A FULL programme of services is planned at Canterbury Cathedral throughout Easter, the busiest and most important time of the year for the Church.

The Maundy Thursday Sung Eucharist from 7.30pm includes the traditional washing of the feet and stripping of the altar, led by the Archbishop, Dr Rowan Williams.

Members of the congregation will have their feet washed to reflect Jesus’ acts of humility when he washed his disciples feet at The Last Supper.

Services on Good Friday begin with Matins at 7.30am, followed by Holy Communion at 8am, the Liturgy and Proclamation of The Cross at 9.30am, Three Hours Devotion from noon, Choral Evensong from 5.30pm and finally a Requiem by Gabriel Faure, sung by the Cathedral Choir from 7.30pm.

On Saturday, the Bishop in Canterbury, the Rt Rev Stephen Venner, will lead the Easter Vigil from 10pm in the Nave and Quire.

Cathedral spokesman Chris Robinson says this will be a visually striking service, starting in complete darkness before candles are slowly lit, symbolising Jesus’ resurrection.

“If you’ve not been to a service for a while, it might be worth coming along, just to experience some of that atmosphere,” he said.

On Easter Day services begin with Holy Communion from 8am with the Archbishop leading the Sung Eucharist from 11am.

The annual youth prilgrimage service is at noon in the Nave on Easter Monday followed by a choral evenosong from the London Cantata Choir which will round off the week’s services at 5.30pm.

Full information can be obtained from Cathedral House on 01227 762862 or www.canterbury-cathedral.org