Westminster Abbey Podcasts

CS Lewis’s writings have offered inspiring commentary on the Christian faith to people from across the world over many years. This week’s podcast draws inspiration from some of Lewis’s writings and reflections.   A 17-minute service of prayers, reading, address, music and blessing recorded this week in Poets’ Corner by the memorial to CS Lewis, Anglican scholar and spiritual writer, which was dedicated in 2013 on the 50th anniversary of his death.   Introduced by The Reverend Canon Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian   Address by The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster   Reader: Dr Linda Yueh, Executive Chair, Royal Commonwealth Society   Introduction: Canon Hawkey Reading: Matthew 10: 24–39 - Dr Linda Yueh Address: The Dean Anthem: John Tavener The peace that surpasseth understanding 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 obse

In the gospels, Jesus gathers the disciples around him, and then sends them out to share his mission in the world. His mission is our mission, yet we do not possess it. Rather it can become the narrative which gives shape to our lives. A 22-minute service of prayers, reading, address, music and blessing recorded this week at the North Door, which was originally the grand entrance of the Abbey. 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 Worshipful The Lord Mayor of Westminster and Deputy High Steward of Westminster Abbey, Councillor Jonathan Glanz Introduction: The Dean Reading:  Matthew 9: 35–10: 8  The Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Jonathan Glanz Address: Canon Hawkey Anthem: William Walton The Twelve 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

The Holy Trinity can sometimes sound a bit like a mathematical problem (‘Three in One, and One in Three’), but this podcast explores whether it is, in fact, a key to understanding not just God, but ourselves, and the kind of relationships for which we are made. A 19-minute service of prayers, reading, address, music and blessing recorded this week in the 13th century Chapter House in the East Cloister – originally a meeting place where the monks gathered with the abbot to pray and discuss the day’s business. Introduced by The Reverend Canon Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian Address by The Reverend Mark Birch, Minor Canon and Precentor Reader: Dame Cressida Dick, The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service Introduction: Canon Hawkey Reading:  Matthew 28: 16–20 Dame Cressida Dick Address: The Reverend Mark Birch Anthem: John Sheppard Libera nos, salva nos Prayers/Blessing: Canon Hawkey Music: Performed by the Choir of Westminster Abbey conducted by James O’Donnell (with kind permission of Hyperion

A special ecumenical episode bringing Christian leaders together to celebrate Pentecost. A 15-minute service of prayers, reading, address, music and blessing recorded this week on the Cosmati pavement – a 750-year old pavement in front of the High Altar where coronations have taken place for hundreds of years. Introduced by the Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle Address by The Reverend Canon Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian Reader: Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain Prayers: Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster The Reverend Michaela Youngson, Chair of the London District of the Methodist Church Introduction: The Dean Reading: John 20: 19-23 Archbishop Nikitas Address: Canon Hawkey Prayer: Cardinal Nichols Anthem: Thomas Tomkins O sing unto the Lord a new song Prayer: The Reverend Michaela Youngson Blessing: The Dean Music: Performed by the Choir of Westminster Abbey conducted by James O’Donnell (with kind permission of Hyperion Records). This podcast

