Bishop Kobayashi reads for Abbey podcast
Saturday, 15th August 2020
The Right Reverend Augustine Naoaki Kobayashi, Bishop of Kobe, Anglican Church in Japan, whose diocese includes the city of Hiroshima, reads for a special Abbey podcast released today to celebrate both VJ Day, and the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
On VJ Day, which marked the end of World War Two, Westminster Abbey joined national celebrations by holding services on 15th and 16th August 1945 which were attended by thousands of people.
The podcast 'Holy is his name' focuses on God’s gift of communion or fellowship. It is 23-minutes long and was recorded in the Chapel of the Holy Name by Abbey clergy with Bishop Kobyashi’s contribution recorded in Japan.
Introduced by the Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, it has a reading, short address, anthem, prayers and blessing. Bishop Kobayashi reads Luke 1:46-55. Gerald Finzi’s Magnificat, sung by the Choir of Westminster Abbey conducted by James O’Donnell, Organist and Master of the Choristers, was kindly supplied by Hyperion Records.
In the Address the Reverend Canon Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian says:
Today we honour those who gave their lives for peace. We give thanks for the cessation of conflict 75 years ago, and for service offered and sacrifices made; we treasure the fragile gifts of freedom and peace, whilst discerning how we might care for those gifts more responsibly. We know that we are not called to conflict, but to communion.
Prayers were said by Captain (Rtd) Kathryn Leworthy, Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps, who served in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Abbeycast, the Abbey’s worship podcasts, are being published to mark Feast Days and special anniversaries. Those wanting to be kept up to date with new releases can subscribe.
The Abbey has 22 daily services weekly which all are welcome to attend. Advanced booking is required for some services.
