Holy Week and Easter 2022

Our pilgrimage starts on Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent in the lead up to Easter, with services of music and readings, led by the Dean of Winchester throughout the day.

There will be traditional ‘ashing’ with the sign of the cross made on the forehead of each person, using ashes created by burning the palm crosses from the Palm Sunday of the previous year.

The Lenten period is one of reflection and repentance of sin, with those who observe it looking to seek reconciliation with God. It is a positive time of renewal, to look to the cross and to the hope of new life signalled by the resurrection that each Lenten Sunday celebrates.

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To mark the beginning of Holy Week, a Palm Sunday Procession and Eucharist will take place, departing from Winchester Castle, outside the Great Hall to Winchester Cathedral, accompanied by a donkey, palms and hymns.

Later in the day, a service will take place called. ‘The Way of the Cross- Vespers for Palm Sunday’, where through music and readings we go the way of the cross, preparing for Holy Week.

Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, who was welcomed by the people waving palm branches.

Click here for an insight into Palm Sunday at Winchester Cathedral.

On these days, we follow Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem, meeting friends and preparing for the trials that are ahead.

On Tuesday there will be a ‘Tenebrae’ service; A dramatic service anticipating Good Friday. ‘Darkness swells. The earth shakes but the light lingers on.’

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Maundy Thursday takes us into the heart of the city of Jerusalem to commemorate the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles. We are also led to the heart of love, by the Saviour who serves and washes the feet of his friends as they shared their final meal. After supper they go out to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus asks his disciples to stay awake while he prays. Judas, the betrayer, comes with soldiers and Jesus is arrested.

Bishop John Perumbalath will be the preacher on this day, as well as on Good Friday.
Bishop John Perumbalath is the Bishop of Bradwell in the Diocese of Chelmsford and originates from Kerala in South India.

On this day there will be a Diocesan Service of Renewal: Diocesan Chrism Eucharist, whereby Clergy and Ministers from across the Diocese gather with the Bishops to renew their vows and receive Holy Oils for ministry in the year to come.

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Good Friday is a day in which profound emotion is expressed within quiet and solemn worship, as we journey with Jesus through the pain and anguish of false trial and condemnation, to carrying his cross through the streets to crucifixion and death.

Bishop John Perumbalath will be the preacher on this day.
Bishop John Perumbalath is the Bishop of Bradwell in the Diocese of Chelmsford and originates from Kerala in South India.

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Holy Saturday ends the Lenten season, falling on the day before Easter Sunday. It is a day for quiet reflection and preparation for the celebration of the resurrection.

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On Easter Sunday we celebrate with joy the resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord. This is the turning point in history. We now live in the light and truth of the resurrection.

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