Good Friday / The Epitaph Procession in Korça — Hundreds of Believers Take Part

On the afternoon of Good Friday, the city of Korça was filled with a solemn and spiritual atmosphere, as numerous Orthodox believers — along with visitors from various cities across the country — gathered to take part in the traditional ceremony of passing under the epitaph, one of the most significant rites of Holy Week.

In the central square, in front of the majestic “Resurrection of Christ” Cathedral, the epitaphs of six local churches came together. This powerful moment created a rare and moving scene of unity, as hundreds of people gathered with reverence and devotion to follow the procession. Accompanied by the melancholic sounds of church hymns and shared prayers, the ceremony deeply reflected the remembrance of Christ’s suffering and sacrifice.

The Epitaph procession, representing the symbolic tomb of Christ, began at the cathedral and continued along the city's main boulevards, stopping at several symbolic locations for moments of prayer.

This year, the procession was led by Father Ilia Kotnani, as His Grace, Bishop Joani — who previously played a central role in this ceremony — was recently appointed Archbishop of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania.

“KORÇA BOOM”