Maundy Thursday

The tradition of an evening celebration of the Eucharist on this day began in the early fifth century under the name “Cena Domini” (“the supper of the Lord.”) “Maundy” comes from the Latin word “mandatum” (“commandment”), referring both to Christ’s words “a new commandment I give you, that you love one another as I have loved you” and to Christ’s command to celebrate the Eucharist. In this service we remember the Passover and the institution of the Holy Eucharist.

The Maundy Thursday service does not end here.  At the end of the service, we begin the transition to Good Friday.  The Maundy Thursday Liturgy concludes with the stripping of the altar by the clergy and the singing of Psalm 22 by the choir, the lights are dimmed, and the cross is veiled in black as we kneel and then depart in silence.