Archbishop Makarios of Australia presided over the Unnailing Service and the Lamentations Service with great emotion on Great Friday at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in Sydney.
The Archbishop of Australia spoke succinctly of the Crucifixion and the Apocalypse. He pointed out that we lived in a difficult time and that we were all saddened because “our people cannot venerate the Cross and the body of Christ.” “Apart from that, we lack communion,” he added.
On the occasion of the coronavirus pandemic, he underlined: “I know that you are all saddened by this situation. But, my brethren, this ordeal we are going through right now is neither the first nor the last. Humans are tested daily; there is a lot of sorrow, and we will have to get through many trials, illnesses, separation, and psychological ordeals. Do not knock on the wrong door to find solutions to your problems. I urge you to remember that the Church is the Cross. Let Crucified Christ be the answer to your concerns.”
The Great Friday Services were celebrated today behind closed doors. The faithful watched the services online and experienced the atmosphere charged with emotion. They watched Jesus’ death, His burial, and now they are waiting for the Triumph of the Resurrection.
