On Good Friday, April 30, 2021, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II presided over the Midday Service of the Friday of Passion at St. George Patriarchal Cathedral in Bab Touma.

The service was attended by His Eminence Archbishop Mor Anthimos Jack Yakoub, Patriarchal Vicar for Youth Affairs and Christian Education, as well as the priests and monks of the patriarchate.

His Holiness held the cross on his shoulder in a procession inside the Cathedral in remembrance of the Lord Jesus Christ’s carrying the Cross from Pilate’s palace to the Golgotha. During the procession, the clergy chanted hymns expressing sorrow and melancholy.

As His Holiness was reading the reading from the Holy Gospel, the left candle (symbolizing the thief crucified to the left) was put out. This service represents one of the stages of the crucifixion and is celebrated on Midday as a symbol of when the Lord Jesus was judged.