ARCHBISHOP Rowan Williams' first Sunday services in Canterbury Cathedral received enthusiastic responses from worshippers.

He urged the congregation to avoid panicking in dark times, words which parishioners praised both for their relevance to the Iraq crisis and for their universal significance.

Civic dignitaries led by the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Allan Willet,t and Lord Mayor, Cllr Mary Jeffries, were among the packed congregation attending the first service, a Sung Eucharist.

Around 2,200 parishioners crowded into the cathedral for the second afternoon service, for which Dr Williams chose a different sermon on the importance of trusting in God.

At the end of the hour-and-a-quarter-long services, he shook hands with each member of the congregation.

Many expressed their admiration for the services and for a man they believed would be strong enough to lead the Church through difficult times.

Canterbury resident Rosemary Wood said: "I think he seems a very holy man, very committed, a real representative for Christianity.

"Living up to Christianity is quite difficult -- loving your neighour and those that hate you -- but he seems to do that."

Catharine Robinson, from Chartham, said: "I thought it was a wonderful service. He came across as very humble, which was different from what I expected after what I had read about him. He seems to be quite outspoken, which I welcome."

Swalecliffe councillor Pat Todd said: "I think he is very deep, a rarity. Reading between the lines of that sermon he is having a go at leaders around the world. I think he is going to be an excellent Archbishop and an opinion-former."