STUNNED passers-by watched as worshippers performed an impromptu, ‘flashmob’-style act of worship in Portsmouth’s Guildhall Square.

Fifty Christians suddenly appeared in the city centre last night (May 31) for the five-minute act of worship to mark Pentecost, an important date in the Christian calendar.

At a pre-arranged signal, worshippers appeared in the square, took off their shoes and socks, sat on the floor behind a large cross and prayed silently for two minutes. They then hummed a single note together and lit candles before dispersing.

It was arranged by the Rev Mark Rodel, city centre pioneer minister for the Church of England. His role involves creating new Christian communities outside traditional churches.

In the style of impromptu, ‘flashmob’ events, it was organised by using viral techniques, including social networking sites, texts and e-mails. Worshippers came from across Portsmouth and as far afield as Hedge End for the event.

The Rev Mark Rodel said: “We called it ‘Pentecost Day Guerilla Worship’ because we were trying to do something subversive that people wouldn’t be expecting. We asked people to take their shoes and socks off to represent the fact that they were on holy ground. The single note symbolised the coming of the Holy Spirit, which we celebrate at Pentecost. I had no idea how many people were going to be there, but that’s part of the attraction of organising something like this. I’m sure we’ll do something similar again, but it won’t be exactly the same.”

Worshipper Cora Magee, from St Mark’s Church, North End, said: “I enjoyed it. I liked the fact that it was a bit of worship out of context, in an area where I’m used to seeing people out clubbing. I think it brought a bit of serenity to this part of the city. I think it made passers-by wonder – perhaps they thought that they would like to be part of what we were doing.”

Perry Abbey, also from St Mark’s Church, North End, said: “It’s a good thing to do in the open air. I was aware of people looking at us, and some people really didn’t know what was going on. But at least they could see the cross, so they would know who we were.”

And Tracey Dean, from St George’s Church, Portsea, said: “It was quite moving, and nice to be part of our wider community rather than being inside a church.”

Pentecost Sunday celebrates the occasion when Jesus’ disciples were first filled with the Holy Spirit and started preaching the gospel. It is traditionally known as the birthday of the Christian Church, as 3,000 new people chose to follow him and were baptised.