We are a small Episcopal Church on the banks of the Rappahannock in Port Royal, Virginia. We acknowledge that we gather on the traditional land of the first people of Port Royal, the Nandtaughtacund, and we respect and honor with gratitude the land itself, the legacy of the ancestors, and the life of the Rappahannock Tribe. Our mission statement is to do God’s Will in all that we do.

Holy Week

Maundy Thursday

We had 31 tonight on April 5, 2012 focusing on the Last Supper, Judas betrayal and the descent into Gethsemane.

Tennebrae, April 20, 2011

TENEBRAE is the Latin word for darkness or shadows. This service introduces the events of Holy Week and provides an opportunity to meditate on those events through the words of the Psalms. The most conspicuous feature of the service is the gradual distinguishing of candles until only a single candle, considered a symbol of our Lord, remains.

Maundy Thursday, April 21, 2011

At this service, we focus on the institution of Holy Eucharist, given to us by Jesus at the Last Supper, the gift of love in the sacrament of Christs Body and Blood. We also focus on the law of love, the demonstration of self-giving which is symbolized in the washing of feet. This service is the beginning of the celebration of the Passion and Death of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Good Friday, April 22, 2011

This service is a time of prayer and reflection as we meditate on Christs passion and death. The service begins in silence and darkness because it is a continuation of the Maundy Thursday service. At this service, we will hear the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. A large cross will be brought into the church and we will have time to meditate on Christs passion and death during the Veneration of the Cross.

Easter Vigil, April 23, 2011

THE GREAT VIGIL OF EASTER-This service ends our Holy Week services and begins the celebration of the Resurrection. Within this service is the story of our redemption throughout history, through scripture and through baptism. In this service, we celebrate our Passover, the passing over from death into life, from sin into grace, from darkness into light. At the beginning of the service, we will light the Paschal Fire,

Good Friday, 2012

Good Friday is the climax on our three Holy Week services and ends with the burial of Jesus after his trial, crucifixion and death. We had 29 to worship tonight, April 6, 2012.

Easter, 2012

Easter 2012 was varied – a musical prelude, lighting of the Paschal fire, a baptism and everybody’s favorite Easter hymns. All in the context of a wonderful clear, spring day with 67 worshipping at St. Peter’s.