The unique tradition was established in 1976 by then-Metropolitan of Demetrias and later Archbishop of Athens, Christodoulos.

On Good Friday, thousands of faithful gathered at the Monastery of Panagia Xenia, at the foot of Mount Othrys in Magnesia, where the Deposition of Christ was reenacted on the hill known as “Golgotha.”

Following the Deposition, a symbolic burial ceremony took place inside a cave, which is sealed with wax and, according to custom, remains sealed until the day of the Resurrection.

This distinctive ritual was established in 1976 by then-Metropolitan of Demetrias and later Archbishop of Athens, Christodoulos, according to thenewspaper.gr.

Faithful to the tradition once again this year, a large crowd gathered at the site, including the Deputy Minister of Digital Governance Christos Boukoros, Deputy Regional Governor Apostolos Kanavos, local mayors, and representatives of the security forces. The Deposition was conducted by Metropolitan Ignatios of Demetrias.

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