The Triduum

As we come to the end of Lent we enter a special 'sacred space' where we mark the last days of the life of Jesus, and prepare ourselves for the Resurrection Celebration of Easter.

We can't necessarily grasp the heights of Easter without the depths of the days which precede it. This time of year, known as the Triduum, or more accurately the 'Liturgical Paschal Triduum' stretches from Maundy Thursday through to the Eve of Easter (Holy Saturday) and to the celebration of resurrection that (liturgically) begins at sunset on Saturday evening. 

At St John's this holy season begins with the celebration of the Eucharist on Thursday Evening, Maundy Thursday (the 28th March) at 7pm. In this service we remember Jesus' first sharing of what has come to be known variously as the Holy Eucharist, Holy Communion, or 'The Lord's Supper', at which we are told in the Gospels Jesus washed the feet of those present. We will observe this as the Priest who leads this service symbolically washes the feet of any who wish. The service finishes with the Church building being emptied of decoration and adornment during the ritual of 'The Stripping of the Altars'

On Good Friday, 29th March, we will be observing the Sung Liturgy of Good Friday, including an intoned version of the Passion narrative, at 10am, lasting about 75 minutes. After a short break we will be returning for a time of meditation, poetry, and prayer to mark The Last Hours of Jesus from noon until 3pm. 

On Holy Saturday, 30th March, we observe a day of quiet, joining with our siblings at Christ Church Cathedral to observe the Great Vigil and the First Eucharist of Easter at 8pm. 

The Triduum ends with the Celebration of Resurrection on Easter Day - Sunday 31st March - we will mark this at our two morning services, but especially at our 10am Parish Eucharist which will have a full choir, special music, and a celebration which includes refreshments to follow the service