Thousands converge on Holy Island to celebrate Lindisfarne Gospels

The open air service was held in the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory(Photo: Diocese of Newcastle)

Thousands of Christians took part in an open-air service on Holy Island on Saturday to celebrate the continuing witness of the Lindisfarne Gospels.  

The service was held in the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory in celebration of the return of the Lindisfarne Gospels to the region.  

The exquisite medieval manuscript was created in Lindisfarne Priory in around 700AD and is still revered the world over today for its exceptional artistry and craftsmanship.  

A rare exhibition of the Lindisfarne Gospels is taking place in Durham throughout the summer.

The service on Saturday was the highlight of a one-day pilgrimage by members and leaders of at least six Christian denominations.  

A facsimile of the Lindisfarne Gospels was carried in procession through the priory during the service along with banner-sized reproducations of the title pages of the four Gospels of Saints Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  

An address was given by the Reverend Ruth Gee, President of the Methodist Conference in Britain, and music was provided by the choirs of St Nicholas' Cathedral, Newcastle, and Hexham Abbey, and the worship band of New Life Christian Centre, Morpeth.