HOLY WEEK 2026
Second Presbyterian Church of Roanoke, Virginia
“Finding direction by following Jesus.”
Holy Week is a profound and meaningful period in the Christian liturgical calendar, marking the final week of Jesus’ earthly life and culminating in his resurrection on Easter Sunday.
As a church, Holy Week is an opportunity for us to reflect deeply on the significance of Christ’s life and ministry, his death and resurrection. May we find ways to draw closer to Jesus as we remember his sacrifice and celebrate his victory over sin and death.
We warmly invite you to join us for any of the Holy Week worship offerings listed below as we observe this sacred week together.
Palm Sunday | March 29
Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, when we commemorate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. As he rode into the city on a donkey, crowds greeted him with palm branches, crying out, “Hosanna!”
Worship Times:
- 8:45 a.m. Early Service, Sanctuary
- 9:45 a.m. Sunday school for all ages
- 11:00 a.m. Late Service, Sanctuary/Live Stream
Maundy Thursday | April 2
On Maundy Thursday, we remember the Last Supper, when Jesus shared a meal with his disciples and instituted the sacrament of Communion. The word “Maundy” comes from the Latin mandatum, meaning “commandment,” referring to Jesus’ new commandment to love one another as he has loved us (John 13:34). This is also the night when Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane and was betrayed.
Join us at 6:00 p.m. in Kirk Hall for a special Maundy Thursday worship service with communion. Step into the stories of Holy Week at our Maundy Thursday Tenebrae Service on Thursday, April 2 at 6:00 p.m. in Kirk Hall. Through music, choir, handbells, dramatic readings, and the sharing of the bread and cup, we’ll remember Jesus’ final night with his disciples and reflect on the path to the cross. Come experience a deeply moving and thoughtfully crafted evening of worship. All are welcome.
Worship Times:
- 6:00 p.m. Worship Service with Communion, Kirk Hall
Good Friday | April 3
Good Friday marks the day of Jesus’ crucifixion. It is a solemn and reflective day when we remember the great sacrifice he made for our salvation.
Holy Saturday | April 4
Holy Saturday is a day of waiting and reflection. After Jesus’ death, his body lay in the tomb, and his followers mourned. On this day, we quietly anticipate the miracle of Easter.
Easter Sunday | April 5
The culmination of Holy Week is Easter, when we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. His victory over death gives us the hope of new life. Easter is the day of rejoicing, as we remember that through his resurrection, death has been defeated, and all things have been made new.
It has been a long-standing tradition at Second for children and adults alike to add flowers to our Easter crosses. We invite you to bring some flowers from your yard or garden to contribute anytime this Easter Sunday, April 5. The crosses will be located in the courtyard between the Sanctuary and Chapel on 3rd Street SW and in the columbarium. Help us celebrate the joy of resurrection with this wonderful tradition.
Worship Times:
- 8:45 a.m. Early Service, Sanctuary
- 11:00 a.m. Late Service, Sanctuary/Live Stream
*There will be NO Sunday school on Easter Sunday, April 5.
Second Presbyterian Church of Roanoke, VA is a vital congregation for people of all ages and circumstances seeking to know, love, and follow Christ.
