Shirin McArthur
Holy Week and Easter are traditionally the high point of the Christian church year. Episcopal Church of the Apostles (located at 12111 N La Cholla Blvd, just north of Tangerine) will offer eight different worship services during Holy Week. Each service sheds light on aspects of the mystery of Christ’s life, death and resurrection. Everyone is welcome to attend these services, which run from March 25 through April 1.
Holy Week begins with Palm/Passion Sunday services on March 25 at 7:30 and 9:30 a.m. Each service begins joyfully with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, when supporters cut palm branches to wave and lay in the street, then moves through the events leading up to Jesus’ “passion,” or death, where we experience deep sadness.
Thursday evening, March 29, begins the Paschal Triduum, the “Three Days of Easter” in Latin. This period, from Thursday evening to Saturday evening, is considered the holiest part of Holy Week. Church of the Apostles will begin this observance at 6:00 p.m. with the Maundy Thursday service, which remembers Jesus’ last supper with his disciples, Jesus washing his disciples’ feet to teach them about service to others and stripping of the altar. Worshippers are welcome to have their feet washed at this service, but it is not required. Following this service, there will be an overnight vigil with volunteers taking turns to keep watch at the Altar of Repose as Jesus’ disciples kept watch when he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Good Friday, March 30, commemorates the day of Jesus’ death. Church of the Apostles will have two services on this holy day. The first will take place at noon with the Way of the Cross, an outdoor walk that includes readings, prayers and time for silent reflection. The second service, at 6:00 p.m., includes another reading of the events leading to Jesus’ death and prayers for the church and its people all around the world. At this service, a voluntary donation is taken to support the work of the church in Jerusalem.
Saturday evening, March 31, Church of the Apostles will hold its Great Vigil of Easter at 7:00 p.m. This ancient service has four parts. The first is the Service of Light, when a new fire is kindled to recognize Christ as the Light of the World, moving from death to life in this service of his resurrection. The second recounts the history and tradition of the church. The third is the renewal of baptismal vows and the fourth is the announcement of resurrection and celebration of Easter Eucharist. A festive reception follows on the patio.
Church of the Apostles will conclude the week with two Easter Sunday services on April 1. The first is the Sunrise Passion of St. Mary Magdalene at 6:00 a.m. in the Memorial Garden. The second will be a festive Resurrection Sunday service at 9:30 a.m.
All services are free and everyone is welcome. If you have questions, please contact the Apostles church office at [email protected] or 520-544-9660.