Journey with us through Lent and Holy Week as we follow Jesus’ path to his death on the cross and his glorious resurrection on Easter Day.
Lent, Holy Week and Easter include some of the most important dates in the Christian calendar. We follow the story of Jesus’s life, how he faced suffering and death, and inspired many to believe and live a new way of life. St Paul’s Cathedral will be bringing the opportunity to follow this holy season, with our regular services both in the Cathedral and online.
Lent, Holy Week and Easter include some of the most important dates in the Christian calendar. We follow the story of Jesus’s life, how he faced suffering and death, and inspired many to believe and live a new way of life. St Paul’s Cathedral will be bringing the opportunity to follow this holy season, with our regular services both in the Cathedral and online.
Many of our Lent, Holy Week & Easter services will be available to watch live on the Cathedral website and via our Social Media Channels. Click here to access our Online Worship Page.
Palm Sunday, Holy Week & Easter Services
Since the earliest days in the life of the church, people have marked the events of each day, following Jesus from his triumphal entrance into Jerusalem on the day that we call Palm Sunday, through to the momentous events of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, the sheer desolation of Holy Saturday and the joy of Easter Day.
Palm Sunday • 29 March
8.00am Holy Communion (BCP)
Preacher: The Revd Canon Dr Stephen Ames
10.00am Choral Eucharist & Procession of Palms
Procession of Palms marking the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and dramatic reading of the St Mark’s Passion Gospel.
Preacher: Canon Dr Paula Gooder
1.00pm Mandarin Service
Preacher: The Revd Simon Li
4.00pm Choral Evensong
Preacher: The Revd Canon Jane Window
6:00pm Gather at St Paul’s
Preacher: The Revd Canon Jane Window
Holy Monday • 30 March
12.15pm Holy Communion
5.10pm Evening Prayer in Easy English
Holy Tuesday • 31 March
10.30am Diocesan Chrism Eucharist & Renewal of Ministry Vows
Clergy and Lay Ministers from across the Diocese gather for this service and renew their Ministerial Promises and for the Blessing of Oils, led by The Most Revd Dr Ric Thorpe, Archbishop of Melbourne.
Preacher: The Revd Prof Russell Goulbourne
5.10pm Twelve Words of Christ by Douglas Weiland, with members of the Melbourne String Quartet
Entry by donation
Holy Wednesday • 1 April
12.15pm Holy Communion
1.00pm Holy Week Lunchtime Concert
5.10pm Choral Evensong
Maundy Thursday • 2 April
12.15pm Holy Communion & Address
Preacher: The Revd Canon Dr Tim Watson, Canon Precentor
6.00pm Choral Eucharist with Foot washing
An evocative service remembering the Last Supper at which Jesus washed the feet of his friends, followed by a silent vigil of prayer
Preacher: Canon Dr Paula Gooder
Good Friday • 3 April
9.00am Good Friday Liturgy
A solemn telling of the Passion story in music and commemoration of the death of Jesus on the Cross with an opportunity for personal prayers under the Cross
Preacher: Canon Dr Paula Gooder
3.00pm Stainer’s Crucifixion (Liturgical Performance)
A telling of the Passion story through the music of John Stainer, performed by the Cathedral Choir. Free admission: a donation of $25 per person will help cover the costs of this Good Friday tradition – tickets are not required.
Preacher: The Very Revd Dr Andreas Loewe
Easter Day • 5 April
6.00am Easter Vigil & First Eucharist of the Resurrection
A dramatic dawn service from darkness to light, with the lighting of the new fire and Easter candle, and celebration of the first Eucharist of Easter and the rite of Baptism, Confirmation and Reception into the Anglican Church.
Preacher: The Very Revd Dr Andreas Loewe, Dean of Melbourne
10.00am Easter Day Choral Eucharist
Celebration of Christ’s resurrection from the dead in word and sacrament. Alleluia, Christ is Risen!
Preacher: The Most Revd Dr Ric Thorpe, Archbishop of Melbourne
1:00pm Mandarin Service
Preacher: The Revd Simon Li
4.00pm Festive Choral Evensong
Preacher: The Revd Canon Dr Tim Watson, Canon Precentor