This review is for the yoga sessions on Mondays at 6:30 PM and the Yoga + Sound Bath they do every third Monday of the month. It's such a great program, and its donation-based--pay what you can. Just make sure to get there early if you want a good spot ( like at 6pm when the doors open) Trust me, you'll want to be up front or in the center, because being on the sides can make it a little tricky to hear the instructor. The yoga itself leans more towards a Hatha style, which is perfect for all levels. The instructor for the last Yoga + Sound Bath was amazing, and there's something so peaceful and relaxing about practicing yoga here, especially after one of *those* Mondays. The sound bath just takes it to a whole other level of zen. They have mats and blocks available, but it gets pretty packed, so bringing your own is a smart move. If you're looking to unwind, reset, and leave all that Monday madness behind, this is definitely the place to be! read more

Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral - Churches Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I am reviewing this as a musical venue and not a religious venue. But as a musical venue, this place is spectacular ! The seats are not the comfiest, but the acoustics and light through the drain glass make up for it! read more

Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral - Churches Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Went to a concert here last week. The acoustics were amazing. I was completely blown away. This was one of the better musical experiences I have had and it wasn't even music I typically listen to. Can't speak highly enough about the quality of the venue. If you have the chance to see a performance here take it. read more

Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral - Interior - Churches Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Awesome people here and helpful to all coming into church. Grounds are very beautiful read more

I have been an Episcopalian all my life, but not always active in the church. St, Mark's is different: an Episcopal church that welcomes all comers and offers something to everyone, while maintaining its traditional liturgy, gorgeous music, and outreach to the larger community. St. Mark's has just opened a women's center as a safe haven for women who need it. I now check St. Mark's weekly calendar, because I don't want to miss anything, and I want to be involved if I can. read more

St. Mark's is enchanting. I invited a friend to attend a performance with me here, neither of us had ventured inside before. We were both sublimely moved by the musicians. They encouraged the crowd, before they began, to walk around the cathedral and sit in places besides the pews to experience the acoustics differently, to lay down if desired, and just feel the music. This building is a transport of time and space, holding decades of memories of worship through the spoken word, song and music. Just brilliance. I look forward to returning here, again and again. I especially want to be here to hear the monks that I have heard so much about, to revel in their song. read more

We went to the 9am service. Masks and social distancing were required. The music was great. The liturgy was great. The sermon was great. It wasn't the best architecture, which isn't the fault of those currently running it. I did think it was odd that the architecture ENHANCED the grey misery that is Seattle's weather, rather than contrast it. The homeless encampment was humbling. We all should be doing more, and St Mark's is. It can't be an easy outreach, but they are doing it. Bless you, St Mark's! read more

Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral - The homeless encampment supported by the Cathedral. - Churches Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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I have come to St Mark's many times. Each time I have left longing for my next visit. I have come for worship. I have come to sing as a choir member on Saturday nights. I have come for Installations and Consecrations. Somehow I've missed the Sunday night Compline. One of the most beautiful services in the Book of Common Prayer. Probably one of the most enjoyable experiences at St Mark's, was when former Bishop of Newark, Jack Spong came to speak on the release of one of his books. It was a no holds bar discussion and he held court for nearly two hours to a packed Cathedral. It was hilarious, educational and poignant. His theology and humor was embraced by all that night. Come for the service, come to be served and come to offer service to others. It will change you! It is one of the most inclusive places I've ever been in. read more

Anyone who listens to the 98.1 King FM classical music channel in Seattle has probably heard of the Compline Choir singing on Sunday evenings. The music is very pretty but I decided to go see them in person last night. The service starts at 9:30 and the cathedral fills up relatively quickly with people from all sorts of faiths and walks of life. You'll see people dressed up, but others in sweat pants. Some people also carry blankets and pillows to sit on the ground. I am by no means religious but the music sung by the Compline Choir ignores all boundaries and really embraces the message of "All are welcome". If you aren't able to make it to the Compline Choir they do post their weekly podcast so you can listen here: http://complinepodcast.org/ Try coming around 9:15 to insure that you get a parking space if driving. The cathedral itself is very open with high ceilings and very warm in the summer, I'm sure it gets colder in the winter. The service itself is only 30 minutes but you leave feeling very relaxed. A wonderful way to reset from the weekend and rest up before the work week. I look forward to incorporating this into my weekly schedule. read more

