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.
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.
Ash Wednesday
Wednesday 14 February
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and invites us to observe Lent as a holy season. As we journey through Lent to Jerusalem and the cross, we are called to be Jesus’ disciples ever more closely. Ash Wednesday invites us to cast off whatever hinders us, to experience refreshment of faith and the joy of the resurrection.
12.15pm • Holy Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes
Preacher: The Very Revd Dr Andreas Loewe, Dean of Melbourne
6.00pm • Choral Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes
Preacher: The Most Revd Dr Philip Freier, Archbishop of Melbourne
Lent Study Series
Occurring after 8am and 10am services we will be reflecting on the ‘I am’ statements of Jesus. They begin on the 18 February.
- 18 Feb: ‘I am the Bread of Life’
- 25 February: ‘I am the Light of the World’
- 3 March: ‘I am the true Vine’
- 10 March: ‘I am the Way, the Truth and the Life’
- 17 March: ‘I am the Resurrection and the Life’
- 24 March: ‘I am the Good Shepherd’
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 • 24 March
8.00am Holy Communion (BCP)
Preacher: The Revd Canon Robert Vun
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: The Revd Canon Robert Vun
4.00pm Choral Evensong & Mothers Union Lady Day service
Preacher: The Very Revd Dr Andreas Loewe
Holy Monday • 25 March
12.15pm Holy Communion & Address
5.10pm Evening Prayer
Holy Tuesday • 26 March
11.00am Diocesan Chrism Eucharist & Renewal of Ministry Promises
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 Archbishop.
1.00pm Holy Week Lunchtime Concert
Helen Ling, (soprano) and Jane Matheson (piano)
5.10pm Choral Evensong
Holy Wednesday • 27 March
12.15pm Holy Communion & Address
5.10pm Choral Evensong
Maundy Thursday • 28 March
12.15pm Holy Communion & Address
Preacher: The Revd Canon Jane Window
6.00pm Choral Eucharist
An evocative service remembering the Last Supper at which Jesus washed the feet of his friends, followed by a silent vigil of prayer
Preacher: The Revd Canon Dr Bob Derrenbacker
Good Friday • 29 March
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: The Most Revd Dr Philip Freier
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 Revd Canon Heather Patacca
Easter Day • 31 March
6.00am Easter Vigil & First Eucharist of the Resurection
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 Dean
10.00am Easter Day Choral Eucharist
Celebration of Christ’s resurrection from the dead in word and sacrament. Alleluia, Christ is Risen!
Preacher: The Archbishop of Melbourne
4.00pm Festive Choral Evensong
Preacher: The Revd Canon Robert Vun