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Maundy Thursday: what happened at the Last Supper and why did Jesus wash the disciples' feet
Holy Thursday is one of the most important days of Holy Week, dedicated to the last meal of Jesus Christ with the apostles. During this meeting, he washed the disciples' feet and instituted the sacrament of the Eucharist. The holiday is celebrated three days before Easter, in 2026 it falls on April 9th. Read more about the spiritual meaning of Maundy Thursday in the Izvestia article.
What is Maundy Thursday in 2026?
In 2026, Maundy Thursday is celebrated on April 9th. The holiday does not have a fixed date and shifts every year because it is directly related to Easter. In the Orthodox tradition, the time of the celebration of the Bright Resurrection of Christ is calculated according to the lunisolar calendar: it is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon, which comes after the vernal equinox.
Maundy Thursday is part of Holy Week, which precedes Easter. At this time, the church remembers the events of the last days of Christ's earthly life, starting with the sermons in Jerusalem and ending with the crucifixion on Calvary.
What kind of holiday is Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday is one of the key days of Holy Week, established in memory of the Last Supper. In the church tradition, it is called Holy Thursday. This name emphasizes its significance in the series of events preceding the crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ.
On this day, religious services are held in churches commemorating the last actions of Jesus before his arrest. Special attention is paid to the events of the Last Supper, the washing of the disciples' feet and the establishment of the sacrament of the Eucharist.
Along with the ecclesiastical significance, there is also a well-established everyday perception of this day. In the folk tradition, Maundy Thursday is associated with the preparation for Easter through the cleansing of the house and body. This combination of the ecclesiastical and everyday approach has become entrenched in culture and persists to the present day.
The Bible Story — The Last Supper
The events that are remembered on Maundy Thursday are described in the Gospel and relate to the day before the arrest of Christ. The Last Supper was the last meal of Jesus with the apostles. It took place in Jerusalem and was of particular importance, since during it one of the most important church sacraments was established — the Eucharist, or communion.
During the meal, Christ offered the disciples bread and wine, saying, "Take, eat.": This is My Body. Drink from it all: This is my Blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." It is believed that at this moment the Son of God established the sacrament of communion, which today is considered an essential element of church life.
Washing the students' feet is of particular importance. According to the Gospel of John, Jesus got up, took off his outer garments, and washed the apostles' feet as a simple servant. In this way, he demonstrated the greatest humility that underlies selfless service to others.
During the Last Supper, there was also an indication of betrayal by one of the students. This event highlights the tension of what is happening and shows that already at this moment the transition to the events of Good Friday begins.
The Spiritual meaning of Maundy Thursday
The meaning of Maundy Thursday is revealed through the events of the Last Supper and their significance for the believer. The central theme becomes humility, which is manifested in Christ's actions towards the disciples. Foot washing is seen as an example of how a person's attitude towards other people should be.
An important element is service. In the church tradition, it is understood as a willingness to help, support and take care of one's neighbor, without exalting either him or oneself. This principle is directly related to the actions of Christ during the Last Supper and is considered as a guideline for the behavior of the believer.
The theme of spiritual purification is of particular importance. Maundy Thursday is perceived as a time when a person needs to focus on their inner state. On this day, attention is paid not only to words and deeds. It is important for a believer to objectively evaluate his thoughts, feelings, desires and intentions, as well as to repent of his sins in order to celebrate Easter with a light heart and a pure soul.
Why is Holy Thursday called Clean
The name "Maundy Thursday" has a double meaning, which was formed under the influence of church and folk traditions. From the point of view of the church, we are talking about spiritual purification. It is connected with the inner state of a person and is symbolically reflected in the events of the Last Supper, primarily in the washing of the disciples' feet. This image has become fixed as a reminder of the need to purify thoughts and actions.
In the folk tradition, the name is associated with practical actions. On this day, it was customary to clean up the house, do laundry, and pay attention to personal hygiene. Our ancestors washed their faces with well water and went to the sauna to wash away their sins and strengthen their health.
Over time, both approaches became entrenched and began to be perceived as complementary. Maundy Thursday unites inner and outer purification, showing the connection between spiritual practice and daily life.
What is the correct name of the holiday?
The official name of the day in the church tradition is Holy Thursday. It is used in liturgical texts and reflects the place of this day in the structure of Holy Week.
The name "Maundy Thursday" refers to a folk tradition and is associated with the everyday customs of preparing for Easter. It has become widespread and is used in everyday speech.
Both names exist in parallel and are used in different contexts. "Great Thursday" emphasizes the ecclesiastical significance of the holiday, while "Maundy Thursday" reflects cultural and everyday perception. This combination allows us to preserve both the religious meaning and the traditional forms of preparation for Easter.
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