Orthodox Good Friday 2023: Date, History, Facts about Good Friday Traditions

According to the Julian calendar, Good Friday is observed by Orthodox Christians on April 14 this year. While many Western churches celebrate events according to the Gregorian calendar, Orthodox churches have retained the Julian calendar. Consequently, they observe Good Friday and commemorate Easter much later than Western churches. This day is also known as Holy and Great Friday and as Great Friday and Holy Friday.

The background of Orthodox Good Friday

Orthodox Good Friday is not a public holiday, but the Orthodox Christian Church has observed it for some time. Good Friday was originally known as “Pascha of the Cross” because it marked the commencement of that Passover. On Friday, April 3, 33 A.D., the first Good Friday was observed.

The preponderance of the Orthodox population is located in Russia, but Orthodox Good Friday is observed worldwide. Some Orthodox churches in the United States observe Holy Week with evening liturgies and Good Friday afternoon liturgies for minors.

Greek Orthodox Christians in the United States observe a strict day of fasting on Orthodox Good Friday, also known by various other names. On Good Friday, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America commemorates the Passion of Christ, or the final moments of his life according to the New Testament. Some Orthodox Churches commence observances on Thursday evening, when the 12 sections of the Gospels are read, while others hold a Good Friday evening liturgy. The readings are typically accounts of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. To reenact the burial rites, many priests remove icons of Jesus Christ from crosses and drape them in linen. Moreover, after the ringing of the church bell, some Bulgarian churches permit individuals to pass under a table in the centre of the church to light a candle. They say that this represents the removal of one’s transgressions.

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5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT GOOD FRIDAY TRADITIONS

On Good Friday, television, performances, theatrical plays, and public gatherings are prohibited in Germany.

Bermudans observe Good Friday by flying kites to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In Ireland, a predominantly Catholic nation, the sale of alcohol is prohibited on Good Friday.

In Quito, Ecuador, there is a Procession of the Penitents that attracts a crowd of over 250,000 people. In this procession, men wearing purple robes and pointed hoods are joined by impersonators of Jesus Christ carrying enormous wooden crosses.

Volunteers are literally nailed to crosses in the Philippines to recreate the crucifixion of Jesus, and they remain there until they believe their sins have been cleansed.

ORTHODOX GOOD FRIDAY DATES