What is Holy Week?
An overview of Holy Week for those new to the Church Calendar
Palm Sunday: This Sunday is focused on Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. Many Anglican churches will dramatically read the full Passion narrative on Palm Sunday, with the congregation taking the part of the crowds who at Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem shouted "Hosanna" and who at Jesus' arrest shouted "Crucify Him." We will wave palm branches and wear crosses formed out of palm leaves.
Holy Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday: These days often have special services that help us prepare for Good Friday. These services tend to be somber and reflective and may include either Taize or Tenebrae. My personal favourite: on Holy Tuesday, I teach people how to make Anglican Prayer Beads, and then we have a brief Prayer Bead service.
Maundy Thursday: From the Latin word, "maundatum" (commandment), this service focuses on Jesus' last night with his disciples when he commanded them to love each other, washed their feet, and instituted Holy Communion. At the end of the service, the clergy will strip the altar and sanctuary of all decorations and prepare the space for the Good Friday service.
Good Friday: The day in which we focus on the death of Jesus. This somber day often has two types of services: a Good Friday Liturgy and the Stations of the Cross.
Holy Saturday: While we may want to jump right to Easter and the good news of the resurrection, Holy Saturday is a day on which we reflect on what Jesus was doing in the grave. "He descended to the dead" is not just a place holder. When Jesus descended to the dead, he defeated Death and Hades. Activities on Holy Saturday include a quiet prayer service of mourning, the opportunity to confess our sins and struggles, or the opportunity to ask questions about who Jesus is and why we believe.
Easter Sunday: Break out your pots and pans, trumpets, vuvuzelas, kazoos, and tambourines! On Easter Sunday we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. The sanctuary, which had been undecorated on Maundy Thursday, is filled with flowers and light and joy. Many churches will "flower a cross," celebrate baptisms, or followup the service with a church wide picnic.