WOW. I went here for the first time to see My Brightest Diamond and was blown away by the beauty and acoustics of the space. Shana's voice and theatrics also lent themselves well to their surroundings. We didn't have any problem securing good seats because we arrived quite early. I noticed a lot of folk brought fat pillows from home so they could enjoy the show from the steps. One man brought a pair of sleeping bags and methodically folded them over to make one thick pallet for himself. Parking was also easy though I can see their lot filling up on busier days. I'll definitely go back to check out the Compline chant one day. I've heard SO much about it. read more

Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral - Before the My Brightest Diamond show. - Churches Near Me - Seattle, Washington

After close to half a century of having St. Mark's even just a distant part of my life, I was so very happy to attend a piano recital Saturday evening, December 8, 2018, a little over two weeks before Christmas. I heard Reinus Zarins play by candlelight Olivier Messiaen's 1944 majestic, sometimes dissonant albeit, but profoundly moving, powerful, and alive "Vingt Regards sur l'enfant Jesus". Two hours, without intermission. The benches of the pews--without cushions--are hard. Many things have changed on Capitol Hill: this is one place I hope that doesn't. Thank you, St. Mark's, for bringing Mr. Zarins to Seattle and presenting this wonderful music, which I had not heard before. I found a recording on amazon after I got back home and am listening to it this gray, dark, rainy morning. It is keeping my spirit alive. (Messien was a French composer interred in a German concentration camp during World War II, best known, probably, for his "Quartet for the End of Time," inspired by the Book of Revelations, where an angel descends from Heaven to declare the end of time). The audience for this kind of "thing" is very very small, compared to say, that of the fans of Lady Gaga, Beyonce, etc. But minorities sometimes have made a difference disproportionate to their actual numbers.++ The other place I so vividly remember from childhood growing up on Capitol Hill--that I also "stood the test of time," so far, at least is the Theosophical Society on Broadway between Roy and Aloha, a half a block from where I grew up. read more

Brian Regan's skit about IHOP always brings Compline to mind at St. Mark's Cathedral: "Paaaaa-aaaaaa-aaaa-aaaaaaa-nnn caaaaaaaakes." Before you ask, I observe any and all religion and none at all. If I like you, I'm sure it has something to do with your belief system or absence of one. So let's just say we're good. Compline is free to the public and happens every Sunday night at 9:30pm. For the last 13 years or so, when I just want to peace out, I head over to St. Mark's and either lay down on the floors with a bunch of other people, or I sit in the pews, so I can listen to Compline Choir sing. It's beautiful. The notes are so deep and true as they sing, that I can feel the reverberation in my jaw in the most pleasant way. Sometimes in English, Latin, Italian or others, it's about the observance of sound in the simplest way. It's short--no more than 20 min, I think, but you will feel wonderful afterwards. At least I do. Breaking out of the norm is always refreshing. I know I've done a good job of listening if I'm not humming "paaaa-aaaaaaaa-aaannn caaaaakes" before they begin. Feel free to drop off a donation at the front; you never know when you'll want to drop in. read more

Yay for Catholic Light! A woot out to Elizabeth the First and her moms for getting it going! This is the one church I have EVER been to outside of AA meetings, weddings and funerals, and while I am not a Christian I do have a belief in a power greater than all of us (though I suspect it is comprised of all of us) and I feel like this is a great place to tap into that. Compline services on Sunday are standing (or laying on the floor) room only, the audience is as diverse as an airport Starbucks. The voices of choir are incredibly cathartic and soothing - the room truly seems to fill with the spirit of everyone in attendance. That, to me, is what God is. Check it out some Sunday night. (And if you think you might want to stop self medicating in whatever your compound of choice maybe check out the basement on Mondays at 8 pm) UPDATE: My main mo here at work gave me the heads up that there is a Gay/Lesbian service here at 7 Sunday evenings. Wow, this place just doesn't stop. *clappies* read more

