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Welcome to the devotion of Orthodox Good Friday, a profound date in the Christian calendar that falls on May 3. This sacred day, also known as Great Friday, has been observed for centuries as a time of solemn reflection on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The adoration of the Orthodox Church towards this day stems from deep-rooted traditions going back to the Byzantine Empire. It is rich in liturgical ceremonies, filled with powerful symbolism, and engrosses followers with the compelling story of profound sacrifice and eternal love. Let's embark on this spiritual journey together, embracing the reverence and peace that this significant observance brings.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>33 AD</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Crucifixion of Jesus Christ</div><div class='timeline-text'>According to Christian belief, Jesus Christ is crucified, setting the foundation for the observance of Good Friday in future Christian traditions. </div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1054</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Schism of Christianity</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Great Schism divides Christianity into the Orthodox and the Roman Catholic Church, each adopting different dates for Easter and the related Good Friday.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1200s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Orthodox Good Friday Rituals</div><div class='timeline-text'>Orthodox Good Friday liturgical traditions and rituals carry strong Byzantine influences, including hymns, readings and veneration of the cross.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Spread of Orthodoxy</div><div class='timeline-text'>With the migration of Eastern Europeans to America and other parts of the world during this period, Orthodox Christianity and its traditions, including Orthodox Good Friday, spread globally.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1957</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Formation of World Council of Churches</div><div class='timeline-text'>The World Council of Churches promotes unity among different Christian denominations, recognizing the significance of religious dates like Orthodox Good Friday.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Attend an afternoon church service</h3><p class='facts-text'>One traditional way to observe Orthodox Good Friday is by attending a church service in the afternoon. This will usually involve the reading of the Twelve Passion Gospels, recounting the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Create a Home Altar</h3><p class='facts-text'>Create a special prayer space at home. This can be a small table set with an icon of the Crucifixion, a Bible, and candles. Spend time throughout the day praying and reflecting on the meaning of Good Friday.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Prepare a traditional fast meal</h3><p class='facts-text'>Prepare a meal adhering to the strict fasting rules for Good Friday — no meat, dairy products, or oil. Lentils, beans, or vegetable dishes are traditional options.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Participate in processionals</h3><p class='facts-text'>If it's feasible, attend a Good Friday procession at your local Orthodox church, a solemn yet powerful event commemorating Christ's journey to Golgotha.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Read biblical passages</h3><p class='facts-text'>Spend time reading and reflecting on the accounts of Christ's crucifixion in the New Testament. This is a profound way to connect with the significance of Good Friday.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a Solemn yet Powerful Observance</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Orthodox Good Friday offers us the opportunity to be part of a rich liturgical tradition that dates back to the Byzantine Empire. The solemnity of the day, combined with the ceremonial rites, brings a sense of profound reverence. The powerful symbolisms and narratives relayed through the church services create a deep spiritual connection for participants.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It Encourages Reflection and Mindfulness</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The observance of Orthodox Good Friday encourages self-reflection and mindfulness. It's a time to meditate on the sacrificial love of Christ and the significance of His crucifixion. The practice of reading biblical passages about Christ's journey to Golgotha enhances our appreciation for this pivotal event in Christian history.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It Reminds Us To Embrace Sacrifice And Love</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Orthodox Good Friday reminds us of the importance of selfless love and sacrifice. It encourages us to emulate these virtues in our daily lives. It invites us to extend compassion and kindness to others, serving as a perfect motivation to become better individuals.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Orthodox Good Friday follows the Julian calendar</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Eastern Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar instead of the Gregorian calendar, which Western Churches use. As a result, Orthodox Good Friday typically falls on a different date from the Catholic observance.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Veneration of the Cross holds significant importance</h3><p class='facts-content'>An essential part of the Orthodox Good Friday service is the Veneration of the Cross. During this symbolic act, worshippers bow and kiss the Crucifix to show their respect and love for Jesus who willingly died for humanity's sins.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Orthodox Good Friday customarily ends with the Lamentation service</h3><p class='facts-content'>Typically on Friday night, Orthodox Christian communities hold the Lamentation service or "Epitaphios Threnos", where a decorated bier symbolizing Christ's tomb is carried around the church in a solemn procession memorializing His burial.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Orthodox Good Friday is a strict fast day</h3><p class='facts-content'>Orthodox Good Friday is considered one of the strictest fast days in the Orthodox Calendar. In some traditions, no food or drink is consumed at all. If food is eaten, it generally consists of bread, fruit, and vegetables - simple meals that require minimal preparation.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Royal Hours are read on Orthodox Good Friday</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Royal Hours, a unique and solemn service which is composed of hymns, scripture readings, and prayers, is observed. This service aims to reflect on each hour of Christ's Passion in detail.</p></div></div>
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