On the evening of Great and Holy Friday, the clergy and faithful of Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Chicago gathered for the solemn and profoundly moving service of Matins with the Lamentations before the Tomb of Christ and the Procession of the Holy Shroud (Plaschanitsa). The service, rich in symbolism and spiritual depth, was very well attended, with parishioners of all ages joining in prayer and reflection on the Lord’s Passion and burial.

The cathedral was filled to capacity as the hauntingly beautiful Lamentations were sung before the flower-adorned tomb, capturing the sorrow of Christ’s death and the quiet hope of the coming Resurrection. At the conclusion of the service, the clergy led a procession of the Shroud around the church, symbolizing the Lord’s burial and foreshadowing His victory over death.

The service was elevated by the exceptional singing of the Cathedral Choir and members of the Serbian Singing Society Branko Radičević, under the direction of Jelena Stojaković. Their prayerful and harmonious responses offered a powerful expression of devotion and reverence that touched all in attendance.

We also gratefully acknowledge the loving efforts of Sandra Glišić, Jovana Jevtić, Anastasija Iglendža, and Slađana Todorović, who prepared and adorned the tomb of Christ with great care and beauty. Their offering was not only an aesthetic contribution, but a heartfelt act of love and faith.

The faithful departed the cathedral with a renewed sense of awe and reverence, having encountered the deep mystery of Christ’s voluntary suffering and redemptive death. As the Church now turns toward the joy of the Resurrection, the memory of this Holy Friday remains etched in the hearts of all who were present.