Orthodox Good Friday in the United States

Orthodox Good Friday, also known as Great Friday or Holy Friday, is a solemn day observed by Eastern Orthodox Christians in the United States and around the world. It commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary, which is considered a pivotal event in Christian theology.

History and Significance

This day falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday and is part of Holy Week. The date varies each year because it follows the Julian calendar for religious observance rather than the Gregorian calendar, which is commonly used for civil purposes. As a result, Orthodox Good Friday often occurs after the Western Christian Good Friday.

Traditions

On Orthodox Good Friday, several traditional services take place:

• Royal Hours: A special morning service that includes hymns, prayers, and readings from the Gospels, Epistles, and Old Testament.
• The Unnailing Vespers: In the afternoon, there is a service that symbolically re-enacts the removal of Christ's body from the cross.
• The Lamentations: In the evening, a service takes place where the Epitaphios (a cloth icon depicting Christ after he has been removed from the cross) is carried in a procession resembling a funeral.

Throughout these services, themes of sorrow and mourning are prominent but are imbued with hope in anticipation of Christ's resurrection.

Observance by People

Individuals observing Orthodox Good Friday may engage in fasting, prayer, and reflection. Many attend church services throughout the day to participate in liturgies marking Jesus' passion. Some may also engage in acts of charity or service as an expression of faith and love.

In communities where Eastern Orthodoxy is prominent, processions or other public observances may take place. However, because this day is not a federal public holiday in the United States, many people observe traditions while balancing work or other daily responsibilities.