On Good Friday, April 18, 2025, Metropolitan Epiphaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine presided over the Great Vespers with the Rite of the Burial Shroud procession (also known as “Epitaphios”) at the majestic St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Cathedral in the capital.
The Primate of the autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine was joined in concelebration by Archbishop Agapit of Vyshhorod, Bishop Yefrem of Vasylkiv, the monastic brethren of the Golden-Domed Monastery, and invited clergy.
During the solemn service, Metropolitan Epiphaniy delivered a primatial message before the Holy Shroud, reflecting on the sorrow and profound mystery of Christ’s Passion.
On Great Friday, it is customary for the Burial Shroud, bearing the image of our Lord Jesus Christ in the tomb, to be solemnly carried to the center of the church at noon. Following the procession, the moving Canon of the Lamentations of the Theotokos is chanted.
“Woe is me, my Child, woe is me, my Light,” the Church mourns through the voice of the Most Holy Theotokos, contemplating the horror of the Passion.
“O Eternal Life, how do You die?” the Ever-Virgin sorrowfully questions her Son and God.
Good Friday is dedicated to remembering the suffering and crucifixion of our Savior Jesus Christ. On this day, the faithful observe the most austere fast of Holy Week, entering into the depths of sorrow with reverence and spiritual reflection.
Source: posmina.info
