Orthodox Glossary · Term

Epitaphios

An embroidered icon of Christ’s burial used on Great and Holy Friday, venerated as the faithful accompany the Lord to the tomb in hope of the Resurrection.

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Defined Term
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Epitaphios
LexiconOrthodox Christianity 101
§ 01 - How to Study This Term

From definition into prayer.

The Orthodox tradition does not separate vocabulary from worship. Pair this term with Scripture, the Liturgy, and the lived life of the Church.

  1. 01
    Look for the word in worship

    Listen for it inside the Divine Liturgy, the daily prayers, or the hymns of the feast it belongs to.

  2. 02
    Trace it through the Fathers

    The same word usually echoes across centuries - Athanasius, the Cappadocians, Maximus, Gregory Palamas.

  3. 03
    Pair it with a prayer

    Vocabulary becomes piety when it lives inside a single, repeated prayer of the Church.

Where the term lives
§ 02 - Related Terms

Words that travel together.

Entries from the lexicon that share the same corner of Orthodox worship and thought as Epitaphios.

GlossaryEpitaphios StandThe bier or tomb on which the Epitaphios rests, forming the focal point for Holy Friday processions and lamentations.GlossaryHoly Napkin (Air)A smaller veil used with the holy vessels, sometimes called the air, reminding worshippers of the linens that wrapped the Lord in the tomb and revealed His Resurrection.GlossaryBaptismal FontThe basin used for triple immersion in Holy Baptism, signifying burial and resurrection with Christ and entry into the life of the Church.GlossaryPaschaThe Feast of Feasts celebrating Christ’s Resurrection, the center of the liturgical year and the source of Christian joy and hope.
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