All ages are invited to an Agape Meal at 6 PM on Maundy Thursday. The meal features a short prayer service, the retelling of Jesus’ last meal with the disciples, and Biblically-inspired (think Mediterranean) food served family style.

What is Maundy Thursday, and why an Agape Meal?

“Maundy” is a shortened form of the Latin word mandatum, which means “command.” It was on the Thursday of Christ’s final week before being crucified and resurrected that he gave his final commandment to his disciples:

“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.”

John 13:34

Maundy Thursday is celebrated on the Thursday before Easter to remember Jesus’ last meal with his friends and the love they shared together.

Similarly, agape is the Greek word to describe the deepest kind of spiritual love. An Agape Meal is a “Love Feast” that encourages harmony, community, and goodwill. When we share an Agape Meal, we’re re-enacting and remembering Christ’s last meal with his friends.

St. Philip’s Agape Meal service is meant to complement the 7 p.m. Maundy Thursday service. Join us for one or both services!