Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, and Great and Holy Thursday, is the Christian feast falling on the Thursday before Easter that commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles as well as the Washing of the Feet. Contacted by IPN, Archimandrite Pavel Tabacari, of the Hancu Monastery, said that prayers on this day are said in churches both in the morning and in the evening.
“The Christians come to Church today to listen to the 12 Saint Gospel Readings. Each of them has by a burning candle in their hands. The candle is then taken home to make the sign of cross above the door,” said the priest, adding that this way the house will be protected from evil.
The Last Supper, also called the Mystical Supper, was the last meal Jesus shared with his Twelve Apostles and disciples before his death. According to the Bible, in the course of the Last Supper, and with specific reference to eating bread and drinking from a cup, Jesus told his disciples:
“This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me”.
The Washing of the Feet is a traditional component of the celebration in many Christian churches. The service is performed either by a bishop, washing the feet of twelve priests, signifying piety. On this day, the Christians can also take communion, said Archimandrite Pavel Tabacari.
Holy Thursday is the fifth day of the Passion Week. No liturgical service is held the next morning. On Holy Friday Jesus Christ was crucified.
