Δωδεκα Ευαγγελια -Service of the Holy Passion/Reading of the 12 Gospels & the Crucifixion procession

Ευαγγελια Δωδεκα Των Αγιων Παθων Του Κυριου Ημων Ιησου Χριστου English www.goarch.org/chapel/lectionaryHWTH?language=en Greek www.goarch.org/chapel/lectionaryHWTH?language=el Service of the Holy Passion (Reading of the “Twelve Gospels” and the Crucifixion procession) Holy Thursday Evening The reenactment of the Crucifixion is performed in the service of The Twelve Gospels. During this service, which is the matins of Good Friday, the entire story of our Lord’s Passion is told in the reading of the twelve selected Gospel lessons. This is one of the most solemn services of Holy Week. After the customary psalms and supplications, the mournful Alleluia is chanted for the last time. The hymns chanted throughout the entire service between the Gospel readings have as their theme the Last Supper, Christ’s vigil in the gardens, the betrayal, how He was seized and led away to the court of the High Priest, Peter’s denial and grief, the High Priest’s mocking, the wearing of the crown of thorns, the trial before Pilate climaxed by His Crucifixion. The first Gospel deals with Jesus’ farewell talk and prayer at the Last Supper. The other eleven Gospels depict the entire story of our Lord’s last moments on earth until His burial by Joseph of Arimathea. The most stirring part of this service is the reenactment of the Crucifixion. After the fifth Gospel lesson, the priest takes the large Crucifix, which is adorned with a floral wreath and lighted candles, and in solemn litany proceeds from the sanctuary to circle the church while chanting the hymn of the Crucifixion — “Today is hung upon the tree, He who did hang the land in the midst of the waters. A crown of thorns crowns Him Who is the King of Angels. He is wrapped about with the purple of mockery, Who wrapped the Heavens with clouds. He received buffetings, Who freed Adam in the Jordan. He was transfixed with nails, Who is the Bride- groom of the Church. He was pierced with a spear, Who is the Son of the Virgin. We worship Thy Passion, 0 Christ. Show also unto us Thy glorious Resurrection.” After the litany, the Crucifix is placed in the center of the church to be venerated by the worshippers.