Holy Week Services and Descriptions
Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday
Sunday, March 28th – 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. services in The Sanctuary
This Sunday liturgy commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. It opens with prayer, scripture, blessing of palms and a palm procession singing Hosanna. Hosanna is the Greek form of the Hebrew petition “Save us, we beseech thee.” It relates to the Anglican words “Glory be to Thee, O Lord, most High” found in the Sanctus.
The Passion Gospel is read by a variety of people, and the congregation takes the part of the crowd. It sets the stage for entry into Holy Week.
Maundy Thursday
Thursday, April 1st – 6:30 p.m. - Liturgy in the Chapel
The traditional English name of the Thursday preceding Easter is derived from the ceremony of the washing of the feet, mandatum novum (new mandate – commandment), to be a servant to one another. It is the special celebration in commemoration of the Lord’s institution of the Eucharist. This service is celebrated in the evening during Holy Week with white vestments. It begins with a festive feel, leads to foot washing (optional for attendees), a homily and Eucharist. It concludes with the stripping of the vestments and altar and culminates with a solemn procession into the darkness of Good Friday eve.
Tre Ore
Friday, April 2nd – 12:00 noon – 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel
Tre Ore (three hours) is the name given to the special Good Friday service commemorating and reflecting on the last words of Christ Jesus as He hung on the cross. The three hours are divided into seven twenty minute meditations of prayer, song, scripture, reflection and silence. Persons may come and go during the three hours as they choose. The liturgy begins at noon and ends at 3:00 p.m. with silent breaks in between each twenty minute meditation.
Tenebrae
Friday, April 2nd - 6:30 p.m. in the Chapel
The popular name for the special form of liturgy provided for sometime in the last three days of Holy Week. The name (darkness) probably derived from the ceremony of extinguishing the candle lights in church one by one during the service. The candles are extinguished after psalms, canticle and prayers until the final candle remains. This is hidden behind the altar at the end of the Benedictus, signifying Christ’s death. This service is offered at Christ’s Episcopal Church on Good Friday evening and lasts about a half hour; the congregation then leaves in darkness and silence.
