Holy Thursday Evening

"We worship Thy passion, O Christ..."

On this Evening we hold the Service of the HOLY PASSION of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is the Service of Matins of Holy Friday morning, sung by anticipation, on Thursday evening.

Good Friday celebrates the holy, saving, and awesome Passion of Christ.

To take away our sins, Christ willingly endured spitting, scourging, buffeting, scorn, mocking, and purple robe; the reed, sponge, vinegar, nails, spear, and above all, the Cross and Death.

The confession from the cross of the penitent thief, crucified with Christ, is also celebrated.

This service is long, but its content is dramatic and deeply moving for the devout Christian.

Participation in the prayers and the historical sequence of the events, as related in the Gospels and hymns, provides a vivid foundation for the great events yet to come.

Twelve Gospel readings are read during this Service. These readings relate the last instructions of Christ to His disciples, the prophecy of the drama of the Cross, the dramatic prayer of Christ and His new commandment.

After the reading of the fifth Gospel comes the procession with the Crucifix around the church, while the priest chants the 15th antiphon:

"Today is hung upon the Tree, He Who did hang the land in the midst of the waters. A Crown of thorns crowns Him Who is King of Angels. He is wrapped about with the purple of mockery Who wrapped the Heavens with clouds. He received buffetings Who freed Adam in Jordan. He was transfixed with nails Who is the Bridegroom of the Church. He was pierced with a spear Who is the Son of the Virgin. We worship Thy Passion, O Christ. Show also unto us thy glorious Resurrection."

During the Procession, the faithful Christian kneels and prays for his spiritual welfare, imitating the thief on the Cross who confessed his faith and devotion to Christ.

He then approaches and reverently kisses the Crucifix.