Great and Holy Friday
Holy Friday is always a long day at church for me. We start with the Royal Hours at 10:00 and conclude with the Lamentation Services which start at 19:00 and this is approximately a two-hour service.After the Royal Hours, we have to set up for Vespers. We have to move the crucifix to the middle of the church and change all the votive lights. We also need to clean up from yesterday's service. Then we go out to get something to eat. This gives me some time to spend with my older children. I consider all the children in my church as mine.
In the afternoon we have Vespers. Since there is a Gospel reading, the Entrance is made with the Gospel book.
Then we rest for a couple of hours before the Matins of Holy Saturday, also known as the Lamentation Service. Like all Orthodox services, this is a very beautiful service and the highlight for many people is the reading of the "Dry Bones" prophesy. In my mind nobody can top Bishop DMITRI of blessed memory.
Between services people are busy preparing for the next service and for the weekend. Of course I have more photos of Vera at work. As I constantly say, my parish is like a family to me. Vera and I have been very close for over 20 years, starting when at the age of four she came up and hugged me.
