Good Friday in Armenia

Good Friday, referred to as Avak Urpat (Ավագ Ուրբաթ) in Armenian, which means 'Great Friday', is a solemn day in Armenia marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. This day falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday and is part of Holy Week.

History and Traditions

Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as its state religion in 301 AD, and thus Christian traditions are deeply rooted in its culture. Good Friday has been observed for centuries as a day of mourning and reflection.

• Church Services: On Good Friday, Armenians attend church services which are often lengthy and somber. The liturgies reflect upon the suffering and death of Christ. One of the most poignant parts of the service is the reading of the Passion narrative from the Gospels.

• The Ceremony of the Entombment (Taghman Kark): In some churches, there is a tradition where a representation of Christ's body (sometimes an actual person is involved) is ceremonially taken down from a cross and placed into a flower-adorned bier that represents Christ's tomb.

What People Do on This Day

• Fasting: Good Friday is a day of strict fasting for many Armenians. It’s common for people to abstain from meat, dairy, and sometimes even refrain from food altogether until sundown or maintain a limited diet throughout the day.

• Reflection: It's also a day for quiet contemplation and prayer as believers remember Jesus' sacrifice.

• Preparation for Easter: Despite being a solemn day, it’s also one when families start preparing for Easter Sunday. This includes baking traditional sweet bread called "choereg," dyeing eggs red symbolizing the blood of Christ, and getting ready for the upcoming celebration.

Good Friday in Armenia carries deep religious significance; it’s observed with reverence through church services, fasting, prayerful reflection, and preparations for Easter festivities.