TROPARION
Behold! The Bridegroom sets forth in the dead of the night. And blessed is that servant whom he shall find on watch; unworthy the one he shall come upon sleeping. See to it, O my soul, that sleep does not overtake you, lest you be given up to death and be shut out of the kingdom. Rouse yourself then, and sing out: "Holy, Holy, Holy are You, our God, through the prayers of the Forerunner*, save us."
*St John the Baptist, the Forerunner (Prodromos)
The Synaxarion:
On the Holy and Great Tuesday we remember the parable of the ten virgins from the Holy Gospel. This greatest of Tuesdays brings to mind ten virgins, bearing the victory of the just Master.
O bridegroom Christ, count us among the prudent maidens, and include us in Your chosen flock, showing mercy on us. Amen.
ORTHROS OF GREAT TUESDAY (celebrated on Great Monday Evening)
On the Great and Holy Tuesday, the Church calls to remembrance two parables. The one is the parable of the ten Virgins (Mt 25:1-3); the other, the parable of the Talents (Mt 25:14-30). From these parables we learn two basic lessons. The first is that Judgment Day will be upon us unexpectedly and to be ready for it. The time that one decides for God is now and not some undefined point in the future. The tragedy of the closed door at the marriage feast is that it is of our own making and that we close it-- not God. Secondly we are reminded that watchfulness and readiness signify spiritual alertness, attentiveness, and vigilance.
GOSPEL READING: According to St. Matthew (22:15-46 and 23:1-29)
VESPERS OF GREAT TUESDAY (celebrated on Great Tuesday Morning)
PRESANCTIFIED LITURGY
See Explanation of the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy on Great Monday.
Saturday of Lazarus Palm Sunday Great Monday Great Tuesday
Great Wednesday Great Thursday Great Friday Great Saturday