Good Friday Service

ስቅለት — Siqlet
"Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness — by whose stripes you were healed." — 1 Peter 2:24
Good Friday service is under construction 40%
Introduction Overview of the Good Friday (Siqlet) service

Day-long observance of the Passion and Crucifixion. The faithful gather from early morning until evening, following the events of the Crucifixion through six hours of prayer, each tied to a moment in the Passion narrative.

Each hour includes psalm readings, Gospel passages, hymns, and prostrations (Sigdet). The prayers are divided into three sections: the six individual hours, repeated prayers used throughout, and reference materials.

The Six Hours
1 hour 6 am
First Hour — Negh ነግህ Jesus before the chief priests; false witnesses rise against Him
Doxology Opening Hymns Church Prayer Kyrielison
Theme: Theme: Jesus began to be judged before a series of councils. The chief priests convened together and condemned the Savior so that they might deliver Him to Pilate to kill Him. False witnesses came forth to falsely accuse Him. The "fierce witnesses" mentioned in Psalm 35:11 specifically refers to these false witnesses at the trial of Christ.

Scripture Readings

Gospel Readings

Ge'ez (transliterated)EnglishRef
Wetsebiho Temakeru Liqane Kahnat Ysqlwo Le'Eyesus Dibe Etse MesqelThe high priests gathered and decided to crucify Jesus on the wooden crossMatt 27:1–15
Wetsebiho Temakeru Liqane Kahnat AwtsiEwo Afaa Le'Eyesus weweseduwo yisqlwoThe high priests put Jesus outside and took Him to crucify HimMark 15:1–6
Wetsebiho Temakeru Liqane Kahnat awtsEwo le'Eyesus wemetewuwo lepilatosThe high priests took Jesus to Pontius PilateLuke 22:66–23:13
Wetsebiho Temakeru Liqane Kahnat awtsEwo Le'Eyesus wenebere Awde sobiehaThe high priests took Jesus to the Praetorium and was seated thereJohn 18:28–end
3 hour 9 am
Third Hour — Gizie Selestu ግዜ ሠለስቱ Pilate delivers Jesus to be scourged and crowned with thorns
Doxology Opening Hymns Church Prayer Kyrielison
Theme: Theme: The painful torment of the Lamb begins. After Pilate washes his hands, the soldiers took Him into the common hall, paraded around Him, stripped Him and divided His garments. All of this was prophesied in Psalm 22:17 — "They look and stare at Me. They divide My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots." They dressed Him in a scarlet robe, plaited a crown of thorns, and placed a reed in His hand. Walking down the Via Dolorosa (the Way of Suffering), the tormenting began.

Scripture Readings

Gospel Readings

Ge'ez (transliterated)EnglishRef
Gizie selestu seat ahazwo le'Eyesus wewesedwo ysqlwoAt the 3rd hour they grabbed Jesus and took Him to be crucifiedMatt 27:15–27
Gizie selestu seat qesefo pilatos le'Eyesus wewesedwo ysqlwoAt the 3rd hour Pontius Pilate scourged Jesus and took Him to be crucifiedMark 15:6–16
Gizie selestu seat ahyewe lomu berbanha wewehabomu Eyesusha yisqluAt the 3rd hour Pilate released Barabbas and gave them Jesus to crucify HimLuke 23:26–44
Gizie selestu seat wesedwo le'Eyesus wste awde mqunanAt the 3rd hour they took Jesus to the court of judgmentJohn 19:1–13
6 hour 12 pm
Sixth Hour — Gizie Sedestu ግዜ ሰድስቱ The crucifixion; darkness covers the land from noon
Doxology Opening Hymns Church Prayer Kyrielison
Theme: Theme — Hour of the Crucifixion: In Jewish times, the lambs used for temple sacrifices were born in Nazareth, grazed throughout Jerusalem, and then slaughtered on Golgotha outside the temple. This practice becomes an amazing foreshadow of Christ, the true and perfect Lamb of God. Isaiah 53 is one of the most powerful selections read in the entire week. It tells of the crucifixion, the burial, and the inheritance of salvation in a deeply prophetic manner.

