Bridegroom Matins
This week the Church in her wisdom gives us the Bridegroom Matins. The Bridegroom Matins are celebrated the first three days of Holy Week, and each day commemorates a different theme.On Monday we hear about the Patriarch Joseph, who prefigures Jesus. On Tuesday we hear the parable of the Ten Virgins and the parable of the Talents, both which reference judgement day and a state of readiness. On Wednesday we hear about the woman who washed Jesus' feet with her hair. Her story is contrasted with Judas' story. Both were sinners, yet one went to the Savior for redemption.
The Bridegroom Matins features a beautiful Troparian:
Behold the Bridegroom is coming in the middle of the night.
Blessed is the servant he shall find awake.
But the one he shall find neglectful will not be worthy of him.
Beware, therefore, oh my soul!
Do not fall into a deep slumber, lest you be delivered to death and the door of the Kingdom be closed to you.
Watch instead and cry out: Holy, holy, holy, are you O God.
Through the intercession of the Theotokos, have mercy on us.
The Archeparchy of Pittsburgh has the full service on their website. It's worth reading to help you prepare for Holy Week.