On Holy and Great Thursday, the Greek Orthodox Church commemorates a significant event in its observance of Holy Week. This solemn day marks the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with His disciples, the institution of the Eucharist, and the betrayal by Judas Iscariot. The Service of the Twelve Passion Gospels was held at Evangelismos of Theotokos in Philadelphia and streamed live on Cosmos Philly’s Facebook page and YouTube channel, allowing the faithful to participate and witness the deeply moving service from the comfort of their homes.
During the Service of the Twelve Passion Gospels on Holy and Great Thursday evening, the faithful gather to listen to readings from the New Testament. These twelve Gospel passages detail the final hours of Jesus Christ’s life, leading up to His crucifixion and burial. Through these readings, worshipers are transported back in time to the events that unfolded over 2,000 years ago, providing a deeply moving and transformative experience connecting them to their faith’s core.
Holy and Great Thursday holds immense importance in the Greek Orthodox faith, as it marks a pivotal moment in Jesus Christ’s life. The Last Supper, where Christ washed His disciples’ feet and instituted the Eucharist, is a poignant reminder of His humility and selfless love. This act of service highlights the true essence of Christianity, urging believers to follow in His footsteps by embracing humility and compassion.
Moreover, on this day, Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot, setting the stage for His crucifixion and ultimate resurrection. This betrayal serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices that Christ made for the salvation of humanity. It also underscores the importance of forgiveness and unconditional love, as demonstrated by Jesus when He forgave even those who betrayed and crucified Him.
As such, the Service of the Twelve Passion Gospels offers believers a time of deep introspection and solemn reflection. This sacred service enables the faithful to meditate on the events surrounding Christ’s passion and to contemplate their own spiritual journey. Through the reenactment of these pivotal moments, the Service of the Twelve Passion Gospels seeks to strengthen the bonds between believers and their Savior, fostering a renewed commitment to living a life guided by Christ’s teachings.