Holy Week at St. John
Palm Sunday begins the most holy week of our Christian religion. What Jesus accomplished for us during this week changes us. By His atoning sacrifice, sinners are declared to be righteous and free from sin. To that end, you are encouraged to take advantage of extra Divine Services to assist in your Holy Week devotion and preparation for Easter.
Each day in Holy Week has its own set of readings. During the Divine Service on Holy Monday, the day after Palm Sunday, the Gospel reading is the Passion account of our Lord according to Mark’s Gospel. John 12 is the Gospel reading appointed for Holy Tuesday and Luke’s Passion account is the Gospel reading appointed for Holy Wednesday. During Holy (Maundy) Thursday, we learn of the institution of the Lord’s Supper and the true manner in which the Church worships. The stripping of the altar concludes the Maundy Thursday Divine Service. Only those immovable pieces of furniture remain for Good Friday. The Gospel reading for Good Friday is the Passion of our Lord according to St. John. This is why John’s account of the crucifixion is always the Gospel reading appointed for Good Friday. But the Church does not cease her watchfulness and worship on Friday. Matins will be prayed in the morning on Holy Saturday, where we will hear the account of Jesus being laid in the tomb to rest from His labors. The Sacred Triduum concludes with the Great Vigil of Easter on Saturday evening where we will finally hear the proclamation: “Alleluia, Christ is risen!”
During this week, we refrain from even more ceremonies so that we might appreciate them more when they return. During Holy Week, we fast from processions and recessions. The service simply begins at the foot of the chancel with the Litany. We also continue to fast from pre-service and post-service music. Only the hymn of the day and the communion hymns are sung with the rest of the service being spoken.
Divine Service for Holy Monday through Good Friday begins at 7:00 p.m. Holy Saturday Matins will be prayed at 9:00 a.m. The Easter Vigil begins Saturday evening at 7:40 p.m. Easter Morning Divine Service is at 9:00 a.m. Come and worship by receiving the means of grace with your brothers and sisters during this most holy week of the year!
