Maundy Thursday at York Minster

Maundy Thursday – Chrism Eucharist – Eucharist of the Last Supper – Vigil

• 7.30am Morning Prayer.

• 11.00am The Chrism Eucharist takes its name from Chrismation (anointing). This is the annual service at which the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, blesses oils for anointing candidates for baptism and confirmation and for healing. The Archbishop will gather members of the clergy from around the Diocese to renew the vows made at their ordinations. In addition, the Archbishop will wash the feet of 12 people, commemorating Jesus’ washing the feet of his disciples before the Last Supper.

• 7.00pm At the Eucharist of the Last Supper, the Dean will wash the feet of members of the Minster community. At the end of the service, the consecrated bread will be taken to All Saints’ Chapel and be placed on the altar where it becomes the focus of the vigil which follows. A vigil will be kept until midnight to recall the time Jesus spent in the Garden of Gethsemane - the place where he was later arrested before his trial and crucifixion. This will include the singing of the ancient and moving office of Tenebrae, during which the candles on the High Altar are extinguished one by one.