Maundy Thursday also known as Holy or Shire Thursday. It is the feast or holy day falling on the Thursday before Easter that commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles.

It is the fifth day of Holy Week, and is preceded by Holy Wednesday and followed by Good Friday. Shire means 'clean' or 'bright'. Maundy Thursday is the Thursday before Easter.

On this day four events are commemorated:
1. Washing of the Disciples Feet by Jesus Christ,
2. The institution of the Mystery of the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper,
3. The agony of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, and
4. The betrayal of Christ by Judas Iscariot.

The name 'Maundy' is derived from the Latin word 'mandatum', meaning a commandment. Jesus Christ, at the Last Supper, commanded:

'And now I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.' John 15:12

The Washing of the Feet is a traditional component of the celebration in many Christian Churches. This Day was taken up with a succession of ceremonies of a joyful character.

For Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Christians this day is referred to liturgically as Holy and Great Thursday.