Holy Friday

Holy Friday is to me the most moving day in the Church year. I love the hymns and how they make one think about what Christ did for oneself and all humanity. Here are some of my personal favorites:

Today He Who hung the earth upon the waters is hung upon the Tree.

Today He Who hung the earth upon the waters is hung upon the Tree.

Today He Who hung the earth upon the waters is hung upon the Tree.

He Who is King of the angels is arrayed in a crown of thorns.

He Who wraps the heavens in clouds is wrapped in the purple of mockery.

He Who freed Adam receives a blow on the face.

The Bridegroom of the Church is affixed to the Cross with nails.

The Son of the Virgin is Pierced by a spear.

We Worship Your Passion, O Christ.

We Worship Your Passion, O Christ.

We Worship Your Passion, O Christ.

Show us also Your glorious Resurrection.

And:

Through a tree Adam lost his home in Paradise, and through the Tree of the Cross the thief made Paradise his home.

And:

On the great holy Friday we celebrate the holy, fearful and saving Passion of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ: the spittings, blows, and scourges; the curses, jeers, and the wearing of the purple; the rod, sponge, and vinegar; the nails, the spear, and especially the Cross and death, which He received willingly for our sakes. We celebrate also the confession of salvation which the grateful thief made on the cross with Him.

Here is how we spent Great and Holy Friday between the services:

Christ is (almost) Risen!