Good Friday

There are three services on Good Friday, at 9AM, 3PM, and 7PM. I’ve never been to the 9AM one. At 3PM, the body of Christ is taken off of the cross. 7PM is Jesus’ “funeral.” Fr. Stavros had asked Dad to take the body down with him. Since Dad wasn’t there, Fr. asked me to do it. Knowing it would be incredibly difficult, I accepted. Is it a piece of wood? Of course it is. But it is what that wood represents.

If you can imagine holding the dead, lifeless body of Jesus, that’s what I did, and that’s kind of how I felt.

Once the body is taken down, another procession takes place around the inside of the Church. The priest and a helper (me) walks around holding a sewn, clothe version of the body. Held my composure until I saw Mom.

Then, the altar boys kneel before the tomb (where the “body” that I mentioned above) is placed. Then, Fr. and Mike (brother-in-law) sang together. Was a bit surprised when that happened, but it was really nice. Really nice.

PS – Fr. had asked me to sing, but um, I don’t sing. The fam thought that was very amusing.

That evening, at the “funeral” a lot of hymns are sung. Another procession, this time outside the church, takes place. I was fine that night until the choir walked out of the church, following the priest, just before the congregation. I was waiting to see Dad. Not there. That’s when it hit me.