St. George’s Episcopal Church, Arlington, Virginia

A Diocese of Virginia parish serving God in Arlington, Virginia, since 1908; on the net since 1998
Our mission: to make God known

Holy Week

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A look at our church calendar:
Holy Week

We will have five special worship services during Holy Week to offer an opportunity to experience what Jesus experienced in the week before his trial and death.

Holy Week will begin on Palm Sunday, March 28, 2010. This year our Suffragan Bishop, David Colin Jones, will visit us for baptisms, confirmations, and receptions.

On Thursday night of Holy Week—also known as Maundy Thursday, April 1—we will pick up the story with Jesus gathering with his disciples for the Last Supper. This service will help people experience fellowship at table with Jesus, to sense Jesus’ love for his disciples, and his uncertainty about what will follow. With the help of the St. Cecilia Choir we will have beautiful music at this service.

Friday of Holy Week, Good Friday, April 2, will bring the trial, crucifixion, and death of Jesus. We will have two services on this day. At 12:05 PM eight members of St. George’s will each share a meditation on one of the eight Stations of the Cross (steps on Jesus’ way to crucifixion) that are mentioned in the Bible. We offer people an opportunity to be with Jesus, to walk with him. I expect that the reflections will be beautifully written and will inform and inspire all who hear them.

We will celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection with color, splendor, and joy on Easter Sunday, April 4. We will have three joyful services, at 7:45, 9:00, and 11:00 AM—and yes, due to the generosity of many folks we will have a brass quintet.

-- Ron Crocker, Rector

Holy Week Factoids

Palm Sunday (March 28, 2010)

Processionals are an ancient practice, both religious and secular. The first Palm Sunday processional was in 381AD: the congregation in Jerusalem heard the story of the entrance into Jerusalem, went home for a quick meal, met at the Mount of Olives and marched into the city waving palm branches and singing.

Maundy Thursday (April 1, 2010)

Foot washing was included in the earliest Roman liturgies. It continued as a royal institution until the 18th century—Elizabeth I washed the feet of 20 poor women, and other kings washed the feet of peasants.

In the Sarum rite Maundy Thursday began with a separate service with penitents outside of the church who then entered and prostrated themselves; this service was followed by communion and vespers. At this time the holy oils and elements were consecrated for use at all the Easter services.

Good Friday (April 2, 2010)

The first Good Friday services included prayers at all the places discovered by Queen Helena, mother of Constantine the Great—The Holy Sepulcher, Gethsemene, etc.

Next Season: Easter

Last Season: Lent

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	Telephone 703-525-8286 Address 915 N Oakland St, Arlington VA 22203-1916 FAX 703-522-6634. Send mail to info@saintgeorgeschurch.org with questions or comments about this web site. ©2009 St. George’s Episcopal Church.