Upper Darby, Broomall, Philadelphia, PA – Final Easter preparations are underway today across the Delaware Valley for the Greek Orthodox community. Parishioners and GOYA united this afternoon at many churches to decorate their Epitafios. At Evangelismos, St. Demetrios and St. Luke Greek Orthodox churches, carnations, bay leaves, and a variety of flowers were being placed on the tomb of Christ by its church volunteers.
Good Friday is a religious holiday, observed primarily by Christians, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. The holiday is observed during Holy Week as part of the Paschal Triduum on the Friday preceding Easter Sunday, and may coincide with the Jewish observance of Passover. It is also known as Holy Friday, Great Friday, Black Friday or Easter Friday, though the latter properly refers to the Friday in Easter week.
Greek Orthodox Priests will lead their parishioners, who will gather outside the church, through the neighboring streets near the church. They will carry a cross depicting the crucifixion and the Epitafio that will be covered in flowers. The Epitafio represents Christ’s tomb. It is arguably the most important calendar event for the Orthodox community.