On Friday evening, the Christian Orthodox population of Los Angeles gathered at the Saint Sophia Cathedral for Good Friday’s commemoration and periphery of Epitaphios.
Every year actors, directors and prominent Greek-Americans of the entertainment industry come to the church to connect with their Greek-Orthodox heritage. Usually, Tom Hanks is one of the men who carry the Epitaphios but this year the famous actor did not continue the tradition as he may be out of town. According to people that work for Saint Sophia, Tom Hanks is very religious, and goes to church almost every day throughout the holy week.
On Great and Holy Friday the Orthodox Church commemorates the death of Christ on the Cross. This is the culmination of the observance of His Passion by which our Lord suffered and died for our sins. This commemoration begins on Thursday evening with the Matins of Holy Friday and concludes with a Vespers on Friday afternoon that observes the unnailing of Christ from the Cross and the placement of His body in the tomb.
The celebration of the Holy week continues with Liturgy on Saturday morning and the Resurrection liturgy on Saturday night.
Watch the Epitaphios periphery in Los Angeles in the following video:
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