The Easter Triduum

The Easter Triduum

(Trid-YOU-um)

These Three Sacred and Glorious Days 

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Dear Ones,

We now enter the most sacred time of the Christian year: The Easter Triduum (Trid-YOU-um), or Three Days.

The Triduum marks the culmination of the Lenten season and is a time of profound reflection, spiritual renewal, and communal worship. It is a journey through the passion, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ—a journey that invites us to deepen our faith, strengthen our bonds as a faith community, and rejoice in the boundless love and mercy of our Savior.

At St. John’s, we are blessed to offer a series of solemn and uplifting liturgical celebrations, each carefully crafted to guide us through the sacred mysteries of the Triduum and culminate in our celebration of the Resurrection at Easter.

Come and participate in these sacred observances, and together, we will experience the transformative power of the Easter Triduum as a community.

Grace and Peace, 

MAUNDY THURSDAY

7:00 p.m. — Holy Communion, Washing of Feet, and the Stripping of the Altar

Tonight we commemorate the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles. Our observance includes a ritual washing of the feet to commemorate the Great Commandment: We are to love each other as God loves us and to do so through acts of loving-kindness. Tonight we will also strip and anoint the Altar and place the Holy Sacrament on an Altar of Repose in the Good Shepherd Chapel, where members of the parish will stay awake and watch with Christ through the dark hours of the night.

The Night Watch (10:00 p.m. to 11:00 a.m.):

The Watch List is now full. However, I have the 2:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. slot, which I am happy to offer. My preference is to give this hour to someone who has never experienced the Watch before. If that is you, please phone office pronto at (425) 827-3077 and leave a message for me. If you have participated in the past but wish to take this opening, please contact us; we will get you slotted in if we don't find a first-time participant.

GOOD FRIDAY

Noon — The Good Friday Stations of the Cross

Every year on Good Friday, Kirkland churches gather to pray the Stations of the Cross, walking together to "stations" in the downtown. We begin at St. John’s with scriptural readings, prayers, and a brief homily. The service concludes at the Marina Park Pavilion. This is God’s church at its best and most unified, and it is a moving experience of walking together with Jesus to the place of his crucifixion.

7:00 p.m. — The Passion, Solemn Prayers, Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion

On this night, we enter into the depth of Christ’s sacrifice as we gather for a holy liturgy in which we recount his passion, crucifixion, and death. We respond with Solemn Collects and prayers, venerate the Cross, and share communion from the Reserved Sacrament that has been attended throughout the previous night’s hours.

THE GREAT VIGIL OF EASTER

8:00 p.m. — The Lighting of the New Fire, the Record of God’s Saving Deeds, and the First Eucharist of Easter

The Great Vigil is the hinge upon which the Triduum turns—the bridge from the shadow of the Cross to the glory of the Empty Tomb. We begin in the darkness of the night, kindling a new fire to light the Paschal Candle, symbolizing Christ’s light breaking into the world. Through the reading of Holy Scripture, we trace the history of God’s saving power from the beginning of creation. In the absence of a baptism this year, we will stand together to solemnly renew our own Baptismal Vows before celebrating the first joyful Eucharist of the Resurrection.

EASTER SUNDAY

The Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ!

10:00 a.m. — Festal Holy Eucharist with brass, choir and organ & Renewal of our Baptismal Vows, followed by Easter Brunch.

Alleluia, Christ is Risen! Today, the journey of the Triduum reaches its glorious fruition. We gather in a space transformed by light and flowers to celebrate the triumph of life over death. Our worship is a jubilant offering of praise, song, and thanksgiving as we reaffirm our commitment to the Risen Christ and share in the feast of the Holy Eucharist.