Holy Week Services and Activities

The Ancient Office of Tenebrae, on Wednesday evening, April 20, at 7 p.m., is a moving descent into the darkest days of the church year. The liturgy is a merger of the traditional Matins and Lauds, with plainchant led by the upper voices of the Canterbury Choir. During the service all of the lights in the church are  progressively extinguished except one candle.

The Triduum, or "three sacred days," begins on Maundy Thursday through Holy Saturday. The Liturgy of Maundy Thursday, April 21, begins with a supper at 6:15 p.m., followed by a liturgy at 7 p.m. in the Church. The liturgy includes the traditional footwashing, Eucharist, and Stripping of the Altar, which symbolizes the laying of Jesus in the tomb. Music will include plainchant led by the tenors and basses of the St. Philip's Singers.

After the Maundy Thursday liturgy, hear Dante's Inferno read the way he originally intended. Inspired by the tradition of St. John the Divine in New York City, this dramatic literary event will take place in the Church, with selected Cantos read by parishioners and honored guests. The reading will continue from 9 p.m. on Maundy Thursday until 10 a.m. on Good Friday. You are welcome to stay for as much of the reading as you would like or to arrive or depart at any time. You may also pray and keep watch throughout the night in other areas of the Church and Columbarium garden. Each 30-minute segment will include the tolling of the church bells, atmospheric music, silent meditation, and the reading of one canto. Security will be onsite all night.

The Good Friday service on April 22, from noon to 3 p.m., is in three 1-hour blocks to accommodate those who wish to participate for an hour or for the entire service. It includes prayers, veneration of the cross, communion during the third hour, and meditative cello music by Nancy Monsman. The Rev. Canon Timothy Dombek, Canon to the Ordinary of the Diocese of Arizona, will be our guest preacher.

The Good Friday Musical Offering, on April 22 at 5:45 p.m., will be the "Lamentations of Jeremiah" by Jan Dismas Zelenka. The program will be conducted by Dr. Jeffrey Campbell, with soloists Jared Levin, baritone, Matthew Holter, tenor, and Kay Wiley, alto, and a chamber orchestra.

The Great Vigil of Easter is held on Easter Even, Saturday, April 23, at 7 p.m. The service begins with the Service of Light (lighting and blessing the New Fire and Paschal Candle and candlelit procession, with allergen-free incense), the Vigil recounting the history of our salvation (through readings, and chanting with soprano saxophone and synthesizer), Holy Baptism and sprinkling of holy water, and the first proclamation of Easter with fanfare and noisemakers, culminating in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. The service will be followed by a potluck reception: bring your favorite sparkling beverage and chocolate finger food ... and don't forget to bring noisemakers for the Easter Proclamation.

Easter Services

Easter Day, April 24, will begin at St. Philip's with a sunrise service at 6 a.m., including hymns, with keyboard and trumpet. At 7:45, there will be a Festival Eucharist, including hymns, with organ and trumpet. At 9:15 there will be two services: an All Generations Eucharist and Baptism in the Children's Center Courtyard (with the Girl and Boy choirs, bell choir, and brass) and aFestival Choral Eucharist and Baptism in the Church (with the St. Philip's Singers and bell choir; service music will be Joel Martinson's Missa Guadalupe, for choir, congregational singing, brass, and timpani). Another

Festival Choral Eucharist, including incense, will take place at 11:15 a.m., featuring the same service music led by the Canterbury Choir. At 4 p.m. there will be a"Come and See" Service for those who are looking for a reinterpretation of traditional theology, and at 5:30 p.m. there is anEvening Eucharist.

Easter Reminders

-On Easter morning, our campus will be full of both parishioners and visitors. This is a great opportunity to extend St. Philip's hospitality by greeting those whom you don't know.

-The services will likely be crowded on Easter Sunday. To be ensured of a seat (not to mention a parking spot) please plan to arrive earlier than you normally would, or attend the sunrise (6 a.m.), 7:45 a.m., 4 p.m., or 5:30 p.m. services, which are less heavily attended than those at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.

-It is likely that with the crowds the temperature will be elevated in the Church despite the chiller; please dress accordingly.

-Even though our parking lot is patrolled, it is wise not to leave valuables in your car.