We are delighted to welcome Canon Roland Riem as our Holy Week preacher this year, with his sermon series: The Agonie and The Answer: Christ’s Passion through the Poetry of George Herbert.

In this series Canon Roland Riem draws together the Passion story in Matthew’s Gospel and the poetry of George Herbert. Herbert’s poetry is much loved for its seeming simplicity and strength of devotion, but their capacity to cast new light on the story of Jesus is surprising and can lead us to a greater appreciation of what the cross might mean in our own time, for each seeker of truth, goodness and beauty. 

Roland has served Winchester Cathedral in various capacities for nearly 18 years. His responsibilities have always included oversight of the work of education for all ages and he maintains an interest in using the arts to make contemporary connections with ancient meanings. Roland shares a birthday with Dean Anthony, as well as his passion for Chelsea Football Club.