It’s Good Friday for Both Catholics and Orthodox This Year

The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

Vasili Golinsky

undated (1890s-1900s)

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This year, Orthodox and Roman Catholics mark Good Friday on the same day; it’s the most mournful day of the church calendar, when we make processions to recall the suffering and death of the Saviour. It’s no surprise that this day of Holy Week has a particularly severe rule of abstinence, according to the canons, we’re not supposed to take anything but bread and water. In accordance with ancient tradition, on Good Friday, we venerate the shroud in the church, we place it in the middle of the church, surrounded by white flowers, as we read the gospel and sing funereal hymns. On Friday afternoon, Patriarch Kirill Gundyaev of Moscow and all the Russias shall serve Vespers at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, during which there shall be a procession with the shroud. The faithful shall venerate the shroud for two days until late Saturday night; it shall not be removed to the altar until it is time for the Easter procession. During the Good Friday matins service, we read 12 passages from the Gospels, which narrate the Passion of Jesus. Believers hold lit candles in their hands for the duration of this service, which symbolises both the great suffering of the Saviour and the spiritual awakening of Christians.  On this solemn day, we do not serve the liturgy, but we celebrate Vespers at the third hour (09.00), during which we meditate on the death of Christ.

2 April 2010

Interfax-Religion

http://www.interfax-religion.ru/?act=dujour&div=304

Editor’s Note:

This is my last post until Saturday morning. We should all be in church tomorrow, at one time or another. Our car is still on the crank (we’re awaiting a part on order), so, if we can’t get things put right tomorrow, we’ll go to the Greek church here in Albany… it’s only a short drive. Remember, only fast tomorrow if your health permits it… my Nicky, for instance, is a diabetic, so, he can’t follow this rule. Show good sense… the Lord doesn’t wish you to harm your health. Be good… and do keep in mind that Easter IS on it’s way… in more ways than one, dear friends.

BMD