Lent and Easter
This Christian season traditionally begins with a period of sacrifice and preparation and concludes with the resurrection of Christ.
Discover the importance of Lent and Easter, read our new series of reflections and find out more about services at the Abbey.
Reflections
Throughout Lent and Easter we will be sharing 11 specially written reflections from the Abbey. Reflections will be published regularly, starting on Ash Wednesday through until Easter Sunday.
Ash Wednesday
Beginning with Matthew 6:16-21, The Reverend Dr James Hawkey explores the significance of the cross of ash being marked on foreheads.
First Sunday of Lent
The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle considers the imagery of the shifting season and the role of nature within Lent.
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.
Third Sunday of Lent
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey explores how people respond to sacred space as part of their worship.
Fourth Sunday of Lent
The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle reminds us of tales of snakes within the Bible and ponders the idea of temptation.
Fifth Sunday of Lent
At the pivot between Lent and Passiontide, The Reverend Mark Birch considers the significance of pivotal moments.
Palm Sunday
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey discusses the sentiment of Palm Sunday in relation to the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Maundy Thursday
The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle compares the atmosphere in the city of Jerusalem to the words Jesus shares with his disciples.
Good Friday
Available from Friday 29th March
Holy Saturday
Available from Saturday 30th March
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Sign up nowInhabiting a long history by The Dean of Westminster
The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, reflects on the story of Jesus' ministry and Passion, drawing on his own experiences and life as a priest.
Read the complete articleOur Easter services
Visit the individual service pages to see when the Choir of Westminster Abbey will be singing.
Sung Eucharist with the Washing of Feet
Thursday, 28th March 2024
5.00pm - 6.45pm
The Abbey
Free (no booking required)
Solemn Liturgy of the Passion and Death of Our Lord
Friday, 29th March 2024
3.00pm - 4.15pm
The Abbey
Free (no booking required)
Vigil and First Eucharist of Easter
Saturday, 30th March 2024
8.00pm - 9.30pm
The Abbey
Free (no booking required)
Holy Communion (BCP) on Easter Day
Sunday, 31st March 2024
8.00am - 8.40am
The Abbey
Free (no booking required)
Sung Eucharist on Easter Day
Sunday, 31st March 2024
10:30am - 12:00pm
The Abbey
Free (no booking required)
Watch Easter Day Evensong
We will be live streaming our traditional service of Evening Prayer, sung by the Choir of Westminster Abbey, with Easter hymns at 3pm, Sunday 31st March.
Find out how to watchRegular services
Families and schools
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What is Easter?
Learn about the Easter story and why Christians all over the world celebrate at this very special time
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