Holy Friday

Royal Hours - Cross Descent

Friday at noon, we come to Jesus being dead on the cross, taken down, and buried. When the table cloth was changed to purple and gold, it was to highlight the royalty of Jesus. In what seems at odds, Jesus was crucified while also being enthroned. If you can hold this paradox, you’re in good company.

I found it particular moving that children were called forward to be among those who wrapped the body of Jesus. After the body is wrapped, it is then carried around the church as a procession from Golgatha to the tomb. Following, we approach to where Jesus is laid in his tomb. The tomb is called a Kouvouklion, decorated with flowers. For those who choose, young and old alike, they crawl under the Kouvouklion as a way of descending with Jesus into death.