Today He who hung the earth upon the waters is hung upon the Cross. He who is King of the angels is arrayed in a crown of thorns. He who wraps the heavens in clouds is wrapped in the purple of mockery. He who in Jordan set Adam free receives blows upon His face. The Bridegroom of the Church is transfixed with nails. The Son of the Virgin is pierced with a spear. We venerate Thy Passion, O Christ. Show us also Thy glorious Resurrection.
(15th Antiphon of the Matins of Holy Friday)

On Great and Holy Friday the Orthodox Church commemorates the death of Christ on the Cross. This is the culmination of the observance of His Passion by which our Lord suffered and died for our sins. This commemoration begins on Thursday evening with the Matins of Holy Friday and concludes with a Vespers on Friday afternoon that observes the un-nailing of Christ from the Cross and the placement of His body in the tomb.

Come and See

On the same day, O Lord, You granted the Robber Paradise. Now by the wood of the Cross, illumine me and save me.

(Exaposteilarion of Holy Friday)

The Beauty of the Cross

The Cross was an instrument of death. How did it become an instrument of life?

Watch the Video »

Great Friday

On Great Friday the Church remembers the ineffable mystery of Christ's death.

Learn More »

Christ's Passion

In this video, we focus on Holy Week as celebrated in the Orthodox Christian faith, as the services guide us through the final days of Christ’s earthly ministry, leading up to His crucifixion.

Watch the Video »