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→Vespers on Good Friday
Near the end of the service, the priest and deacon, accompanied by [[acolyte]]s with candles and incense, bring the Epitaphios in procession from the Holy Table into the center of the church and place it on a table which is often richly decorated for that purpose. [http://www.saintelias.com/foto/big/gtfrivespsermon.jpg] The Gospel Book is laid on top of the epitaphios. In some Greek churches, an elaborately carved canopy stands over the Epitaphios. This [[bier]] or catafalque represents the Tomb of Christ. The Tomb is often sprinkled with flower petals and rosewater, decorated with candles, [http://xeniteia.typepad.com/photos/orthodoxy_in_korea/epi.html] and ceremonially censed as a mark of respect. The bells of the church are tolled, and in traditionally Orthodox countries, flags are lowered to half-mast. Then the priest and faithful venerate the Epitaphios as the choir chants hymns. In Slavic churches, the service of [[Compline]] will be served next, during which a special [[Canon]] will be chanted which recalls the lamentations of the Theotokos.
The faithful continue to visit the tomb and venerate the Epitaphios throughout the afternoon and evening, until [[Matins]] -- which is usually served in the evening during Holy Week, so that the largest number of people can attend. The form which the veneration of the epitaphios takes will vary between ethnic traditions. Some will make three [[prostrationsprostration]]s, then kiss the image of Christ on the Epitaphios and the Gospel Book, and then make three more prostrations. Sometimes, the faithful will crawl under the table on which the Epitaphios has been placed, as though entering into death with Christ. Others may simply light a candle and/or say a short prayer with bowed head.
The priest may hear [[confession]]s at the Epitaphios, and he may anoint people who were not able to be present for the [[Unction]] service earlier in the week.