The Memorial of Jesus' Death and the Lord's Evening Meal, commonly referred to as the Memorial, is an annual celebration practiced by Jehovah's Witnesses that memorializes the death of Jesus Christ.[1] Witnesses consider it the only holiday the Bible commands Christians to observe, and because of this, it is the only holiday celebrated by most Witnesses.[2]
| Memorial | |
|---|---|
_Emblems.jpg) The emblems of "The Lord's Evening Meal" are passed among congregants at the Memorial | |
| Official name | Memorial of Jesus' Death |
| Observed by | Jehovah's Witnesses |
| Significance | Celebration of Jesus' sacrifice and memorialization of his death |
| Observances | Worship services, communion |
| Date | Nisan 14 |
| Frequency | annual |
It is observed annually on Nisan 14, according to the Hebrew lunisolar calendar,[3] as determined by the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses.[4]
Celebration
edit
For the weeks leading up to the Memorial, Witnesses hear sermons about the subject and are assigned Bible readings from chapters leading up to Jesus' death. Witnesses often invite friends, family, and the public to the Memorial, and it is considered their most important day of the year.[5][6]
During the Memorial, which is always held after sunset and lasts approximately one hour, two congregational hymns (known as kingdom songs) are sung, one at the beginning and one at the end. A prayer is offered, and a talk is given on the importance of Jesus' death and how it benefits people.[7]
At the end of the service, Witnesses observe the Lord's Evening Meal. Red wine and unleavened bread are passed among congregants. The vast majority of Witnesses do not partake in the wine and bread, as they believe that only 144,000 anointed individuals who are in the "new covenant" should partake. Most congregations have nobody partaking at the Memorial;[8] For 2023, the Watch Tower Society reported 22,312 partakers worldwide.[9]
Location
editThe Memorial is usually held at Kingdom Halls—Jehovah's Witnesses' places of worship. In areas where a large attendance is expected, event venues may be rented.
Whilst there is no official dress code, Witnesses are typically expected to dress "modestly and respectfully".[7]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Jehovah's Witnesses observe Memorial of Jesus Christ". Yahoo News. 2024-03-22. Retrieved 2024-06-03.
- ^ "Jehovah is a God of Covenants". The Watchtower. Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. 1 February 1998. pp. 8–13. Retrieved 18 July 2020 – via Watchtower Online Library.
Jesus instituted the only annual religious observance commanded for Christians—the Memorial of his death.
- ^ "Jehovah's Witnesses Observance of the Memorial of Jesus Christ's Death". Vanderbilt University. Retrieved 2024-06-03.
- ^ "From Seder to Salvation". The Watchtower. Watch Tower Society. February 15, 1990. p. 15.
- ^ "Jehovah's Witnesses extend public invitation to remember Christ's death". standard.net. Retrieved 2024-06-03.
- ^ Staff, Park Record (2024-03-13). "Major Jehovah's Witness event invites community to attend". www.parkrecord.com. Retrieved 2024-06-03.
- ^ a b "Memorial of Jesus' Death—April 12, 2025". JW.ORG. Retrieved 2024-06-03.
- ^ "The Lord's Supper—Why Do Jehovah's Witnesses Observe It Differently From the Way Other Religions Do?". JW.ORG. Retrieved 2024-06-03.
- ^ "2023 Grand Totals". Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. 2023. Retrieved 2024-01-09.