Easter is one of the biggest religious celebrations of Christianity commemorating the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the passage from death to life.
On Great and Holy Friday, the Epitaphio which symbolises the Tomb of Christ, is adorned traditionally by young girls and women with fresh flowers which is ready to receive the body of Jesus.
The Vespers Service in the afternoon observes the unnailing of Christ from the Cross and the placement of His body in the tomb.
The Old Testament is read together with hymns followed by the removal of Christ from the Cross and the wrapping of His body with a white sheet as did Joseph of Arimathea, before placing it inside the Epitaphio.
We are reminded that during Christ’s entombment, he descends into Hades to free the dead of the ages before His Resurrection.
This year as physical church participation is not possible, the faithful in addition to the daily cycle of prayer, are encouraged to participate in live-streamed church services from their own homes.
Practical guide for participating in live-streamed Church services
Below is a short video of how to build your own Epitaphio.
Materials needed:
- 1 Box
- 4 Empty toilet paper rolls
- 1 paper bowl
- 1 toothpick
- Construction Paper
- Tissue paper
- Paint
- Scissors
- Glue
- Paint Brush
Method: *Watch the video below
*Image credit: Anastasia Akd
*Video credit: Sotiria Stavropoulos