Holy Wednesday of Holy Week: Biblical description, Prayers and the Great Canon

On April 14, a special period began in the life of Orthodox Christians — Holy Week. This is the last week of Great Lent, which precedes Easter. Every day of Holy Week describes events from the earthly life of Jesus Christ. The third day, Holy Wednesday— describes two important biblical events at once. Details about the prayers and events of this day can be found in the Izvestia article.

Holy Wednesday of Holy Week: What Jesus Christ did

Holy Week is the last week of Great Lent, preceding the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Every day of this week is called a great day, and it corresponds to certain biblical events. In 2025, Holy Week begins on Monday, April 14th. Thus, Christians of the Eastern rite will celebrate Easter on April 20.

The events of Great Wednesday are described in the Gospel of Matthew, according to which Jesus Christ warned of his crucifixion two days before it happened — on Wednesday. On the same day, the highest ranks of the church and the elders of the people gathered in the house of the high priest Caiaphas. The council was discussing Jesus, who the day before had begun making statements that were disastrous to their power about the coming Last Judgment and the end of the old world.

Great Wednesday in the Gospel

On the third day of Holy Week, two significant events took place, to which church services are dedicated on this day. The first case describes the anointing of Christ with myrrh (consecrated oil). While resting in the leper's house, a woman came to him and poured a lot of fragrant oil on his head.

In response to her action, the apostles were outraged and accused the woman of wasting the product. However, Jesus interrupted them and informed them that the woman had informed him of his imminent sufferings. Her act was remembered for many centuries.

The Gospel of Luke says that a woman anointed the feet of Christ with oil, and the Gospel of John clarifies that her name was Mary and she was the sister of the resurrected Lazarus.

The Gospel of Matthew describes a turning point in the events of Holy Week: it is after the scene with the anointing of Christ with myrrh that Judas Iscariot decides to betray. He goes to the chief priests and elders and asks what they will give him if he betrays his teacher.

For his betrayal, he was promised thirty pieces of silver, a considerable sum at that time, which would have been enough, for example, to buy a house in Jerusalem. It is believed that the agreement between Judah and the Jewish elders was concluded on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday.

Divine service on Holy Wednesday of Easter Week – 2025

In the morning, the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is celebrated — a special service that combines Vespers and communion of the Holy Gifts, consecrated in advance at the full liturgy on previous days. This liturgy is celebrated only during Lent, and Great Wednesday is one of the last opportunities to receive communion on the eve of Easter.

Excerpts from the book of Exodus, the book of Job, and the Gospel of Matthew are read at the service. The image of a sinful woman occupies a special place in worship. He is opposed by Judas, who chose the path of spiritual destruction.

What prayers to read on Wednesday of Holy Week, April 16

This is a time of deep inner repentance, so on this day it is especially important to devote yourself to prayer. The morning usually begins with reading the traditional morning prayers included in the daily prayer rule — they help to tune in to a reverent and focused state of mind.

During the day, believers often turn to penitential texts, primarily Psalm 50, which begins with the words: "Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy..." This psalm is considered one of the most powerful and profound expressions of repentance. Its reading is appropriate in days when the sin of human betrayal and divine mercy are remembered.

Great Wednesday can also be devoted to reading the penitential canon. If time permits, you can read the akathist to the Passion of Christ at home or in the temple. It describes in detail the Savior's path to Golgotha and helps you feel the spirit of humility and gratitude for his sacrifice.

Stichera of Great Wednesday:

"O Lord, my wife, who has fallen into many sins, who has sensed Your Divinity, myrrh—bearing women have ascended the rank, weeping, and bring myrrh to You before burial: 'Alas for me,' they say, 'for in my night there is an inciting of intemperate fornication, and a gloomy and moonless retreat of sin... Accept my fountains of tears, you who produce water from the clouds of the sea!"