Today our Orthodox Church observes Holy Wednesday.
On this day, according to the more discerning interpreters of the Gospel, two women anointed the Lord with myrrh. The first, a long time before His Passion; the other, only a few days before.
One was a harlot and sinner; the other, chaste and virtuous. The Church commemorates this reverent act today.
While mentioning here-in the person of the harlot, it also mentions the betrayal of Judas, for, according to the account in Matthew, both of these deeds took place two days before the Passover, on Wednesday.
That woman anointed Jesus’ head and feet with precious myrrh, and wiped them with the tresses of her hair. The disciples, especially the avaricious Judas, were scandalized, supposedly because of the waste of the myrrh, which could be sold for a great price and given to the poor. The Lord Jesus scolded them and told them not to trouble the woman. Indignant, Judas went to the high priests, who were gathered in the court of Caiaphas and were already taking counsel against Jesus.
Upon agreeing to betray his Teacher for 30 pieces of silver, Judas sought from that time the opportunity to betray Him. Because the betrayal took place on Wednesday, we have received the tradition, from Apostolic times, to fast on Wednesday throughout the year.