I started last month’s newsletter with a synopsis of St David and St Patrick whose feast days were in March, so it would be remiss of me this month not to mention our very own patron saint, George, whose feast day is April 23rd. He is best known for his legendary battle against the dragon, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. His story became popular in medieval Europe, particularly during the crusades when he and his soldiers wore his emblem of a red cross on a white cloth across their chests so that they could be recognised as Christians. This emblem became our national flag and George was officially declared our patron saint in 1348 by King Edward 111.
Hopefully you will read this in time to come to our Palm Sunday service in church at 6 p.m on Sunday 29th March. This day starts Holy Week which represents the last 8 days of Jesus’ life with Palm Sunday marking his arrival into Jerusalem. Spy Wednesday is so called because it is the day Judas agreed to betray Jesus and Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper and the washing of the disciples feet. Good Friday is a mournful day remembering Jesus’ passion, crucifixion and burial and Holy Saturday is the final day of waiting, commemorating Jesus resting in the tomb. Finally, what we have all been leading up to – Easter Day and the celebration of the Resurrection marking the end of Holy week. During Holy Week there will be compline every evening at 6 p.m. from Monday to Thursday (a quiet 15 minute contemplation with prayers at the eve of the day) and on Good Friday the story of St Matthews Passion in words and music, led by Jeremy Lane at 2 p.m. Do please join us – this is a most uplifting and moving experience and not to be missed.
At the end of April, on the 26th, we will be holding an evensong service as usual at 6 p.m. followed by St Mary’s APCM, so all those on the electoral roll and wider church community are invited to attend and hear about the work of the church since last April.