This is the second of the “Bridegroom Services.” Holy Tuesday is dedicated to the parable of the ten virgins. Through this parable, we are reminded to imitate the wise virgins, who trimmed their lamps and were prepared for the coming of the Bridegroom, while the foolish virgins wasted their time and the door was shut in their faces. There is still time to repent and change our way of life.
Tag: Holy Cross
This is the first of the “Bridegroom Services.” Having given up the Feast of Palms, we begin Holy Week with the first of three Bridegroom Matins services, in which we remember Christ as the Groom of His Bride, the Church, as He goes to His saving Passion. On Holy Monday, Christ is compared to the Old Testament patriarch Joseph, who was made to suffer at the hands of his brothers, but was ultimately glorified. The day is also dedicated to Christ’s cursing of the fig tree, which symbolized the fruitless council of the Jews.
On Lazarus Saturday, eight days before Pascha, we celebrate the resurrection of Lazarus the friend of Christ. In this, the Lord gave a sign of His own Resurrection as He demonstrated His power over death.
On the Eve of Lazarus Saturday, we sing the ancient Canon of the Raising of Lazarus at Small Compline.
The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is a service for the distribution of Holy Communion on the weekdays of Lent. Because Lent is a season of fasting and repentance, and the regular Divine Liturgy has a joyful character not in keeping with these seasonal themes, the more somber Presanctified Liturgy is offered on weekday evenings, or sometimes in the morning.
The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is a service for the distribution of Holy Communion on the weekdays of Lent. Because Lent is a season of fasting and repentance, and the regular Divine Liturgy has a joyful character not in keeping with these seasonal themes, the more somber Presanctified Liturgy is offered on weekday evenings, or sometimes in the morning.
The fifth Thursday of Lent is dedicated to this 7th century penitential masterpiece written by Saint Andrew of Crete. Throughout its text, we receive countless images and lessons of repentance from the Old and New Testaments. We also hear the life of Saint Mary of Egypt, who is one of the greatest models of repentance in Christian history.
On the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Saturdays of Lent we commemorate all those who have departed this life in the faith of Christ. We especially remember our relatives and loved ones, and we offer a memorial for their peaceful rest.