Corpus Christi

Today we give thanks for the Institution of the Holy Eucharist.



Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendour,
first-begotten from the dead.
Thou alone, our strong defender,
liftest up thy people's head.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Jesus, true and living bread!

Here our humblest homage pay we,
here in loving reverence bow;
here for faith's discernment pray we,
lest we fail to know thee now.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou art here, we ask not how.

Though the lowliest form doth veil thee
as of old in Bethlehem,
here as there thine angels hail thee,
branch and flower of Jesse's stem.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
We in worship join with them.

Paschal Lamb, thine offering, finished
once for all when thou was slain,
in its fullness undiminished
shall for evermore remain.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Cleansing souls from every stain.

Life-imparting heavenly Manna,
stricken Rock with streaming side,
heaven and earth with loud hosanna
worship thee, the Lamb who died.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Risen, ascended, glorified!

Happy Feast!

Tomorrow we shall be visiting the Castle of Mey.

Balmoral Castle - 6

Here we see Crathie Kirk, where Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II attends Divine Service each Sunday that she is in residence at Balmoral Castle.



Today is her official birthday (83 years), and so we pray for Her Majesty in the words of The National Anthem:

God save our gracious Queen!
Long live our noble Queen!
God save the Queen!
Send her victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us,
God save the Queen.

Thy choicest gifts in store
On her be pleased to pour,
Long may she reign.
May she defend our laws,
And give us ever cause,
To sing with heart and voice,
God save the Queen.

Balmoral Castle - 5

The Queen loves the sound of the bagpipes, and has them played every day that she is in residence at Balmoral.



Here we see Her Majesty talking to a group of pipers in the grounds of the Castle.

Balmoral Castle - 4

Here we have another fine view of the castle.



Her Majesty plans to stay at Balmoral throughout August and September this year.

Balmoral Castle - 3

Here is another fine view of the Castle with the lovely gardens in front.



Small wonder Her Majesty looks forward to her weeks in residence so much!

Balmoral Castle - 2

Here we see Her Majesty enjoying a lunchtime drink in the gardens of Balmoral Castle following Divine Service at Crathie Kirk.



The Queen is set to open a bar at Balmoral Castle - so her staff can unwind at the end of their shifts.

Aides, servants and protection officers will be able to relax with a drink in a cosy lounge in the Piper’s Hall, 50 yards from the Highland castle on the remote Aberdeenshire estate.

Previously thirsty workers had to go to the village of Ballater ten miles away.

A senior aide to the Queen said: “Piper’s Hall is a great setting, right next to the river. I guess you could say it’ll be one of the most exclusive bars in Britain.

“The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will visit the new bar without a doubt. The staff fancy dress party has been held in the Piper’s Hall and she always popped in to pick the winner.

“She’s partial to a gin and Dubonnet while the Duke likes a single malt.”

Applications for planning permission and an alcohol licence have been submitted.

The bar will open seven nights a week from August until March but the hall will revert to a tourist cafe and shop when the estate is open to the public.

Deacon Peter is looking forward to an invitation to drinks with Her Majesty!

We shall all be raising our glasses this evening at St Columba's, as we celebrate the Feast Day of our Patron Saint.

Balmoral Castle - 1

Here we see the Scottish Country Residence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.



Isn't it magnificent?