Kevin Johnson/Saint Mark’s Cathedral

For 16 months, the 65-year tradition of the Compline Service at Saint Mark’s has continued through the pandemic — but in an empty cathedral. Sunday, full life returns to the Episcopal Cathedral on Capitol Hill as the weekly service reopens to the public:

During the pandemic, the safety of the congregation and the choir members has been a priority, with careful consideration given to ventilation of the space, protocols while in the cathedral, and isolation after possible exposure. There have been no known instances of COVID transmission inside Saint Mark’s Cathedral. All singers are fully vaccinated, and the choir remains masked at all times. Following current guidelines, masks are recommended for those attending the service at this time. A portion of the seats in the church are set apart as a “distanced section,” and those who choose to sit in that section are required to remain masked and distanced from others.

Saint Mark’s officials say the service has also grown through the pandemic with thousands tuning in for the live radio broadcast each week on KING-FM that continued without break until the 14-week period beginning in November 2020, “when the spike in COVID cases meant that only one singer and one speaker were allowed.” Saint Mark’s has also added a video livestream of the service.

Starting this Sunday, visitors are invited to attend in person again as the chants and sung prayers of medieval Christian monasteries continue.

“Humans need experiences that offer numinous connection and meaning, especially in times such as this,” The Very Rev Steven L. Thomason, Dean of Saint Mark’s Cathedral, said. “The Cathedral’s Compline service does that, and has for decades. I am delighted for Compline to reopen for all who find solace and spiritual nourishment in Compline, and I am very grateful for the members of the Compline Choir who have held the space with much grace till we could return.”

You can attend Compline at St. Mark’s at its grand re-opening this coming Sunday, August 22, at 9:30 PM. Masks will be required for everyone while inside the cathedral building. St. Mark’s is located at 1245 10th Ave. E. Learn more at saintmarks.org.

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