Epitaphios
An epitaphios (also called the Epitaphios Thrinos or epitaphion, 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
- The Epitaphion translated from the French by O. Dunlop from The Orthodox Messenger (GOAA)
- Orthodoxy in Korea: Epitaphios photograph of an epitaphios in use
- Epitaphios icon by the hand of Nicholas Papas, at Come and See Icons
- Great Friday Epitaphios - an example of an epitaphios for sale
