Maundy Thursday: Choral Eucharist & Stripping of the Altars

After the triumphant scenes of Palm Sunday as Jesus entered Jerusalem, the atmosphere of Holy Week changes as we share something of the quiet companionship of Maundy Thursday at our evening Choral Eucharist at 6pm on Thursday 17th April sung by St Bride’s Choir.

All are welcome to this moving service which is full of symbolism and sets the scene for the events to come on Good Friday.

Music

The following music will be performed at the service by St Bride’s Choir and Organist.

Communion Setting: Missa Laetatus sum – Tomás Luis de Victoria
Anthem: O sacrum convivium – Olivier Messiaen

Background on Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday gets its name from the Latin word mandare meaning to command. We remember Jesus’ command: “Love one another as I have loved you.”

The night before his crucifixion, Jesus shared a final meal with his friends, before his betrayal and his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.

“And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” – Luke 22: 19-20

At the end of our service the Sacrament is processed to the Altar of Repose. The Sanctuary is then stripped of all adornment whilst Psalm 22 is read aloud by the congregation.

This ancient Maundy Thursday custom symbolises the humiliation of Jesus at the hands of the soldiers as he was stripped for crucifixion: “They part my garments among them : and cast lots upon my vesture.”

The congregation leaves the bare church in silence.

Admission

This service is open to all, ticketless and free to attend.

Support St Bride’s

There will be a retiring collection at the end of the service to support the work, ministry and music-making of St Bride’s and help maintain our magnificent Wren church.

St Bride’s is wholly reliant on and deeply grateful for the generous support of our visitors and congregation.

Donations can be made by cash or contactless at church or via JustGiving.

Do please Gift Aid your donation if you are eligible which generates an extra 25p in every £1 donated.

Additional Information

Directions to St Bride’s Church and information about accessibility are available on our Visit Us page.