Millions of Orthodox Christians commemorate Good Friday on April 25, 2008*.

Good Friday (or Great Friday) is a day of mourning. The icon of Christ is taken off the cross, wrapped in linen and put in the Epitafios, which symbolizes the tomb of Christ. Late at night the Epitafios is carried through the town is a solemn procession which symbolizes the burial of Christ.

Why is there a date difference between Catholic and Orthodox Easter?

The Gregorian calendar was introduced in Europe in 1582 but many Christians retained the Julian calendar, therefore the Easter date is different from the one in the west (Catholic and other Christian churches). Easter holidays are “movable feasts” which means they change every year according to calendar calculations.

What do Greeks do on Good Friday?

All chores are avoided on Good Friday and women are only allowed to color the eggs. It’s a day of lent and according to Greek tradition a special soup made from lettuce, lentils, tahini and vinegar is eaten on this day.

In the morning, Christ’s burial is reenacted. In the evening the “Procession of the Epitaphios of Christ” takes place in every city, mourning the death of Christ. During the evening service, the Passion of Christ is sung instead of the normal evening service. It’s the only day in the year when the evening service is different.

Public Holiday

In Greece, Good Friday is considered a public holiday so most of the public offices, schools and banks will be closed. Most of the museums will be closed as well (but those which aren’t usually offer free admission for everyone).

Good Friday in other Orthodox countries

In Cyprus and Lebanon, Good Friday is also considered a public holiday, while in Romania it is not (the first and second days of Easter are public holidays here).

Traditions may very from country to country but they are essentially the same. In Romania, for example, baking bread is forbidden today as well as using vinegar for cooking. Women keep the “black lent” which forbids them even from speaking or drinking water.

>>more information on Easter Food in Greece

>>more information on Easter in Greece

Note:
*in 2017, Orthodox Easter falls on April 16, hence Good Friday is on April 14