OK. So why am i writing about a church?? But little do you know this is one of my favorite places to go on a Sunday Nights at 9:30. Its called Compline but in reality it's The Monks. I first started going 2 years ago and ever since then i've been hooked. About ten to thirteen men walk and begin to sing the most relaxing songs you have ever heard in your entire life. They use the tall ceilings to perfections allowing their songs to cascade around the building like a cool breeze on summer day. Its that amazing. They sing mainly in Latin, and even though you can not understand hte words they make you fall asleep. It's that good! My favorite part is that its not a typical church service, there is no preaching, there is no pastor or priest. Its just 300 to 400 people laying ether on the floor with blankets or in the pews. Its very diverse and keeps a urban feeling. There are no rules! where you can lay orstand, the only thing is they just want you to be quite. The ages range from 15 to 75 everyone can enjoy this. I love it. And to be honest at first i didn't think it would be that great. But i'm hooked. Sometimes you have to just get away and relax, this allows you to do this. It's my meditation time and my time to just think and get my mind clear of all the distraction that I had during the week. GIVE yourself a chance to get hooked too. WHAT ELSE ARE U DOING ON A SUNDAY AT 9:30?! See you there ! and remember a blanket! read more

Thank God (no really, I mean it this time!) we have such a tradition as the Compline Choir at St. Mark's every Sunday. I first went in 1996, quite reluctantly I might add, and quickly fell in love with this service. It's simple really; You walk in, find a seat or lie on the floor if no seats are left, the priests file in, they sing a capella, you get chills down your spine because the music is incredible, maybe you weep, the priests finish, they file out, and you leave. There's no sermon, no harassment about tithing, no secret agenda to damn you to hell if you aren't Christian. St. Mark's is awesome. read more

Their Sunday night Compline Service almost makes me wish I was religious. The church and the service is absolutely beautiful. Go to this service for meditation, reflection, and simply to enjoy beautiful singing. Whatever faith/spirit you believe in, St. Mark's is the place on Sunday nights. (Don't be loud!) read more

Love the Compline service, I always take out of town guests visiting to hear this. The church is so gorgeous at night. I'd love to have my wedding there at night, lit by candles. It feels like being in medieval Spain. What a wonderful way to end the weekend and have some sort of semblance of spirituality in my life. read more

I do not attend services but have sung a number of concerts here. It is such a wonderful space for singing. There are also a variety of locations within the church that provide different acoustic characteristics as well, from the altar, behind in the chapel, or in Complin Corner. Each spot provides a different soundscape for listeners in the pews. read more

Someone asked me what my absolute favorite things about Seatle are. Compline came to mind right away. I often bring out-of-towners to the Sunday night compline becasue it is a geniune, unique Seattle experience. We walk in with guest asking "Wait, why are we bringing a blanket to church? Hey, you're not a Christian, you do know that, right?" Then, walking out, it's "Wow. Just wow. Thank you for taking me here." Laying on the floor of St. Mark's Compline is perhaps my best ever thinking and relaxing place. Give it a try. read more

THINGS TO DO: 1. Go to the St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral Compline service. It is on every Sunday night at 9:30pm. This service provides a very tranquil mood allowing one to either cool off from a stressful week of work or school, and/or mentally prepare for an upcoming hectic schedule. And as a bonus, this service is completely FREEEE! 2. Dress warm or bring a blanket. This place is a little chilly because of the high ceiling and massive circumference of the room, so unless you're from the Midwest and/or don't mind freezing temperatures, you are going to want wear jeans and a coat. 3. Be on the floor. If you're like me you and don't mind being on the floor, bring a pillow and blanket and plop yourself almost anywhere in the room. I personally enjoy being on the floor, closing my eyes, and letting myself be enveloped in the heat of my blanket while the serene sounds from the male Compline choir fill my ears. However, if you are uncomfortable with the idea of being on the floor, there are wooden benches surrounding the room on the walls, as well as wooden pews in the middle of the room (however, in my opinion, the pews are very uncomfortable). THINGS NOT TO DO: 1. Don't be a naive fool like I was and go wearing shorts and a t-shirt. Trust me, you will regret it. You will want to be comfortable so you will fully be able to enjoy the service. 2. Be comfortable, but not too comfortable. Yes, you want to be comfy, but don't fall asleep. Again speaking from past experiences, I fell asleep. Apparently, I began talking in my sleep, but thankfully the friend I was with shook me awake before I things got too bad (THANK GOD)! Also, there is one part in the service where everyone has to stand up (only for a few seconds), and if you want to be respectful, stand up. 3. Don't sit in the front of the pews. Don't get me wrong, the view is lovely. Although this cathedral has remained unfinished since the 1900s, it is absolutely astonishing. But, I would not recommend sitting in front of the pews. My friend and I made this mistake our first time going to the Compline service. We sat leaning against a pillar in front. Since I like to observe my surrounding, I'm always looking around. Every time I looked around I always made eye contact with someone which made for a VERY AWKWARD 1 second (yes, it was a short time, but that doesn't make it any less uncomfortable) of staring. OVERALL, this is a magnificent service to go to. Enjoy it alone or with friends, sitting in a pew or laying on the floor, it is a place to go to for those who enjoy a stunning setting and a tranquil mood. read more

