The Easter Triduum is the Christian three-day observance at the heart of Holy Week. It follows Jesus’ Last Supper on Maundy Thursday, his suffering and death on Good Friday, his burial on Holy Saturday, and his resurrection proclaimed on Easter Sunday. Roman Catholic liturgy calls these days the Triduum; many Protestant churches call the period Holy Week.
Which three days make up the Easter Triduum?
The calendar days are Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. In the Roman Catholic calendar, the Triduum opens with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Thursday evening and reaches its high point in the Easter Vigil on Saturday evening. The vigil is celebrated as part of Easter Sunday, when Christians celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. The name comes from Latin for three days.
What happens during the three days?
On Maundy Thursday, Catholics celebrate the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, which includes the washing of feet. Afterward, the altar is stripped and the consecrated bread is moved to a place of repose. Other churches may arrange foot washing, Communion, prayer, or a vigil.
On Good Friday, Catholic worship centers on the Passion of Christ, the Gospel account of the crucifixion, prayers, and veneration of the cross. There is no Mass that day; the Mass of the Lord’s Supper from Thursday is not repeated. Protestant services commonly emphasize Christ’s suffering and death through Scripture, preaching, hymns, and prayer.
Holy Saturday is a day of silence and expectation. Some churches offer a daytime devotional service, while many congregations gather at night for the Easter Vigil. In many vigils, Scripture is proclaimed, a Paschal candle is lit, and the Easter message is proclaimed. Catholic vigils include baptism and the renewal of baptismal vows, while many Protestant vigils feature Communion.
How do churches observe it differently?
The Roman Catholic Church gives the Triduum a formal place in its liturgical calendar. In the revised Roman Rite, the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the liturgy of the Passion, and the Easter Vigil form one connected liturgical action. Episcopal, Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist, and many other churches observe Holy Week but may not use the word Triduum. Eastern Orthodox Christians often call the three-day cycle the Paschal trilogy; Orthodox Easter may occur on a different date from Western Easter.
What should I expect at these services?
The services are often quieter and more solemn than an ordinary Sunday service. Holy Thursday may include washing of feet and Communion; Good Friday may focus entirely on the cross and Christ’s death; the Easter Vigil usually takes place after dark and may include candles, a procession, baptism, Communion, and the singing of Alleluia. Visitors are not expected to take part in every rite. If you plan to attend, check the congregation’s schedule and dress respectfully. You can also find nearby service times. During the service, follow the congregation’s cues rather than trying to understand every prayer or gesture at once.