The Matins services of the evenings of Palm Sunday, and '''Holy Monday''', and '''Holy Tuesday''', anticipating the events of the next day, share a common theme devoted to the [[Bridegroom]] Services derived from the Parable of the Ten Virgins that calls for preparedness at the Second Coming, for the "thief comes in the middle of the night." (Matt. 26:1-13)

===Holy Wednesday===

===Holy Thursday===

'''Holy Thursday''' begins with the celebration of vespers and the [[Divine Liturgy]] of St. Basil with a Reserved [[Holy Communion]] in representation of the earthly presence of Christ realized at the [[Last Supper]]. In the evening, anticipating the Matins of Friday morning, the Holy Passion service of the reading of the '''Twelve Gospel''' is conducted. In these readings Christ's last instructions to his disciples are presented, as well as the prophecy of the drama of the Cross, Christ's prayer, and his new commandment. The twelve readings are: [[Image:mysticalsupper.jpg|left|thumb|The Mystical Supper]][[Image:crucifixion.jpg|right|thumb|Crucifixion]]