I first found myself at St Marks because a friend invited me to sit in with the women's choir. (I guess the voice lessons paid off.) I fell in love with the music, the magical mechanical tracking Flentrop organ, the kind and knowledgable music staff and the oh so brilliant acoustics! Then I started meeting the people! Somewhere along the line...I got hooked on the place. A whacking great lot of service goes on there, at last count they have 81 different ministries. These folks have learned a thing or two about service to humanity. And they are not a stuffy lot, no sir. Right now the tent city folks are being hosted in their parking lot and homeless women are given a place to sleep in a part of the church every night. I have never felt more at home nor more welcomed than I do at St. Marks. In fact this year I decided to become a member. See you around. read more

I had a great first date here once. We went on Sunday night at 9:30 when they have Compline (ancient night time prayers). People came and filled every inch of the sanctuary. There were people laying on the ground, between the pews, sitting against the walls, the place was packed. Then you just sit back and enjoy the beautiful prayers being sung. If you want the same experience at home, they broadcast it live on King 98.1FM as well. I recommend this for anyone that needs their souls to be touched. Even if you're not religious or have issues with organized religion, or are somewhat spiritual but not to a particular faith or god or doctrine, I can't imagine someone at least feeling a sense of calm and peace at Compline. If anything, it made for a unique first date. We went to Dilettante's for dessert later and the next night I went out with a different guy, but it had no thing to do with St. Marks'. read more

If only they advertised better more people would know how awesome this event is! Every Sunday a group of volunteer "monks" offer a compline service and it is so worth it! There is a remarkable silence when you walk in, and the building is incredible. The choir truly sounds like one voice. It's very unique and a great experience for believers and non believers alike. Music is truly what connects us all. read more

Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral - Compline at St. Marks - Churches Near Me - Seattle, Washington

There's just something about this place. First off... the church itself is beautiful. When you walk in, you feel the holy nature of all of it. Here's the interesting part, although the place is huge, the community is rather small in feel. They always have groups so you don't get lost in the shuffle if you really want to make a place for yourself. I love the diversity of the people who attend Sunday morning service, and the diversity of the people who facilitate the Sunday morning service. There isn't one set type of person here. The Compline services is something everyone should go to at least once. Go on a Sunday night when you're looking at a tough work week ahead... it's a great way to center yourself. My recommendation if you're tossing around the idea of going to church around this time of year... go to their Christmas service, and then go to the labyrinth walk for New Years Eve. Both experiences are amazing. The music, the peace, the people... Weather you're a hetero couple with 6 kids, a single in your 20's, an LGBT family, wealthy, not so wealthy... you're welcome here. No sideways glances. It's just all around a really nice place to be. read more

My first and only visit to Saint Mark was to attend the memorial service of renowned Vivace barista Brian Fairbrother. The church is cavernous in size. The art that is currently displayed in the cathedral is awe inspiring and thought provoking. You should visit the church as well and their web site. The building has rather rich history and the building wasn't always a church. read more

