We are a small Episcopal Church in the village of Port Royal, Va., united in our love for God, for one another and our neighbor.
Holy Week between Palm Sunday and Easter is the most sacred time of year. It’s remembering Jesus’ triumph, suffering and resurrection. Ultimately it’s about ours. From our Baptism liturgy- “We thank you, Father, for the water of Baptism. In it we are buried with Christ in his death. By it we share in his resurrection. Through it we are reborn by the Holy Spirit.” Every Sunday is an Easter.
From early times, Christians have observed the week before Easter as a time of special prayer and devotion. As the pilgrim Egeria recorded in the late fourth century, numerous pilgrims to the holy city of Jerusalem followed the path of Jesus in his last days. They formed processions, worshipped where Christ suffered and died, and venerated sacred sites and relics. From this beginning evolved the practices we observe today on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday.
Quick Links through Holy Week
Palm Sunday, March 28
Monday, March 29
Tuesday, March 30
Wednesday, March 31
Maundy Thursday, April 1
Good Friday, April 2
Saturday, April 3
Easter Sunday, April 4
Holy Week services
-Sunday, March 28, Palm Sunday, 10:45am, Liturgy of the Palms and Procession. 11AM Holy Eucharist in our church building
-Sunday, March 28, Compline, 7:00pm, Zoom Meeting ID: 878 7167 9302 Passcode: 729195
-Monday, March 29, Be Still, 6:30am, Zoom Meeting ID: 879 8071 6417 Passcode: 790929
-Thursday, April 1, Maundy Thursday, 5PM, Holy Eucharist, St. Peter’s in the church
-Friday, April 2, Good Friday , 5PM, Stations of the Cross, St. Peter’s in the church
Service is also available through Zoom. Meeting ID: 876 3157 7719
Passcode: 046408
-Sunday, April 4, Easter Day, 11AM, Holy Eucharist our church building
Service is also available through Zoom. Meeting ID: 869 9926 3545
Passcode: 889278
Sunday, March 28 , 2021– Palm Sunday
Giotto di Bonde, Entry into Jerusalem (1304-06), Fresco, Cappella Scrovegni (Arena Chapel), Padua
2021
We were back in the church at 11am (the first time since March 8, 2020!)
From Left to Right, Top to Bottom”
1. “Magnolia soulangiana” in bloom
2. Communion lining up during the pandemic rather than kneeling at the altar
3. Hymn board today
4. Passion reading
5. Litany of the Palms and Litany of Thanksgiving for re-entering the church
6. Quince and cherry in the windows today
Palm Sunday photo gallery and meanings
2020
Palm Sunday Branches and Flowers, 2020
Bulletin 2020
Service Readings 2020
Passion Narrative PowerPoint
Prayers of the People, March 28, 2020
Sermon, March 28, 2020
Photo Gallery Flashback to Palm Sunday 2017
2019
Service Review 2019
Sermon 2019
Photos 2019
Videos 2019
Palm Sunday is the hinge between Lent and Holy Week. Here is a page that uncovers the meaning of the day
Bishop Curry sets the scene
Entry into Jerusalem. Marjorie George, Episcopal Diocese of West Texas
Palm Sunday in scripture
Jesus, at the Mount of Olives, sends two disciples to secure a donkey and a colt; makes his “triumphal entry” into Jerusalem; weeps over Jerusalem
The Trek from the Mount of Olives
Luke 19:28-40
Matthew 21:1-11
Mark 11:1-10
John 12:12-15
Some Greeks seek Jesus John 12:20-36
Jesus enters the temple area, then returns to Bethany
Mark 11:11
Matthew 21:17
Commentaries
Video Introduction to Palm Sunday
Holy Week Timeline – Palm Sunday
What happened on Palm Sunday ?
The Problem of Palm Sunday
Progression of Faith Blog – Palm Sunday
Holy Week Visual Timeline
Special -Remembering the Belfry construction, 2012 – Jim Heimbach’s photos. Easter week is a time of remembrance. In that spirit it is appropriate to present these pictures to celebrate this achievement.
Monday, March 29 – The Temple
Jesus Cleansing the Temple
On Monday morning Jesus and the Twelve leave Bethany to return to Jerusalem, and along the way Jesus curses the fig tree
Fig Tree is cursed –
Mark 11:12-14
Matthew 21:18-19
Jesus enters Jerusalem and clears the temple
Temple Protest –
Mark 11:15-19
Matthew 21:12-13
Luke 19:45-46
John 2:13-17
In the evening Jesus and the Twelve leave Jerusalem (returning to Bethany )
Mark 11:19
Commentaries
Video Introduction, Monday
Holy Week timeline, Monday
Holy Week Timeline- Monday and Tuesday
What happened on Monday of Holy Week?
