St Amphibalus was the priest who was rescued by Alban and who taught him the Christian faith, but who was later caught and executed himself - tradition says near Redbourn. His relics were placed in a shrine near to St Alban’s shrine, but both were destroyed at the Dissolution, and the rubble was used to build a wall separating the Abbey from the Lady Chapel. When the two buildings were reunited in the 1870s, the shrines were rediscovered and roughly rebuilt. St Alban’s shrine was properly restored in 1993, and now St Amphibalus’ shrine too has been restored to its former glory. Later in the year there will also be a new shrine canopy, four candle-stands and four narrative icons telling the story of Amphibalus; and when circumstances allow, there will be a grand public service of dedication for the whole project.For now, a short choral service on 7 February will mark the re-hallowing of the restored shrine as a focus of prayer and devotion to Amphibalus, the priest, evangelist, teacher and martyr without whom we would have had no St Alban. A video of the service will be available on the Cathedral’s YouTube channel from 6pm on Sunday 7 February.
"The cathedral is still open to visit, and communal worship is still permitted under current regulations, so we are continuing with the timetable of services for January as advertised.However, we are very conscious that the new virus brings an increased risk of infection, and that we are being asked to stay at home except where necessary. So we urge anyone who has any degree of vulnerability through age or other causes, or anyone who is nervous or concerned for any reason about attending worship, to consider worshipping with us online rather than coming in person.We will continue to monitor the situation, and to follow national and local advice.God bless you, and keep you safe and well".Jeffrey
Following the Prime Minister's announcement of a new nationwide lockdown on Monday 4 January, we can confirm that the Cathedral will remain open and our regular services will continue. The times of these may vary, so we advise you check the Cathedral website prior to attending a service.<div>We understand that many people may not want, or physically be able to come to the Cathedral at this time, so many of our services are available to watch online.The Cathedral Shop will be available online for home delivery only.Abbot's Kitchen Cafe will remain closed.Further information can be found on our Visitor Information page.</div>
Following the announcement that St Albans moves to Tier 4 from Sunday 20 December, we can confirm that the Cathedral will remain open and our regular services will take place as planned. The timings of these will vary slightly and full details can be found on our website.<div>We understand that many people may not want, or physically be able to come to the Cathedral at this time, so many of our services are available to watch online.The Cathedral Shop will be available online for home delivery only.Abbot's Kitchen Cafe will be remain closedFurther information can be found on our Visitor Information page.</div>
