The Great and Holy Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday Through Armenian Icons

Fr. Garabed Kochakian

Jesus and the Fig Tree - Illustration by Toros Roslin (1262)

During the Great and Holy Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, we remember Jesus' several parables on each day. There are no significant liturgical celebrations in the church. Only on Tuesday evening, the Armenian Church symbolically represents the parable of the ten virgins, with ten young girls holding lamps during the Holy Scripture reading. However, on Holy Monday and Wednesday, the scriptures present two other parables, read during the morning and evening worship services. Each has its own unique story.

Holy Monday commemorates the creation of Heaven and Earth, laying the groundwork for Christ’s Second Creation. Christ curses the barren fig tree (symbolizing Israel's failure to produce the fruits of repentance) and illustrates that faith possesses the power to move mountains, conquering despair and even death.

The Withered Fig Tree with no leaves, and empty branches, signifying that people will fall away, soon after the triumph of Palm Sunday.

The Ten Virgins - Illustration by Toros Roslin (1262)

Holy Tuesday's central theme is The parable of the Wise and Foolish Maidens (Matthew 25:1-13). Ten maidens awaited their bridegroom (as was the custom of that time and place; the bridegroom would collect the bride from her parent's home to bring her to his own). Five of the women foolishly brought their lamps without extra oil, and when the bridegroom was delayed, they were unable to go out and meet him. The wise maidens, however, were prepared and joined him in the marriage feast. In the same way, we must pray and remain in a state of constant readiness to receive Christ.

The Wise and Foolish Virgins, teaching the need to be prepared for the Second Coming of Christ.

Holy Wednesday commemorates a woman of ill repute who anoints Christ with expensive oil and kisses His feet (Matthew 26:6-13). The apostles criticize her for squandering oil that could have been sold to aid the poor, but Christ defends her, recognizing her act as one of devotion and understanding that this anointing foreshadows His impending death and burial.

Jesus is anointed by a woman - illustration by Toros Roslin (1262)

The Anointing of Jesus by a woman, as preparation for His approaching Death and Burial.

The three days emphasize the need for preparedness and faithfulness for Christ's coming. The first day focuses on self-reflection and personal readiness, urging alignment with Christ's teachings through prayer, scripture study, and service. The second day highlights the communal aspect of faith, encouraging fellowship and support among believers to strengthen unity and accountability. The third day reinforces the urgency of spreading the Gospel, inspiring evangelism and outreach to share Christ's hope. Together, these days call for a holistic approach to faith, involving personal readiness, community engagement, and active sharing of the Good News.