Westminster Abbey

Following a reading of John 3:14-21, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle reminds us of tales of snakes within the Bible and ponders the idea of temptation during Lent on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Sign up to the newsletter to get reflections directly to your inbox: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/contact-us/sign-up-to-our-new-newsletter

Beginning with John 2:13-22, the reflection by The Reverend Dr James Hawkey on the third Sunday of Lent explores how people respond to sacred space as part of their worship. Sign up to the newsletter to get reflections directly to your inbox: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/contact-us/sign-up-to-our-new-newsletter

On the second Sunday of Lent, The Reverend Mark Birch reflects on Peter’s denial of Jesus and how it is represented visually on the altar of the Lady Chapel with a crowing cockerel statue. Sign up to the newsletter to get reflections directly to your inbox: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/contact-us/sign-up-to-our-new-newsletter

On the first Sunday of Lent, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle considers the imagery of the shifting season and the role of nature within Lent, following a reading of Mark 1:9-15. Sign up to the newsletter to get reflections directly to your inbox: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/contact-us/sign-up-to-our-new-newsletter

Beginning with Matthew 6:16-21, The Reverend Dr James Hawkey explores the significance of the cross of ash being marked on foreheads on Ash Wednesday. Sign up to the newsletter to get reflections directly to your inbox: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/contact-us/sign-up-to-our-new-newsletter

Join the Westminster Abbey community from wherever you are in the world with this upcoming series of reflections, including a Bible passage and a prayer from Abbey priests. Sign up to the newsletter to get reflections directly to your inbox: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/contact-us/sign-up-to-our-new-newsletter

Archbishop Bashar Warda of Erbil and Tim Livesey, Chief Executive, Embrace the Middle East discuss discuss dignity and hostility Archbishop Bashar Warda is Archbishop of Erbil. Ordained a priest in 1993, he joined the Redemptorist order of Flanders in Belgium two years later. After receiving his MA at the Catholic University of Louvain in 1999 he returned to Iraq. In 2009 the Synod of Bishops of the Chaldean Catholic Church elected him for service as a bishop. Bishop Warda was consecrated in July 2010. Tim Livesey is Chief Executive of Embrace the Middle East, a medium-sized UK charity which works with 50 civil society and church affiliated partners helping to sustain Christian social witness in Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Israel and Iraq, including the Chaldean diocese in Erbil.

Lord Hastings of Scarisbrick CBE discusses dignity and imprisonment with a guest speaker from the Prison and Probation Service.

This discussion focuses on exploring the clash of cultures in Tudor and Modern times

Amanda Pritchard, Chief Executive of NHS England, discusses the NHS.'We come together today not to celebrate an idea, but to celebrate all those who have breathed life into it, who have made it mean something real to tens of millions of people over three quarters of a century, and who continue to give us hope for the future.'

The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle talks about the history, significance and importance of the National Health Service.

A discussion regarding the potential use of technology to heal divisions in public life. Featuring Rory Cellan-Jones, former BBC technology correspondent; Chi Onwurah, Labour MP for Newcastle and Dr Michael Burdett, philosophical theologian and Assistant Professor, Nottingham University.

Read from the Nave Pulpit

Read from the Nave Pulpit

Read from the Nave pulpit

The Reverend Nontombi Naomi Tutu, daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, gives the Address at a Choral Evensong with Thanksgiving for the life and work of Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Television presenter Jay Blades MBE gives a the testimonial at the Benefact Group Service of Thanksgiving. The service celebrated that over £100 million has been raised for good causes by the Benefact Group.

Lord Adonis gives the 36th annual Eric Symes Abbott Memorial Lecture at Westminster Abbey. Money has long been associated with moral danger and the deliberate parting with it is generally seen as something to be honoured and encouraged. But globalisation of markets, environmental degradation and the rise of technology have created new geographies of ethical risk which national governments find it hard to tackle. Knowing how money talks and that much change is needed, how do we work out where it is now safe to stand?

The Rt Reverend and Rt Hon the Lord Sentamu of Lindisfarne and Masooli gave the Address during the service to commemorate the life of Florence Nightingale.

The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster, gives the Address during the the Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving to mark ANZAC Day 2022.

The Right Reverend David Conner, Dean of Windsor, talks about The Duke of Edinburgh in his Address.

