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At Bridegroom Orthros on Great and Holy Tuesday, the Church sings the following hymn by St. Kassiane: "O Lord, the woman who had fallen into many sins, perceiving Thy divinity, fulfilled the part of a myrrh-bearer; and with lamentations she brought sweet-smelling oil of myrrh to Thee before Thy burial. 'Woe is me,' she said, 'for night surrounds me, dark and moonless, and stings my lustful passion with the love of sin. Accept the fountain of my tears, O Thou who drawest down from the clouds the waters of the sea. Incline to the groanings of my heart, O Thou...

Scripture readings, prayers, and reflections this Holy Tuesday (Martes Santo), will focus on Christ’s commandment for mankind “to love one another,” as well as on charity and spiritual vigilance. Also known as Great Tuesday, today’s liturgical narratives: The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-3) and the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-20) remind the faithful of the need to repent, forgive others, and be ready and prepared for His second coming, as well as of the need to grow in charity, love, and concern for others. Gospel readings will focus on John 13:21-33,36-38 wherein Jesus foretold the treachery of...