| The Office of the Burial of Christ |
The Office is a meditation on the Savior's entombment and on his descent into Hades to save the souls of the just and open for them the gates of heaven. It is marked throughout with faith an hope, since the time of Christ remained in the tomb is seen by Christians as a period of refreshing sleep after the sufferings of the Passion, and as a prelude to the victory of the Resurrection.
Hades tearfully sighs! Darkness, no candles |
Light of Christ enlightens all! |
Procession of the New Light! |
Spreading of the Laurel leaves |
Proclaiming Christ's victory over death with Laurel leaves |
"The angel stood by the tomb and said to the ointment-bearing women: 'Ointments are for the dead, but Christ has proven Himself free from decay.'" |