St. Mary's Holy Dormition

Orthodox Church – Calhan, CO

Great and Holy Friday 2026: The embroidered cloth icon depicting the dead Christ is called the Epitaphios (or Plashchanitsa in Slavic tradition).

Great and Holy Friday 2026

April 10, 2026 · St. Mary's Holy Dormition

April 10, 2026 · St. Mary's Holy Dormition

Great and Holy Friday is the most solemn day of the church year. On this day we commemorate the suffering, crucifixion, and death of Jesus Christ on the Cross, as well as His placement in the tomb. The tomb is then guarded throughout then night with parishioners reading psalms. Great and Holy Friday 2026

The decorated tomb (Kouvouklion)
The decorated tomb (Kouvouklion)
The embroidered cloth icon depicting the dead Christ is called the Epitaphios (or Plashchanitsa in Slavic tradition).
The embroidered cloth icon depicting the dead Christ is called the Epitaphios (or Plashchanitsa in Slavic tradition).
The gospel book is placed over the head of Christ on top of the Epitaphios.
The gospel book is placed over the head of Christ on top of the Epitaphios.
The tomb is called the Kouvouklion.
The tomb is called the Kouvouklion.
Guarding the tomb by candle light.
Guarding the tomb by candle light.
We read psalms throughout the night on Great and Holy Friday through Saturday as we guard the tomb.
We read psalms throughout the night on Great and Holy Friday through Saturday as we guard the tomb.
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