How Does the Service of Lamentations Go: A Comprehensive Guide

The Service of Lamentations, also known as the “Matins of Holy Saturday” or “The Service of the Holy and Great Friday,” holds a unique place in the liturgical life of the Eastern Orthodox Church. This profound and deeply moving service is celebrated on the evening of Holy Friday and is one of the most solemn observances in the Christian liturgical year. In this article, we will explore how the Service of Lamentations is conducted, its significance, and what to expect when participating in this sacred ritual.

What Is the Service of Lamentations?

The Service of Lamentations is a part of the Holy Week services in the Orthodox Church, observed on the evening of Good Friday. It is a time when the faithful gather to mourn the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. The service is centered around the lamentation hymns, which are chanted in front of the tomb of Christ, represented by the Epitaphios (a cloth icon depicting the body of Christ laid in the tomb).

The Lamentations are poetic hymns that express grief over Christ’s suffering and death, while also reflecting the hope of His Resurrection. This juxtaposition of sorrow and hope is a defining characteristic of the service, making it both a deeply mournful and spiritually uplifting experience.

The Structure of the Service

The Service of Lamentations is rich in symbolism, scripture, and hymnody, with each element contributing to the overall atmosphere of reverence and mourning. Below is a step-by-step guide to the structure of the service:

1. The Opening of the Service

The service typically begins in the early evening, with the clergy and faithful gathering in the church, which is dimly lit to reflect the somber nature of the occasion. The Epitaphios is placed in the center of the church, often adorned with flowers, symbolizing the tomb of Christ.

The service opens with the usual introductory prayers, including the Trisagion (Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us), followed by the chanting of Psalm 51 (the Psalm of Repentance). This sets the tone for the rest of the service, emphasizing the themes of repentance and mourning.

2. The Lamentations (Enkomia)

The heart of the service is the chanting of the Lamentations, also known as the Enkomia. These hymns are divided into three stanzas, each consisting of several verses that are chanted by the choir or the congregation, with responses in between.

First Stanza: The Beginning of Sorrow

The first stanza focuses on the immediate sorrow felt by the followers of Christ as they witness His death and burial. The verses reflect on the agony of the Theotokos (Mother of God) as she beholds her Son in the tomb, as well as the grief of the disciples and the angels.

Some of the verses in the first stanza include:

• “O Life, how can You die? How can You dwell in a tomb?”
• “All creation was changed by fear, O Word, when it saw You hanging on the Cross.”

These verses are sung with a deep sense of lamentation, expressing the sorrow of the faithful as they contemplate the death of their Savior.

Second Stanza: The Depth of Mourning

The second stanza delves deeper into the sorrow and mystery of Christ’s death. It reflects on the paradox of the Immortal God lying dead in the tomb, and the cosmic significance of this event. The verses continue to express the grief of the Virgin Mary, the disciples, and all of creation.

Some of the verses in this stanza include:

• “The sun and moon grew dark, O Savior, and the earth quaked in fear.”
• “Woe is me, my Light! The Light of the world has gone out!”

The chanting of these verses is slow and mournful, allowing the faithful to enter into the depth of the sorrow being expressed.

Third Stanza: The Hope of Resurrection

The third and final stanza introduces a note of hope, pointing to the coming Resurrection. While the verses still reflect on the sorrow of Christ’s death, they also begin to anticipate the joy of His victory over death.

Some of the verses in this stanza include:

• “The lawless nailed You to the Cross, O Savior, and pierced Your side with a spear.”
• “Now all generations bless you, O Virgin, as the gate of salvation.”

As the final stanza is chanted, the tone gradually shifts from pure lamentation to a subdued hope, preparing the faithful for the celebration of the Resurrection.

3. The Great Doxology

Following the Lamentations, the service continues with the chanting of the Great Doxology. This hymn glorifies God and serves as a transition from the mourning of Good Friday to the anticipation of the Resurrection. It is often chanted in a more uplifting tone, reflecting the hope that Christ’s death will soon be overcome by His Resurrection.

4. The Procession of the Epitaphios

One of the most striking moments of the Service of Lamentations is the procession of the Epitaphios. The clergy, followed by the faithful, carry the Epitaphios around the church in a solemn procession. This symbolizes the burial procession of Christ, as well as His descent into Hades to free the souls of the righteous.

The procession is typically accompanied by the chanting of hymns and the ringing of bells in a slow, mournful rhythm. Some churches may also carry candles or incense, adding to the solemnity of the moment.

5. The Final Prayers and Dismissal

After the procession, the service concludes with a series of prayers, including petitions for the living and the dead. The clergy and faithful then return to the church, where the Epitaphios is placed back in the center of the church.

The service ends with the Dismissal, during which the faithful are encouraged to remain in prayer and reflection as they await the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection on Pascha (Easter Sunday).

The Significance of the Service

The Service of Lamentations is not just a time of mourning; it is a profound spiritual experience that encapsulates the mystery of Christ’s Passion and Resurrection. Through the Lamentations, the faithful are invited to enter into the sorrow of Good Friday while keeping their eyes fixed on the hope of the Resurrection.

A Journey Through Grief and Hope

The service takes the faithful on a journey through the grief of seeing Christ crucified and buried, to the hope that this death will be overcome by His glorious Resurrection. This journey mirrors the Christian experience of life, where sorrow and suffering are tempered by the hope of eternal life in Christ.

A Deep Connection with Tradition

The Service of Lamentations is steeped in tradition, with hymns and prayers that have been passed down through generations. By participating in this service, the faithful are not only commemorating the events of Holy Friday but also connecting with the rich liturgical heritage of the Orthodox Church.

A Time for Personal Reflection

For many, the Service of Lamentations is a time of deep personal reflection. The somber hymns, the dim lighting, and the solemn atmosphere create a space where the faithful can meditate on the meaning of Christ’s sacrifice and their own spiritual journey. It is a time to consider the cost of sin, the depth of God’s love, and the hope of redemption.

Conclusion

The Service of Lamentations is a powerful and moving experience that draws the faithful into the mystery of Christ’s Passion and Resurrection. Through the chanting of the Lamentations, the procession of the Epitaphios, and the prayers of the Church, believers are invited to mourn the death of Christ while also looking forward to the joy of His Resurrection. This service is a testament to the profound depths of the Orthodox Christian faith, where sorrow and hope are intertwined in the journey toward salvation.