REGULAR service-goers at Durham Cathedral are facing an online Easter so they can take part in worship at the special time in the Christian calendar.

Despite remaining closed during the coronavirus crisis, the cathedral’s dean and chapter has maintained its commitment to public engagement and support.

Canon Pastor, the Venerable Michael Everitt, plus other clergy and cathedral staff are in direct contact with regular worshippers and volunteers, offering them their support.

Easter plans include live streaming and posting pre-recorded worship and reflection on social media with links via the cathedral’s website.

A full Easter schedule is on www.durhamcathedral.co.uk and includes a Palm Sunday service, evening compline services, and special services for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

Services will be led by cathedral clergy, some featuring musical accompaniment.

The Maundy Thursday Chrism service will be led by the Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Paul Butler.

There will be an Easter Dawn Service on Easter Sunday, and a later Easter Service led by the bishop.

The Dean of Durham, the Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett, said: “We at Durham Cathedral are very aware of our role as a place of calm and solace that people can turn to in these difficult times.

“We are ministering through digital means with feedback from both our regular congregation members, who usually worship in person, and people from around the world, that the cathedral’s presence on line is a source of comfort.”