Scripture Readings

Gospel Readings

Ge'ez (transliterated)EnglishRef
Gizie sedstu seat Albeswo le'Eyesus wewesedyo ysQlwoAt the 6th hour they clothed Jesus and took Him to crucify HimMatt 27:27–46
Gizie sedstu seat Abetwo lesimon keme ytsur mesqeloAt the 6th hour they forced Simon to carry His crossMark 15:16–34
Gizie sedstu seat seqelwo le'Eyesus maEkele kl'Eie feyatAt the 6th hour they crucified Jesus in the middle of two thievesLuke 23:26–44
Gize sedstu seat qetre sobieha liqane kahnat seqelwo le'Eyesus beqeranyo mekanAt the 6th hour the high priest crucified Jesus in a place called Calvary (Golgotha)John 19:13–28
3 pm
Darkness Three hours of darkness; the earth quakes, rocks split
Doxology Church Prayer Kyrielison
Theme: Ritual: At this moment, the clergy and people in the church cover themselves and turn the lights off, representing the three hours of darkness that fell over all the land (Matthew 27:45). The congregation then cries out in prayer.

Scripture Readings

9 hour 3 pm
Ninth Hour — Gizie Tisatu ግዜ ትስዓቱ The lance pierces His side; water and blood flow
Doxology Opening Hymns Church Prayer Kyrielison
Theme: Theme — Death on the Holy Cross: The Church contemplates the great love manifest on the Cross while our Savior went through the unknown — the terror of humankind: death. How blessed is this unique moment of death! It is the moment the devil was terrified and tied, the moment those who had slept in hope rejoiced. The dead were considered dead in their bodies, but their souls alive in God (1 Peter 4:6). This is also the moment the thief entered Paradise, opening the door to humankind. Once our Savior had gone through the terror of death, this terror vanished. No longer would those who die in Christ be enslaved by death.

Scripture Readings

Gospel Readings

Ge'ez (transliterated)EnglishRef
Gizie tesAtu seat tserha Eyesus beqalu weybie Eielohie EielohieAt the 9th hour Jesus said out loud "Eli, Eli"Matt 27:44–46
Gizie tesAtu seat geAre Eyesus beqalu wewetsat menfesu sobiehaAt the 9th hour Jesus spoke out loud and breathed His lastMark 15:34–38
Gizie tesAtu seat kelha Eyesus beqalo weAmahtsene nefso sobiehaAt the 9th hour Jesus spoke out loud and pledged His spirit to the FatherLuke 23:44–50
Gizie tesAtu seat Atsnene r'Eso Eyesus weybie tefetseme kuluAt the 9th hour, bowing down His head, Jesus said "It is finished"John 19:28–31
11 hour 5 pm
Eleventh Hour — Aserte Ahadu ዓሥርቱ ወአሐዱ "It is finished." The veil of the Temple is torn
Doxology Church Prayer Kyrielison
Theme: Theme — Descent from the Cross: Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus took our Lord down from the Cross. At this hour, the Scriptures have been fulfilled as our Savior had said (John 19:30). Moses struck the rock in the desert, and water poured out that saved the life of the people of Israel. When the soldier pierced the side of our Savior on the Cross, blood and water came out. It is now up to us to satisfy our thirst from the waters of life.

Scripture Readings

12 hour 6 pm
Twelfth Hour ግዜ ዓሡሩ ወክልኤቱ Joseph takes the body; burial and sealing of the tomb
Doxology Church Prayer Kyrielison
Theme: Theme — Burial of Our Lord: Good Friday ends with the Twelfth Hour. The Romans' custom was to leave the crucified bodies on the crosses for birds to prey upon. The Jewish people used to throw the bodies into a pit where garbage and sewerage were burned. Joseph of Arimathea requested Pilate to let him take Jesus' holy body. Nicodemus, who had disagreed with the Assembly on their condemnation of Jesus (John 7:50–52), helped Joseph for the burial with perfumes and pure linen, as predicted by Isaiah (Isaiah 53:9).

Scripture Readings

Repeated at Every Hour
every hr
Doxology — To God Be the Honor ውዳሴ Praise and thanksgiving at the start of each hour