Doyin Sonibare, a Gold Award holder from The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, gives a Tribute, talking about how the Duke of Edinburgh's Award has benefited her.

Audio of the conversation with the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick as she draws on her long experience in the police force and now as its most senior leader to discuss the meaning of serving as a leader.

A conversation featuring Director of Westminister Abbey Institute, Claire Foster-Gilbert about the Serving as a Leader? talk.

Loretta Minghella gives the 35th annual Eric Symes Abbott Memorial Lecture at Westminster Abbey.Money has long been associated with moral danger and the deliberate parting with it is generally seen as something to be honoured and encouraged. But globalisation of markets, environmental degradation and the rise of technology have created new geographies of ethical risk which national governments find it hard to tackle. Knowing how money talks and that much change is needed, how do we work out where it is now safe to stand?

The Reverend Canon Carl F. Turner, Rector of Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue, gave the sermon for the Feast of the Dedication of Westminster Abbey

The Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, gave the sermon at Sung Eucharist for the Feast of The Translation of St Edward the Confessor on 13th October 2021.

The Venerable Sheila Watson, Preacher of Lincoln's Inn, gave the sermon.

Listen to the Sermon delivered by The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Sarah Mullally DBE, Bishop of London during the Florence Nightingale Service 2021.The Reverend pays thanks to nurses and healthcare workers on the front line during the Covid-19 pandemic.The Sermon was delivered on what would have been Florence Nightingale's 101st birthday.

Listen to the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle's sermon given during the ANZAC Day service on Sunday 25th April 2021.

This 32-minute service includes prayers, a reading, an address, music and a blessing, recorded this week in the Abbey’s magnificent Chapter House.Introduced by the Reverend Mark Birch, Minor Canon and PrecentorAddress by the Reverend Dr James Hawkey, Canon TheologianReader: Sarah Clarke OBE, Lady Usher of the Black Rod Ave Maris Stella from Le tombeau de Titelouze – Marcel DupréIntroduction: The Reverend Mark Birch Reading: Luke 1: 26-38 Sarah Clarke Prière à Notre Dame from Suite Gothique – Léon BoëllmannAddress: Canon Hawkey Anthem: Mater Christi sanctissima – John TavernerPrayers and Blessing: The Reverend Mark Birch Fuga sopra il Magnificat BWV 733 – JS BachMusic: The anthem is performed by the Choir of Westminster Abbey conducted by James O’Donnell (with kind permission of Hyperion Records). Organ music, which was specially recorded earlier this week, is played by Charles Maxtone-Smith, Organ Scholar.This podcast was recorded with all contributors observing social distancing.

This 28-minute service includes prayers, a reading, an address, music and a blessing, recorded this week in the Florence Nightingale Chapel in Westminster Abbey.Introduced by the Reverend Dr James Hawkey, Canon TheologianAddress by the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of WestminsterReader: Janet Hoyle Miserere – William Byrd Introduction: Canon Hawkey Reading: Isaiah 58: 1-12 Janet Hoyle Erbarm’ dich mein, O herre Gott BWV 721 – JS BachAddress: The DeanAnthem: Kyrie eleison (from Missa Brevis) – William WaltonPrayers and Blessing: Canon Hawkey Aus tiefer Not, schrei ich zu dir BWV 687 – JS Bach Music: The anthem is performed by the Choir of Westminster Abbey conducted by James O’Donnell (with kind permission of Hyperion Records). Organ music, which was specially recorded earlier this week, is played by Matthew Jorysz, Assistant Organist.This podcast was recorded with all contributors observing social distancing.

This 19 minute service includes prayers, a reading, an address, music and a blessing, recorded this week in the Abbey’s magnificent Lady Chapel.Introduced by the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of WestminsterAddress by the Reverend Mark Birch, Minor Canon and Precentor Reader: Janet Hoyle Introduction: The DeanReading: Luke 2: 22-40 Janet HoyleAddress: The Reverend Mark Birch Anthem: Nunc Dimittis, Stanford in A Prayers and Blessing: The Dean Music: Performed by the Choir of Westminster Abbey conducted by James O’Donnell (with kind permission of Hyperion Records). This podcast was recorded with all contributors observing social distancing.

