On Saturday morning before the sun even rises in our land, the coronation of King Charles the Third will be under way, beginning at 4am. Many will choose not to rise for the occasion and will instead watch clips later in the day or read about it afterwards. Regardless of whether you watch it or not, as Anglicans, many aspects of the service will be familiar to you. The coronation service is, at its heart, a service of Holy Eucharist. The theme of the coronation is “faith and service.” It begins with a procession of faith leaders, and the first words spoken in the service, are by a child, as a reminder that the true king is God – the King of kings – and we are all God’s children. King Charles’ first words in response will be an affirmation that, in the name of Jesus, and through the example of Jesus “I come not to be served, but to serve”. After the Easter Greeting – the same one used in our liturgies – the King will be presented to the people, and then presented with a Bible. This is the first gift given to the King with the words,
“Receive this book, the most valuable thing that this world affords. Here is Wisdom; This is the royal Law;These are the lively Oracles of God”
The service will continue with more oaths, and gifts, with a holy anointing and the crowning of the new monarch and of his Queen. But central to the service is the reminder the true king, and one we should follow is none other than Jesus Christ our Lord. It has been much discussed that this will be the first coronation service that acknowledges and involves members of other faith traditions. As will be stated, for Christians, this openness of respect for others is Gospel-based. The service in this regard is not only highlighting our Anglican tradition, but the important role of faith in society today. For those who are interested, I commend to you the order of service for Saturday’s coronation, The Coronation Liturgy with Commentary, as a way to deeper appreciate this Holy Liturgy. Regardless of your opinions about the new king, and whether you a decide to watch or pay attention to the service or not, I invite you to pray for him. Pray that the coronation service, which will be greatly examined, will honour God, and that King Charles will be able to live out the vows he is taking to live a life of service to others with God’s help. Prayer: Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendour:look with favour upon thy servant Charles our King,and bestow upon him such gifts of wisdom and lovethat we and all thy peoplemay live in peace and prosperityand in loving service one to another;to thine eternal glory,who with the Father and the Holy Spiritreigns supreme over all things,one God, now and for ever.Amen Opening Collect from the Coronation Rite of His Majesty King Charles III
