In the presence of the Minister of Defence, Mr. Charalambos Petrides, as a representative of the Government and of state and military authorities, the official celebration and service of the epitaph was held on Holy Friday at the Cathedral of the Apostle Barnabas in Nicosia, officiated by Archbishop Chrysostomos of Cyprus, with cocelebrant Bishop Gregorios of Mesaoria.
In a climate of religious fervor and emotionally charged atmosphere, the beautiful troparia from the Canon of Holy Saturday, the praises and the blessings were sung, with the numerous participation of the inhabitants of the capital.
Units of the National Guard were constantly escorting the buried body of the God-man Jesus.
The customary procession of the epitaph and the passage of the faithful under it was also performed, with the bells ringing mournfully.
The service was completed with the deposition of the deceased Jesus on the altar and with the reading of the 12th Gospel of the Orthos.