The Bishop of London, The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, marked Holy Week with a variety of services across London, celebrating the death and resurrection of Christ at the first Easter, almost 2000 years ago.

Events began on Palm Sunday (13 April), which marks Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem prior to his arrest. At St Paul’s Cathedral, Bishop Sarah led the customary Palm Sunday Procession to open the Sung Eucharist, as worshippers blessed palms in the shape of crosses.

On Maundy Thursday, Bishop Sarah joined the Bishop of Fulham and the Bishop of Southwark for a Chrism Mass at St Andrew Holborn, before leading a larger Chrism Eucharist for about 400 clergy at St Paul’s Cathedral. The Chrism Mass is a celebration of the institution of the priesthood where clergy are invited to reaffirm their ordination vows during Holy Week. Bishop Sarah blessed the oils to be used throughout the next year for various sacraments and rituals, including baptism, confirmation, and ordination.

Later on Maundy Thursday, Bishop Sarah participated in the annual Sung Holy Communion with Foot Washing at the Chapel of St John the Evangelist, White Tower, which resides within the Tower of London. The custom of foot washing, as done by Christ to his disciples before the Last Supper, was once observed by English monarchs at the Tower each Holy Thursday. The service provided a reminder of Christ’s heart of humility and service.

On Good Friday, Bishop Sarah said the closing prayer at the Wintershall Players’ re-enactment of The Passion of Jesus at Trafalgar Square. The two moving performances, which depicted the trial, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus, were watched by an estimated 20,000 people.

On Easter Saturday, Bishop Sarah presided over the Liturgy of Easter Eve at St Paul’s Cathedral. During the service, there were 78 confirmations, 18 baptisms and a further two received into the Church of England.

To welcome Easter Day, Bishop Sarah presided over the Dawn Eucharist at St Paul’s Cathedral before preaching at the St Paul’s Cathedral Choral Eucharist on the resurrection of Christ. She spoke of the Gospel’s ability to shape us through every season of life – in both joys and trials.