Maundy Thursday is currently being celebrated around the world while it’s already Good Friday in Asia.

A tradition since the 4th century, Maundy Thursday is celebrated in many ways by many Christian churches. Stemming from Anglo-French terminology meaning commandment, it refers to Jesus’ telling His disciples at the Last Supper, “A new commandment I give you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” (John 13:34, RSV).

Some churches celebrate Maundy Thursday with pancake suppers, the Eucharist, or other eating occasions. A growing number of churches are observing this day by foot washing, while others are doing a brief Tennebrae service where candles, readings, brief darkness and the sacrament of the Eucharist.

Whatever your tradition, there are many Anchorage churches observing Maundy Thursday by variants of these traditions. A Google search using the terms maundy thursday anchorage 2013 reveals many churches offering these services on the critical first three search results pages. These are wonderful preludes, full of meaning as Holy Week is concluding.

A blessed Maundy Thursday to each of you!