12 verses of praise

1all

LeAmlak yidelu Kibre weSibhat we'Ezez Iske lealem alem

To God be the Honor and Glory forever and ever

2all

leSilus yidelu Kibre weSibhat we'Ezez Iske lealem alem

To the Trinity be the Honor and the Glory forever and ever

3all

leMaheyawi yidelu Kibre weSibhat we'Ezez Iske lealem alem

To the Lifegiver be the Honor and Glory forever and ever

4all

leEbeyu yidelu Kibre weSibhat we'Ezez Iske lealem alem

To His Greatness be the Honor and Glory forever and ever

5all

leEzezu yidelu Kibre weSibhat we'Ezez Iske lealem alem

To His Commandments Honor and Glory forever and ever

6all

Le Mengistu ydelu kibre weSibhat we'Ezez eske lealem

To His Kingdom is due the Honor and Glory forever and ever

7all

leEyesus yidelu Kibre weSibhat we'Ezez Iske lealem alem

To Jesus be the Honor and Glory forever and ever

8all

leKristos yidelu Kibre weSibhat we'Ezez Iske lealem alem

To Christ be the Honor and Glory forever and ever

9all

leHimamu yidelu Kibre weSibhat we'Ezez Iske lealem alem

To His suffering be the Honor and Glory forever and ever

10all

leMeskelu yidelu Kibre weSibhat we'Ezez Iske lealem alem

To His Cross be the Honor and Glory forever and ever

11all

Leke yidelu hayl weleke yidelu sibhat weleke yidelu akotiet

To You is due Power and Glory and to You is due Thanksgiving,

12all

O Egzieye Eyesus Kristos le alem alem

O my Lord Jesus Christ, forever and ever.

every hr
Opening Hymns — Leke Hayl ለከ ኃይል Hymns of strength; all hours except the 11th

7 hymns

1all

Leke Hayl, Kibre weSibhat we'Ezez Eske le aleme alem.

Yours is the Power, the Honor and the Glory, forever. Amen.

2all

Amanuel Amlakye leke Hayle Kibre weSibhat we'Ezez iske le aleme alem.

Emmanuel my God, Yours is the Power, the Honor, and the Glory, forever. Amen.

3all

O Igzieye Eyesus Kristos Leke Hayle Kibre weSibhat we'Ezez iske le aleme alem.

O My Lord Jesus Christ, Yours is the Power, the Glory, and the Honor, forever. Amen.

4all

"Haliye wetsewenye wi'Etu Igzieye Isme Konkeni Redaeye… Ebel Beakotiet."

The Lord is my power and shelter; for You have become my redeemer… I say with thanksgiving.

5all

Abune Zebesemayat! Yitkedes Simike! Timsa Mengistike! Weyikun Fekadeke! Bekeme Besemay Kemahu Bemedir! Sisayene Zelele Ilitene Habeneyom!

Our Father, Who is in heaven, Holy is Your Name! Your kingdom come! Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven!

6all

Hidig Lene Abesane Wegegayene! Keme Nihinenee Nihidig! Leze Abese Lene!

Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us!

7all

Etabiane Egzio Wiste Mensut! Ala Addihnene Webalihane! Imkwulu Ikuy! Isme Zeake Yeite Mengist! Hayl We Sebhat Le'aleme alem Amen! ×12

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from all evil. For Yours is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, forever and ever. Amen! ×12

every hr
Prayer for the Strength of the Church በእንተ ጽንዓ ዘቤተ ክርስቲያን Intercession at every hour

21 petitions of intercession

1deacon

1. For the Church: For the consolation of this Church, for all churches named after the holy fathers, for the desert and the elders that dwell therein, and for the safety of the world altogether. May God protect them and keep them from every evil, and pray that He also forgives us all our sins. Response: People: O Lord have mercy upon us.

2deacon

2. For the Sick: For those in this place with sickness in flesh and soul — our fathers and brothers who are sick, in this place or in any place. That God may grant them life and health, protect us, and pray that He also forgives us all our sins. Response: People: O Lord have mercy upon us.

3deacon

3. For Travelers: For those who are traveling or who intend to travel — all our fathers and brethren — that God may straighten all their ways, whether by sea, rivers, lakes, roads, or air. That He may lead them in happiness and joy in the true path, return them to their homes in peace, and pray that He forgive us all our sins. Response: People: O Lord have mercy upon us.

4deacon

4. For the Earth's Fruit: For the fruits of the earth, that God may grant to the earth her fruit for sowing and harvesting. And for all of us who ask and beseech in prayer, may He cover us with the spirit of peace, give us grace, and enlighten the eyes of our hearts. Response: People: O Lord have mercy upon us.

5deacon

5. For Leaders and Judges: Our Lord Jesus Christ, give us mercy and love, and make the hearts of leaders and judges softhearted. Pray that He also forgive us all our sins. Response: People: O Lord have mercy upon us.

6deacon

6. For Our Country: For the lover of God, the leader of our country and those in power — her workers, her sovereigns, her hosts. May God keep them in peace so that they think that which is good at all times for the Church, and also pray that He forgives us our sins. Response: People: O Lord have mercy upon us.

