University Sermons

The practice of Sermons in Great St Mary’s, the University Church, dates back to at least the year 1300 and was recognised in the earliest University Statutes. It was not until the latter part of the twentieth century that Sermons ceased to be delivered weekly during Term. There are now six University Sermons each year.

All sermons (apart from Mere’s Commemoration) take place in Great St Mary’s, and start at 11.30 am. All are most warmly welcome. Members of the University should wear academical dress. Members of the congregation are invited to join the preacher for refreshment and discussion after each Sermon at the Michaelhouse Centre, Trinity Street.

Transcripts of some past University Sermons may be found on the Great St Mary's website, and recordings of on the Great St Mary’s YouTube channel.

The programme of University Sermons for the current academic year is as follows:

Michaelmas Term 2025

University Sermon, Sunday 12 October

The Revd Dr Kate Bruce, Chaplain, Royal Air Force (Select Preacher) 

Commemoration of Benefactors, Sunday 2 November (scarlet day)

The Revd Dr Valentin Dedji, of Hughes Hall, Minister, Edmonton Methodist Church (Lady Margaret's Preacher)

Lent Term 2026

University Sermon, Sunday 25 January

The Rt Revd Dr Dagmar Winter, Bishop of Huntingdon and acting Bishop of Ely (Select Preacher)

Hulsean Sermon, Sunday 22 February

Professor Robin Osborne, Fellow of King’s College, Emeritus Professor of Ancient History (Hulsean Preacher)

Easter Term 2026

Commemoration of John Mere, Tuesday 28 April (11.45 am, in St Bene’t’s Church)

University Sermon before the University, Sunday 10 May (10.00 am, in King’s College Chapel)

University Sermon, Sunday 31 May

The Rt Revd Dr Paul Swarup, of Clare College, Bishop of Delhi, Church of North India (Ramsden Preacher)