MAUNDY THURSDAY-2010

MAUNDY THURSDAY-2010
AND GOOD FRIDAY
Holy week rituals began with the observance of Maunday Thursday with much religious fervour by Christians. The faithful believe that Jesus Christ shared the last supper with his 12 apostles on this day and celebrated the passover festival. It was at this supper that the institution of the Eucharist took place. Before the supper Jesus Christ washed the feet of the apostles. The washing of feet ritual re-enact the act of humility performed by Christ. The chief celebrant performs the ritual.
The Christians observe the day by eating unleavened home made bread after the mass. Maunday Thursday is followed by Good Friday when Christians commemorate the Crucifixion and death of Christ. The day is observed by fasting and prayers. The Churches also commemorate the passion of Christ by organising the way of the cross ritual in a which the faithful take part in strength.
Christians observed Good Friday (2nd April2010) with devotion and by fasting to commemorate the passion and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ . Services at orthodox churches began in the early morning. A good majority of the faithful took part in the church services dressed in mourning.
In many churches, it was a more than six-hour service . Many catholic churches organised the way of cross' procession marking the journey made by Christ to Mount Calvery for his crucifixion. Thousands of persons from all age groups took part in the eight-hour long prayer.
EASTER CELEBRATED
Christians celebrated Christ's resurrection on Sunday 4th April, 2010. Thousands of devotees thronged churches across the state on Sunday morning for special mass to celebrate Easter, signifying the resurrection of Jesus Christ after crucifixion on Good Friday.
Senior prelates preside over the special prayer sessions. The ceremonies were interspersed with readings from the Holy Bible and popular Easter hymns and songs. The altars in many churches were adorned with flowers.
The Easter mass came to a close before sunrise in most churches. Easter Sunday also marked the end of the Holy week celebrations. When the faithful abstain from luxury and material comforts to gain spiritual strength.

Prof. John Kurakar