7deacon

7. For the Departed: For those true in faith who have rested — our fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters, the holy forefathers the Bishops, our fathers the Archbishops, our fathers the Orthodox bishops, our father priests, our brother deacons, our laymen fathers from the gathering of Christians — all that have rested. May God grant rest to their souls and have mercy on them, and pray that He forgives us our sins. Response: People: O Lord have mercy upon us.

8deacon

8. For the Newly Baptized: For the people who are new to the faith. May God bless them until their last breath and keep them in the true faith, and pray that He forgives us our sins. Response: People: O Lord have mercy upon us.

9deacon

9. For the Unity of the Church: For the peace of the one, only, holy, catholic, and apostolic Orthodox Church; for God's salvation among the people; for stability in all places, and pray that He forgives us our sins. Response: People: O Lord have mercy upon us.

10deacon

10. For Our Bishops: For the life and holdings of His Holiness Archbishop, Abune _______ and Abune _______, that they may live a long life and be strengthened in their seat in the diocese, and pray that He forgives us our sins. Response: People: O Lord have mercy upon us.

11deacon

11. For This Assembly: For this assembly of ours and for every assembly of the Orthodox, that Christ our God may bless them and perfect them in peace, and pray that He forgives us our sins. Response: People: O Lord have mercy upon us.

12deacon

12. For Those Who Give Offerings: For those who come to this Holy Church, for those that give offering of themselves and of animal offerings — that He may bless them, comfort them, help them, and pray that He also forgives us our sins. Response: People: O Lord have mercy upon us.

13deacon

13. For the Faithful: For all those who have good thoughts for the Church, for those who strive for the right faith. May God bless them, pay them their reward, and be merciful unto them, and pray that He forgives us our sins. Response: People: O Lord have mercy upon us.

14deacon

14. For Those Who Serve the Altar: For those who tend to the sacrifices, offerings, first-fruits, oil, incense, coverings, reading books, and altar vessels — that Christ our God may reward them in the heavenly Jerusalem, and pray that He forgives us our sins. Response: People: O Lord have mercy upon us.

15deacon

15. For the Elders and Scholars: For our elderly fathers, scholars of the Church, those who have asked us to remember them in our supplications and prayers, each one according to his name. May God remember them in goodness at all times, and pray that He forgives us our sins. Response: People: O Lord have mercy upon us.

16deacon

16. For the Poor and Vulnerable: For the poor, the innocent, the widow, the orphan, the anxious, the farmers who have planted their seeds, the buyers and sellers living everywhere. May God have mercy on them, and pray that He forgives us our sins. Response: People: O Lord have mercy upon us.

17deacon

17. For Prisoners and Exiles: For those in prison full of anxiety, those who fled their country and are in exile or captivity, and those held in bitter bondage of demons. O Lord, set them all free and have mercy upon them, and pray that He forgives us our sins. Response: People: O Lord have mercy upon us.

18deacon

18. For Those Present in Church: For those people present in the church asking for the mercy of their souls, to receive rapid forgiveness and mercy from God, and pray that He forgives us our sins. Response: People: O Lord have mercy upon us.

19deacon

19. For the Waters and the Earth: For those who pray for the rising of the waters of the rivers this year — that Christ our God may truly bless them and raise them according to their measure, give joy to the face of the earth, sustain us, and have compassion on His creation which His hands have made, and pray that He forgives us our sins. Response: People: O Lord have mercy upon us.

20deacon

20. For Those Who Asked for Prayer: For those people who asked to remember them in our prayers. May God have mercy on them, and pray that He forgives us our sins. Response: People: O Lord have mercy upon us.

21deacon

21. For This Holy Week: For the sake of this week, so God can end it in peace and spare us from the temptation of Satan. May God have mercy on us and save us, and pray that He forgives us our sins. Response: People: O Lord have mercy upon us.

every hr
Kyrielison ኪርያላይሶን Christ Our God Suffered and Died for Us

1 central refrain

1all

Kristos Amlakine zehame wemote beinti'ane webehemamatihu yibiezewine. Nisebeho wenalEl Semo hebure isme wi'itu gebre Medhanite bebzhe sahlu.

Christ our God suffered and died for us; may He have compassion on us by His suffering. We praise and exalt His name, for He saved us.

Reference
Glossary Key terms used in the service
Siqlet (ስቅለት)
Good Friday / Crucifixion
Himamat (ሕማማት)
Holy Week / Passion Week
Sigdet (ስግደት)
Prostration
Leke Hayl (ለከ ኃይል)
"Yours is the Power" opening refrain
Kyrielison (ኪርያላይሶን)
Lord have mercy
Wudase (ውዳሴ)
Doxology / Praise

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