On Great Thursday evening for the Orthros of Great Friday, the service of the holy and immaculate Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ is brought to mind in Twelve Gospel Readings.
First Gospel Reading [Jn. 13:31-18:1]: revelations at the Mystical Supper, after Judas leaves, which continue outside the upper room.
Second Gospel Reading [Jn. 18:1-28]: Jesus is betrayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, and Jesus is brought before Annas and then Caiaphas.
Third Gospel Reading [Mt. 26:57-75]: our Lord before the Sanhedrin, and Peter’s denial.
Fourth Gospel Reading [Jn. 18:28-19:16]: our Lord is brought before Pilate in the Praetorium; He is mocked by the soldiers; Barabbas is preferred; and Pilate pronounces sentencing.
Fifth Gospel Reading [Mt. 27:3-32]: Judas admits to betraying innocent blood; Jesus before Pilate; Barabbas is chosen by the chief priests, elders, and multitude; and Jesus is mocked by the soldiers and then led away to be crucified.
Sixth Gospel Reading [Mk. 15:16-32]: the soldiers mock Jesus; and then lead Him out for crucifixion, where they give Him gall, divide His garments, and reproach Him.
Seventh Gospel Reading [Mt. 27:33-54]: Christ on the Cross, and the confession of the thief and the centurion.
Eighth Gospel Reading [Lk. 23:32-49]: Christ on the Cross promises the thief Paradise; Jesus commends His spirit, as the women stood afar.
Ninth Gospel Reading [Jn. 19:25-37]: the women at the Cross; Jesus delivers up the spirit; and Jesus’ side is lanced.
Tenth Gospel Reading [Mk. 15:43-47]: the burial of Jesus.
Eleventh Gospel Reading [Jn. 19:38-42]: the burial performed by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemos.
Twelfth Gospel Reading [Mt. 27:62-66]: Pilate sets a guard and the gravestone is sealed.