Forty residents from across East and West Sussex were admitted to the Order of St Richard during a special service at Chichester Cathedral on Saturday, 26 September 2026.
The ceremony, held during Choral Evensong at 3:00 pm, recognised lay people who have given exceptional service to their parishes, deaneries, or the wider community. The awards were presented by the Rt Rev Will Hazlewood, who is currently serving as the Acting Bishop of Chichester following the retirement of Bishop Martin Warner in May 2026.
The Order of St Richard was established in 2019 to provide a formal way for the Diocese of Chichester to thank and honour those who have made a significant contribution to the life of the church in Sussex.
During the service, they were presented with a certificate and a lapel badge featuring the episcopal coat of arms of St Richard.
Among those recognised in the 2026 intake were Patricia Andersen of St Wulfran’s in Ovingdean, John Baker from St Leonard’s in Seaford, and Ian Gibson of St Andrew’s. The 40 recipients represent a broad cross-section of the region, from small rural villages to busy coastal towns.
History of the Order
The awards are named after St Richard of Chichester. According to the Diocese of Chichester, the honours are intended to highlight the vital role that lay volunteers play in the daily operation and outreach of the church.
The 2026 ceremony marked a period of transition for the Diocese. Following the retirement of Dr Martin Warner on 31 May 2026, the Rt Rev Will Hazlewood has overseen diocesan duties as the appointment process for a permanent successor continues.
The investiture service remains one of the primary annual events at the Cathedral, drawing together representatives from across the county to celebrate community service and voluntary dedication.
