The Cathedral of St. Andrew begins the season of Lent and its weekly Wednesday Lenten program with the 2014 Margaret "Peggy" Kai Memorial lecture "In at the Deep End: Exploring the Spirituality of Mission."

The guest lecturer is the Rev. Martin Smith, who will speak at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the church’s Tenney Theater.

An ordained a priest for more than 40 years, Smith is known in the Episcopal Church as a writer, preacher and teacher, a news release said. His books include "The Word Is Very Near You," "Reconciliation" and, more recently, "Compass and Stars." Smith recently retired as senior associate rector at St. Columba’s Epis­­copal Church in Washington, D.C., and has served as chaplain to the Episcopal Church’s House of Bishops.

Also on the same day, Ash Wednesday, choral evensong will be held at 5:30 p.m. by the Cathedral Choir, followed by a reception in the Von Holt Room. The evening will conclude with Sung Compline in the cathedral at 8:30 p.m.

Lent, which lasts until April 19 this year, is a season of growing closer to God, characterized by individuals either giving up something or taking on a discipline. Smith and the Rev. Peter Allan from the United Kingdom will also lead the Wednesday Lenten programs, which will begin in the cathedral with evensong and Holy Communion at 5:30 p.m., followed by a light meal and program at 6:15 p.m. in the Von Holt Room, and Sung Compline in the cathedral at 8:30 p.m.

The Margaret "Peggy" Kai Memorial Fund sponsors a yearly program to bring thought-provoking individuals to speak at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Hono­lulu.

The cathedral is at 229 Queen Emma Square; call 524-2822 for more information.