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What is Christian Holiday Good Friday?

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Man praying on Christian Holiday Good Friday-min

Even though it is known as Good Friday, it does not refer to a favorable moment.

Good Friday is the day the Roman soldiers put to death and crucified Jesus Christ.

Happily, after Good Friday, Christians celebrated Easter Sunday. Easter Sunday is the day Jesus resurrected.

So, what is Good Friday and why do Christians call it “Good” when it is a dark event?

What is Christian Holiday Good Friday?

Just like Christmas, Good Friday is another great Christian holiday celebrated across the world.

According to Christianity, Good Friday is a Christian feast that honors the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ at Calvary.

Thus, it is a feast to mark the crucifixion, suffering, and death of Jesus Christ.

It is a vital day that is observed during the Holy Week.

We also known good Friday as Great and Holy Friday, Holy Friday, Black Friday, and Holy or Great Friday.

Many Christian denominations, including Anglican, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Methodist, and many others, mark the day with church services.

They sometimes know these church services as solemn services since they reflect the suffering that Jesus Christ went through to save humankind.

Good Friday is a legal holiday in many countries around the world.

Some countries, such as Germany, prohibit certain acts such as dancing and horse racing on Good Friday.

What is the meaning of Good Friday?

Some people believe they should refer the day Jesus died to as bad Friday instead of Good Friday.

Actually, in some countries, such as Germany, the day is referred to as Karfreitag or Sorrowful Friday.

However, Good Friday is a good day because the suffering and death of Jesus Christ marked God’s plan to save His people from sins.

It is the day that Christians all over the world mark crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ on the Cross.

It is good news because Jesus’ death and resurrection bring relief and salvation.

According to the bible, Jesus died and was resurrected three days later.

We know the day Jesus resurrected as Easter Sunday, which marks the end of Lent season.

Christians believe that Jesus Christ was crucified at Calvary on Good Friday.

Although the day was terrible because of the suffering that Jesus had to go through, it brought hope to humanity.

God poured his anger against sin on Jesus to forgive and save humanity.

Without suffering and bloodshed on the cross, there could be no forgiveness or salvation.

Good Friday is the day when anger and mercy met at the cross.

Therefore, Good Friday is dark and good.

When is Good Friday celebrated?

Good Friday is a festival celebrated by all Christians all over the world.

Every year, Good Friday lands on Friday the feast of Easter Sunday.

Churches hold church services or mass services around noon or 3 PM.

This is the time we believe they hung Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary.

Also, Christians continue observing their Lent fast practices on Good Friday.

Fasting ends on Saturday night, before Easter Sunday.

How is Good Friday celebrated?

To all Christians, Good Friday is a day for repenting sins and mourning the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.

It is a day to focus on the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ.

Christians around the world observe Good Friday in similar fashions.

Some things done on Good Friday include:

  • Fasting and praying at the church.
  • Church services or mass services are held all over the world.
  • They hold Church services in the afternoon or around 3 pm; this is the time they crucified Jesus on the cross.
  • Some churches remember the death of Jesus Christ by re-doing the process at the cross in ceremonies.
  • Several countries such as Spain, Italy, and many South American countries take part in parades.
  • In Jerusalem, followers of Christ follow Jesus’ footsteps and walk the same path Jesus followed on His way to Calvary.
  • Some Christians bear the same weight Jesus did by carrying crosses just like Jesus did.

Some countries where Christians celebrate Good Friday in large numbers include the USA, Italy, Spain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Ireland, United Kingdom, and many African countries.

Other countries include Ecuador, the Philippines, Singapore, Peru, Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Brazil, Chile, and the Caribbean.

How do churches observe Good Friday?

Good Friday is a famous Christian holiday that is celebrated in almost every part of the world.

In countries where Christianity is the dominant religion, Good Friday is a public holiday.

Roman Catholic

Good Friday is an important day in the Catholic Church.

Here, Good Friday is known as a day of fasting. Congregates believe in not eating that day.

Also, there are mass services during Good Friday. The mass service takes place at noon or before 3 PM.

There are also acts of reparation for insults and sufferings that Jesus suffered on Good Friday.

Anglican Communion

Although there is no specific rite observed on Good Friday, Anglican churches across the world have church services.

Some people are baptized or confirmed on Good Friday.

Lutheran Church

Good Friday is among the most important feasts of the Lutheran Church.

Good Friday is among the larger sweep of the great three days–Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Vigil of Easter.

Lutherans fast on Good Friday and there are church services as well.

Methodist Church

Many Methodist denominations celebrate Good Friday with Fasting and a church service of worship.

The church service starts at noon and ends at 3 PM. They believe Jesus died on the cross at 3 PM.

Other churches

The Moravian church, Reformed churches, and others hold different church services to celebrate Good Friday.

Summary

Good Friday is a famous Christian holiday celebrated in many countries across the world.

Since it is mainly a public holiday, Christians attend church services in large numbers.

It is an important feast because it commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ in Calvary.

It is also the day that introduces Easter Sunday. Easter Sunday is a Christian Holiday where Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.