Journey to Pascha Series; The 12 Passion Gospels (Sung on Holy Thursday Evening)

The 12 Passion Gospels read on Holy Thursday evening (often during the Matins of Good Friday) are among the most dramatic and solemn liturgical elements in the Eastern Orthodox Church. These readings, which include a series of 12 Gospel passages that narrate the events of Christ's Passion, lead the faithful into the depths of Christ's suffering and sacrifice. They not only recount the events of His arrest, trial, suffering, and crucifixion but also provide an opportunity for profound reflection on the mystery of salvation and the depth of God’s love for humanity.

Overview of the 12 Passion Gospels

The 12 Passion Gospels are a series of biblical readings taken from the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, which describe the events surrounding the Passion of Christ. These Gospels are read sequentially, each telling a portion of the story of Christ’s final hours, beginning with His betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane and ending with His burial in the tomb.

The readings are:

1. Matthew 26:36-75 — The arrest of Jesus in the Garden, His trial before the Sanhedrin, and Peter’s denial.
   
   

2. Mark 14:32-72 — The arrest, trial, and Peter’s denial.
   
   

3. Luke 22:39-71 — Jesus' arrest, trial before the Jewish leaders, and Peter’s denial.
   
   

4. John 18:1-40 — The arrest and trial before Pilate.
   
   

5. Matthew 27:1-31 — The trial before Pilate, the mockery, and the scourging.
   
   

6. Mark 15:1-20 — The trial before Pilate, the scourging, and mocking.
   
   

7. Luke 23:1-25 — Jesus before Pilate and Herod, the decision to crucify Him.
   
   

8. John 19:1-16 — The final trial before Pilate and the sentence to crucifixion.
   
   

9. Matthew 27:32-37 — The crucifixion of Jesus.
   
   

10. Mark 15:21-26 — The crucifixion of Jesus.
    
    

11. Luke 23:26-34 — The crucifixion, Jesus’ words from the cross, and the two criminals.
    
    

12. John 19:17-37 — The crucifixion, the piercing of Christ’s side, and His burial.
    
    

The Theological Significance of the 12 Passion Gospels

The theological significance of the 12 Passion Gospels lies in their narrative depth and the mystical symbolism they contain. They highlight key elements of Christ’s suffering and His role as the sacrificial Lamb for the sins of the world, while also emphasizing themes of divine love, human sin, and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

1. The Fulfillment of Prophecy and the Sovereignty of God

The Passion Gospels show how Christ's suffering fulfills the prophecies of the Old Testament, such as those found in Isaiah’s Suffering Servant passages (e.g., Isaiah 53), which portray the Messiah as a humble and obedient figure who suffers for the salvation of others. The events of the Passion—from Jesus’ betrayal to His crucifixion and death—are not random acts but part of God's divine plan for the salvation of humanity. The Church sings about Christ as the Lamb of God, the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial lamb in the Passover, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

2. Christ’s Willingness to Suffer

Throughout the Passion Gospels, a central theme is Christ’s willingness to undergo suffering for the sake of humanity. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Christ prays, “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). This moment reveals the agony of His human will, yet He surrenders to the divine plan. The Church emphasizes that Christ’s voluntary acceptance of suffering demonstrates His self-sacrificial love and His obedience to the will of the Father, even unto death.

3. Christ’s Innocence and the Injustice of the Trial

The Gospels recount the unjust trials of Christ before the Sanhedrin, Pilate, and Herod. He is falsely accused, condemned by those He came to save, and mocked by His enemies. His innocence is clear, yet He does not resist or seek to defend Himself. Theologically, this shows that Christ’s suffering is voluntary, and His unjust condemnation serves as the means by which humanity’s sin is forgiven. His willingness to endure false accusation and humiliation reveals the depth of His love and His role as the unblemished Lamb who takes on the sin of the world.

