Good Friday and Cyprus’ traditions
After the crucifixion on Thursday night, the church goes into mourning for Jesus, and the services in Cyprus reflect the occasion, with Good Friday being one of the most important days of Holy Week.
In the afternoon service, Christ is removed from the cross and placed in a tomb that has been decorated the night before with flowers. The tomb is known as the epitafios and it is looked after by young women called, myrofores, who carry flower petals.
Myrofores represent the women, who went to Christ’s tomb after his crucifixion to anoint the body with myrrh, as was the tradition in those days.
During the evening service, funereal hymns are chanted called Engomia, which are lamentations to Christ.
The Epitafios is then taken out of the church and a procession follows in the streets or around the church. Upon its return to the church, the tomb is held above the entrance for people to pass underneath.
At the end of the service the flowers are handed out to the attendees. They are kept throughout the year, and when they have withered the flowers are burned.
On Good Friday, many Orthodox Christians do not work, and it is a public holiday.
