Orthodox Christians celebrate Holy Friday

Orthodox Christians are observing Holy Friday, the most sorrowful date of the Christian calendar commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

On this day, Orthodox believers observe a particularly rigorous period of fasting in commemoration of Jesus’ sufferings and his death on the cross. They abstain from every kind of food subsisting on bread and water.

Ceremonies to worship the shroud of Christ will go on until late Saturday evening. The shroud will be put back in its place inside the altar several minutes before the start of the Easter procession of the cross.

This year, Orthodox Easter is celebrated on May 5th.