In Greece, and in the Greek Orthodox world in general, Easter holds great importance. Customs and practices are more closely linked with the religious aspect of the holiday, compared to Christmas, and are usually observed even by the less devout. For Christians, the Holy Week, preceding Easter Sunday, is a time to ponder on Jesus’ Passion and Crucifixion. For non-believers, it is often regarded as an opportunity for body cleansing through fasting, visiting their town of origin and embracing local traditions. One of the most characteristic, widely attended rites is the Epitaphios, the Good Friday procession.
Epitaphios threnos (funerary lamentation) is the name of the matins of Holy Saturday, served in Good Friday evening. The word epitaphios is an adjective meaning “funerary, happening on a grave”; it is the Greek title for Thucydides’ famous “Pericles’ Funeral Oration”, and the origin of the word epitaph. Within a liturgical context, this is also the name of an icon, usually made of cloth and richly embroidered, depicting the body of Christ being laid in the grave, often by the Virgin Mary and some disciples.