Clergy from across Devon have marked Maundy Thursday by gathering at Exeter Cathedral to renew their ordination vows and collect holy oils to use for baptism, anointing the sick and other forms of blessing in their parishes.
The annual Chrism Eucharist is led by the Bishop of Exeter with music provided by the cathedral choir.
This year it was also the last Maundy Thursday service for the Dean of Exeter Cathedral, the Very Rev’d Jonathan Greener, who is retiring in July.
Bishop Mike praying over the oils
During the service the Chrism (anointing) oils are blessed by the bishop in remembrance of Jesus Christ’s anointing before his crucifixion on the cross.
The name Christ means the “the anointed one”, from the Greek Christos, which is a translation of the Hebrew name Messiah.
During the service there is also an opportunity for ministers to renew their ordination vows.
The Bishop of Exeter, the Rt. Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison, said “The Chrism service is a joyful one when we bless the oils and renew our promises to follow Jesus, whether that is as baptised Christians or as deacons, lay ministers, priests or bishops.
It was Bishop Moira’s first Chrism service as Bishop of Crediton
“It’s a joyful moment and a great opportunity for celebration together, but it’s in the middle of Holy Week and as and we draw closer to the events of Good Friday and Jesus’ death, the mood becomes very sombre indeed.
“This whole weekend is about a kind of sorrowful joy and a joyful sorrow.
“Sorrow because humankind’s ‘no’ to God shows itself so terribly in the cross, but also joy because of God’s ‘yes’ to us in refusing to let death have the last word, but rising again and offering us a new way of life with him.”
After the service members of clergy queued to collect their holy oils in small bottles, before enjoying a post-service hot pasty for lunch, and heading back to their parishes throughout Devon to lead Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday services.