Difference between revisions of "Epitaphios"

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An '''epitaphios''' (also called the ''Epitaphios Thrinos'', ''epitaphion'', or ''epitaphioi'', in Russian ''plaschanitsa'', in English ''The Winding Sheet'') is a large cloth [[Iconography|icon]] used during the services of [[Great Friday]] in a commemoration of the death of Christ on the cross.
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An '''epitaphios''' (also called the ''Epitaphios Thrinos'', ''epitaphion'', or ''epitaphioi'', in Russian ''plaschanitsa'', in English ''The Winding Sheet'') is a large cloth [[Iconography|icon]] used during the services of [[Great Friday]] in a commemoration of the death of [[Christ]] on the cross.
  
In this icon, Christ has been removed (or ''unnailed'') from the [[cross]] and his body is being prepared for burial. Shown around the body, and mourning his death, are his mother, the [[Theotokos]] and Virgin Mary, [[Apostle John|John the beloved]] disciple, [[Joseph of Arimathea]], and [[Mary Magdalene]]. [[Nicodemus]] and others may also be displayed. Sometimes, the body of Christ appears alone, as if in state.
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In this icon, Christ has been removed (or ''unnailed'') from the [[cross]] and his body is being prepared for burial. Shown around the body, and mourning his death, are his mother, the [[Theotokos]] and Virgin Mary; [[Apostle John|John the beloved]] [[disciple]]; [[Joseph of Arimathea]]; and [[Mary Magdalene]]. [[Nicodemus]] and others may also be displayed. Sometimes, the body of Christ appears alone, as if in state.
  
 
Also, usually inscribed on the icon are the words of the [[troparion]], "The Noble Joseph, taking down Thy most pure Body from the Tree, did wrap it in clean linen with sweet spices, and he laid it in a new tomb."
 
Also, usually inscribed on the icon are the words of the [[troparion]], "The Noble Joseph, taking down Thy most pure Body from the Tree, did wrap it in clean linen with sweet spices, and he laid it in a new tomb."
  
 
Enkomia (praise-songs) and threnoi (laments) are usually sung before the epitaphios. These ''epitaphios thrinos'' or lamentations are why the service is often referred to as the ''Lamentations service''.
 
Enkomia (praise-songs) and threnoi (laments) are usually sung before the epitaphios. These ''epitaphios thrinos'' or lamentations are why the service is often referred to as the ''Lamentations service''.
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==See also==
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*[[Holy Week]]
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==External links==
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*[http://home.it.net.au/~jgrapsas/pages/Epitaphion.htm The Epitaphion] translated from the French by O. Dunlop from ''The Orthodox Messenger'' ([[GOAA]])
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*[http://xeniteia.typepad.com/photos/orthodoxy_in_korea/epi.html Orthodoxy in Korea: Epitaphios] photograph of an epitaphios in use
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*[http://www.comeandseeicons.com/inp49.htm Epitaphios] icon by the hand of Nicholas Papas, at Come and See Icons
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*[http://www.easternchristiansupply.biz/products.cgi/c82/g17300 Great Friday Epitaphios] - an example of an epitaphios for sale
  
 
[[Category:Liturgical objects]]
 
[[Category:Liturgical objects]]

Revision as of 16:29, April 10, 2006

An epitaphios (also called the Epitaphios Thrinos, epitaphion, or epitaphioi, in Russian plaschanitsa, in English The Winding Sheet) is a large cloth icon used during the services of Great Friday in a commemoration of the death of Christ on the cross.

In this icon, Christ has been removed (or unnailed) from the cross and his body is being prepared for burial. Shown around the body, and mourning his death, are his mother, the Theotokos and Virgin Mary; John the beloved disciple; Joseph of Arimathea; and Mary Magdalene. Nicodemus and others may also be displayed. Sometimes, the body of Christ appears alone, as if in state.

Also, usually inscribed on the icon are the words of the troparion, "The Noble Joseph, taking down Thy most pure Body from the Tree, did wrap it in clean linen with sweet spices, and he laid it in a new tomb."

Enkomia (praise-songs) and threnoi (laments) are usually sung before the epitaphios. These epitaphios thrinos or lamentations are why the service is often referred to as the Lamentations service.

See also

External links