A time of reflection for Greek Easter

Katerina Tsihlis, 8, lights a candle in front of an icon of the Holy Trinity before the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Chuch’s Service of Lamentation marking the death of Christ on Holy Friday, May 3, 2024 to start the Easter weekend. GEOFF FORESTER—Monitor staff

The Very Rev. Dr. Constantine Newman, the presiding priest at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Concord lights a candle on the kouvouklion, an elaborately carved canopy over the Epitaphios, which represents the tomb of Christ at the Service of Lamentation on Holy Friday, May 3, 2024. GEOFF FORESTER—Monitor staff

ABOVE: The Very Rev. Dr. Constantine Newman, the presiding priest at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Concord, lights a candle on the kouvouklion, an elaborately carved canopy over the Epitaphios, which represents the tomb of Christ at the Service of Lamentation on Holy Friday. TOP: Katerina Tsihlis, 8, lights a candle. GEOFF FORESTER photos / Monitor staff

Altar boy Benjamin Vater gets ready for the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Chuchâs Service of Lamentation marking the death of Christ on Holy Friday, May 3, 2024 to start the Easter weekend. GEOFF FORESTER—Monitor staff

By GEOFF FORESTER

Monitor staff

Published: 05-03-2024 4:50 PM

The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Easter started Friday afternoon with the Service of Lamentation, marking the death of Christ. The highlight of Holy Friday is where the kouvouklion, a carved wood canopy, is decorated with ornate flower arrangements, ribbons and candles. Later in the evening another service begins and the canopied platform bearing the icon is lifted on the shoulders of priests or churchgoers and carried around the outside of the Concord church.