HOLY THURSDAY 2026 - (LIVE FROM ATHENS) THE MYSTICAL SUPPER

The Sacred Washing, the institutions of the Lord's Prayer, the Mystical Supper and the subsequent betrayal of Lord Jesus by Judas are the themes for today, Holy Thursday. The Gospel readings are featured prominently: Luke 22:1-39*, 1 Corinthians 11:23-32*, Matthew 26:2-20*; John 13:3-17*; Matthew 26:21-39*; Luke 22:43-45*; Matthew 26:40*-27:2*, John 13:1-11*, John 13:12-17*. 

Kabarnos Live stream from the Holy Church of the Ascension of the Lord, Neos Kosmos, Athens: Holy Thursday Vespers of the Great Passion. 

Father Peter Heers explains the mysteries of the Mystical Supper. 

April 16, 2025 Orthodox Ethos: Mystical Supper: Christ Himself Becomes Offeror, Victim, & Altar Table.

April 7, 2026 Stefanos Lagoutaris: ΟΤΕ ΟΙ ΕΝΔΟΞΟΙ ΜΑΘΗΤΑΙ. (When the glorious were illuminated). 

"When the glorious disciples were illuminated in the Mystical Supper, Judas the impious, sick with the disease of avarice, was darkened, and unrighteous judges, to the righteous judge, delivered him up. Behold, the lover of money, who is used for these things; depart, insatiable soul, who dared to teach such things; the all-good, Lord, glory to you."

Earlier today we saw another unique event taking place at Churches across Greece: the Liturgy of Saint Basil. It is only celebrated on ten occasions a year. It is one of the oldest and most solemn Eucharistic liturgies in the Christian tradition, attributed to Saint Basil the Great (329–379), Bishop of Caesarea and one of the Cappadocian Fathers.

It is longer than the standard Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostomos. It emphasizes the mystery of the Incarnation and the redemptive work of Christ in great depth. The prayers are noted for their poetic and theological profundity.

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April 9, 2026 Kabarnos: ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΠΕΜΠΤΗ ΠΡΩΐ - ΘΕΙΑ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ ΤΟΥ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΟΥ. (Holy Thursday morning - Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great).

Saint Basil is believed to have compiled and structured the liturgy, drawing from earlier apostolic traditions. It was the standard liturgy of the Byzantine Rite before being gradually replaced for most occasions by the shorter Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom.

We are also looking ahead to events of the next day, because the Orthodox day is running from sunset to sunset. Specially during Holy Week this may lead to some confusion.



April 8, 2026 Stefanos Lagoutaris: ΣΗΜΕΡΟΝ ΚΡΕΜΑΤΑΙ ΕΠΙ ΞΥΛΟΥ (ΙΕ' ΑΝΤΙΦΩΝΟ) Μ. ΠΕΜΠΤΗ ΕΣΠΕΡΑΣ. (Today they hanged him on a tree).

Tomorrow is Holy Friday, the most mournful and solemn day of the year. The Crucifixion is part of tonight's liturgy. After tonight all work and preparations for the Resurrection on Saturday, stop in their tracks.

- More on Holy Week, Nikodimos Kabarnos, The Lord of Spirits -