Please join in saying the words and singing the hymns printed in bold type.

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The service is sung by the Choir of Westminster Abbey.

Order of Service

All stand as the choir and clergy enter in silence. All kneel as the president kneels before the Altar for a time of silent prayer

The president says the Collect

Let us pray.

All sit for the Reading from the Old Testament, Isaiah 52: 13—end of 53

This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

The choir sings Psalm 22: 1–11

My God, my God, look upon me; why hast thou forsaken me : and art so far from my health, and from the words of my complaint?
O my God, I cry in the day-time, but thou hearest not : and in the night-season also I take no rest.
And thou continuest holy : O thou worship of Israel.
Our fathers hoped in thee : they trusted in thee, and thou didst deliver them.
They called upon thee, and were holpen : they put their trust in thee, and were not confounded.
But as for me, I am a worm, and no man : a very scorn of men, and the outcast of the people.
All they that see me laugh me to scorn : they shoot out their lips, and shake their heads, saying,
He trusted in God, that he would deliver him : let him deliver him, if he will have him.
But thou art he that took me out of my mother's womb : thou wast my hope, when I hanged yet upon my mother's breasts.
I have been left unto thee ever since I was born : thou art my God even from my mother's womb.
O go not from me, for trouble is hard at hand : and there is none to help me.

Chant: plainsong

All remain seated for the Epistle, Hebrews 10: 15–25

The Holy Spirit testifies to us, for after saying,
'This is the covenant that I will make with them
   after those days, says the Lord:
I will put my laws in their hearts,
   and I will write them on their minds',
he also adds,
'I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.'
Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.

Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

All stand to sing the Hymn

O sacred head, sore wounded,
   defiled and put to scorn;
O kingly head, surrounded
   with mocking crown of thorn:
what sorrow mars thy grandeur?
   Can death thy bloom deflower?
O countenance whose splendour
   the hosts of heaven adore.

In thy most bitter passion
   my heart to share doth cry,
with thee for my salvation
   upon the cross to die.
Ah, keep my heart thus movèd
   to stand thy cross beneath,
to mourn thee, well-belovèd,
   yet thank thee for thy death.

My days are few, O fail not,
   with thine immortal power,
to hold me that I quail not
   in death's most fearful hour:
that I may fight befriended,
   and see in my last strife
to me thine arms extended
   upon the cross of life.

Words: O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden Paul Gerhardt (1607–76) from Salve caput cruentatum 14th century, translated by Robert Bridges (1844–1930)
Tune: Passion Chorale 90 NEH in Hans Leo Hassler's Lustgarten neuer teutscher Gesäng 1601

All sit for the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John

Jesus went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley to a place where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas brought a detachment of soldiers together with police from the chief priests and the Pharisees, and they came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to him, came forward and asked them: 'For whom are you looking?' And they answered: 'Jesus of Nazareth.' Jesus replied: 'I am he.' Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said unto them: 'I am he,' they stepped back and fell to the ground. Again he asked them: 'For whom are you looking?' And they said: 'Jesus of Nazareth.' Jesus answered, 'I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, let these men go.' This was to fulfil the word that he had spoken, 'I did not lose one of those whom you gave me.' Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest's slave, and cut off his right ear. The slave's name was Malchus. Jesus said to Peter: 'Put your sword back into its sheath. Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?'

So the soldiers, their officer, and the Jewish police arrested Jesus and bound him. First they took him to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was better to have one person die for the people.

Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, but Peter was standing outside at the gate. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out, spoke to the woman who guarded the gate, and brought Peter in. The woman said to Peter: 'You are not one of this man's disciples, are you?' He said, 'I am not.' Now the slaves and the police had made a charcoal fire because it was cold, and they were standing round it warming themselves. Peter also was standing with them and warming himself.

Then the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. Jesus answered, 'I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said to them; they know what I said.' When he had said this, one of the police standing nearby struck Jesus on the face, saying: 'Is that how you answer the high priest?' Jesus answered, 'If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?' Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They asked him, 'You are not also one of his disciples, are you?' He denied it and said, 'I am not.' One of the slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked him: 'Did I not see you in the garden with him?' Again Peter denied it, and at that moment the cock crowed.

Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate's headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. So Pilate went out to them and said: 'What accusation do you bring against this man?' They answered: 'If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.' Pilate said to them, 'Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law.' The Jews replied: 'We are not permitted to put anyone to death.' (This was to fulfil what Jesus had said when he indicated the kind of death he was to die.)

Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him: 'Are you the King of the Jews?' Jesus answered: 'Do you ask me this on your own, or did others tell you about me?' Pilate replied: 'I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?' Jesus answered: 'My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from this world.' Pilate asked him: 'So you are a king?' Jesus answered: 'You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.' Pilate replied: 'What is truth?'

