Maundy Thursday
| Maundy Thursday | |
|---|---|
The Mystical Supper, Russian Orthodox icon, 1497 | |
| Also called | Holy Thursday Covenant Thursday Great and Holy Thursday Thursday of Mysteries Shere from the word shere (meaning "clean" or "bright") or Sheer Thursday |
| Observed by | Christians |
| Type | Christian/Civic |
| Significance | Commemorates the Maundy and Last Supper of Jesus Christ |
| Observances | Chrism Mass, Mass of the Lord's Supper, Washing of the feet, distribution of Maundy money |
| Date | Easter − 3 days |
| 2024 date |
|
| 2025 date |
|
| 2026 date |
|
| 2027 date |
|
| Frequency | annual |
| Related to | Holy Week and Easter |
Maundy Thursday, also referred to as Holy Thursday, or Thursday of the Lord's Supper, among other names, is a Christian feast during Holy Week that marks the beginning of the Paschal Triduum, and commemorates the Washing of the Feet (Maundy) and Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles, as described in the canonical gospels.
It is the fifth day of Holy Week, preceded by Holy Wednesday (Spy Wednesday) and followed by Good Friday. "Maundy" comes from the Latin word mandatum, or commandment, reflecting Jesus' words "I give you a new commandment." The date of the day will vary according to whether the Gregorian calendar or the Julian calendar is used. Eastern churches generally use the Julian system.