Maundy Thursday 2026 - meaning, traditions, and spiritual significance for believers

Maundy Thursday, or Holy Thursday, in 2026 falls on April 9. This is one of the most important days of Holy Week – the period before Easter, when Christians particularly focus on spiritual purification and rethinking life. Father Ivan Pohreda, a priest of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and rector of St. Nicholas Church, told a journalist from UNN more about what this date means from a spiritual point of view and whether there are special rules or restrictions on Maundy Thursday.

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Maundy Thursday is directly related to the events of the last days of Jesus Christ's earthly life before His crucifixion, the priest says.

It was then, as described in the Gospel, that Christ gave His disciples an example of deep humility and love – He washed their feet. This gesture had not only a symbolic but also a spiritually instructive character: it showed that true greatness lies in serving others." This Gospel episode reveals the essence of Christian life – humility in everything. Even the Apostle Peter initially refused, saying that he was unworthy of such an act. However, Jesus Christ answered him: "If I do not wash you, you will have no part with Me," emphasizing the importance of accepting spiritual purification

In the church tradition, special services are held on Maundy Thursday, emphasizes the rector of St. Nicholas Church. The most significant is the evening service, during which 12 Gospels are read.

These readings consistently reveal the events of Christ's suffering — from His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane to His crucifixion and death on the cross. Believers come to the temple with candles, which they light during the service as a symbol of faith, prayer, and spiritual light. This service takes place only once a year and is considered one of the deepest in its content, as it allows a person not only to hear but also to internally experience the Gospel events

Father Ivan emphasizes that the main meaning of Maundy Thursday lies not in external rituals, but primarily in internal purification.

This is about sincere repentance, confession, communion, and rethinking one's own life. This is what true preparation for Easter is all about

At the same time, popular traditions such as cleaning the house, washing, or bathing before sunrise, according to him, have no obligatory church significance.

Such traditions are rather part of folk culture, which symbolically reflects the desire for purity, but does not replace spiritual work on oneself

The priest advises every believer on this day to find time for prayer and, if possible, to visit the church. It is not essential when exactly to do this - in the morning or in the evening, Father Ivan emphasizes. The main thing is the sincerity of the heart and the inner striving for God. However, according to him, the evening service with the Passion of Christ has a special spiritual power, as it helps to feel the meaning of these events more deeply.

Maundy Thursday also reminds us of the Last Supper - the event during which Jesus Christ instituted the Sacrament of Communion. That is why this day has special significance for all who seek unity with God through the Holy Sacraments. This is a time when a person is called to stop in the daily hustle and bustle, reflect on their actions, cleanse their soul from resentment, anger, and sins, and fill their heart with love, humility, and gratitude

Father Ivan emphasizes that on Maundy Thursday, every believer is called to "support Christ" - not formally, but sincerely, through prayer, reflection, and spiritual unity.

This is the greatest treasure of this day – living faith, love, and readiness to change oneself

Recall

The cost of preparing homemade Easter cakes for Easter 2026 increased by 12.2% compared to last year – to 357.2 hryvnias for three or four pieces. The main factor was the rise in prices for egg and dairy products.