Grace Cathedral to honor World AIDS Day with Choral Evensong

Official seal of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. (Photo taken from the official website of Grace Cathedral)

Grace Cathedral in San Francisco will honor World AIDS Day on Thursday, Dec. 1, at 5:30 p.m., together with Choral Evensong. 

Honoring World AIDS Day

Grace Cathedral extended an invitation to the community to participate in the world's first global health day celebration in honor of those who have battled HIV/AIDS and in commemoration of those who have passed away. 

The commemoration service of World AIDS Day will be led by Rev. Miguel Bustos, who serves as the deacon of the cathedral.

According to the church’s announcement, every 1st of December, the world comes together to observe World AIDS Day. 

People from different parts of the world get together to show their support for individuals who are living with HIV and to memorialize those who have passed away as a result of AIDS-related illnesses.

In the United Kingdom, there are about 105,000 persons living with HIV. The number of people infected with the virus worldwide is believed to be 38 million. 

After just being discovered in 1984, HIV/AIDS has already claimed the lives of over 35 million people, making it one of the deadliest pandemics in human history.

More is known about HIV and its treatment now than ever before, and there are regulations in place to safeguard those who are HIV-positive.

Because of the persistence of HIV, it is crucial that they continue to mobilize resources, combat stigma, and educate the public in honor of World AIDS Day.

According to the National AIDS Trust, on Dec. 1, the international community comes together to demonstrate support for the millions of people living with HIV around the world. The majority of individuals observe this day by donning a red ribbon representing HIV awareness.

Meanwhile, the most significant choral service takes place during the middle of the week at the cathedral, as well as one of the most stunning liturgies in the Anglican tradition. 

Psalms, canticles, and prayers, varying from introspective to joyous in tone, are performed by the choir and an officiant during the Choral Evensong.

About Grace Cathedral

Grace Cathedral places a strong emphasis on both social justice and volunteer work. They are the means by which we contribute to the development of a more equitable and compassionate world in San Francisco and beyond the city's borders. 

The church said it is devoted to taking care of the Earth in a variety of ways, including through activism, education, and careful consideration of its own carbon footprint.

According to the church’s website, through public witness and activism, Grace Cathedral continues to fight against sexism, homophobia, and transphobia. This work is informed by the cathedral's long and illustrious history.

The congregation of Grace Cathedral is a community of approximately 500 houses that is loving and engaged. The church is composed of members of all sexual orientations, people of all ages, and people who identify as LGBTQ. 

They come together to pray, support one another, study, take part in voluntary work, enjoy cultural and other activities held at the cathedral, and establish fellowship and friendships with one another. 

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