No turning back (Monday)
Progression of Faith Blog – Monday
Brothers of St. John the Evangelist- Praying Monday in Holy Week
Tuesday, March 30, 2020 – The End Times
Titus Destroying Jerusalem (Wilhelm von Kaulbach)
Jesus’ disciples see the withered fig tree on their return to Jerusalem from Bethany. As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots.
Fig Tree part 2 –
Mark 11:20-25,
Matthew 21:20-22
Jesus engages in conflict with the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem
There are 4 confrontations :
1. Jesus Authority challenged (Matthew 21:23)
2. Parable of the troublesome tenant (Matthew 21:33)
3 Paying taxes to Caesar (Matthew 22:15)
4. The Greatest commandment (Matthew 22:23)
Matthew 21:23-23:39
Luke 20:1—21:4
Mark 12:1-44
The Disciples marvel at the Temple; Jesus delivers the Olivet Discourse on their return to Bethany from Jerusalem about the Temple and end times.
Prophecy about the Temple – Mark 13:1-2
Prophecy about the Future –
Mark 13:3-37, Mathew 24:3-25:46,
Matthew 26:1-2
Matthew 24:1-25:46
Luke 21:5-36
John 12:20–38
Today, Judas was working on the details of the betrayal of Christ and was paid 30 pieces of silver.
Matthew 26:14-16
Commentaries
Video Introduction, Tuesday
Holy Week Timeline- Tuesday
Holy Week Timeline- Monday and Tuesday
The Four Traps on Tuesday
What Happened on Tuesday of Holy Week ?
Progression of Faith Blog – Tuesday
Brothers of St. John the Evangelist- Praying Tuesday in Holy Week
Wednesday, March 31, 2020 – The Plot and the Perfume
Jesus continues his daily teaching in the Temple
With Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread approaching, the chief priests, elders, and scribes plot to kill Jesus
Plot to Kill Jesus
Mark 14:1-2
Matthew 26:3-5
Luke 22:1-2
The anointing at Bethany – Mark 14:3-9
Satan enters Judas, who seeks out the Jewish authorities in order to betray Jesus for a price
Judas goes to meet with chief priests –
Mark 14:10-11
Matthew 26:14-16
Luke 22:3-6
Commentaries
Video Introduction to Wednesday
Holy Week Timeline- Wednesday
Holy Week Visual Timeline- Wednesday, Thursday
Spy Wednesday
What Happened on Wednesday of Holy Week ?
Brothers of SSJE comment on betrayal
Progression of Faith Blog – Wednesday
Brothers of St. John the Evangelist – Praying Wednesday of Holy Week
2021
In 2021, we will not be doing Tenebrae but there are other services on the Web:
2021
Tenebrae at Trinity Church Wall Street, 6pm
2018
Tenebrae, 2018 as sung by Trinity Wall Street
2019
Tenebrae This service introduces the events of Holy Week and provides an opportunity to meditate on those events through the words of the Psalms. The most conspicuous feature of the service is the gradual distinguishing of candles until only a single candle, considered a symbol of our Lord, remains.
Bulletin 2019
Service Readings for Wednesday
Photos 2019
Description 2019
Thursday, April 1, 2021 – The Arrest
Jesus instructs Peter and John to secure a large upper room in a house in Jerusalem and to prepare for the Passover meal
Preparations for the Meal – Mark 14:12-16
Matthew 26:17-19
Luke 22:7-13
In the evening Jesus eats the Passover meal with the Twelve, tells them of the coming betrayal, and institutes the Lord’s Supper
The Last Supper –
Mark 14:17-31,
John 13.1-17.26,
Matthew 26:20-29,
Luke 22:14-30
After supper Jesus washes the disciples’ feet, interacts with them, and delivers the Upper Room Discourse
Jesus foretells Peter’s denials
Matthew 26:31-35
Mark 14:27-31
Luke 22:31-34
Jesus and the disciples go to Gethsemane, where he struggles in prayer and they struggle to stay awake late into the night
Gethsemane, the arrest – Matthew 26:47-56
Gethsemane, the arrest –
Luke 22:47-53
Gethsemane, the arrest – Mark 14:32-52
Progression of Faith Blog – Thursday
Focus on Leonardo DaVinci’s Last Supper
Commentaries
Video Introduction to Thursday
Holy Week Timeline- Thursday
Greatest Prayer in the World
What Happened on Thursday of Holy Week ?
