ASHLAND – St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Ashland, Ohio, is pleased to announce its full schedule of services and events for Holy Week and Easter Day, the most significant week in the Christian calendar.

This year, Holy Week observances will begin on Palm Sunday, March 29, and conclude with the celebration of Easter Day on April 5.

“Holy Week is a profound journey of faith, walking with Jesus from his triumphant entry into Jerusalem to the joy of his Resurrection,” said Fr. Christopher D. Hofer, Priest-in-Charge at St. Matthew’s.

“We invite the entire Ashland community to join us for these beautiful and historic liturgies, to reflect deeply on God’s love, and to experience the renewing hope of Easter.”

The week begins on Palm Sunday, March 29, at 10:00 A.M. with the traditional Holy Eucharist with Palm Procession. This service commemorates Christ’s entry into Jerusalem and features a joyous procession with palm branches. Fr. David Sipes, Rector Emeritus of Grace Episcopal Church and Pantry, Mansfield, will be the officiating priest.

On Holy Wednesday, April 1, at 7:00 P.M., St. Matthew’s parishioners are invited to join a collaborative service, the Order of Tenebrae, hosted at Grace Episcopal Church in nearby Mansfield, Ohio (41 Bowman Street). Tenebrae is a powerful service that uses candlelight and psalms to reflect on the darkness of Christ’s suffering.

The solemnity deepens on Maundy Thursday, April 2, at 7:00 P.M. at St. Matthew’s with the Maundy Thursday Eucharist and the Stripping of the Altar. This service recalls the Last Supper and Jesus’ commandment to “love one another,” followed by the ritual bareing of the church sanctuary in preparation for Good Friday.

Good Friday, April 3, will feature three distinct opportunities for worship:

  • Noon: Proper Liturgy of Good Friday (hosted at Grace Episcopal Church, Mansfield).
  • 4:00 P.M.: A special Family Service, geared toward all ages, will be held at St. Matthew’s.
  • 7:00 P.M.: The Sung Proper Liturgy of Good Friday, featuring the Passion narrative, will be celebrated at Grace Episcopal Church in Mansfield.

The week culminates in the joyous celebration of Easter Day, April 5, at 10:00 A.M. The Festival Holy Eucharist will celebrate Christ’s victory over death. Fr. Christopher D. Hofer will be the officiating priest.

All services are open to the public. St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church is located at 1515 Mifflin Avenue in Ashland, Ohio. For more information, please visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/StMatthewsEC/.