Gloucester Cathedral is set to welcome the new Dean of Gloucester, The Reverend Canon Andrew Zihni, this April 2023.
Zihni was appointed as the 39th Dean of Gloucester in January 2023, following approval from His Majesty King Charles III himself.
He is currently the Canon Precentor at Southwark Cathedral in London and officially begins his ministry in Gloucester at a special service on Sunday 23 April 2023.
Zihni has a wealth of experience, having completed previous ministries in South Yorkshire, at St George's Chapel in Windsor and even at Westminster Abbey and is due to move to Gloucester with his partner, Lloyd, after Easter.
He said: 'It is such a great joy and privilege to be taking up the responsibility of Dean of Gloucester in a couple of months’ time. I am hugely looking forward to the installation service on Sunday 23 April 2023 and to beginning my ministry in Gloucester.
'It will be exciting to work with colleagues at the cathedral to take further forward our priorities around strengthening our commitment to diversity and social justice; engaging our community deeper in prayer and worship; growing our work with children and young families; and reaching out into the city, county and wider diocese as a beacon of hope in challenging times.
'I hope the service will be an uplifting celebration of the new season in the cathedral’s journey, as we seek to fulfil our calling to be in tune with heaven and in touch with daily life, and to point to the love of Jesus Christ for all people in the richness of our diversity.'
Bishop of Gloucester, The Right Revd Rachel Treweek, added: 'I am greatly looking forward to Andrew’s installation as the next Dean of Gloucester, deeply aware of the cathedral’s significance not only for the City of Gloucester but also as the Mother Church of our diocese, which stretches across the different communities of Gloucestershire and beyond.
'Andrew’s installation comes at a time when there has been much change not only at the cathedral but also in our country and world. It is appropriate that he is beginning his ministry as dean during the Christian season of Eastertide as we look to the future with hope.
'It will be wonderful to work with Andrew alongside cathedral and diocesan colleagues as he enables people to build on the past and as he brings new energy and vision to the shaping of the future, firmly rooted in his faith in Jesus Christ and his desire for all people to know the transforming love of God.'
Members of the public are invited to join Gloucester Cathedral in welcoming the new dean at the installation service, which is taking place at 3pm on Sunday 23 April 2023. Anyone wishing to attend in person can register for a place online in advance, or watch a live-stream online via Gloucester Cathedral's Facebook page and YouTube channel.
For more information, visit gloucestercathedral.org.uk.