A podcast from Westminster Abbey on Anglican Communion Sunday for worshippers everywhere. A 17 minute service of prayers, reading, sermon, music and blessing recorded this week in the north transept where pilgrims and visitors have entered Westminster Abbey for hundreds of years. Introduced by the Reverend Canon Anthony Ball, Canon Steward Address by the Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle Reader: The Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, The Most Reverend Dr Josiah Idowu-Fearon. Introduction: Canon Ball Reading: John 17: 1–11 (Archbishop Idowu-Fearon) Address: The Dean Anthem: Ralph Vaughan Williams O Clap your hands Prayers and blessing: Canon Ball 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 Ascension Day for worshippers everywhere. A service recorded this week in the glorious Lady Chapel, Westminster Abbey. Introduced by the Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle Address by the Reverend Canon Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian Reader: HRH The Countess of Wessex Introduction: The Dean Reading: Luke 24: 44–53 (The Countess of Wessex) Address: Canon Hawkey Anthem: Charles Villiers Stanford, ‘Caelos Ascendit Hodie’, from 3 Motets, Op. 38 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 Sixth Sunday of Easter for worshippers everywhere. A twenty-minute service recorded this week in the intimate setting of St Faith’s Chapel, Westminster Abbey, focusing on the Easter gift of God’s abiding love. Introduced by the Reverend Canon Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian Address by the Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle Reader: The Bishop of London, the Right Reverend and Right Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE Introduction: Canon Hawkey Reading: John 14: 15–21 (Bishop Sarah) Address: The Dean Anthem: Edward Elgar, ‘The Spirit of the Lord’, from The Apostles Op. 49 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 for the fifth Sunday of Easter. Introduced by the Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle Recorded in the Florence Nightingale Chapel Reader: Victor Funtanares, NHS paediatric nurse and Abbey Oblate Introduction: The Dean Gospel Reading (John 14: 1-14): Victor Funtanares Address: The Reverend Mark Birch, Minor Canon and Precentor Anthem: Stanford Beati quorum via 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 for the 75th anniversary of VE Day. Introduced by the Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle. Recorded at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior. Readers: General Sir Nicholas Carter GCB, CBE, DSO, Chief of the Defence Staff The Reverend Canon Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian Barbara Weatherill, VE Day veteran Introduction: The Dean Reading: Psalm 46 (General Sir Nicholas Carter) Gospel Reading: John 15:9-17 (Canon Hawkey) Address: The Dean Reflection: Barbara Weatherill Anthem: Vaughan Williams Lord, thou hast been our refuge Prayers: The Reverend Mark Birch, Minor Canon and Precentor Blessing: The Dean Hymn: Herbert Howells All my hope on God is founded 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 Fourth Sunday of Easter Introduced by the Reverend Canon Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian Recorded at the Cloister Entrance, the gate leading to the Abbey’s cloisters Address by the Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle Reader: Alan Titchmarsh Introduction: Canon Hawkey Reading: John 10: 1-10 (Alan Titchmarsh) Address: The Dean Anthem: Henry Purcell, O God Thou Art My God 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 Third Sunday of Easter following Anzac Day. Introduced by the Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle. Recorded before the British Fighting Forces Memorial in Samaria within the Deanery of Westminster Abbey. Address by the Reverend Canon Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian.   Readers: The Right Hon Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand His Excellency the Honourable George Brandis QC, Australian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Introduction: The Dean Reading: ‘Gallipoli Peninsula’ Alistair Te Ariki Campbell (Jacinda Arden) Gospel Reading: Luke 24: 13-35 (George Brandis) Address: Canon Hawkey Anthem: Hubert Parry My soul, there is a country 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.

An ANZAC Reflection by an Australian in London. Abbey chaplain, The Reverend Jenny Petersen, who is currently in lockdown at the Abbey, explains how it feels to be an Australian in London for ANZAC. She reveals the special way she plans to mark the day when she would usually be attending the Abbey’s ANZAC Day service, and how she thinks ANZAC values can help at this time. Jenny has lived in the UK for 34 years. She was born in Brunswick, Melbourne. #LightUpTheDawn

A podcast from Westminster Abbey on Low Sunday introduced by The Reverend Canon Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian. Address: The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster Reader: Dr Claire Foster-Gilbert, Director, Westminster Abbey Institute Recorded in Infirmary Hall, a 14th century space which was once part of the monastic infirmary. Introduction – Canon Hawkey Reading – John 20: 19-31 (Dr Claire Foster-Gilbert) Address – The Dean Anthem – William Walton Jubilate Deo Prayers, The Lord’s Prayer and Blessing – Canon Hawkey   Music: Performed by the Choir of Westminster Abbey conducted by James O’Donnell (with kind permission of Hyperion Records).

A podcast from Westminster Abbey on Easter Day introduced by The Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, with a reading by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. Address: The Reverend Canon Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian Reader:  His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales Recorded in St Catherine’s Chapel Garden, Little Cloister – a small garden within the ruins of the 12th century St Catherine's chapel. Introduction – The Dean Reading – John 20: 1-18 (HRH The Prince of Wales) Address – Canon Hawkey Anthem – William Byrd Christ rising again from the dead Prayers, The Lord’s Prayer and Blessing – The Dean Hymn – Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son Music: Performed by the Choir of Westminster Abbey conducted by James O’Donnell (with kind permission of Hyperion Records). This podcast was recorded by members of the Westminster Abbey community who are currently in self-isolation in the Abbey precincts. Social distancing was observed.

