Easter updates
Good morning,
We are entering a time of great significance for the monotheistic faiths of Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
The Jewish festival of Passover begins this evening, with the first seder, a festive meal which recounts the escape of the Israelites from Egypt where they had been enslaved. Throughout the festival, certain foods are avoided and others eaten. LeEasaven is avoided, and so unleavened bread – matzah – is at the heart of Passover meals. Seder meals will also involve bitter herbs, wine and haroset (a mixture of fruit, nuts, wine and cinnamon). Passover (also known as Pesach) will end on the evening of 4 April.
For Christians, Holy Week begins tomorrow on Palm Sunday. The week before Jesus’ death is remembered in Holy Week, including Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, his arrest, trial and crucifixion. As this is the University’s Spring Vacation, the Chaplaincy is not holding any services tomorrow or in Holy Week, but we are hosting on our website a brand new film – A Good Friday Pilgrimage with St Andrews Churches. Representatives from different congregations will lead viewers to reflect on five ‘stations of the cross.’ You will be able to watch this from Good Friday 2 April at https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/community/worship/ under Special events.
And then on Easter Day, Sunday 4 April, we will return to St Salvator’s Chapel for two services of worship. The University Service at 11 am will feature St Salvator’s Chapel Choir and a sermon from me called Renewal of Vows. It will be the first service in 2021 with a congregation allowed – up to 50 people. For those who wish to stay, Holy Communion will be celebrated at the end of the service. At 5.30 pm there will also be a special Easter Evensong with the choir and additionally, a second chance to hear that Easter sermon. Spaces at both services can be reserved at the University’s Events page from Monday. Please choose only one service to come to, to allow up to 100 people to celebrate Easter in the University Chapel. Both services will also be livestreamed via the Worship webpage.
For the second year in a row, there will not be an early morning outdoor celebration for Easter in St Andrews.
Then, from 12 April, Ramadan begins, a time of fasting which Muslims observe, including students and members of staff in the University.
I will be taking time off during this second week of the Spring Vacation, but Sam will be around, offering support to any in need and sharing some thoughts in Companionship emails/blogposts.
Finally, if you are pining for lovely music at a time when choirs are so restricted, I loved this contribution to the In/break online exhibition, which you can find here, I thirst – a choral response to My Lagan Love and Psalm 42 by Anselm McDonnell. It’s a family affair with his wife and brother appearing multiple times in the music and film. http://www.transpositions.co.uk/i-thirst-anselm-mcdonnell/
I hope you’re enjoying the Spring Vacation, Happy Passover, and don’t forget the clocks go forward an hour tonight in the UK. From tomorrow, it is British Summer Time.
(Sorry no pictures today but my email seemed to reject them for some unknown reason)
Yours,
Donald.
Revd Dr Donald MacEwan
Chaplain