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Came for the Compline this past Sunday which we surprisingly learned about from our duck tour guide. Who woulda expected that? What an amazing experience! If I lived here I'd go all the time. So serene and relaxing. They also had an organist afterwards which was also super cool. What talent! read more

Social gospel is their God. If you get warm fuzzies from sitting in a cathedral that is more into the elements of worship but has a lukewarm, liberal social gospel, then this may be your place. I stopped going when Mark Taylor wanted more money and power. (He was making more than our Washington State Governor, for Gods sake).He left in a huff and tried to cry poor, persecuted me! How Christ-like is that? The verse below applies to this place :2 Timothy 3:5 NLT They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! Indeed, pass on this church. It will leave feeling shallow and empty. read more

Everyone should go to Compline (Night Prayer) on Sundays at 9:30 pm. Yes, it's that late. If you are used to a praise band, shouting and 45 minute sermons this is NOT the church or the service for you. If, however, you want to experience something truly different, and really unique in Seattle, then attend Compline. You don't participate. You just sit there (or lay there, people bring blankets and pillows and just sit / lay anywhere in the church). The men's choir sings hymns and chants in English and Latin, sometimes other languages. There are prayers and scripture readings, but no preaching, no pastors, just the choir leading this worship. It's a very meditative worship. The choir stands in the back corner of the church and sings a'capella and the harmonies just reverberate in the open Cathedral. Sometimes there is an organ concert after the worship. I have also been to their 7:00 p.m. worship in the chapel, which was billed as a young adults worship, but it was mostly older folks who went. It was a very traditional communion worship, but again, it's rather uncommon these days, so it's something different. I don't care for the church's more liberal social teachings, but whenever I'm in town, I always try to make it to Compline. It's a beautiful way to start your week in prayer and meditation. read more

Excellent leadership, programming and ministries. The best choral music! Some mentioned that this is a Catholic church below, but it's actually Episcopal. The difference is pretty big--it's protestant, a member of the worldwide Anglican communion. Separated from the Church of England following the American Revolution. I recommend Compline at 9:30 pm, but also evensong (choral service) the first Sunday of each month at 4:30 pm. Good people doing good work. read more

I do not believe the Compline service could be improved upon, except if maybe it were countless hundreds of years ago and we all arrived at the cathedral on foot or riding on the beasts who plow our fields alongside us, to listen as the choir, on all our behalves, thanks their conception of the Power that moves the waters and resides in the light, for giving us life. No words can convey what that service freely gives and, like somebody else said, I'm not Christian. Or Buddhist. Or an adherent of any other earthly doctrine. In this singularly beautiful service there is room for all, even if at one point they do explicitly state that their way is through their fabled Jesus of Nazareth. Even with all the intolerance, oppression, and bitterly cruel judgments that I personally associate with Christianity, at Compline I'm allowed to come dressed as I please, believing whatever mishmash of things I do, and still find and share in the peace. read more

This place is beautiful, and I love going here on Sundays for Kaplan. I definetly suggest checking this church out as well!

One of my best friends who is studying to be a minister attends this really gay-friendly church. It is a very open-minded community with gay and lesbian members who are active in the euqality-bringing scene. Besides that, St. Mark's is definitely a Seattle landmark and really beautiful - whether you are inside of it, or catching a glimpse of it while driving on I-5. It's no Sacre-Coeur (Paris), but the organ is huge! read more

If you have had a negative church experience in the past, St. Mark's will serve as a safe place to regroup. It is a welcoming place that is both traditional in its worship and up to date in its theological approach. Thinking for yourself is encouraged. Young adults are flocking to St. Mark's in droves probably for these reasons. St. Mark's provides lessons and examples of spiritual living without demanding what doctrine you have to believe to avoid getting kicked out. You don't have to ignore science to belong. Communion is open to everyone who wants it. That alone speaks volumes. St. Mark's tailors an ancient tradition to meet the needs, knowledge and understanding of a 21st century society. On your way out of a negative place that told you that you were too wicked to be saved? Save your sanity and end up at St. Mark's. read more

