History
In Greece, Good Friday is “marked by one of the most solemn and symbolic moments of the Orthodox Christian calendar“. As part of Easter Holy Week celebrations, Greeks prepare and honor the “Epitaphios,” representing the burial of Jesus Christ.”
Thessaloniki Epitaphios Procession
Last night in Thessaloniki, Epitaphios Processions congregated at Aristotelous Square, in accordance with Eastern Orthodox tradition. The Epitaphios (Ἐπιτάφιος), which means “upon the tomb,” is a cloth icon that represents the burial shroud of Jesus Christ. Everything about the icon is symbolic.
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“Epitaphios refers to cloth icons adorned with flowers, depicting Christ after his removal from the cross. On Good Friday, Epitaphios representing Christ’s burial are publicly carried throughout the city in a solemn funerial-like procession.”
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The faithful who gathered at Aristotelous Square chanted hymns of the Epitaphios Lamentation, followed by a prayer service. The procession included music by the Thessaloniki State Symphony Orchestra, and ceremonial guards.
Greek Tradition
This “Greek Epitaphios tradition recalls the moments leading up to and including the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, as told in the New Testament of the Bible“. The word Epitaphios is an adjective meaning “funerary, happening on a grave”. It’s the title for Greek historian Thucydides’ famous “Pericles’ Funeral Oration” and the origin of the English word epitaph.
Epitaphios begins with “bells ringing the funeral toll, commemorating the burial procession of Christ“. People from various Orthodox congregations join the procession chanting traditional lamentations. At the end of the solemn procession, the Epitaphios is brought back to the church. The faithful continue to “visit the tomb and venerate the Epitaphios throughout Holy Saturday“.
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“On Megalo Savvato (Holy Saturday), it’s believed that the ‘holy light‘ arrives from Jerusalem in every church a little before midnight, allowing the lighting of lambada candles.”
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In some coastal towns, the “Epitaphios is carried to the beach”. Those carrying it “march into the sea until they’re waist-deep in water, holding the cloth over their heads to protect it”. Prayers are said for the “welfare and safe return of seafarers“.
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In Greece, Good Friday is a “profoundly mournful day that commemorates the Passion of Christ with traditional Epitaphios Processions“.
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“As Good Friday sorrow gives way to anticipation, Orthodox Christians mark Holy Saturday — the day Jesus lay in the tomb. It’s a sacred pause between death and Resurrection, a time of stillness and reflection.” Greek Reporter
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Renewal Week
Renewal Week – Bright Week – is the week after Easter Sunday. It’s a celebration of the Resurrection of Christ. The entire week is “considered one continuous feast day and is a fast-free week”.