The Bishop of Southwark, The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, has appointed The Revd Andrew Zihni as Canon Precentor of Southwark Cathedral

Andrew is currently the Assistant Diocesan Director of Ordinands in the Diocese of Southwark. 

Andrew was born in and grew up in Hong Kong.  He and his family moved to the UK and he studied at Oxford University before training for ordination at St Stephen's House, Oxford.  He was ordained Deacon in 2002 and Priest in 2003 and served his curacy ina former mining town in the Diocese of Sheffield.  Andrew then moved to St George's, Windsor where he was a Minor Canon and School Chaplain.  This role combined formal teaching and pastoral responsibilities at St George's School with organising the daily services and state occasions at St George's Chapel and the pastoral care of members of the Windsor Castle community.  

Andrew is a keen musician and singer, enjoying frequent visits to the Royal Opera House and ENO, and has a particular interest in the interface between theology and music.  He will be licensed and installed at a date yet to be announced.  

Commenting on his appointment, Andrew Zihni says:  

I am delighted to have been offered the opportunity of this new ministry and the privilege of working alongside the Dean and other colleagues at the Cathedral, as well as serving the Diocese more widely in the role of Canon Precentor.  Although, of course there are many aspects of the Southwark Vocations Team and the work of vocational discernment that I shall miss, I am am looking forward with eagerness and anticipation to sharing in the mission of the Cathedral as the Mother Church of the Diocese and a centre of liturgical and musical excellence.

Bishop Christopher says: 

The Revd Andrew Zihni is admirably suited to the role of Precentor bringing, as he does, considerabe experience of co-ordinating liturgy and organising special services.  I am delighted that we have been able to appoint such a gifted liturgist and I am confident that Andrew will make a very significant contribution to the life and work of the Cathedral and its Chapter in the coming years.

The Dean of Southwark, The Very Revd Andrew Nunn comments:

We are excited to be able to welcome Andrew Zihni into the life of the Chapter and Cathedral.  He brings significant skills and experience which will help us to continue to develop our liturgy and worship.  We are also delighted that he brings his background in vocations to this role, so that we can help to further nurture vocations in the Cathedral community.

The full press release including a brief biography can be viewed here