Lent and Easter

Lent and Easter

Lent and Easter services, events and Christian resources for 2025 will be announced early next year.

You can still listen to our current series of Lent and Easter reflections and watch videos about each of the Holy Days.

Reflections

Listen to 11 specially written reflections from the Abbey. The reflections were published on each of the Sundays during Lent and on every Holy Day.

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

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

Fifth Sunday of Lent

At the pivot between Lent and Passiontide, The Reverend Mark Birch considers the significance of pivotal moments.

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday

The Reverend Dr James Hawkey discusses the sentiment of Palm Sunday in relation to the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Maundy Thursday

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

Good Friday

The Reverend Mark Birch focuses on the distinction between the cross and the crucifix, and how we remember Jesus’ death as a perversion of justice.

Holy Saturday

Holy Saturday

The Reverend Dr James Hawkey talks about the day of stillness, the reality of Jesus’ death and the significance of it today.

Easter Day

Easter Day

The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle reminds us that Thomas needed proof of Jesus’ Resurrection, before reflecting upon what it means to be a Christian.

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Inhabiting a long history by The Dean of Westminster

Inhabiting 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.

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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A golden effigy of Jesus with people around him.

Easter Day in 90 seconds

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A golden effigy of Jesus with people around him. A woman in a blue dress is to the right side

British Sign Language (BSL): Easter Day 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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A small chicken in between hot cross buns

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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Photograph of primary school students on a tour at Westminster Abbey

For schools

Download primary and secondary lesson guides for the season

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