Holy Friday

Graveside Lamentation

During the graveside lamentation service, we are brought closer into the tomb of Jesus with Joseph of Arimathea. The service is both somber and celebratory. Again, with the timeline, we are simultaneously mourning at the tomb and reveling in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I arrived early, for one to get a parking spot and seat (I think I only sat for the first few minutes), as well as to ease into the service. There is much going on before in preparations.

In keeping with paradox, there is an overlap of Jesus in the tomb as well as ourselves entering with Him. There is incense over the tomb of Jesus, marking the anointed of His body. But there is also a time when the priests go around the congregation splashing everyone with perfumed oil. As we enter with Jesus into His tomb, we are not just bystanders. Eventually it’s something we will all face.

Mid way into the service, the Kouvouklion/Epitaphio of Jesus is lifted up to be taken outside. Everyone then follows afterwards for a candlelit procession around the church building. Again, the theme is somber, but somehow joyous at the same time. At various intervals there is a stop to make proclamations and prayers.

The Kouvouklion is then brought to the entrance of the church and held up to make a path. The path goes under the Kouvouklion. Similar to earlier in the day, all are invited to walk underneath (or into) and through the tomb of Jesus. Once through, the perfumed oil is splashed on everyone. The scent is rose water. Immediately after, you are inside the church, being greeted by the choir, flanked on each side of you. They are slowly and happily singing, “Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal…” over you as you enter. You’re being welcomed into life with Christ.