☦️ Orthodox Christianity - 'The Bridegroom Cometh At Midnight'

[sprinkleeninow]

Jewish weddings included the announcement of the bridegroom's coming to the bride's house. The weddings usually began in the evening, with the lamps lit at dusk. So midnight was later than the ten virgins would have expected the bridegroom—and the announcement came suddenly.

"Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Behold, the Bridegroom comes at midnight, and blessed is the servant whom He shall find watching, but unworthy is the servant whom He shall find heedless.

Beware, therefore, O my soul, do not be weighted down with sleep, lest you be given up to death, and be shut out of the Kingdom. But rouse yourself crying: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God! Through the Theotokos, have mercy on us."