After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, 'I find no case against him. But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover. Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?' They shouted in reply: 'Not this man, but Barabbas!' Now Barabbas was a bandit.

Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they dressed him in a purple robe. They kept coming up to him, saying: 'Hail, King of the Jews!' and they struck him on the face. Pilate went out again and said to them: 'Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no case against him.' So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them: 'Here is the man!' When the chief priests and the police saw him, they shouted: 'Crucify him! Crucify him!' Pilate said to them: 'Take him yourselves and crucify him; I find no case against him.' The Jews answered him: 'We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die, because he has claimed to be the Son of God.'

Now when Pilate heard this, he was more afraid than ever. He entered his headquarters again and asked Jesus: 'Where are you from?' But Jesus gave him no answer. Pilate therefore said to him: 'Do you refuse to speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?' Jesus answered him: 'You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.' From then on Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out, 'If you release this man, you are no friend of the emperor. Everyone who claims to be a king sets himself against the emperor.'

When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus outside and sat on the judge's bench at a place called The Stone Pavement, or in Hebrew Gabbatha. Now it was the day of Preparation for the Passover; and it was about noon. He said to the Jews: 'Here is your King!' But they cried out: 'Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!' Pilate asked them: 'Shall I crucify your King?' The chief priests answered: 'We have no king but the emperor.' Then he handed him over to be crucified.

All stand

So they took Jesus; and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, 'Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.' Many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate: 'Do not write, "The King of the Jews," but, "This man said, I am the King of the Jews."' Pilate answered, 'What I have written I have written.' When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. So they said to one another, 'Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will get it.' This was to fulfil what the scripture says,
'They parted my clothes among themselves,
   and for my clothing they cast lots.'
And that is what the soldiers did.

Meanwhile, standing near the cross were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother: 'Woman, here is your son.' Then he said to the disciple: 'Here is your mother.' And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.

After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfil the scripture): 'I thirst.' A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the wine, he said: 'It is finished.' Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Silence is kept

Since it was the day of Preparation, the Jews did not want the bodies left on the cross during the sabbath, especially because that sabbath was a day of great solemnity. So they asked Pilate to have the legs of the crucified men broken and the bodies removed. Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. (He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth.) These things occurred so that the scripture might be fulfilled, 'None of his bones shall be broken.' And again another passage of scripture says, 'They will look on the one whom they have pierced.'

After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

Words: John 18 and 19
Music: plainsong and Tomás Luis de Victoria (c 1548–1611)

All remain standing for a short period of silence after the singing of the Passion

The Sermon by The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle MBE, Dean of Westminster

The cross is carried into Quire and brought to the Lantern, the acclamation being sung three times

All remain standing to sing the Hymn during which the ministers approach the cross, followed by all members of the congregation who wish to do so, as directed by the Stewards. You are invited to touch the cross and then to return to your seat

When I survey the wondrous cross,
   on which the Prince of glory died,
my richest gain I count but loss,
   and pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast
   save in the death of Christ my God;
all the vain things that charm me most,
   I sacrifice them to his blood.

See from his head, his hands, his feet,
   sorrow and love flow mingled down;
did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
   or thorns compose so rich a crown?

His dying crimson like a robe,
   spreads o'er his body on the tree;
then am I dead to all the globe,
   and all the globe is dead to me.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
   that were an offering far too small;
love so amazing, so divine,
   demands my soul, my life, my all.

Words: Isaac Watts (1674–1748)
Tune: Rockingham 95 NEH adapted by Edward Miller (1731–1807)


During the Veneration of the Cross the choir sings the Reproaches and the Motet

My people, what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me!

Agios o Theos, Agios Ischyros, Agios Athanatos, eleison hymas.

Holy God, Holy and Strong, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us.

I led you out of Egypt: from slavery to freedom but you led your saviour to the cross.

For forty years I led you safely through the desert, I fed you with manna from heaven, and brought you to a land of plenty, but you led your Saviour to the cross.

Words: Micah 6: 3–4a; Nehemiah 9: 20–21
Music: Tomás Luis de Victoria

   Christus factus est pro nobis
   obediens usque ad mortem autem crucis.

Propter quod et Deus exaltavit illum,
   et dedit illi nomen,
   quod est super omne nomen.

Christ was made obedient for us, even to the death of the cross.

Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave him the name which is above every name.

Words: Philippians 2: 8–9
Music: Anton Bruckner (1824–96)

All kneel or sit. The Precentor and Sacrist sing the Solemn Collects for the Church, for the nations, for God's ancient people the Jews, for those who do not believe the Gospel of Christ, for those who suffer, and for ourselves:

Let us pray for the Church of God throughout the world: for unity in faith, in witness and in service, for bishops and other ministers, and those whom they serve, for all Christians in this place, for those to be baptised, for those who are mocked and persecuted for their faith, that God will confirm his Church in faith, increase it in love, and preserve it in peace. Let us pray.

Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified: hear our prayer which we offer for all your faithful people; that in their vocation and ministry each may serve you in holiness and truth to the glory of your name; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

Let us pray for the nations of the world and their leaders: for Charles our King and the parliaments of this land, for those who administer the law and all who serve in public office, for all who strive for justice and reconciliation, that by God's help the world may live in peace and freedom. Let us pray.

Most gracious God and Father, in whose will is our peace: turn our hearts and the hearts of all to yourself, that, by the power of your Spirit, the peace which is founded on justice may be established throughout the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us pray for God's ancient people, the Jews, the first to hear his word: for greater understanding between Christian and Jew, for removal of our blindness and bitterness of heart, that God will grant us grace to be faithful to his covenant and to grow in the love of his name. Let us pray.

Lord God of Abraham, bless the children of your covenant, both Jew and Christian: take from us all blindness and bitterness of heart, and hasten the coming of your kingdom, when Israel shall be saved, the Gentiles gathered in, and we shall dwell together in mutual love and peace under the one God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Let us pray for those who do not believe the Gospel of Christ: for those who have not heard the message of salvation, for all who have lost faith, for the contemptuous and scornful, for those who are enemies of Christ and persecute those who follow him, for all who deny the faith of Christ crucified, that God will open their hearts to the truth, and lead them to faith and obedience. Let us pray.

Merciful God, creator of all people of the earth: have compassion on all who do not know you, and by the preaching of your Gospel with grace and power, gather them into the one fold of the one Shepherd, Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us pray for all those who suffer: for those who are deprived or oppressed, for all who are in sickness or disease, for those in darkness, in doubt or despair, in loneliness or in fear, for prisoners, for captives and refugees, for the victims of false accusations and violence, for all at the point of death and those who watch beside them, that God in his mercy will sustain them with the knowledge of his love. Let us pray.

Almighty and everlasting God, the comfort of the sad, the strength of those who suffer: hear the prayers of your children who cry out of any trouble; and to every distressed soul grant mercy, relief, and refreshment; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us commend ourselves and all God's children to his unfailing love, and pray for the grace of a holy life, that, with all who have died in the peace of Christ, we may come to the fullness of eternal life and the joy of the resurrection. Let us pray.

Almighty and most merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

All remain kneeling or seated. The president says

At the foot of the cross, let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us,

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The president says the Invitation to Communion

The congregation is invited to sit as the president and other ministers begin the distribution of Holy Communion. Those wishing to receive come forward as directed by the Stewards. If you receive communion in your own church you are welcome to do so here. Gluten-free wafers are available

Holy Communion is offered in one kind, as is traditional on Good Friday. Those who do not wish to receive communion are invited to come for a blessing. Please bow your head to indicate to the priest that you are asking for a blessing. The minister says

The body of Christ. Amen.

During the giving of communion, the choir sings the Motet

Tenebrae factae sunt dum crucifixissent Jesum Judaei: et circa horam nonam exclamavit Jesus voce magna: Deus meus, ut quid me derelinquisti? Et inclinato capite emisit spiritum. Exclamans Jesus voce magna, ait: Pater in manus tuas commendo spiritum meum.

There was darkness over the land when they crucified Jesus. At the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, 'My God, why have you forsaken me?' And he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Crying out Jesus spoke with a loud voice: 'Father into your hands I commend my spirit.'

Words: Mark 15: 33
Music: Francis Poulenc (1899–1963)

Let us pray.

All remain kneeling or seated. The president says the Prayer after Communion

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, set your passion, cross, and death between your judgement and our souls, now and in the hour of our death. Grant mercy and grace to the living, rest to the departed, to your Church peace and concord, and to us sinners forgiveness, and everlasting life and glory; for, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, you are alive and reign, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

All remain kneeling or seated. The choir and clergy depart in silence

CHORISTERSHIPS AT WESTMINSTER ABBEY

Enquiries are welcomed at any time. If you have a son who enjoys singing, and would like further details of the world-renowned Abbey Choir and its unique choir school, please visit www.abbeychoirschool.org

Mr Mark Mitchell, Acting Headmaster, Westminster Abbey Choir School, Dean's Yard, London, SW1P 3NY, Tel 020 7222 6151 [email protected]
Mr Andrew Nethsingha, Organist and Master of the Choristers, The Chapter Office, 20 Dean's Yard, London, SW1P 3PA, Tel 020 7654 4854 [email protected]

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Hymns covered by Christian Copyright Licensing (International) Ltd are reproduced under CCL no 1040271 and MRL no 1040288. Common Worship (Church House Publishing, 2000), material from which is included in this service, is copyright © The Archbishops' Council. Scripture Readings are from the New Revised Standard Version.