Orthodox Good Friday in Eritrea

Meaning and place in Holy Week

The Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church names Good Friday Siqlet and describes it as the day Jesus Christ sacrificed himself. It follows Holy Thursday and comes before Holy Resurrection, called Tinsa’ie in the church’s calendar.[1]

Good Friday forms part of Passion Week, a period the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church describes as a time to remember Christ’s suffering through prayer, prostration and fasting.[3]

Church observances and fasting

An Eritrean Ministry of Information account describes people going to church on Good Friday and repeating “Kyrie Eleison,” or “Lord have mercy,” into the afternoon. It reports that some wear a thorny plant around the head, and that church services commonly finish in the early evening.[2]

Fasting practices vary. The ministry account describes abstaining from food and drink for the day as the strict practice, to the extent a person’s health permits. A church guide says some faithful who are able may abstain from food from Thursday night through Friday and Saturday, while others fast for a shorter period.[2][3]

The ministry describes families gathering after services to break the fast together, followed by coffee, tea or juice. It also notes that people may avoid dancing and drinking during the Passion period.[2]

Public holiday and practical planning

Eritrea’s Labor Proclamation says public holidays recognized by law are paid holidays for employees; it also sets a higher hourly rate for employees who work on a public holiday.[4] Eritrea’s Geneva embassy lists Orthodox Good Friday among the dates when its office closes.[5]

Residents and travelers should check opening hours with banks, schools and shops, and transport schedules with operators before making plans. Eritrea’s Geneva embassy lists its office as closed for the holiday.[5]