Holy Week 2020
From early times Christians have observed the week before Easter as a time of special devotion. As the pilgrim Egeria recorded in the late fourth century, Jerusalem contained many sacred places that were sites for devotion and liturgy. Numerous pilgrims to the holy city followed the path of Jesus in his last days. They formed processions, worshipped where Christ suffered and died, and venerated relics. From this beginning evolved the rites we observe today on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. These services provide a liturgical experience of the last days of Jesus' earthly life, as well as the time and events leading up to his resurrection (An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church, page 252).
Wednesday: Service for Healing | April 8, 2020 at 7:30 PM
Join the Reverend Mother Kassinda Ellis via Zoom as she conducts a Holy Week Healing Service; names from our Virtual Prayer List will be read as we pray for those who are ill, especially those who are suffering from or at risk for COVID-19. Please click below to submit a name or names for prayer.
Maundy Thursday | April 9, 2020 at 7:30 PM
The Rev. Steve Foster, Rector, St. Peter's Episcopal Church; Dean, Jamaica Deanery
The Rev. Mother Kassinda Ellis, Rector, St. Joseph's Episcopal Church
The name "Maundy Thursday" is derived from Jesus "mandate" to love one another as he loves us. This day celebrates Jesus' institution of the sacrament of Holy Eucharist.
Good Friday: The Last Seven Words | April 10, 2020 at 12 NOON
The Rev. Dr. Cecily Broderick y Guerra, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
Rev. Steve Foster, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church; Dean of the Jamaica Deanery
Rev. Pauline Samuel, St. John’s Episcopal Church
Father Keith Voets, St. Alban the Martyr
Rev. Father Gary Parker, Grace Church, Jamaica
The Rev. Canon Dr. Lynn A. Collins, St. John’s the Evangelist Church
Rev. Ajung Sowal, St. George’s Episcopal Church
Rev. Mother Kassinda Ellis, St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church
Join us as eight churches observe Good Friday together. Please note that the capacity for this service is 500, so be sure to join early to ensure your spot.
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's Easter Sermon