Judas & Orthodoxy, Again

Judas & Orthodoxy, Again April 19, 2006

When the sinful woman was offering the spice, the Disciple was making a bargain with transgressors of the law. The one rejoiced in pouring out the spices so great in price, while the other hastened to sell the priceless One. The one knew the Master, the other was separated from the Lord. She was freed and Judas became a slave to the enemy. Indifference is evil, but great is repentance, the latter grant to us, O Saviour, and redeem us who for us did suffer.

* * *

Ah, for the wretchedness of Judas! For, seeing the adulteress kiss the traces of his feet, he was thinking with deceit of the kiss of betrayal. She loosed her braids, and he was bound with wrath, offering instead of spice, rotted evil; for envy knoweth not how to honour the seemly, Woe to the wretchedness of Judas, and save from it our souls, O God.

* * *

O Saviour, the adulteress stretched forth her hair to thee, and Judas stretched forth his hands to the transgressors of the law; she to gain forgiveness and he to take silver. Wherefore, we cry to thee, O thou who wast sold and didst free us — O Lord, glory to thee.

* * *

Synaxarion

The … harlot anointed the head and feet of Jesus with spikenard, and wiped them with the hair of her head. The precious ointment was worth … about fifteen pieces of Venetian gold. When the Disciples saw this they stumbled, especially Judas, the money-lover, and were angry because Jesus rebuked them, lest the woman be embarrassed. Judas was wroth, and went to the high priests, where they were gathered in the house of Caiphas, taking counsel against Jesus, and agreed with them to deliver the Master for thirty pieces of silver. From that time Judas sought an opportunity to deliver him (Matthew 26:2-16) . Because of this the fast of Wednesday was instituted from the days of the apostles age itself.

Wherefore, O Christ God, anointed with the supersensuous ointment, deliver us from suffering, and have mercy on us.

— Taken from the Holy Wednesday Bridegroom Service.


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