Holy Thursday

Thursday 9th April 2026 a.d.

Good Shepherd Chapel, Abbotsford

The evening began in quiet reverence as Metropolitan Raffaele played the organ, gently drawing the faithful into the mystery of the night. Holy Thursday recalls the Passover—the night of remembrance, sacrifice, and deliverance—and now, fulfilled in Christ.

As the clergy entered, Metropolitan Raffaele sang “An Upper Room,” setting the scene of the Mystical Supper. We were blessed this evening to have so many of our clergy with us, with Server Luke, Server Ayden, Reader Patrick, Father Mark, Father Matthew, and Subdeacon Michael all serving together at the altar.

The Common Prayer was offered, followed by the Kyrie, sung with solemn beauty. Father Mark incensed the entire church, the rising fragrance marking the sacredness of what was about to unfold.

Our Reader Patrick proclaimed the Epistle from Corinthians, recalling the institution of the Eucharist—the cup and the bread given for the life of the world.

The Gospel was then brought among the people, and Father Matthew read St John’s account of Christ washing the feet of His disciples. It spoke of how the Lord, knowing all things, knelt before His own creation and served them by washing their feet. The Gospel was then returned to the altar in silence.

In his homily, Father Mark reflected on the paradox of the Cross and the Tomb. What appears as folly to the world is, for Christians, the source of life and hope.

He spoke of the washing of the feet—an act that reveals the heart of God. The Creator kneels before His creation. Authority becomes service. Greatness is found in humility.

He explained to us that we, too, are called into this same pattern of life: to serve quietly, to love through simple acts—helping, smiling, caring for one another. From a genuine love for Christ, good deeds naturally flow.

Father Mark reminded us that this night also marks the first Eucharist. Christ gives Himself as food for the journey, sustaining us in our spiritual life. To partake of His Body and Blood is to receive divine life itself. Through this gift, we are strengthened, restored, and reassured that we are not alone.

Finally, he revealed to us that the Eucharist deepens our relationship with God, with one another, and with the wider community. It is the source of peace, love, and communion.

Following the homily, the washing of the feet was enacted—a powerful reminder that those who serve in the Church are first called to humility. As Metropolitan Raffaele reflected, even a bishop must learn to serve. To be part of God’s life is to be washed, to be made clean, and to be drawn into service.

The liturgy continued with the Kyrie, sung as Father Matthew chanted the prayers. The gifts were then brought to the altar in solemn procession.

The sign of peace was shared among the faithful, followed by the Creed, chanted together with conviction. The Sanctus was then sung as the gifts were prepared.

Then came the most sacred moment: the gifts were blessed and transfigured as the clergy knelt in deep prayer, the beauty of the singing carrying the weight of the mystery.

We then honoured the Theotokos, our Mother, praying the Hail Mary together. Father Mark incensed the altar once more, and the hymn to the Theotokos was sung with tenderness.

The Our Father was prayed and sung, drawing us into unity as children of God. The Agnus Dei accompanied the preparation of the Lamb, part of which would be reserved for the clergy’s home chapels. Metropolitan Raffaele joined the clergy at the altar, chanting as the sacred elements were prepared. The clergy received Holy Communion, followed by the faithful.

As the liturgy drew toward its close, the church began to darken. In solemn procession, we accompanied the Blessed Sacrament to the Altar of Repose, a place of quiet waiting, recalling Christ’s agony and arrest.

Metropolitan Raffaele read from the Gospel, recounting the moment of Christ’s betrayal and arrest. The weight of the night settled deeply upon the chapel.

There were no final words, no dismissal. Instead, we sat in silence for a time, before quietly departing—each person leaving in stillness, carrying the gravity of the night into the darkness.

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