On this day in the Holy Orthodox Church we make remembrance of the Parable of the Ten Virgins which Jesus spake along with others as He was coming to the Passion. It teaches us not to rest as though safe in virginity, but to guard it whenever possible, and not to desist from any virtues and good deeds, especially deeds of mercy, which make the lamp of virginity shine brilliantly. It teaches us also to be ready for our end, not knowing when our hour is coming, as the wise virgins were ready to meet the bride, lest death overtake us and close the door of the heavenly chamber in our face, and we hear the terrible judgment which the foolish virgins heard, “Verily, verily, I know you not.”

Wherefore, O Christ the Bridegroom, number us with the wise virgins and have mercy upon us. Amen.