Holy Wednesday
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Explanation of the Service
by Rev. Demetrios George Kalaris
The matins service this day is usually chanted late in the evening on Holy Wednesday or early Thursday morning.
The services commemorate the washing of the disciples’ feet, the Last Supper, Christ praying in the garden of Gethsemane and His betrayal by Judas. The readings and chants dwell on Judas’ betrayal — on the “dark night that settled in his soul.” We pray that we may keep ourselves from greed and deceit and be made pure by partaking of the Holy Mysteries of Christ’s precious body and blood. The troparion after the mournful alleluia speaks of this.
“When Thy glorious disciples were enlightened at the washing of their feet before the Supper, then the impious Judas was darkened with the disease of avarice, and to lawless judges he delivered Thee, the Just Judge. Behold O lover of money, this man through avarice was brought to the gibbet. Flee from the insatiable desire, which dared such things against the Master. O Lord, Who dealest righteously with all, glory to Thee.“
The solemn vespers and liturgy of St. Basil are celebrated in the morning of Holy Thursday. This particular service has as its main theme the institution of the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper. Before the great entrance, instead of the Cherubic hymn, a special troparion is chanted.
“Receive me today, O Son of God, as a partaker of Thy Mystic Feast; for I will not speak of the Mystery to Thine enemies; I will not kiss Thee as did Judas, but as the thief I will confess Thee. Lord, remember me when Thou comest in Thy Kingdom.”
It is a custom with all Greek Orthodox to receive Easter Holy Communion at the Liturgy of St. Basil on Holy Thursday morning. One of the most impressive rituals of this liturgy is the consecration of the perpetual Host — that is, the body of Christ which is preserved throughout the year for the Holy Communion of the ill and as a last rite.
Another ritual of great significance performed only in the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and in the Cathedrals of the autocephalous churches is the stirring service of the Niptir, commemorating Jesus’ washing of His, disciples’ feet. The prelate of the church, after the recitation of the Biblical account of the act, comes forth to the center of the church and washes the feet of twelve priests representing the disciples at the Last Supper. The deacon, in the meantime, is reciting the supplications and the petition that the Lord may bless this washing, cleansing us of our transgressions.
At the Ecumenical Patriarchate, on Holy Thursday, another impressive ceremony takes place every fourth year — the consecration of the Holy Myron that is used in the Sacrament of Holy Chrismation (confirmation) which is administered at the Baptism, bestowing the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Hymns for this Service
TROPARIAN
While the glorious Disciples
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Byzantine Notation
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EXAPOSTILARION
I See Your Bridal Chamber
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Byzantine Notation
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Gospel Reading
Luke 22:1-39
At that time, the feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put Jesus to death. For they feared the people. Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve; he went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. And they were glad, and engaged to give him money. So he agreed, and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of the multitude. Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the passover lamb had to be sacrificed. So he sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the passover for us, that we may eat it." They said to him, "Where will you have us prepare it?" He said to them, "Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him into the house which he enters, and tell the householder, 'The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I am to eat the passover with my disciples?' And he will show you a large upper room furnished; there make ready." And they went, and found it as he had told them; and they prepared the passover. And when the hour came, he sat at table, and the apostles with him. And he said to them. "I have earnestly desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you I shall never eat it again until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, "Take this, and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes. " And he took bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." And likewise the cup after supper, saying, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But behold the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. For the Son of man goes as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!" And they began to question one another, which of them it was that would do this. A dispute also arose among them, which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For which is the greater, one who sits at table, or one who serves? Is it not the one who sits at table? But I am among you as one who serves. You are those who have continued with me in my trials; and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and when you have turned again, strengthen your brethren." And he said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death." He said, "I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you three times deny that you know me. " And he said to them, "When I sent you out with no purse or bag or sandals, did you lack anything?" They said, "Nothing." He said to them, "But now, let him who has a purse take it, and likewise a bag. And let him who has no sword sell his mantle and buy one. For I tell you that this scripture must be fulfilled in me, "And he was reckoned with transgressors'; for what is written about me has its fulfillment." And they said, "Look, Lord, here are two swords. " And he said to them, "It is enough."
And he came out, and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him.