4. Christ’s Death as the Ultimate Sacrifice

The culmination of the Passion narratives is the crucifixion, where Christ’s physical suffering reaches its peak. Theologically, the crucifixion represents the ultimate act of sacrificial love—God willingly dies for humanity. The Passion Gospels show Christ not just as a martyr, but as the Sacrificial Lamb, whose blood cleanses the world from sin. His death is the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrifices, especially the Passover lamb (Exodus 12), and the means of reconciliation between God and man.

5. The Role of Humanity in Christ’s Passion

The Passion narratives also bring to light the darkness of human sinfulness: the betrayal of Judas, the denial of Peter, the mocking of the soldiers, and the crucifixion by the people. These moments underscore the brokenness of humanity and the ways in which people, even in the presence of the divine, fall short of the holiness of God. Yet, it is precisely this humanity, marked by sin and weakness, that Christ embraces in His Passion. In this way, Christ’s suffering becomes a redemptive act, restoring humanity to God.

6. The Triumphant Love of Christ

Even in the depths of His suffering, Christ expresses unfathomable love: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). This statement, as well as His comforting words to the thief on the cross, “Today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43), show the triumph of divine love over human sin. Theologically, these words reveal that Christ’s death is not the end, but the means through which eternal life is granted to all who accept His grace.

The Poetical Hymnography of the 12 Passion Gospels

The hymns of the Church during the reading of the 12 Passion Gospels are deeply poetical and theologically rich, contributing to the overall emotional and spiritual impact of the service. These hymns often focus on the contradictory nature of Christ’s suffering and glorification: He is both the Suffering Servant and the Glorious King. Here are some key hymns and their theological significance:

1. The Hymn of the Passion

One of the most well-known hymns chanted during the reading of the Passion Gospels is:

“O Lord, we offer You the cup of salvation, for You have brought it from heaven, and by Your Cross You have given us life.”

This hymn emphasizes that Christ’s Cross is the source of life, turning a tool of shame and defeat into the very means of salvation. Theologically, this is the paradox of the Passion: that Christ's suffering leads to the triumph of life over death.

2. "Today He Who Hung the Earth Upon the Waters"

This hymn, often sung in the context of Holy Week, reflects the paradoxical nature of Christ’s Passion. The Creator of the universe, who hung the earth upon the waters, is now being nailed to a tree—a striking contrast that underscores both His humility and His divine power. Theologically, this hymn points to the incarnation of God in Christ, who humbles Himself to the point of death for the salvation of humanity.

3. "The Noble Joseph"

After the Gospel readings, the hymn “The Noble Joseph” is sung in praise of the virtuous Joseph of Arimathea, who bravely asks for Christ's body and prepares it for burial. This hymn’s poetic beauty highlights the contrast between the mockery of Christ's enemies and the honor and reverence shown by His followers in His death. Theologically, it points to the dignity that true discipleship brings, even in the face of suffering and death.

4. "Wondrous is the Mystery"

In the hymn, “Wondrous is the Mystery of Your Passion, O Christ!” the Church marvels at the mystery of the Passion and the paradox of Christ’s victory through suffering. Theologically, this hymn echoes the great mystery of the cross: how the apparent defeat of Christ becomes the very foundation of salvation for all humanity.

5. The Canon of Pascha

The hymns of Holy Thursday point to the Paschal Mystery: the Cross, the tomb, and the Resurrection. They are written in such a way that even in the depths of despair and sorrow, the Church sings of victory and hope. The poetical hymnography allows the faithful to enter into the experience of Christ’s Passion, drawing attention to the spiritual meaning behind the physical events.

Conclusion: The Theological and Poetic Significance

The 12 Passion Gospels on Holy Thursday evening offer a powerful opportunity for the faithful to reflect on the mystery of salvation through the Passion of Christ. Theologically, they remind us of the self-sacrificial love of Christ, His role as the fulfillment of prophecy, and the redemptive nature of His suffering and death. The poetical hymnography surrounding the readings enhances this theological reflection, allowing the faithful to experience both the sorrow and the hope that are central to the Paschal Mystery. The Passion is not just a moment of suffering; it is the gateway to the Resurrection and the ultimate triumph over death and sin.