Progression of Faith Blog – Thursday
Gethsemane (poem) – Mary Oliver
Brothers of St. John the Evangelist – Praying Maundy Thursday
2021. We were inside the church for this service at 5pm.
2020
2019
Maundy Thursday . At this service, we focus on the institution of Holy Eucharist, given to us by Jesus at the Last Supper, the gift of love in the sacrament of Christ’s Body and Blood. We also focus on the law of love, the demonstration of self-giving which is symbolized in the washing of feet. This service is the beginning of the celebration of the Passion and Death of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Description 2019
Service Readings
Sermon 2019
Friday, April 2, 2021 – The Execution
Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested by the authorities (perhaps after midnight, early Friday morning)
Matthew 26:47-56
Mark 14:43-52
Luke 22:47-53
John 18:2-12
Jewish trial, phase 1: Jesus has a hearing before Annas (former high priest and Caiaphas’s father-in-law)
Interrogation by Annas –
John 18:12-15,
John 18:19-24
Jewish trial, phase 2: Jesus stands trial before Caiaphas and part of the Sanhedrin
Night Trial –
Mark 14:53-65
Matthew 26:57-68
Peter denies Jesus
Peter in the Courtyard –
Mark 14:66-72
Matthew 26:69-75
Luke 22:55-62
John 18:15-18, 25-27
Perhaps after sunrise, phase 3 of Jesus’ Jewish trial: final consultation before the full Sanhedrin; sent to Pilate
Morning Council Meeting –
Mark 15:1,
Luke 22:66-23.1
Matthew 27:1-2
Phase 1 of Jesus’ Roman trial: first appearance before Pontius Pilate; sent to Herod Antipas
First hearing before Pilate –
Luke 23.1-7 ,
Mark 15:2-5 ,
Matthew 27:11-14
Phase 2 of Jesus’ Roman trial: appears before Herod Antipas; sent back to Pontius Pilate
Interrogation by Antipas – Luke 23.8-12
Judas hangs himself – The Death of Judas – Mathew 27:3-5
Phase 3 of Jesus’ Roman trial: Jesus’ second appearance before Pilate; condemned to die
Second hearing before Pilate –
Luke 23.13-23
Mark 15:6-15
Matthew 27:15-26,
John 18:28-19:16
The flogging – Mark 15:16-20
Jesus is crucified (from approximately 9 AM until Noon). The crucifixion –
Mark 15:16-32 ,
Matthew 27:27-54
Luke 23:26-49.
John 19:16-37
Darkness at noon – Mark 15:33
“It is Finished” –
Mark 15:34-47
Joseph of Arimathea –
Mark 15:42-47,
John 19:38-42
Progression of Faith Blog – Friday
Focus on the Music of Good Friday – St. Matthew’s Passion, St. John’s Passion
Commentaries
Holy Week Visual Timeline-Friday
What Happened on Friday of Holy Week ?
Progression of Faith Blog – Friday
Society of St. John the Evangelist – Praying Good Friday
2021. We were inside the church for this service at 5pm.
The bulletin is here for 2021.
The Good Friday service was a Stations of the Cross
Good Friday description and gallery
2020
Service Readings
Good Friday powerpoint
Sermon
Description 2020
2019
Good Friday, 7pm. This service is a time of prayer and reflection as we meditate on Christ’s passion and death. At this service, we will hear the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. A large cross will be brought into the church and we will have time to meditate on Christ’s passion and death during the Veneration of the Cross.
Mary Peterman’s Stations of the Cross
Bulletin 2019
Photos 2019
Description 2019
Service Readings
Sermon 2019
Saturday, April 3, 2021 – The Silence
The Women prepare for annointing Jesus
After the crucifixion on Friday, the focus shifts to Jesus’ tomb and the women prepare to anoint his body
It is a day of waiting. Jesus is in Joseph of Arimathea’s family tomb which was typical of the time and cut into rock. This was a tomb for the wealthy based on the work that had been done to create it. It was forecast by Isaiah but well above Jesus station in life.
The earliest Biblical Gospel, Mark, says nothing about Saturday of Holy Week. There are some other references elsewhere about a mythological type of spiritual journey by Jesus into hell and releasing of the saint’s spirits (from 1 Peter 3) but that might refer to the ascension. Nothing historical is mentioned anywhere. The disciples are laying low probably fearful that the same thing might happen to them as did Jesus.
Luke notes that the women returned home “and prepared spices and ointments. On the sabbath they rested according to the commandment” (Luke 23:56). The preparing of the body would have been the main activity and typical of burial customs of the time.
Pilate Posts Guard – Matthew 27:62-66
Women prepare for Anointing – Mark 16:1
Commentaries
Video introduction to Saturday
Holy Week Timeline- Saturday
Holy Week Visual Timeline- Sat/Sun
Let His Blood Be On Us
What Happened on Saturday of Holy Week ?
