Archbishop Andrew to preach at the 369th Festival Service

We are pleased to share that The Most Revd Andrew John, Archbishop of Wales and Bishop of Bangor will be giving the sermon at the 369th Clergy Support Trust Festival Service.

The oldest choral music festival in the world returns on Tuesday 7 May 2024, 5pm, with a congregation of up to 2,000 people expected at St Paul's Cathedral.

Two incredible guest choirs will join St Paul's Cathedral Choir to sing under the magnificent dome, in celebration and thanksgiving for the ministry of Anglican clergy and their families. The service is a historic act of worship and an opportunity to reflect on the work of the Trust supporting ordinands, serving and retired clergy and their households over the past year.

Andrew John, smiling and facing the camera.

Archbishop Andrew John

Archbishop Andrew grew up in Aberystwyth, and has a particular interest in church growth, evangelism and the Welsh language. Speaking of Clergy Support Trust and the Festival, Archbishop Bishop Andrew said:

"I am delighted to be preaching at the Festival Service, and look forward to hearing the singing of three incredible choirs. St Paul's is a beautiful space in which to deliver a Sermon."

You can read the 2023 sermon from the 368th Festival here. It was given by the Bishop of Gloucester, The Rt Revd Rachel Treweek.

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Become a Festival Steward

Stewardship allows supporters to demonstrate their support for the Festival, clergy, their families and the charity's work.

Stewards of the Festival can choose to have their name printed in the Order of Service and to process down the aisle of St Paul's before the Service, followed by clergy, Masters of city livery companies and representatives of the City of London.

You can become a Steward of the Festival by making a specific donation of at least £75 per year, known as your Stewardship.

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Four people, dressed formally and walking with wooden poles. One is facing the camera and smiling.