The Compline service is one of the neatest things I've gone to in awhile- a fantastic Sunday night activity. I'm not one for religion of any kind, but I didn't feel like that even really mattered. It was the perfect way to conclude what had been a rather hectic weekend. The service was peaceful, the music was beautiful, the Cathedral was chilly and I would recommend wearing an extra layer or bringing a blanket/pillow so you can be comfortable and truly enjoy the experience. read more

I was invited to St. Mark's for the Compline service tonight and I am so thankful that I went! The service is just beautiful, and the atmosphere is relaxed and casual. We had the rare opportunity to enjoy the organ concert up in the balcony after the service. An unforgettable experience and one definitely worth repeating! read more

After reading all of the rave reviews about the 9:30 service, I'm so regretful that our group who recently visited Seattle last weekend failed to attend; instead, we came to "EvenSong" at 5:30. It was lovely, and we felt very important since our group of 7, 2 others, the reader of scripture, the celebrant, the choir and the organist made up the congregation. We were puzzled by the silence before and after the service, thinking them unfriendly, but perhaps, in light of what I have learned from the other reviews, this silence was part of the service. Truly hope to attend the Compline service one day. read more

I attended a compline service and it was stunning! Lights turned down low, candles lit and beautiful plainsong chants sung in a vaulted neo-gothic cathedral is a meditative cultural experience I'd recommend for anyone regardless of faith or creed or lack thereof. I also went to a Sunday service and everyone was warm and made me feel welcome. I looked at their ministries and was impressed with what they are doing in the community - trying to feed the hungry, find permanent homes for the homeless (hosting Tent City, Habitat for Humanity, allowing the church to be a homeless shelter for women five nights a week), advocating for the poor, discriminated against and the vulnerable, promoting responsible stewardship of the earth through the environmental awareness...this is a community that rolls up its sleeves and gets to work and has beautiful music to boot. Seattle can and should be proud of St. Mark's! read more

As good as it gets, indeed! I wish I lived in Seattle! Why? The Compline Choir. I have wasted six and a half decades living somewhere else. Superlatives do not begin to describe the mystical, musical, soul- touching, and spiritual nature of this seventh and final 'office' of the monastic day. Week after week, these boys do something truly magical. Jeanie and I were in Seattle on October 4th, 2009 and took in the service, sitting as close as we could to the choir. Everything is right. The tone/sound of the superbly balanced ensemble is rich, vibrant and worshipful. The undulating character of the chant moves me like nothing else in my professional music career. (I played bass trombone in the LA Phil for 38 yrs.) This choir and what they do is a musical window to the divine. Kudos to Peter Hallock who started the whole thing in 1956, and the talented current torch-bearer, director Jason Anderson. And kudos to the men of Compline, who devote a good deal of time, and over a long period of time to make each and every Compline what it is. Compline is an ancient service tracing it's roots back to the year 379 AD. Let's see.... Started in 1956, 52 times a year, times 53 years; that's 2756 Complines? That is a LOT of programs to pull together. PEOPLE!, (yes I'm shouting) I don't think you realize how incredible good this group is on every level. It is the granddaddy of all Compline Choirs on the planet. I was so taken by your Compline Choir that I started one at our own Episcopal Church in Nevada City CA. We have been singing compline once a month on a Sunday Eve. for the last 8 months. Compared to the mighty Seattle Band, we are not worthy! I listen to every podcast of your Comp. Choir and it is now a relationship-not just an experience- a balm to sooth the sin-sick soul. regards, as always, jefe read more

St Mark's is a vibrant, diverse, active, urban parish in the best traditions of the Episcopal Church. While many posters here discuss Compline, there are four other worship services each Sunday. For early risers, there's a brisk communion at 8am. Families predominate at the 9 am service. At 11:00, you get the whole nine yards with full choir, high mass, and a thundering organ. In the evening, there's a Gay/Lesbian service and then Compline. The parish is very active in social justice issues at home and abroad. With all this activity, however, an individual can get lost in the shuffle. A newcomer does have to make an effort if he wants to get to know folks, but then again, not everyone does. I attended services here for years before getting involved and that was just fine too. read more

I REALLY LIKE THE HELP YOU GIVE and consideration to others in need. very well needed and apprecated. really like the location and grounds. canada? the better. THANKYOU FOR YOUR HELP AND CONCERN. TINA read more