Tonight is the first night of the Triduum. The Triduum Sacrum are the three concluding days of Holy Week commemorating the Last Supper, Passion, and Death of Christ: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. These three services flow together to become one service celebrated over three days. The only greeting is at the Maundy Thursday service, and the dismissal is at the Great Vigil on Holy Saturday.
Maundy Thursday is the special celebration in commemoration of the Lord’s institution of the Eucharist. It has been celebrated on this day since the fourth century. On this night, the entire celebration of the Eucharist from the foot-washing through the watch in the garden are re-enacted by faithful Christians around the world. After the Eucharist, the consecrated elements will be carried in to the chapel, which is where the faithful will watch with Christ throughout the night. The altar party will the re-enter the church space and strip the church of all decoration. The altar, as the symbol of the body of Christ, will be stripped and washed in water and wine in anticipation of our Lord’s body being stripped on Good Friday before the crucifixion. This powerful service begins this evening at 7 pm.
Good Friday is the anniversary of the Crucifixion. It is one of only two fasting days in our church calendar. It is also the only day that no celebration of Eucharist is allowed. We will have three very different Good Friday services at St Martin.
- At noon, Mother Amy Haynie will lead the Stations of the Cross, with a special focus on the needs of the least, the lost, and the last of this world. After the Stations, there will be interactive prayer stations for those who wish to stay to pray and discern God’s call concerning their own gifts, talents, and treasure in impoverished areas around the world and very close by.
- At 5pm, the youth of the parish, led by Corrie Cabes and Father Mike Wallens will lead a Good Friday service. This will appropriate for the whole family.
- At 7pm, the traditional Good Friday service from the Book of Common Prayer will be celebrated. There will be prayers, anthems, and a veneration of the cross.
Just as Christmas has the Christmas Eve service, Easter has the Great Vigil celebrated the evening before. We start this service in the darkness of Christ crucified and finish in the bright lights and celebration of Christ’s Resurrection. The new fire and Paschal candle will be lit and will burn throughout the season of Easter. Bells will be rung and we will celebrate the Eucharist again – yet for the very first time after the Resurrection. This service begins Saturday at 8:30pm to allow for complete darkness.
Join us at our Triduum Sacrum services for reflection, prayer, and worship as we continue our journey to Easter.