In the Orthodox
Church the last week of Christ’s life is officially called Passion Week. In
popular terminology it is called Holy Week. Each day is designated in the
service books as “great and holy.” There are special services every day of the
week which are fulfilled in all churches. Earthly life ceases for the faithful
as they “go up with the Lord to Jerusalem” (Matins of Great and Holy Monday).
Each day of Holy
Week has its own particular theme.
The theme of Monday is that of the sterile fig tree which yields no fruit and is condemned. Tuesday the accent is on the vigilance of the wise virgins who, unlike their foolish sisters, were ready when the Lord came to them. Wednesday the focus is on the fallen woman who repents. Great emphasis is made in the liturgical services to compare the woman, a sinful harlot who is saved, to Judas, a chosen apostle who is lost. The one gives her wealth to Christ and kisses his feet; the other betrays Christ for money with a kiss.
The theme of Monday is that of the sterile fig tree which yields no fruit and is condemned. Tuesday the accent is on the vigilance of the wise virgins who, unlike their foolish sisters, were ready when the Lord came to them. Wednesday the focus is on the fallen woman who repents. Great emphasis is made in the liturgical services to compare the woman, a sinful harlot who is saved, to Judas, a chosen apostle who is lost. The one gives her wealth to Christ and kisses his feet; the other betrays Christ for money with a kiss.
On each of these
three days the Gospel is read at the Hours, as well as at the Vespers when the
Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is served. The Old Testamental readings are
from Exodus, Job, and the Prophets. The Gospel is also read at the Matins services
which are traditionally called the “Bridegroom” services because the general
theme of each of these days is the end of the world and the judgment of Christ.
It is the common practice to serve the Bridegroom services at night.
Behold, the bridegroom
comes in the middle of the night and blessed is the servant whom he shall find
watching, and unworthy the servant whom he shall find heedless. Take care then,
O my soul, and be not weighed down by sleep that you will not be given over
unto death and be excluded from the Kingdom. But rise up and call out: Holy,
Holy, Holy art Thou O God, by the Theotokos have mercy on us (Troparion of the
First Three Days).
During the first
three days of Holy Week, the Church prescribes that the entire Four Gospels be
read at the Hours up to the point in each where the passion of Christ begins.
Although this is not usually possible in parish churches, an attempt is
sometimes made to read at least one complete Gospel, privately or in common,
before Holy Thursday...
Source: https://oca.org/orthodoxy/the-orthodox-faith/worship/the-church-year/holy-week
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