GOOD FRIDAY

Introduction

 Good Friday is an important day on the calendar of the Christian community all around the world. Jesus Christ's ultimate sacrifice, his pain and suffering are all remembered during Good Friday. Prayers are held in churches all around the world remembering the sacrifices of Jesus Christ.

Origin

Earlier, only Easter Sunday was celebrated as a holy day by the Christian Church. By the fourth century, each day of the week preceding Easter were established as holy days including Good Friday. It is believed that "Good" represents the good gift of salvation brought forth by martyrdom.

Celebration of Eucharist (Sacrament of Thanksgiving Day) is suspended in accordance with the Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Anglican traditions. Liturgical (Set of Public Religious worship) service involves veneration (respect) of the cross, the Passion narrative from the Gospel of St. John, and communion using bread and wine consecrated on Maundy Thursday, the previous day. Other forms of observance include prayer and meditation at the Stations of the Cross, a succession of 14 images, usually on wooden crosses, depicting Christ's crucifixion and the events leading up to it. From the earliest times the Christians kept every Friday as a feast day. In the Eastern orthodox Churches, it is known as the "Great Friday".