One of the most significant holidays observed by Christians worldwide is known as “Holy Friday.” It is the Friday following Easter Sunday, which commemorates Lord Jesus’ or Jesus Christ’s crucifixion. People remember Jesus Christ’s passion, or suffering, and death on the cross on this day. Fasting, prayer, confession, and reflection on Christ’s agony and suffering are celebrated on Good Friday.
According to the Gregorian calendar, Good Friday is a significant Christian holiday celebrated annually in April. This day marks the day that Jesus Christ died on the cross at the Roman Calvary. Some well-known traditions associated with this day include participating in church services and fasting on this day.
After the death of Jesus Christ, this day actually serves as a day of mourning. This article discusses significant information regarding Good Friday in 2023, including its significance, upcoming date, and observance, among other things. On April 7, 2023, Good Friday will be observed this year. Read on for more information.
Christians all over the world celebrate Good Friday as a religious holiday as part of Holy Week. This is the day of mourning because Jesus died for the sins of His children, the people, so that they could be freed from their sins and the agony of their lives.
History of Good Friday
Christians remember the day that Jesus Christ died on Good Friday. The “Last Supper” commemorates an important event. Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane at night after having his last meal with his disciples. While his followers slept nearby, Jesus Christ spent his last hours praying to the Father. Jesus Christ already knew that his death would be one of the cruelest in human history and would cleanse the world of sin.
One of Lord Jesus’ followers betrayed him for just thirty silver coins. He was detained and taken to the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. He was then sent to Herod, who was at the time in Jerusalem. He was returned to Pontius Pilate after refusing to respond to Herod.
Even though there were no serious allegations against Lord Jesus, the general public had a negative opinion of him and wanted to put him to death. In Calvary, he was brutally attacked and nailed to a crucifix. He succumbed after a battle for six hours between life and death. Good Friday commemorates this day on which he died for humanity.
Significance of Good Friday
A day of mourning is Good Friday, also known as Holy Friday and Black Friday. Christians worldwide observe the day. Jesus is reputed to have suffered and died to atone for human sin. As a result, it is customary to ask for forgiveness on this day.
People pray to be freed from their lives’ agony, pain, and suffering. The end of all sins is also symbolized by Jesus’ death, according to Christian beliefs. It demonstrates that the possibility of a new beginning exists following the eradication of all sins, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday.
The sins of humans had been washed away by the blood of an immortal soul, allowing them to live happily ever after. We are reminded on Good Friday of the love that the Lord has for humans, a love that prompted him to send his own Son, Jesus, to forgive their sins and end their past karma. As he was being tortured, humiliated, and forced to carry his own crucifix, Jesus questioned God, his father, about why he had abandoned him. He was then hung between thieves and murderers. The criminal’s legs are typically broken by Roman soldiers, but when the soldiers got close to Jesus, he was already dead.
How it is observed
People typically spend time meditating, praying, and abstaining from celebrations on Good Friday to reflect on God’s love for humanity. A black cloth is typically draped over statues in many churches to symbolize mourning. On this day, a lot of people also wear black dresses. Only one meal is eaten each day and strict fasting is followed. Prayers fill the entire day, and meat is typically avoided. By 3 a.m., churches would begin their midnight mass and move through the town in a procession.
On Good Friday, a lot of people fast and go to religious services. In honor of Jesus Christ’s suffering, churches perform special rituals and silence their bells in mourning.
Maudy Thursday comes before Good Friday, and Holy Saturday comes after it. The Three Hours Agony service is held on this day.