A podcast from Westminster Abbey on the Feast of the Epiphany of The Lord.This 14 minute service includes a reading, an address and music, recorded this week at the crib.Introduced by the Reverend Dr James Hawkey, Canon TheologianReader: The Reverend Mark Birch, Minor Canon and Precentor Address by Canon HawkeyIntroduction: Canon HawkeyEpiphany Gospel: Matthew 2: 1-12 The Reverend Mark BirchAddress: Canon HawkeyAnthem: Jonathan Dove, The Three Kings Music: Performed by the Choir of Westminster Abbey conducted by James O’Donnell (with kind permission of Hyperion Records). This podcast was recorded with all contributors observing social distancing.

This 19 minute service includes prayers, a reading, an address, music and a blessing, recorded this week at the two Jesse Trees, made by the sculptor Benno Elkan, and representing scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Introduced by the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster Address by the Reverend Mark Birch, Minor Canon and Precentor Reader: Carol Hawkey Introduction: The DeanReading: Mark 13: 24-37 Carol HawkeyAddress: The Reverend Mark Birch Anthem: Francisco Guerrero Canite Tuba Prayers and Blessing: The DeanHymn: Lo, He comes with clouds descending Music: Recorded earlier this week in the Abbey by the Choir of Westminster Abbey and conducted by James O’Donnell. This podcast was recorded with all contributors observing social distancing.

A podcast from Westminster Abbey for the Feast of Christ the King.This 16 minute service includes an introit, prayers, a reading, an address, music and a blessing, recorded this week on the Abbey's magnificent Cosmati pavement in front of the High Altar. Introduced by the Reverend Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian Address by the Reverend Mark Birch, Minor Canon and Precentor Reader: David Fugurally, Department for Education, Fellow of Westminster Abbey Institute Introit: Sergei Rachmaninoff To thee, O Lord Introduction: Canon HawkeyReading: Matthew 25: 31–46 David FugurallyAddress: The Reverend Mark Birch Anthem: Benjamin Britten Hymn of St Columba Prayers and Blessing: Canon Hawkey Music: Recorded earlier this week in the Abbey by the Choir of Westminster Abbey and conducted by James O’Donnell. This podcast was recorded with all contributors observing social distancing.

A podcast from Westminster Abbey on ‘The Parable of the Talents’.This 15 minute service includes prayers, a reading, an address, music and a blessing, recorded this week in the Abbey's magnificent Nave. Introduced by the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster Address by the Reverend Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian Reader: The Reverend Tricia Hillas, Chaplain to the Speaker, Priest Vicar of Westminster Abbey Introduction: The DeanReading: Matthew 25: 14–30 The Reverend Tricia HillasAddress: Canon HawkeyAnthem: John Ireland Ex ore innocentium Prayers and Blessing: The Dean Music: Performed by the Choir of Westminster Abbey conducted by James O’Donnell (with kind permission of Hyperion Records). This podcast was recorded with all contributors observing social distancing.

Cerys Matthews reads from a letter written by a widow after attending the burial of the Unknown Warrior at the Centenary of the Burial of the Unknown Warrior on Wednesday 11th November 2020.

Simon Armitage CBE, Poet Laureate, reads his own composition, ‘The Bed’ at a special service marking the centenary of the burial of the Unknown Warrior, on Wednesday 11th November 2020.

The Right Honourable Boris Johnson MP, Prime Minister, reads an extract from the diary of a blind veteran who attended the burial of the Unknown Warrior.

The Prince of Wales read John 15: 12–17 at the Centenary of the Burial of the Unknown Warrior on Wednesday 11th November 2020.

The Sermon given by the Archbishop of Canterbury at the Centenary of the Burial of the Unknown Warrior on Wednesday 11th November 2020.

A podcast from Westminster Abbey on Remembrance Sunday. This 17-minute service includes prayers, a reading, an address, music and a blessing, recorded this week at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.Led by the Reverend Canon Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian Address by the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster Reader: Canon Hawkey Introduction: Canon HawkeyReading: John 15: 9-13 Canon HawkeyAddress: The Dean Anthem: Herbert Howells Take him, earth, for cherishing Prayers and Blessing: Canon Hawkey Music: Performed by the Choir of Westminster Abbey conducted by James O’Donnell (with kind permission of Hyperion Records). This podcast was recorded with all contributors observing social distancing.

