During the Lamentations, the Virgin Mary’s mournful hymn is also heard: “O my sweet springtime, my sweetest Child, where has your beauty gone?”

In an atmosphere of deep emotion and religious reverence, the Lamentation Service (Epitaphios Threnos) and the Matins of Holy Saturday began on the evening of Good Friday at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, marking the spiritual climax of the journey toward the Resurrection.

During the service, the traditional Lamentations are chanted in three stanzas, praising and mourning the Burial of Christ. Among the most well-known hymns are:

• “The Life in the tomb”
• “It is truly meet to magnify You”
• “All generations mourn”

From early in the morning on Good Friday, hundreds of faithful gather at the Metropolitan Cathedral to venerate the Epitaphios, offering prayers and expressing their sorrow.

Watch the service and procession live from the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens:

Photos from the Deposition of Christ at the Cathedral: