Today is Good Friday.
For me is the most solemn day of the year. It's the day I feel closer to Him and think about His sufferings and their meaning.
Today is the day I thank Him for His Sacrifice.
Our Greek Churches are beautifully, but mournfully decorated, with purple ribbons and flowers.
Thousands of people come to bow in front of the "Epitaph" and pray. All the priests and vergers carry the Epitaph around the streets and people, with bowed heads, holding brown candles, follow...
The most beautiful hymn is sung, a hymn that makes me cry every time, ever since I was a little girl...
It is supposed to be sung by the Virgin Mary when she buries Jesus:
All the generations around the world
Are mourning for your burial
And make libations
My Christ
Beautiful girls have rained your tomb
With beautiful perfumes
Oh, My Sweet Spring
My Sweet Child
Where has your beauty gone?
The bells ring once every one minute, like a dying heartbeat.
I absolutely adore being in the churchyard and just listen to the priest's voice, smell the flowers and the candles and completely meditate.
I am going to the Greek Orthodox Church in Bayswater tonight. It is so crowded that you can't go inside, but at least I will hear the people chanting my favourite hymn.
And I'm sure my eyes will fill with tears again...
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6 comments:
Isn't it amazing that something so sad can be somethign so beautiful that we love so much? I think it has something to do with the fact that we know how the story ends. We still have our Hope. He is alive! I too am very thankful.
Hi Marietta,
Your post has brought tears to my eyes. I wish I could join in with the Easter weekend functions but I have to work. But reading this has brought back many memories. And I thank you for that.
I will wish you now Xριστος Ανεστι(for midnight tomorrow)
and Καλo Πασχα for Sunday.
Have a great weekend and don't eat too many koulouria:) Have one for me!
XXXOOO
Zoe
Dear Marietta
I remember being in a Greek Orthodox church in Montreal when I was young.
It seems that all I remember is gilt gold & beauty!
Thinking of you on this Greek Easter weeken.
Love
♥
Dale
Hi Marietta,
What a beautiful, moving post. I want to wish you and your family a Happy Easter.
-AM
Oh, Marietta, you describe it so beautifully.
Is your mom still with you?
Thank you for writing about Good Friday and all of the Greek Orthodox traditions you've shared with us.
Love, Brina
Hi Marietta, I've never really been into religion. But I do read Ecclesiastes (I think that's how you spell it) I read it in The Good News Bible as it's in plain English. I started reading it many years ago after listening to PTs Empty Glass as it mentions it. 'Why was I born today, life is useless like Ecclesiastes say'. It would take me too long to explain the ins and outs of it but basically it says make the most of life as you're a long time dead. All a bit depressing but true. On a brighter note enjoy the remainder of your weekend. Mark
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