A podcast from Westminster Abbey on the feast of All Souls’ Day.This twenty six minute service includes prayers, a reading, a sermon, music and a blessing, recorded this week and includes extracts from a Sung Eucharist held in the Abbey to mark All Souls' Day on Monday. Introduced by the Reverend Mark Birch, Minor Canon and Precentor Reader: Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex Sermon by the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster Introduction: The Reverend Mark Birch Reading: Romans 5: 5-1 The Countess of Wessex Sermon: The Dean Music: The Introit and Kyrie from the Durufle RequiemPrayers: The Revd Dr Sarah Archer, Ambassador for Loss and HOPE - equipping the Church to help the bereaved. Their main resource is The Bereavement Journey.Blessing: The Reverend Mark BirchMusic: Performed by the Choir of Westminster Abbey conducted by James O’Donnell (with kind permission of Hyperion Records). This podcast was recorded with all contributors observing social distancing.

A podcast from Westminster Abbey on the Feast of the Translation of St Edward.This 16 minute service includes prayers, a reading, an address, music and a blessing, recorded this week in the Abbey's magnificent shrine of St Edward the Confessor. Introduced by the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster Address by the Reverend Canon Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian Reader: Simrin Rahman, a student at Harris Westminster Sixth Form Introduction: The DeanReading: Matthew 20: 20-28 Simrin RahmanAddress: Canon Hawkey Anthem: Bruckner Os iusti meditabitur Prayers and Blessing: The Dean Music: Performed by the Choir of Westminster Abbey conducted by James O’Donnell (with kind permission of Hyperion Records). This podcast was recorded with all contributors observing social distancing.

A podcast from Westminster Abbey on the feast of St Michael and All Angels. This 16 minute service includes prayers, a reading, an address, music and a blessing, recorded this week in the Abbey's magnificent 16th-century Lady Chapel.Introduced by the Reverend Mark Birch, Minor Canon and Precentor Address by the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster Reader: Bryony Strickland Introduction: The Reverend Mark Birch Reading: John 1: 47–end: Bryony StricklandAddress: The Dean Anthem: Tippett Plebs angelica Prayers and Blessing: The Reverend Mark Birch Music: Performed by the Choir of Westminster Abbey conducted by James O’Donnell (with kind permission of Hyperion Records). This podcast was recorded with all contributors observing social distancing.

A podcast to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, and the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On VJ Day the Abbey joined national celebrations by holding services on 15th and 16th August 1945 which were attended by great numbers of people. A service of prayers, reading, address, music and blessing recorded this week in the Chapel of the Holy Name. Introduced by the Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle Address by the Reverend Canon Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian Reader: The Right Reverend Augustine Naoaki Kobayashi, Bishop of Kobe, Anglican Church in Japan. Introduction: The Dean Reading: Luke 1: 46-55 (Bishop Kobayashi)Address: Canon HawkeyAnthem: Gerald Finzi MagnificatPrayers: Captain Kathryn LeworthyBlessing: The Dean Music: Performed by the Choir of Westminster Abbey conducted by James O’Donnell (with kind permission of Hyperion Records).

A lecture given by Jenny McCarthy, a journalist and author who grew up in Northern Ireland and now lives in London. Part of Hope, Westminster Abbey Institute’s 2020 spring programme.

A lecture given by James Hawkey, Canon Theologian of Westminster Abbey. Dr Hawkey is a fellow of Clare College, Cambridge, and a visiting lecturer at King’s College London.Part of Hope, Westminster Abbey Institute’s 2020 spring programme.

A podcast on the fourth Sunday after Trinity marking the re-opening of the Abbey for public worship - the final episode in our series of Sunday worship podcasts produced during lockdown. Worship podcasts will be produced for feast days and major anniversaries from now on. Please subscribe to be notified of releases. A service of prayers, reading, address, music and blessing recorded this week in the nave of the Abbey. Introduced by the Reverend Mark Birch, Minor Canon and Precentor Address by the Reverend Canon Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian Reader: Dr Mariama Ifode-Blease, Queen’s Almsman Introduction: Canon HawkeyReading: Matthew 11: 16–19, 25–30 Dr Mariama Ifode-BleaseAddress: Canon HawkeyAnthem: Edward Elgar O Hearken thou Prayers and Blessing: The Reverend Mark Birch Music: Performed by the Choir of Westminster Abbey conducted by James O’Donnell (with kind permission of Hyperion Records). This podcast was recorded with all contributors observing social distancing.