Every year on Good Friday, Orthodox Christians around the world gather to remember the time of mourning when Jesus rested in the tomb. His followers and family experienced great sorrow and confusion as their friend, teacher, and Lord suffered before their eyes on the cross, finally yielding up His spirit. How could their savior truly be dead?

The beautiful hymns of this service express these feeling of grief and loss through a dialog of prayer between the Virgin Mary and Jesus. Ultimately, they show that the tomb of Christ is not a place of death and decay, but a source of life and hope. The sorrow of the crucifixion gradually transforms into joy as the faithful process around the Church with the eptitaphios (a symbolic tomb) and pass under it on the way back inside, symbolizing Jesus’ passover from death to life as He breaks the gates of Hades and frees the souls of the righteous trapped there.

Join the St. Mary’s Orthodox community to celebrate this moving, joyful service which invites us to enter into the profound mystery of humanity’s redemption.

First, there will be a procession outside in which we will meet with the nearby community of Sts. Constantine and Helen. Please bring a jacket with you as it may be cold in the evening! Second, on account of the procession, we suggest wearing comfortable walking shoes. We will be outside for a fair amount of time, so your feet will probably thank you if you leave the heels or rigid dress shoes at home.

If you’re interested in attending this, email Jamil Samara at welcome@stmaryorthodoxchurch.org and they will be happy to help you navigate the service.