Holy Thursday in Corfu – Easter 2026 Guide
Passion Service, Crucifixion Ceremony & Foot Washing Traditions
Date: Thursday, 9 April 2026
Location: Corfu Town (Metropolitan Church & Catholic Cathedral)
Holy Thursday in Corfu is one of the most powerful and emotional evenings of Orthodox Holy Week, marking the beginning of the Passion of Christ and the lead-up to Good Friday.
What makes Corfu especially unique is that you can witness both Orthodox and Catholic traditions on the same night — a rare cultural blend that reflects the island’s Venetian and multicultural history.
If you’re visiting Corfu during Easter 2026, this is one of the most meaningful nights to experience local religious life.
✨ Holy Thursday 2026 Schedule in Corfu
🕯️ 18:30 – 21:30
Sequence of the Passion of the Lord & Exit of the Crucified
📍 Metropolitan Church of the Most Holy Theotokos Spilaiotissa (Mitropolis)
This is the central Orthodox Holy Thursday service.
The evening includes:
• The reading of the Twelve Gospel passages of the Passion
• Hymns and prayers recounting the final hours of Christ
• The solemn procession of the Crucified (Exit of the Cross)
The church is lit by candles, the atmosphere is quiet and deeply reflective, and locals attend in large numbers. It’s one of the most emotional services of Holy Week.
Even visitors who aren’t religious often find it incredibly moving.
✝️ 20:00
Ceremony of the Washbasin (Foot Washing)
📍 Catholic Cathedral of Saints James & Christopher (Duomo)
At the same time, Corfu’s Catholic community holds its traditional Foot Washing Ceremony, where the Archbishop symbolically washes the feet of twelve children, representing Christ washing the feet of the Apostles.
Later in the evening, the Holy Hour (Eucharistic worship) follows.
This ceremony is quite special to Corfu because the island has strong Venetian Catholic heritage, so you can experience two different Christian traditions within a short walk of each other.
🌿 Why visitors love Holy Thursday in Corfu
Holy Thursday offers:
✔ Candlelit churches and powerful chanting
✔ Deeply authentic local worship
✔ Orthodox and Catholic traditions side-by-side
✔ A quieter, more intimate atmosphere than Good Friday
It’s ideal for travellers who want to experience the true cultural and spiritual heart of Corfu Easter, not just the famous public events.
✅ Tips for attending
• Arrive early — churches fill up quickly
• Dress modestly and respectfully
• Expect standing for parts of the service
• Photography should be discreet or avoided during prayers
• Both churches are walkable within Corfu Old Town
Quick Summary
Holy Thursday Corfu 2026:
• 18:30–21:30 – Passion Service & Crucifixion Ceremony (Metropolitan Church)
• 20:00 – Foot Washing Ceremony (Catholic Cathedral/Duomo)
• Late evening – Holy Hour prayer