The Matins of the Passion of Christ, also known as the Service of the 12 Gospels, is one of the most solemn and profound services in the Eastern Orthodox Church and Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC). It takes place on the evening of Holy Thursday (liturgically considered the beginning of Great and Holy Friday), focusing on Christ’s suffering and crucifixion.
The Matins of the Passion developed from the ancient all-night vigils held by early Christians during Holy Week. By the 4th century, in Jerusalem, Christians would visit the actual sites of Christ’s Passion and read the relevant Gospel passages.
By the 8th–9th centuries, the structure of the Service of the 12 Gospels was formalized in the Byzantine liturgical tradition. It became an essential part of Holy Week services in Slavic lands, including Kyivan Rus’ (Ukraine), where it was embraced in monasteries and churches.
The service invites the faithful to walk with Christ from the Last Supper to His Crucifixion, meditating on His suffering.
The 12 Gospel readings provide a detailed account of His betrayal, trial, suffering, and death.
The Passion Matins helps the faithful experience the sorrow and gravity of Christ’s sacrifice, preparing their hearts for Holy Friday and the Resurrection.
The service fosters repentance, humility, and gratitude for Christ’s love.
This service has been preserved for centuries, connecting believers today with the ancient Church.
It ensures that each generation hears and contemplates the full biblical narrative of the Passion.
Holy Thursday Evening – The service is held in the late evening, transitioning into Great and Holy Friday.
Liturgically, it is a Matins (Morning) service but is anticipated the evening before.
Opening Prayers and Psalms – The service begins in darkness, setting a sorrowful tone.
Reading of the 12 Passion Gospels – The core of the service consists of 12 Gospel readings, taken from all four Gospels, covering:
Christ’s farewell discourse at the Last Supper
His prayer in Gethsemane
His betrayal by Judas
His trials before the Jewish authorities and Pilate
His scourging, crucifixion, and death
Chanting of Special Hymns and Antiphons – Between the readings, hymns express the sorrow of the Virgin Mary, the suffering of Christ, and the betrayal of Judas.
Procession with the Cross – In many traditions, the priest carries a large cross into the center of the church, symbolizing Christ’s journey to Golgotha.
Final Prayers and Silent Reflection – The service ends in silence, encouraging deep personal reflection on Christ’s Passion.
This service is widely observed in parish churches, monasteries, and cathedrals throughout Ukraine.
Many faithful stand for the entire service as a sign of respect and reverence for Christ’s suffering.
The procession with the Cross is often done with incense and candles, as the people kneel or prostrate in sorrow.
In Ukrainian villages, this service was seen as so sacred that even those who rarely attended church would make sure to be present.
In some traditions, people would not eat or drink after the service, entering into deep mourning for Christ.
Some families would light a special candle during the service and bring it home, keeping it burning as a sign of prayer and remembrance.
The Matins of the Passion of Christ is a powerful and emotional service that allows believers to stand at the foot of the Cross, hearing Christ’s last words and meditating on His ultimate sacrifice.
For Ukrainians, this service remains a deeply moving tradition, uniting them with centuries of believers who have prayed, wept, and awaited the joy of the Resurrection.
