The Most Spectacular Epitaphios Processions in Greece

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The Most Spectacular Epitaphios Processions in Greece

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Greece marked Holy Friday or Good Friday, with spectacular Epitaphios processions throughout the country.

A nationwide affair, it recalls the moments leading up to and including the crucifixion of ****** *******, as told in the New Testament of the ******.

Even the most remote churches honor the tradition of the Epitaphios (Bier of *******), creating a pious atmosphere full of tradition.

Epitaphios processions throughout Greece

Mykonos

Thessaloniki

The word ‘epitaphios’ is an adjective meaning “funerary, happening on a grave;” it is the Greek title for Thucydides’ famous “

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,” and the origin of the word epitaph.

Within a liturgical context, this is also the name of an icon, usually made of cloth and richly embroidered, depicting the body of ******* being ***** in the grave, often by the ******* Mary and several disciples.

Corfu

*****, near Nafplion

The epitaph procession begins around the streets of the city with bells ringing the ******** toll, commemorating the burial procession of *******. Accompanying the solemn procession are the people of the congregation, who continuously chant the Lamentations.

Perhaps most impressive is that in some coastal towns, most notably on the islands of Hydra and Tinos, the Epitaphios is carried to the beach and the men carrying it march right into the sea until they are at least waist-deep in water where they may remain for several minutes, often holding the bier over their heads to protect it.

Hydra

During this time, prayers are said for the ******** and safe return of the many seafarers returning to those communities.

Tinos

On the morning of Good Friday, the Epitaphios is decorated with spring flowers—mostly white, red, and purple—until it is entirely covered.

The Tomb is often sprinkled with flower petals and rosewater, decorated with candles, and ceremonially censed as a mark of respect.

The priest and faithful then venerate the Epitaphios as the choir chants hymns, called the “Epitaphic Lamentation.”

Skala on Lesvos – A procession of Epitaphios with a kaiki

Loutraki

At the end of the procession, the Epitaphios is brought back to the *******. Occasionally, after the clergy carry the Epitaphios back into the *******, they might stop just inside the entrance to the ******* and hold the Epitaphios above the door, so that all who enter the ******* pass under it.

The faithful continue to visit the tomb and venerate the Epitaphios throughout Holy Saturday.

The Epitaph at one of the most beautiful Greek Orthodox Churches outside of Greece, Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Los Angeles.

Los Angeles

The Epitaphios from Saint Spiridon ******* in Sydney.

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