Christians Observe Good Friday

Friday is Good Friday, when Christians solemnly commemorate the day when Jesus suffered and died on the cross.

In some churches, a wooden cross is set up and people spend time meditating before it. Other people make the Stations of the Cross, a devotion that recalls the journey of Jesus on the Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrows) in Jerusalem to Calvary, where he was crucified.

Many Christians keep this devotion but also see in the suffering of Jesus a reminder to be more concerned for the suffering of people in Friday’s world. For many Christians, Good Friday is also a day of fasting and penance.

Catholics traditionally mark the day with fasting, penance and reflection on Jesus’ death.

For Christians, the week preceding Easter Sunday is full of significant events.

Known as Holy Week, the week preceding Easter begins with Palm Sunday and ends with Holy Saturday, the day preceding Easter Sunday. Holy Week commemorates different events that unfolded over the final days of Jesus Christ’s life.

Holy Week is immediately followed by Easter Sunday which marks the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which Christians believe occurred within days of his crucifixion and burial.