Good Friday, known in Greek as Μεγάλη Παρασκευή, is the most solemn day in the Christian calendar. It marks the peak of the Holy Passion and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
At the Ninth Hour of the day, the words “It is finished” (Τετέλεσται) are said, and Christ’s soul descends into Hades. This moment is considered the beginning of the first divine promise to fallen humanity.
From early in the morning, groups of children traditionally go door to door singing the funeral lament “Today the sky is black,” also known as “The Virgin’s Lament.”
Due to the day’s deeply mournful character, no Divine Liturgy is performed. Instead, churches hold the Service of the Deposition from the Cross from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by the Service of the Epitaphios in the evening, from 18:00 to 20:00.
During this service, mournful hymns known as Epitaphios Lamentations are sung in three sections. Among the most well-known verses are:
- “Life in the grave…”
- “Worthy it is to magnify…”
- “All generations mourn…”
- “O my sweet springtime…”
The cross and ceremonial fans lead the procession, followed by priests and worshippers holding lit candles. In many cities, musicians also participate, playing mournful marches ahead of the procession.
After the Epitaphios returns to the church, a Gospel reading is held—specifically Matthew 27:62–66. In the passage, the chief priests and Pharisees ask Pontius Pilate to seal Christ’s tomb, recalling His prophecy that He would rise again in three days. Pilate grants permission.
62 The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. 63 “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ 64 So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.”
65 “Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.
It is also customary for the faithful to visit the graves of loved ones on Good Friday.
