Journey to Pascha Series; Great and Holy Thursday (Sung on Thursday Morning)

Vesperal Liturgy of Holy Thursday

The Vesperal Liturgy of Holy Thursday is a deeply significant service in the Eastern Orthodox Church, marking the beginning of the Paschal Triduum (the three-day period leading up to Pascha, or Easter). This service is often celebrated in the evening on Holy Thursday and combines elements of both Vespers and Liturgy—hence the term Vesperal Liturgy. Theologically, this liturgy commemorates the Mystical Supper (Last Supper) of Christ with His disciples, where He institutes the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist and gives His final instructions to His apostles before His Passion begins. This service sets the tone for the solemn events of Christ’s Crucifixion, Death, and Resurrection.

The Structure and Liturgical Elements

The Vesperal Liturgy of Holy Thursday typically begins at sunset or in the late afternoon and includes several key liturgical elements that bring the faithful into the mystery of Christ's sacrifice.

1. Vespers Opening: Evening Prayer and Psalmody

The service begins with the Vespers portion, which includes evening prayers and the chanting of Psalms. These psalms set the atmosphere of solemn anticipation and prayer, as the Church prepares for the impending events of Christ's Passion.

• Psalm 104 ("Bless the Lord, O my soul") is typically sung, and it reflects on the creation and order of God's world. It has a particular focus on the goodness of God in the midst of His redemptive plan, foreshadowing the institution of the Eucharist.
  
  

• Psalm 141 ("Let my prayer rise like incense before Thee") is sung as a prayer of offering, marking the beginning of this holy service.
  
  

The Vesperal Liturgy’s first section draws attention to the transition from the old covenant to the new, symbolized by the forthcoming institution of the Eucharist.

2. Prokeimenon and Old Testament Readings

During Vespers, the Church includes readings from the Old Testament that underscore the themes of sacrifice, covenant, and redemption. These readings often include:

• Exodus 12:1-11: This passage describes the institution of the Passover, where the Israelites are commanded to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doors with its blood to protect them from the angel of death. This reading foreshadows Christ as the Lamb of God, who offers Himself for the salvation of the world.
  
  

• Genesis 22:1-18: This passage narrates the story of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac in obedience to God's command. This points to the sacrifice of Christ, who is the true sacrifice and fulfillment of the promise to Abraham.
  
  

• Isaiah 50:4-11: This reading speaks of the Suffering Servant, who is mocked, beaten, and scorned, but who trusts in God's deliverance. It points directly to the Passion of Christ.
  
  

These readings emphasize the anticipation of the ultimate sacrifice that Christ will make on the cross, and the establishment of the New Covenant through His Body and Blood.

3. The Gospel Reading of the Mystical Supper (Matthew 26:17-30)

The centerpiece of the Vesperal Liturgy of Holy Thursday is the Gospel reading of the Mystical Supper, found in Matthew 26:17-30. This passage recounts the events of the Last Supper where Jesus eats the Passover meal with His disciples, institutes the Holy Eucharist, and reveals that one of them will betray Him. Theologically, this moment is crucial because it:

• Institutes the Eucharist: Jesus takes the bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it to His disciples, saying, "Take, eat; this is My Body." He also takes the cup of wine and declares it to be His Blood of the New Covenant (Matthew 26:26-28).
  
  

• Reveals Christ’s self-sacrificial love: In this intimate moment, Jesus foreshadows His Passion, which He will undergo for the salvation of humanity. He tells His disciples that He will soon be handed over to be crucified but assures them that His death is the fulfillment of God’s plan of redemption.
  
  

• Judas’ betrayal: Christ’s statement that one of them will betray Him is a moment of deep sorrow, and it marks the beginning of the unfolding of Christ’s Passion. It emphasizes the contrast between the love and sacrifice of Christ and the betrayal of Judas.
  
  

The institution of the Eucharist is at the heart of the theology of the Vesperal Liturgy of Holy Thursday. The Eucharist is the means by which Christ offers His Body and Blood to the faithful as spiritual food for eternal life, and it is a central act of worship for the Orthodox Church.

4. The Washing of the Feet (Optional)

In some parishes, the Washing of the Feet may be part of the Vesperal Liturgy of Holy Thursday. This event, as described in John 13:1-17, takes place after the Last Supper and is a symbolic act of service and humility. Christ washes the feet of His disciples to demonstrate the servant-leadership He calls His followers to embrace.

• Theologically, the washing of the feet represents Christ’s humble service and His call to His followers to serve one another in love. It also reflects the need for purification and the willingness to be cleansed from sin.
  
  

5. The Hymn of the Day – “Today He Who Hung the Earth Upon the Waters...”

The Troparion of Holy Thursday reflects on the institution of the Eucharist and the mystery of Christ's self-sacrifice. It is chanted at various points in the liturgy and highlights the central role of Christ's Body and Blood in the salvation of humanity.

