Holy Monday: Spiritual lessons from the Bridegroom Service

·

Beginning on the evening of Palm Sunday and continuing through the evening of Holy Tuesday, the Greek Orthodox Church observes a special service known as the Service of the Bridegroom. Each evening service is the Matins or Orthros service of the following day (e.g. the service held on Sunday evening is the Orthros service for Holy Monday). The service presents the faithful with an array of themes based chiefly on the last days of Jesus’ earthly life.

On Holy Monday, there are two specific events which are commemorated, each with an important lesson to learn:

Joseph the Patriarch:

Joseph the Patriarch. Source: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

Joseph the Patriarch, the beloved son of Jacob, is commemorated on Holy Monday for his virtue, nobleness and innocence. He is typically seen as a “prototype” of Christ as his life closely resembles that of the Lord’s son.

Told in the final section of the Book of Genesis, Joseph’s story is one of extreme hardship. Sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, he ended up in prison after being falsely accused of raping the wife of Potiphar, the captain of the Pharaoh’s guard in Egypt.

However, Joseph was able to leave prison after interpreting one of Potiphar’s dreams and predicted Egypt would experience seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. He advised the Pharaoh to store surplus grain against the coming famine and by doing so, he saved the people of Egypt.

Following the fulfillment of the prediction, Joseph became one of the most powerful men in Egypt, responsible for food distribution in the kingdom. His brothers, on the verge of starving to death, travelled to Egypt and presented themselves to him asking for his help. Although the brothers did not recognise Joseph, he realised who they were and helped them, showing the greatness of his soul.

  • The lesson to be learned from Joseph’s life:

Set your heart to forgive those around you. This will not only heal your relationship but it will also keep your heart free from bitterness and deep rooted resentment from the past. This forgiveness is especially clear when Joseph addressed his brothers:

“’Fear not … As for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.’ Thus he reassured them and comforted them” (Genesis 50:19-21).

The Cursing of the Fig Tree:

The Gospel reading for Holy Monday focuses on the parable of the barren fig. Source: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

The Gospel reading for Holy Monday is about the barren fig, which Christ cursed and withered because it bore no fruit. 

The fig tree is a Parable of those who have heard God’s word, but who fail to bear fruit of obedience and repentance. Originally the withering of the fig tree was a testimony against those Jews who rejected God’s word and His Messiah. However, it is also a warning to all people, in all times, of the importance of not only hearing God’s word, but putting it into action.

Those who belong to Christ ought to live and walk in the Spirit; and the Spirit will bear fruit in them: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-25).

Source: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Shark app downloads surge after fatal attack on surfer Mercury Psillakis

Downloads of the NSW SharkSmart app have surged following the fatal shark attack on surfer Mercury Psillakis at Dee Why Beach last month.

Honorary Doctor of Business awarded to Arthur Sinodinos AO

The Hon Arthur Sinodinos AO, former Ambassador to the US and Senator for NSW, was yesterday admitted to the degree of Doctor of Business. 

Five men jailed for life over murder of Greek tourist Antonis Antoniadis in London

Five men have been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Greek tourist Antonis Antoniadis, who was stabbed to death.

Hellenic spirit shines at the opening of the Odyssey Greek Festival 2025

The opening night of the 2025 Odyssey Greek Festival was a vibrant celebration of culture, memory, and community

Areti Ketime brings the spirit of rebetiko to Melbourne for the Zeibekiko Festival

The Zeibekiko Festival has returned for its third year this month with a lively Rebetika performance in Melbourne by singer Areti Ketime. 

You May Also Like

Melbourne’s Greek and Cypriot community plan rich events for 200th anniversary of the Revolution of 1821

The Greek Community of Melbourne is preparing a rich program of events for the historic 200th anniversary of the Revolution of 1821.

Dr Artemis Papathanassiou to discuss Greek “cultural diplomacy” during video conference

International lawyer, Dr Artemis Papathanassiou, will discuss how Greece is handling attacks against its cultural and religious heritage.

Former Alpha chef Peter Conistis to open new restaurant in Sydney’s Brighton Le-Sands

The former Alpha Greek restaurant chef Peter Conistis has confirmed he will be opening a new restaurant in May in Brighton-Le-Sands.