Tens of thousands of Greek Australians filled churches across the country this Good Friday to observe the solemn procession of the Epitaphios, one of the most sacred traditions of Orthodox Holy Week.
From Melbourne and Sydney to regional towns, the atmosphere was one of deep reverence as the faithful attended the Service of Lamentations and participated in the moving Epitaphios procession. Hymns such as “I Zoi En Tafo”, “Ai Geneai Pasai”, and “O Glyky Mou Ear” resonated powerfully, sung in unison by thousands of worshippers in Greek Orthodox churches nationwide.
In Melbourne, the historic Holy Monastery of Axion Estin in Northcote drew thousands, with the Epitaphios adorned with white roses and lilies, carried through the streets by young parishioners. In Sydney, the Archdiocesan Church of Saint Euphemia in Bankstown saw similar scenes, as families, many dressed in black, followed the flower-covered bier in a candlelit procession under the night sky. Sydney’s Greek Orthodox communities in Kingsford, Kensington, and Earlwood also held poignant services, with Saint Spyridon in Kingsford, Saint George in Kensington, and Saint Dimitrios in Earlwood drawing large crowds for their beautifully decorated Epitaphios processions, each reflecting the solemnity and unity of the occasion.
Regional communities also joined in the tradition. In Adelaide, the faithful at Saint George’s Church in Mile End spilled onto the streets, their voices echoing through quiet neighborhoods. Meanwhile, in Perth, the Church of Saint Nektarios in Dianella hosted a poignant service, with attendees of all ages reflecting on the sacrifice commemorated by the Epitaphios.
For many Greek Australians, the procession is not only a religious observance but a powerful connection to their heritage. “It’s a moment where we come together as a community, to honor our faith and our roots,” said Maria Papadopoulos, a lifelong parishioner in Brisbane. “The hymns, the candles, the silence—it’s something that stays with you.”
