Holy Friday - Lamentations Service

At the Holy Friday evening Lamentations service, also known as the Service of the Epitaphios Threnos, the Solea is transformed into a place of solemn beauty and reverence. At the center lies the Epitaphios, the embroidered icon of Christ’s burial, resting in the kouvouklion, a flower-covered wooden bier symbolizing His tomb. Surrounded by candles and fragrant incense, the atmosphere is one of both mourning and quiet hope.

The faithful gather around, often holding candles, as the choir and congregation chant the Lamentations (Engomia)—poetic hymns of sorrow and praise sung before the tomb. The church is dimly lit, enhancing the reflective mood. Near the end of the service, a procession takes place: the Epitaphios is lifted and carried around the church or outside, accompanied by clergy, altar servers, and parishioners holding candles, symbolizing Christ’s burial procession. Upon returning, people often pass under the kouvouklion as a sign of humility and participation…