12 things you need to know about Holy Saturday
Progression of Faith Blog – Saturday
Passion Gallery 3 – Saturday
“Holy Saturday – the Forgotten Day – David Lose
Great Vigil of Easter Service, 8:00pm Trinity Wall Street
The Great Vigil of Easter, when observed, is the first service of Easter. It is celebrated at a convenient time between sunset on Holy Saturday and sunrise on Easter Morning and is the climax of three days of Triduum (Thursday, Tenebrae, Friday, Saturday. Followers of Jesus began celebrating his Resurrection with the Easter Vigil service very early on. By 215 CE, we already have descriptions of services and liturgical prayers that the early Church was using. It was revived by our current prayer book.
The service normally consists of four parts:
1. The Service of Light. The service begins after sundown with people gathering outside in the dark. A new fire is kindled then blessed. Then the new Paschal Candle is blessed and lit. Once the Paschal Candle is lit, its flame is shared with all who light their taper candles from its flame. Then a candlelight procession is lead into the darkened church, stopping periodically to declare “The Light of Christ,” to which all respond “Thanks be to God!” The very ancient Exsultet is chanted by the deacon or other minister.
2. The Ministry of the Word. Then, in the candlelit darkness, lessons are read. There as a few as 4 and as many as 9 or even 12 in some services.
3. Baptism or the Renewal of Baptism. After the lessons, any candidates for Baptism are presented by their sponsors. In the midst of the gathered faithful, they take their baptismal vows and then the whole assembly renews their Baptismal Covenant with them.
4. The Ministry of the Sacrament. Then there is a loud noise in the darkness, reminiscent of the sound of the stone being rolled away from the entry to Jesus’ tomb, and everyone blows noisemakers or rings bells joyously as we celebrate the moment of Resurrection. All the lights are turned on and the candles at the altar are lit. Then the Gospel reading, telling the story of the first Easter morning, is told, followed by a homily. The first Eucharist of Easter is presented.
April 4, 2021 – Easter, the Resurrection
Some women arrive at Jesus’ tomb near dawn, probably with Mary Magdalene arriving first.
Matthew 28:1,
Luke 24:1 ,
John 20:1
Mary and the other women, instead of finding Jesus’ body, are met by two young men who are angels; one of them announces Jesus’ resurrection.
Matthew 28:2-7,
Mark 16:4-7 ,
Luke 24:2-7 ,
The women, fearful and joyful, leave the garden—at first unwilling to say anything to anyone about this but then changing their mind and going to tell the Eleven.
Mary Magdalene likely rushes ahead and tells Peter and John before the other women arrive.
Mary Magdalene has an encounter with Jesus in the garden.
The other women, still en route to tell the disciples, are met by Jesus, who confirms their decision to tell the Eleven and promises to meet them in Galilee.
The women arrive and tell the disciples that Jesus is risen. Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion
Peter and John rush to the tomb (based on Mary Magdalene’s report) and discover it empty.
That afternoon Jesus appears to Cleopas and a friend on the road to Emmaus; later Jesus appears to Peter
That evening Jesus appears to the Ten (minus Thomas) in a house (with locked doors) in Jerusalem. The Upper Room.
Commentaries
Video introduction to Sunday
Holy Week Timeline- Easter Sunday
What Happened on Easter Sunday of Holy Week ?
Have You Found What You’re Looking For?
Progression of Faith Blog – Easter Sunday
Society of St. John the Evangelist – Praying Easter Sunday
Easter Voices, Year B
2021
We will be in the church for Easter Sunday at 11am. There is no sunrise service.
2020
2019
Easter, 6:30am Sunrise Service, 11am Service St. Peter’s (10:45 lighting of the Paschal Candle)
Bulletin 2019
Service Readings 2019
Photos 2019
Sunrise Service Photos 2019
Sermon
Description
Holy Week Geography 
Make a Gift Today! 2. Contact the Rev Catherine Hicks, Rector 4. April, 2021 Server Schedule 5. Latest Newsletter-the Parish Post (April, 2021) 6. Calendar 9. Latest Sunday Bulletin (March 28, 2021 11:00am), and Sermon (March 28, 2021) 10. Recent Services: Readings and Prayers, Third Sunday in Lent, March 7 Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 14 Readings and Prayers, Third Sunday in Lent, March 14 |
Block Print by Mike Newman
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Saints of the Week, March 28 – April 4, 2020
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28
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[James Solomon Russell], Priest, 1935 |
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29
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John Keble, Priest, 1866 |
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30
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Innocent of Alaska, Bishop, 1879 |
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31
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John Donne, Priest, 1631 |
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1
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Frederick Denison Maurice, Priest, 1872 |
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2
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James Lloyd Breck, Priest, 1876 |
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3
3 |
[Mary of Egypt], Hermit & Penitent, c.421 Richard of Chichester, Bishop, 1253 |
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4
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Martin Luther King, Jr., Pastor & Martyr, 1968 |