Behold, the Bridegroom cometh in the middle of the night, and blessed is that servant whom He shall find watching, unworthy however, is he whom He shall find slothful. Thus beware, O my Soul, be not overcome by sleep, lest thou be given over to death and find the door of the Kingdom shut against thee. But rouse thyself and cry aloud: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God, by the power of Your Cross save us.
I see Your Bridal Chamber adorned, O my Saviour, and I have no wedding garment, that I may enter therein; O Giver of Light, make radiant the vesture of my Soul, and save me.
“They stripped Me of My garments, and put on Me a scarlet robe; they set upon My Head a crown of thorns, and gave a reed into My right Hand, that I may shatter them in pieces like a potter’s vessels.”
I gave My back to scourgings, and turned not away My face from spittings; I stood before the judgment-seat of Pilate, and endured the Cross, for the Salvation of the world.”
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