Maundy Thursday: a Biblical description

Maundy Thursday is one of the key days of Holy Week, the week preceding Easter. During this period, believers remember the Last Supper, at which Jesus Christ washed the feet of his disciples, showing an example of humility, and established one of the main sacraments of the Christian Church — the Eucharist, or Communion. This day is filled with deep spiritual meaning, because it was then that Christ shared bread and wine with the apostles for the last time, and later at communion it began to symbolize his blood and body. In 2025, Great Thursday falls on April 17th. Read more about what happened on Maundy Thursday, and what significance this day has for believers, in the Izvestia article.

Maundy Thursday of Holy Week: Jesus Christ established the sacrament of the Eucharist

Holy Thursday occupies a special place in the Holy Week calendar. It was on this day, according to the gospel narrative, that Jesus Christ gathered his disciples in the Upper Room of Zion in Jerusalem to share with them the Last Supper, the last meal that took place before he was captured and handed over to crucifixion.

During this sacred event, Christ instituted the sacrament of the Eucharist, also known as communion. It was carried out as follows: during supper, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and, handing it to the disciples, said: "Take and eat, this is my Body, which is broken for you for the remission of sins." Then he took a cup of wine and said, "Drink from it, all of you, this is My Blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." These words became the basis for the liturgical practice of the sacrament of communion, when believers partake of the body and blood of Christ under the guise of bread and wine. With this rite, Jesus made it clear to his disciples that the sacrifice he would make would be voluntary and saving.

Also on this day, Christ gave the commandment of love and humility, washing the feet of his disciples like a servant. This action became a symbol of service and an example for all subsequent generations of Christians.

"If I, the Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, then you must also wash each other's feet," said Christ, emphasizing that true spiritual height lies in love, meekness and willingness to serve one's neighbor.

On Maundy Thursday, believers remember not only the sacrifice of Christ, but also the beginning of the path of personal purification and unity with God through the Sacraments of the Church.

Where in the Gospel do they describe the events of Holy Thursday

The main events of Maundy Thursday are described in several Gospels — Matthew (chapter 26, verses 17-30), Mark (chapter 14, verses 12-26) and Luke (chapter 22, verses 7-38). The Gospel of John (chapter 13 ff.) mentions the moment when Christ washed the disciples' feet, showing that a true teacher should be a servant to his brothers.

The Apostle John also described the betrayal of Judas Iscariot, who agreed to give Jesus Christ to the high priests for 30 pieces of silver (a large sum at that time). The disciple who betrayed the prophet was the treasurer and was responsible for keeping the money that was collected for the needs of the group. Greed ruined him: Judas was obsessed with avarice and often stole from the common treasury.

On Friday night, Judas brought a group of armed men from the chief priests and elders to Jesus. He gave them a sign by kissing Jesus so that they could find him and arrest him. Judas received thirty pieces of silver for betraying Christ, but the money did not bring him happiness. Soon he repented and took the money to the temple, and then hanged himself.

However, his transgression became a turning point in the history of Christianity, leading to the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

The meaning of Maundy Thursday before Easter for the Orthodox

For Orthodox Christians, Maundy Thursday is not only a reminder of the events of the last hours of Christ's earthly life, but also a call for purification, both mentally and physically. On the morning of this day, the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great is celebrated in churches, combined with the evening one. In some monasteries, foot washing is performed during the service. In the evening, a special divine service is held in churches — Good Friday Matins with the reading of the twelve Gospels of the Passion of Christ.

Believers on this day strive to receive communion, having cleansed their souls with confession. Also on Maundy Thursday, the rite of consecration of the Holy Gifts of bread and wine is performed in churches. This sacrament is performed by a bishop or priest during the Eucharistic canon. The Holy Gifts are made from leavened bread (prosphora) and grape wine, symbolizing the blood of Christ.

In addition to attending the solemn service, it is important to put the house and body in order on Maundy Thursday. It is customary to clean the house, wash and do laundry in order to keep Easter clean. It is believed that all water on this day has a special grace, and the business started on Maundy Thursday will be successful.

However, according to the clergy, it is important to remember that the main thing is not external purity, but inner repentance and peace of heart. From the prayers on this day, the canons and akathists of the Passion of Christ are read, as well as prayers before Communion. The Church advises reading the penitential Jesus prayer, which reads as follows:

"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. May I receive the communion of Your Body and Blood for the healing of my soul and body."

On Maundy Thursday, you should not quarrel, refuse to help those in need and do hard work. It is important to focus on spiritual matters and avoid worldly distractions. It is best to spend the day in prayer and reflection on the meaning of Christ's sufferings. The Church reminds us that it is only in penitential silence and spiritual concentration that one can truly approach the bright joy of Easter.