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
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
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
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey talks about the day of stillness, the reality of Jesus’ death and the significance of it today.
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.
Sign up for our newsletter
Receive regular sermons, news and updates straight into your inbox
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
![play button](/https/www.westminster-abbey.org/images/play-small.png)
British Sign Language (BSL): Ash Wednesday in 90 seconds
![play button](/https/www.westminster-abbey.org/images/play-small.png)
Palm Sunday in 90 seconds
![play button](/https/www.westminster-abbey.org/images/play-small.png)
British Sign Language (BSL): Palm Sunday in 90 seconds
![play button](/https/www.westminster-abbey.org/images/play-small.png)
Maundy Thursday in 90 seconds
![play button](/https/www.westminster-abbey.org/images/play-small.png)
British Sign Language (BSL): Maundy Thursday in 90 seconds
![play button](/https/www.westminster-abbey.org/images/play-small.png)
Good Friday in 90 seconds
![play button](/https/www.westminster-abbey.org/images/play-small.png)
British Sign Language (BSL): Good Friday in 90 seconds
![play button](/https/www.westminster-abbey.org/images/play-small.png)
Holy Saturday in 90 seconds
![play button](/https/www.westminster-abbey.org/images/play-small.png)
British Sign Language (BSL): Holy Saturday in 90 seconds
![play button](/https/www.westminster-abbey.org/images/play-small.png)
Easter Day in 90 seconds
![play button](/https/www.westminster-abbey.org/images/play-small.png)
British Sign Language (BSL): Easter Day in 90 seconds
![play button](/https/www.westminster-abbey.org/images/play-small.png)
Families and schools
Learn and have fun with a range of events, activities and resources.
What is Easter?
Learn about the Easter story and why Christians all over the world celebrate at this very special time
![play button](/https/www.westminster-abbey.org/images/play-small.png)
For schools
Download primary and secondary lesson guides for the season
Easter archive
Take on the kindness challenge with our Lent videos