==Conversion to Orthodoxy and subsequent work==
In 1977 Tavener [[conversion|converted ]] to Orthodoxy, joining the Russian Church in Britain, having first been introduced to Orthodoxy in Greece through his first wife. Since 1991, the English nun Mother Thekla has been his spiritual mentor and has contributed some of the texts of his many works.
Some of his prominent works since becoming Orthodox include ''The Akathist of Thanksgiving'', written in celebration of the millennium of the Russian Orthodox Church, ''The Protecting Veil'' and ''Song For Athene'' (sung at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales). After Diana's death in 1997 he composed ''Eternity's Sunrise'', based on poetry of William Blake, and dedicated it to her memory.