Beginning on the evening of Palm Sunday and continuing through the evening of Holy Tuesday, the Orthodox Church observes a special service known as the Service of the Bridegroom. Each evening service is the Matins or Orthros service of the following day (e.g. the service held on Sunday evening is the Orthros service for Holy Monday). The name of the service is from the figure of the Bridegroom in the parable of the Ten Virgins found in Matthew 25:1-13.
Behold, the Bridegroom comes in the middle of the night, and blessed is that servant whom he shall find watching, but unworthy is he whom he shall find heedless.
Beware, therefore, O my soul, lest thou be born down with sleep, lest thou be given up to death and shut out from the kingdom.
But rather, rouse thyself and cry: Holy, holy, holy art thou, O God! Through the Theotokos, have mercy on us! (Troparion)
Thy bridal chamber, O my savior, I behold all adorned, and I have no wedding garment that I may enter therein. Make the robe of my soul to shine, O light-giver, and save me! (Exapostilarion)
Glory to Thee our God.
+ Glory to Thee for All Things! +
