A podcast to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, and the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
On VJ Day the Abbey joined national celebrations by holding services on 15th and 16th August 1945 which were attended by great numbers of people.
A service of prayers, reading, address, music and blessing recorded this week in the Chapel of the Holy Name.
Introduced by the Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle
Address by the Reverend Canon Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian
Reader: The Right Reverend Augustine Naoaki Kobayashi, Bishop of Kobe, Anglican Church in Japan.
Introduction: The Dean
Reading: Luke 1: 46-55 (Bishop Kobayashi)
Address: Canon Hawkey
Anthem: Gerald Finzi Magnificat
Prayers: Captain Kathryn Leworthy
Blessing: The Dean
Music: Performed by the Choir of Westminster Abbey conducted by James O’Donnell (with kind permission of Hyperion Records).
