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→Holy Tuesday evening
On '''Holy Tuesday''', the Parable of the Ten Virgins is read. It tells the story of the five virgins who filled their lamps in preparation for receiving the bridegroom while the other five allowed their lamps to go out and hence were shut out of the marriage feast. This parable is a warning that we must always be prepared to receive our Lord when He comes again. The theme of the day is reinforced by the expostelarion hymn we sing ''"I see Thy Bridal Chamber adorned, O my Savior, but have no wedding garment that I may enter. O Giver of Light, enlighten the vesture of my soul, and save me."''
We also remember ''Kassiane''. Kassiani was a beautiful young aristocrat, who came from a Byzantium family at the time of the Emperor Theophilos (9th century). While choosing a bride from a parade of eligible girls, Theophilos became angry at a reply Kassiani gave as a reply to a question of his, so he impulsively chose Theodora, who anointed our Lord was standing next to Kassiani, as his bride. kassiani played a great role in anticipation the restoration of the Holy Icons and dedicated her life to the composition of sacred poetry. Heartbroken by Theophilos, one of His deaththose poems was this beautiful hymn. It retains the original Byzantine music which may be difficult for all to understand. Theophelos, searched for Cassiani and found her convent but the two never saw each other again. Her repentance and love for Christ is the theme of the wonderful ''"Hymn of Kassiane"'' which is chanted on this night, reminding us one more time, before ''"it is too late,"'' that we too may be forgiven if we repent. (Kassiane came from an aristocratic family of Byzantium during the 9th century. She played a great role in the restoration of the Holy Icons and dedicated her life to the composition of sacred poetry.)
=== The Hymn of Kassiane ===
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