The Jerusalem Matins, known in Ukrainian as “Надгробне” (“Nadhrobne”) or “Плачі” (“Lamentations”), is one of the most solemn and mystical services of Holy Saturday in the Eastern Orthodox Church and Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC).
It is a funeral service for Christ, where the faithful mourn His burial but also anticipate His glorious Resurrection. This service is a deeply cherished tradition in Ukraine, often considered one of the most beautiful and emotional services of Holy Week.
The Jerusalem Matins originated from early Christian practices in Jerusalem, where believers gathered at the site of Christ’s tomb on Holy Saturday to keep vigil, sing psalms, and meditate on His burial.
By the 9th–10th centuries, the practice was incorporated into the Byzantine monastic tradition, evolving into a full Matins (Morning Prayer) service centered around the Shroud (Плащаниця), which symbolizes Christ’s burial.
In Kyivan Rus’ (Ukraine), the tradition became widespread by the 12th–13th centuries, taking on a uniquely Ukrainian character, with special hymns, processions, and poetic lamentations.
The service reflects the sorrow of Mary, the Myrrh-bearing Women, and the disciples as they mourn Christ’s burial.
It emphasizes the human emotions of grief, loss, and hope in God’s promise.
While this service is a funeral for Christ, it is not purely sorrowful—it carries the expectation of His victory over death.
It teaches that even in the grave, Christ is already working to defeat death, preparing for His Resurrection on Pascha (Easter).
This service is unique in Ukrainian Christianity and remains one of the most beloved and poetic services of Holy Week.
It is a time of deep prayer, reflection, and connection with centuries of Ukrainian ancestors who have chanted these same hymns.
The Jerusalem Matins (Nadhrobne) is celebrated on Holy Saturday morning or late Friday night, following the Great Vespers with the Laying of the Shroud.
It leads the faithful into the mystery of Christ’s descent into Hades, which will culminate in His Resurrection on Easter night.
Opening Prayers and Psalms
The service begins with Psalm 118, a funeral psalm traditionally sung at monastic funerals.
It is chanted slowly, with deep emotion, as the faithful gather around the Shroud (Плащаниця).
Lamentations (Плачі) – Poetic Hymns of Mourning
These are beautiful, sorrowful hymns that describe:
The grief of the Mother of God (Theotokos)
The sadness of the Apostles and the faithful
The mystery of Christ’s descent into Hades
The hymns are chanted antiphonally (alternating choirs), allowing the congregation to fully engage in the sorrow and hope of the moment.
Procession with the Shroud (Похоронний Хід)
The Shroud (Плащаниця) is lifted from the bier and carried in solemn procession around the church.
This represents Christ’s burial procession and His descent into the tomb.
Faithful often kneel as the Shroud passes, showing reverence.
Placing the Shroud in the “Tomb”
After the procession, the Shroud is placed inside the tomb (Гріб), an elaborately decorated structure in the center of the church.
A final prayer is said before the faithful venerate the Shroud, offering personal prayers and petitions.
Many families bring a candle from the church and keep it burning at home as a sign of vigil until Pascha.
In Ukrainian villages, Holy Saturday was observed in near silence, with families speaking softly or not at all to honor Christ’s rest in the tomb.
Strict fasting was practiced, with many eating nothing until the Easter service.
In Ukrainian churches, the Shroud (Плащаниця) is surrounded by flowers and candles, symbolizing the hope of resurrection.
Parishioners kneel or even crawl under the bier as a sign of humility and devotion.
The Jerusalem Matins (“Nadhrobne”) is one of the most mystical, poetic, and profound services in Ukrainian Christian tradition. It is a funeral for Christ, yet it is filled with hidden hope, pointing toward His victory over death.
For Ukrainians, this service has been a cherished moment of Holy Week for centuries, uniting them with their ancestors in the timeless sorrow and joy of Christ’s Passion and Resurrection.