“Today He who hung the earth upon the waters” is the hymn’s text, emphasizing the paradox of the Creator humbling Himself to serve humanity in the form of food and drink. It reminds the faithful of the divine condescension of Christ, who becomes the spiritual nourishment for all.

The Theological Significance of the Vesperal Liturgy of Holy Thursday

1. The Institution of the Eucharist The Eucharist is at the heart of the Vesperal Liturgy of Holy Thursday. By instituting this Sacrament, Christ establishes the means by which His death on the cross will be made present to His Church throughout time. The Eucharist becomes a sacramental participation in the Body and Blood of Christ, offering believers union with Christ and the grace of redemption. This sacrament is the heart of Orthodox Christian life and worship.
   
   

2. Christ's Self-Sacrifice and Love In the Vesperal Liturgy, Christ's offering of His Body and Blood points directly to His self-sacrificial love on the Cross. Holy Thursday is a reflection of Christ’s willingness to lay down His life for His friends and for all humanity (John 15:13). The institution of the Eucharist is inseparable from His Passion, Death, and Resurrection.
   
   

3. The New Covenant The blood of Christ, shed for the forgiveness of sins, establishes the New Covenant between God and humanity. This is in contrast to the old covenant of the Law given to Moses. Christ fulfills the Old Testament sacrifices and becomes the true Passover Lamb, offering Himself for the salvation of the world.
   
   

4. Betrayal and the Call to Repentance The revelation of Judas' betrayal at the Last Supper serves as a moment of spiritual reflection. The faithful are called to examine their own hearts, to reflect on their own loyalty to Christ, and to prepare for the trials of Holy Friday. Judas’ betrayal shows the gravity of sin, while Christ’s willingness to suffer for the salvation of even His betrayer reveals God’s infinite love and mercy.
   
   

5. The Washing of the Feet: Humility and Service The washing of the feet (if practiced) reflects Christ’s command to His disciples to serve one another in humility and love. It reminds Christians that true greatness in the Kingdom of God is found in humble service to others.
   
   

In conclusion, the Vesperal Liturgy of Holy Thursday is a rich, theologically profound service that commemorates the institution of the Holy Eucharist, Christ's self-sacrificial love, and His call to humility, service, and repentance. It sets the stage for the solemn observances of Christ’s Passion and Crucifixion, while also preparing the faithful for the joyous celebration of His Resurrection at Pascha.

Selected Hymnography from the Vesperal Liturgy of Holy Thursday

Tone 6 

The assembly of the Jews gathers together

to deliver to Pilate the Maker and Creator of all.

What lawlessness! What faithlessness!

The Judge of the living and the dead they prepare for judgment.

The Healer of suffering they prepare for sufferings.

How great is Thy mercy!//

O long-suffering Lord, glory to Thee!

 

The transgressor Judas, O Lord,

dipped his hand in the plate with Thee at supper.

But now, he unlawfully stretches forth his hand for silver.

He calculated the price of the woman’s myrrh,

yet he does not shudder in selling Thee, the Priceless One.

He let the Master wash his feet,

yet he deceitfully kisses Him in betrayal to lawless men.

Cast out from the ranks of the Apostles,

he casts away the thirty pieces of silver,

not seeing the Resurrection on the third day.//

By it, have mercy on us!

Judas, the treacherous deceiver,

with a deceitful kiss betrayed the Lord and Savior.

He sold the Master as a slave to lawless men,

and the Lamb of God, the Son of the Father,

the only greatly merciful One,//

was led as a sheep to the slaughter.

Servant and deceiver,

disciple and betrayer, friend and devil,

Judas has been revealed by his deeds.

While following the Master, he plotted His betrayal.

He said to himself: “I shall betray Him and gain the purse.”

He sought to have the myrrh sold

and, by deceit, to have Jesus seized.

He gave the kiss and gave up the Christ.

But like a sheep led to the slaughter,//

so went the only compassionate Lover of mankind.

 

The Lamb, Whom Isaiah proclaimed,

goes willingly to the slaughter;

He gives His back to scourging, His cheeks to buffeting.

He does not turn His face from the shame of spitting.

He is condemned to a shameful death.

He, Who is sinless, willingly submits to all//

to grant to all resurrection from the dead.

Truly Judas is descended from those vipers,

who ate manna in the wilderness,

yet murmured against Him Who nourished them.

For, while the food was still in their mouths,

those ungrateful men reviled God.

So, too, this godless man,

while still bearing in his mouth the Heavenly Bread,

contrived the betrayal of the Savior.

What greedy purpose!

What inhuman insolence!

He sells the One Who nourished him.

He delivers to death the Master Whom he loved.

Truly this lawless man is their son.

With them he will inherit perdition.

Spare our souls of such inhumanity,//

O only Lord of boundless mercy!