Christ Church Greenwich is proud to host one of the most important Christian Leaders in the world, The Very Rev. Dr. Robert Willis, in a series of events throughout the week. He is the Theologian-in-Residence for 2023. He served as the Dean of Canterbury Cathedral from 2001-2022, the Mother Church of the Anglican Communion.
The Very Rev. Dr. Robert Willis
The Very Rev. Willis became an overnight social media sensation on Instagram, Facebook and Youtube during the pandemic because he would livestream daily Morning Prayer outdoors from the garden at Canterbury Cathedral, which was totally shut down during the pandemic. He called it his “Garden Congregation.”
The popularity began when his cat would come on screen and walk under his cassock or drink cream from his morning tea pitcher. He continued to livestream Morning Prayer throughout the pandemic as he fed his pigs, read scripture from the aviary with birds flying around, or sitting on a bench among the chickens, ducks and geese. Social media comments loved him and thanked him for bringing peace and joy during such a stressful time. Through his animals, he brought faith to people who may not have focused on it.
Rev. Dr. Willis will offer his insights on the spiritual and historical importance of Canterbury as well as share stories from his tenure as Dean of the Cathedral….including the cat, pigs, and chickens.
All Are Welcome to Meet & Greet The Rev. Dr. Willis at These Events:
Sunday, October 29
8:00 am & 10:00 am service: Guest preacher
11:15 am Sunday Forum “Inside the Mother Church with the Former Dean of Canterbury Cathedral”
Christ Church Rector, Rev. Marek Zabriskie, will interview Dean Willis about what it was like to serve as the leader of the Worldwide Anglican community, as the Dean of Canterbury Cathedral.
5:00 pm “Joyful Noise” Choral Evensong
The choirs of Men, Boys and Girls of Christ Church Greenwich will sing with the choir of St. Luke’s Darien. The Very Reverend Robert Willis will preach.
Wednesday, November 1
3:00 – 5:00 pm: Ladies’ High Tea with The Rev. Dr Willis.at Riverside Yacht Club. Includes scones, clotted cream, tea sandwiches, desserts, an assortment of tea and prosecco. Tickets: $40 christchurchgreenwich.org
6:30 pm: All Saints Day Choral Eucharist with Dean Willis Preaching
Saturday, November 4
8:30 am -10:00 am: Men’s Breakfast, “Seeking Joy in Our Everyday Lives.”
Please RSVP on christchurchgreenwich.org
Sunday, November 5
8:00 am & 10:00 am service: Guest preacher, the Very Rev. Dr. Robert Willis
11:15 am Sunday Forum: “The Saints and Joy”
5:00 pm: All Souls Choral Requiem (the Duruflé Requiem) with Dean Willis preaching