A podcast from Westminster Abbey on Holy Saturday introduced by The Reverend Canon Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian. Address: The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster Reader:  Carol Hawkey Recorded in College Garden, a garden which has been in cultivation for over 900 years.   Introduction – Canon Hawkey Reading –John 19: 38-42 Address – The Dean Anthem – William Byrd Civitas sancti tui Prayers, The Lord’s Prayer and Concluding Prayer – 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 by members of the Westminster Abbey community who are currently in self-isolation in the Abbey precincts. Social distancing was observed.

A podcast from Westminster Abbey for Good Friday introduced by The Reverend Canon Anthony Ball, Canon Steward. Address: The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster Reader:  The Reverend Canon Jane Sinclair, Canon of Westminster and Rector of St Margaret's Church Recorded in College Garden within the walls of the Abbey, at the crucifix by the Italian sculptor, Enzo Plazzotta. Introduction – Canon Ball Reading – Matthew 27: 32-50 Address – The Dean Anthem – John Blow Salvator Mundi Prayers and The Lord’s Prayer – Canon Ball Orlando Gibbons Drop, drop slow tears Concluding prayer – Canon Ball   Music: Performed by the Choir of Westminster Abbey conducted by James O’Donnell (with kind permission of Hyperion Records). This podcast was recorded by members of the Westminster Abbey community who are currently in self-isolation in the Abbey precincts. Social distancing was observed. 

A podcast from Westminster Abbey on Maundy Thursday introduced by The Reverend Canon Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian. Address: The Reverend Mark Birch, Minor Canon and Sacrist Reader: Carol Hawkey Recorded in the East Cloister where the Abbot would perform a Maundy rite before the Reformation. Introduction – Canon Hawkey Reading – John 13: 3-14 Address – The Reverend Mark Birch Anthem – Christopher Tye Give almes of thy goods Prayers, The Lord’s Prayer 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 by members of the Westminster Abbey community who are currently in self-isolation in the Abbey precincts. Social distancing was observed.

A podcast from Westminster Abbey on Palm Sunday introduced by the Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle.   Recorded in front of the Abbey’s Great West Door, above which stand statues commemorating ten modern martyrs – Christians who gave up their lives during the twentieth century. Address: The Reverend Canon Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian Reader: The Reverend Jenny Petersen, Minor Canon and Chaplain   Introduction – The Dean Reading – Luke 19: 28-40  Address – Canon Hawkey Anthem – Philip Moore Prayers in time of distress (from Three Prayers of Dietrich Bonhoeffer) Prayers, The Lord’s Prayer 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 by members of the Westminster Abbey community who are currently in self-isolation in the Abbey precincts. Social distancing was observed.

A podcast from Westminster Abbey on Passion Sunday introduced by The Reverend Mark Birch, Minor Canon and Sacrist.    Recorded in the Cloisters of Westminster Abbey.   Address: The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster Reader: Megan Huntly   Introduction – The Reverend Mark Birch Reading – John 11: 17-44 (Megan Huntly)  Address – The Dean Anthem – Henry Purcell Hear my Prayer Prayers, Lord’s Prayer 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 by members of the Westminster Abbey community who are currently in self-isolation in the Abbey precincts. Social distancing was observed, and the podcast was compiled remotely by Abbey staff.

A podcast from Westminster Abbey on The Annunciation of Our Lord to the Blessed Virgin Mary, 2020, introduced by the Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle.    Recorded at the Shrine of Our Lady of Pew, Westminster Abbey  Introduced by The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster  Address from The Reverend Canon Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian  Reader: Carol Hawkey    Introduction – The Dean  Reading – Luke 1: 26-38 (Carol Hawkey)  Address – Canon Hawkey  Anthem – Orlando Gibbons See, see the Word is Incarnate  Prayers, Lord’s Prayer and Blessing – The Dean    Music: ‘See, see, the Word is incarnate’ composed by Orlando Gibbons, text by Bishop Godfrey Goodman, performed by the Choir of Westminster Abbey conducted by James O’Donnell (with kind permission of Hyperion Records).    This podcast was recorded by members of the Westminster Abbey community who are currently in self-isolation in the Abbey precincts. All personnel practiced social distancing during the making of this podcast.