Lent & Easter
Surrounded by community and nourished by prayer, we will journey together as we Walk in the Way of the Cross.
Journey with us—in person or online.
You’re invited to join the Cathedral as we make our way from Ash Wednesday through Holy Week to the celebration of Christ’s glorious Resurrection on Easter. Surrounded by community and nourished by prayer, we will journey together as we Walk in the Way of the Cross.
Learn more below about our schedule of services, musical offerings and meditations for the season. Surrounded by community and nourished by prayer, we will journey together as we Walk in the Way of the Cross.
Easter Sunday Passes
Due to capacity concerns, the two Easter Sunday Festival Holy Eucharist services (8 and 11:15 am) require reserved passes.
The 11:15 am Easter service is now at capacity. Space remains for the 8 am service.
All other worship services during Lent and Holy Week do not require reserved passes.
Daily Lenten Meditations
food for the journey
Cathedral clergy offer a written meditation each day in Lent. The path from ashes to Alleluia is one that we walk together, in community. Starts on Ash Wednesday, Feb 22.
read & subscribe
read & subscribe
Holy Week & Easter Services and Concerts
Palm Sunday Holy Eucharist
Sun Apr. 2 • 8 am Note: 8 am is in-person only.Holy Week begins as we make the journey from Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem to his utter rejection and crucifixion. The congregation is invited to gather outside at the North Porch for the blessing and procession of the palms. The remainder of the service will take place inside the Cathedral. Passes are not required.
Palm Sunday Holy Eucharist
Sun Apr. 2 • 11:15 am Holy Week begins as we make the journey from Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem to his utter rejection and crucifixion. The congregation is invited to gather outside at the North Porch for the blessing and procession of the palms. The remainder of the service will take place inside the Cathedral. Passes are not required.
In Paradisum: Duruflé's Requiem and Poulenc's Motets
Sun Apr. 2 • 4 pm At this Palm Sunday concert, immerse yourself in Poulenc’s penitential motets and the orchestral technicolor of his Tenebrae responsories; revel in Duruflé’s explorations of Gregorian chant and his breathtaking Requiem.
Holy Eucharist with Vows Renewal and Chrism Blessing
Tue Apr. 4 • 12 pm Join the Episcopal Diocese of Washington as clergy reaffirm their vows and consecrate sacramental oil. All are welcome to attend this service of Holy Eucharist. Passes not required.
Maundy Thursday Holy Eucharist
Thu Apr. 6 • 7 pm At this celebration of Holy Communion, we remember Jesus’ Last Supper and his charge to love one another through the washing of feet. We end the service by stripping the altar and begin the vigil with the Reserved Sacrament in St. John’s Chapel until midnight. Incense is used at this service. Passes not required.
Morning Prayer in the Presence of the Reserved Sacrament
Fri Apr. 7 • 10 am Note: this service is in-person only. The vigil with the Reserved Sacrament formally ends with a service of Morning Prayer for Good Friday. Passes are not required.
Solemn Liturgy of Good Friday
Fri Apr. 7 • 12 pm Join the Cathedral community as we remember Christ’s suffering, crucifixion and death on Good Friday with a service of Scripture, music and ancient prayer. Passes not required.Rite of Reconciliation is offered in-person and online.
Good Friday Evening Service
Fri Apr. 7 • 7 pm Through readings and music from across centuries and traditions, this service provides a quiet, contemplative space to reflect on the death and burial of Jesus. Passes are not required.
The Great Vigil and First Eucharist of Easter
Sat Apr. 8 • 8 pm Journey from darkness to light, from death to life, as we bear witness to the Paschal Mystery through powerful music, the retelling of the salvation story and welcoming new believers in Baptism. Incense is used at this service. All are welcome to bring bells. Passes are not required.
Easter Sunday Festival Holy Eucharist
Sun Apr. 9 • 8 am Hallelujah! Christ is risen! We will gather around Christ’s table, and join together in music and prayer, to proclaim Jesus’ victory over death and the Good News of the Resurrection. Both services are identical. In-person passes are required. Easter Sunday Festival Holy Eucharist
Sun Apr. 9 • 11:15 am The 11:15 Easter service is at capacity. Hallelujah! Christ is risen! We will gather around Christ’s table, and join together in music and prayer, to proclaim Jesus’ victory over death and the Good News of the Resurrection. Both services are identical.
Easter Sunday Organ Recital
Sun Apr. 9 • 2 pm Cathedral organist Thomas Sheehan celebrates the joy of Easter with a selection of uplifting music to celebrate the Resurrection on the Cathedral’s Great Organ. Tickets are not required to attend in-person.
Easter Sunday Festival Choral Evensong
Sun Apr. 9 • 4 pm Our Easter Day celebrations end with Choral Evensong, a traditional Anglican service of sung evening prayer that features Holy Scripture, Psalms, hymns and anthems led by the Cathedral Choir. Passes are not required.
Ash Wednesday Holy Eucharist
in case you missed it
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent: a time of fasting, prayer, self-examination and preparation for the Easter Feast. Catch up on this year's evening service now.
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Honor a Loved One this Special Season
memorial & honor gifts
Each memorial gift is recorded in the Book of Remembrance: more than 100 volumes of names in a living history of faithfulness, friendship and hope for the future. Join this unique legacy by supporting the mission and ministry of the Cathedral through a memorial gift today.
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Now Available: New Lenten Devotional Guide
lenten devotionals
“Hear Us, Good Lord” offers daily meditations from the Great Litany of Ash Wednesday, written by Cathedral clergy and staff. This collaboration with Forward Movement offers a daily framework to deepen your faith as we journey through Lent to Easter.
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