Welcome to St. Ignatius!
Welcome to the website of Saint Ignatius Antiochian Orthodox Church. We are an Orthodox Christian parish community from all walks of life, age groups and imperfections located in Mesa, Arizona. Whether you are a guest, an inquirer, or a visitor from another parish, we are pleased you are here! The purpose of our web site is to introduce you to our parish community, and to provide you with a brief overview of the Orthodox Church and her historic faith. Our priest, Fr. James Coles is also personally available to answer any questions you may have about Orthodox Christianity, or about your spiritual experience, or personal faith journey. Read more >> Great and Holy Friday: The Crucifixion of our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ (April 2) |  
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"When Joseph of Arimathea took Thee, the life of all, down from the Tree dead, he buried Thee with myrrh and fine linen . . . rejoicing. Glory to Thy humiliation, O Master, who clothest Thyself with light as it were with a garment." On Great and Holy Friday the Orthodox Church commemorates the death of Christ on the Cross. This is the culmination of the observance of His Passion by which our Lord suffered and died for our sins. This commemoration begins on Thursday evening with the Matins of Holy Friday and concludes with a Vespers on Friday afternoon that observes the unnailing of Christ from the Cross and the placement of His body in the tomb.
Today, He is suspended on a Tree, Who suspended the earth over the waters. A crown of thorns was placed on the head of the King of angels. He Who wore a false purple robe, covered the heavens with clouds. He was smitten Who, in the Jordan, delivered Adam. The Groom of the Church was fastened with nails, and the Son of the Virgin was pierced with a spear. The suffering we adore, O Christ. Make us to behold Thy glorious Resurrection. (Fifteenth Antiphon of Great and Holy Friday in Tone 6) Another icon that depicts the events of Holy Friday is known as the Epitaphios Thrinos. In this icon, Christ has been taken off of the Cross, and His body is being prepared for burial. Shown around the body and mourning His death are His mother, the Theotokos and Virgin Mary, John the beloved disciple, Joseph of Arimathea, and Mary Magdelene.
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