Great and Holy Thursday.

Today commemorates the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper and the Washing of the Feet of the Disciples, the Betrayal of Christ and the Agony in the Garden.

Troparion, Tone 8

When the glorious disciples at the supper were illumined by the washing of
the feet, then was the impious Judas darkened by the disease of avarice. And
he betrays Thee, the Righteous Judge, to the lawless judges. See, O lover of
possessions, how for money's sake he hanged himself! Flee from that
insatiate soul, which dared such things against His Master. O Lord, who art
good towards all men, glory to Thee!

Kontakion, Tone 2

Having taken the bread in his hands, the traitor stretches out those hands
in secret to receive the price of Him who with his hands created man. And
Judas the slave and deceiver still repented not.

Ikos: Having all approached the mystical supper in fear, let receive the
bread in purity of soul and remain with the Master, that we may behold how
He washes the feet of His disciples. And let us do as we have seen Him do,
submitting one to another and washing each other's feet. For so Christ
commanded His disciples. But Judas the slave and deceiver took no heed.

Tonight, we will have the beautiful Twelve Gospels Service,(meaning twelve readings from the Gospels - every single word written about Christ's Betrayal, Trial and Passion) which is technically Matins for Holy Friday (all Holy Week services are served in anticipation). As I mentioned last year, one of my favorite prayers of the entire church year is read at this service:

Beholding her own lamb led to the slaughter, Mary followed with the other women, in distress and crying out: "Where goest Thou, my child" Why dost Thou run so swift a course? Surely there is not another wedding in Cana to which Thou now dost hasten to change water into wine? Shall I come with Thee, my child, or shall I wait for Thee? Give me a word, O Thou who art the Word. Do not pass me by in silence, O Thou who didst keep me pure, for Thou art my Son and my God"

The grief and pain is incredible, is it not?

On a totally secular side note, I woke up this morning with a tickly throat and appear to be coming down with a cold. I’ve begun taking Airborne, but covet your prayers as going through Holy Friday and Pascha with a cold doesn’t sound fun. But, even worse, is the idea of missing it because I’m sick.