instead of being ‘told’ what to think, the Evensong congregation is invited to listen, meditate, and simply enjoy the music and words. In this way, experience is intended to be immersive and peaceful, and many describe attending Evensong as restorative, even if they aren’t religious.
Typical Flow of an Evensong Service
Most Evensong services last around 30–45 minutes. While individual churches may vary in specific customs or music choices, Evensong at Epiphany usually unfolds as follows:
- The Voluntary (Organ Prelude): The organist plays a piece of music before the service begins, setting a contemplative or anticipatory mood.
- The Procession (Introit): The service begins with a ceremonial procession as the choir and officiant enter, often accompanied by an introit, which is a sung prayer to set the tone.
- Opening Sentences: These are introductory verses, typically spoken by the Officiant, that begin the formal part of the Evensong service.
- Opening Responses (The Preces): The choir sings a series of call-and-response prayers, setting a reverent tone.
- The Phos: The choir sings this hymn (“O brightness of the immortal Father’s face”) as candles are lit, symbolizing Christ as the light of the world.
- The Psalms: Selected psalms are sung, often to centuries-old chants.
- The First Lesson: A reading from the Old Testament is presented.
- The Magnificat: The choir sings the Song of Mary (“My soul magnifies the Lord”), one of the traditional canticles sung in response to the First Lesson.
- The Second Lesson: A reading from the New Testament.
- The Nunc Dimittis: The choir sings the Song of Simeon, another ancient canticle sung in response to the Second Lesson.
- The Creed: The Apostles’ Creed is spoken or sung, affirming Christian faith.
- Prayers: Led by the Cantor, intercessory prayers and collects (short prayers for specific intentions) are offered.
- The Welcome: The Officiant welcomes everyone to the service and shares any announcements.
- Anthem: A special choral piece is sung, often highlighting the choir’s repertoire.
- The General Thanksgiving:
- Closing Responses and Blessing: The service ends with final prayers and a blessing.
- Organ Postlude: The organist plays a piece of music, offering a final statement that can be joyful, reflective, or grand as the congregation departs.
- The Reception: Although this is after the service, fellowship can be understood as a response to the liturgy, following the Evensong’s underlying pattern.
Why Attend Evensong? An Invitation
You don’t need to be a regular churchgoer or know anything about liturgy to attend and enjoy Evensong. Many people—of all beliefs or none—find that stepping into a Evensong at Epiphany offers a break from daily busyness and a chance to find peace, listen to exquisite music, and ponder in a beautiful space. If you’re new, you’re welcome to sit, soak up the atmosphere, and participate as much or as little as you wish. Every service is a chance to experience history, artistry, and tranquility all at once. Whether you come for the music, the architecture, the words, or the sense of community (there’s a reception after every service!), Evensong has something timeless to offer everyone.