Lent and Easter

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

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

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

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

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

Fourth Sunday of Lent

Available from Sunday 10th March

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Available from Sunday 17th March

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Available from Sunday 17th March

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday

Available from Sunday 24th March

Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday

Available from Thursday 28th March

Good Friday

Good Friday

Available from Friday 29th March

Sign up for Easter and Lent reflections

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Our Easter services

Visit the individual service pages to see when the Choir of Westminster Abbey will be singing.

Lent and Easter explained

Discover more about the importance and significance of the holy days throughout Lent and Easter

Ash Wednesday in 90 seconds

Ash Wednesday in 90 seconds

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British Sign Language (BSL): Ash Wednesday in 90 seconds

British Sign Language (BSL): Ash Wednesday in 90 seconds

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Palm Sunday in 90 seconds

Palm Sunday in 90 seconds

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British Sign Language (BSL): Palm Sunday in 90 seconds

British Sign Language (BSL): Palm Sunday in 90 seconds

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Maundy Thursday in 90 seconds

Maundy Thursday in 90 seconds

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British Sign Language (BSL): Maundy Thursday in 90 seconds

British Sign Language (BSL): Maundy Thursday in 90 seconds

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Good Friday in 90 seconds

Good Friday in 90 seconds

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British Sign Language (BSL): Good Friday in 90 seconds

British Sign Language (BSL): Good Friday in 90 seconds

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Holy Saturday in 90 seconds

Holy Saturday in 90 seconds

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British Sign Language (BSL): Holy Saturday in 90 seconds

British Sign Language (BSL): Holy Saturday in 90 seconds

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Families and schools

Learn and have fun with a range of events, activities and resources.

Photograph of a stack of pancakes on a plate, on a table with a blue and white checkered tablecloth within a garden at Westminster Abbey

What is Lent?

Discover what Lent is and why it is so important for Christians

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Photograph of primary school students on a tour at Westminster Abbey

For schools

Download primary and secondary lesson guides for the season

Teaching resources
Still from Easter film representing the symbols in art, architecture and acts of worship which represent the story of Easter in the Abbey.

Easter archive

Take on the kindness challenge with our Lent videos

Lent and Easter