Holy Week 2026
Maundy Thursday & Good Friday
There are two sung services during Holy Week – on Maundy Thursday (2nd April) at 7.30pm, and on Good Friday (3rd) at 1.30pm.
On Thursday, we remember the Last Supper on the night before Jesus died. At the end of supper with his disciples, Jesus gave to bread and wine a symbolic meaning, representing his body and blood. Each time we share Holy Communion, we do this in remembrance of him. We also re-enact Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet, traditionally the work of a servant, while the meal was being served, a sign that we too should serve each other. The altars are stripped bare, signifying the stripping of Christ before the crucifixion, and we keep watch as the disciples were asked to do in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Thursday 2nd April: Maundy Thursday
7.30pm The Eucharist of the Last Supper with the Washing of Feet, the Stripping of the Altars
and the Watch of the Passion
led by the Rt Revd Dr Andrew Rumsey, Bishop of Ramsbury
Communion Setting: The Brecon Service Philip Moore
439i omit* Praise to the Holiest in the height
Psalm 116: 1, 10 – 17.
304 There is a green hill far away
During washing of feet Drop drop slow tears Orlando Gibbons arr David Blackwell
I give you a new commandment Peter Nardone
302 O thou who at thy Eucharist didst pray
Ave verum William Byrd
Procession to St Andrew’s Chapel 307 Sweet sacrament divine
Sung in St Andrew’s Chapel Psalm 22
Friday 3rd: Good Friday
1.30pm A Devotional Service for Good Friday
Led by Canon Judy Anderson
This service which includes appropriate music and prayers, and centres around the reading of the Passion of according to St John. Hymns include ‘There is a green hill far away’, ‘My song is love unknown’, and ‘When I survey the wondrous cross’. During the service there will be an opportunity to kneel at the foot of a large cross in the church, during which anthems will be sung by Anerio, Morley and Stainer.
