Reykjavík Cathedral marks 230 years of service

Reykjavík Cathedral, consecrated in 1796, has served the city and the wider nation for 230 years, mbl.is reports. It is the Bishop of Iceland’s church and hosts services for the opening of parliament, on June 17 and before Icelandic presidents take office.

The cathedral has also become part of the country’s Christmas tradition. Since 1931, its bells and Christmas Eve service have been broadcast on the radio, with the same hymns retained year after year.

When the cathedral was consecrated, Reykjavík had about 300 residents. The building was expanded and raised in 1847, and for many years most of the city’s residents were buried there. It also served as a venue for institutions and activities, including the National Museum of Iceland, the National Archives and the Icelandic Literary Society.

The cathedral’s history is closely tied to Iceland’s public and cultural life. Jón Sigurðsson was buried there, the national anthem was performed there for the first time, and the church was home to the country’s first pipe organ. Modern music activity and choral singing also began there, according to priests Sveinn Valgeirsson and Elínborg Sturludóttir.

Valgeirsson has served at the cathedral since 2014 and Sturludóttir since 2018. They share the work, which includes services on more than 60 holy days each year. They each lead about 30 services, as well as services every Sunday, sometimes together.