Queen and Duke of Edinburgh attend Synod Service

Tuesday, 24th November 2015

Queen and Duke of Edinburgh attend Synod Service

Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh attended a Service of Holy Communion at the Inauguration of the Tenth General Synod of the Church of England at Westminster Abbey on Tuesday 24th November 2015.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby, presided at the service which was also attended by the Archbishop of York, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr John Sentamu, the two Archbishops being the Presidents of the Synod. The appointed and elected members of the General Synod, in the House of Bishops, the House of Clergy and the House of Laity, attended the service, together with Officers of the Synod.

Also in attendance were Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of London, Mr Kenneth Olisa OBE, and the Lord Mayor of Westminster, the Lady Flight.

William Fittall, Secretary General of the General Synod read the first lesson from Haggai 2: 1-8 and the Right Reverend Libby Lane, Bishop of Stockport, read the Gospel, from St John 17: 20-26.

The preacher was Father Raniero Cantalamessa OFM CAP, Preacher to the Papal Household.

Prayers were led by the Archbishop of York and said by Alexandra Podd, Church of England Youth Council; the Reverend Dr Roger Walton, Methodist Church; and the Reverend Canon John O'Toole, Roman Catholic Church.

The service was sung by the Choir of Westminster Abbey conducted by the Organist and Master of the Choristers, James O'Donnell. The organ was played by Daniel Cook, Sub-Organist and before the service by Martin Ford, Assistant Organist.

The trumpeters of the Band of the Household Cavalry led by Trumpet Major Philip Bishop sounded fanfares during the service.

The Order of Service

Sermon Transcript

TAGS
Special Service | Royal Visit | HM The Queen | HRH The Duke of Edinburgh | General Synod
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