—also known as Holy Friday, Great Friday or Easter Friday—is observed on the Friday preceding Easter Sunday. This day commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ at Calvary. Considered as one of the oldest Christian holidays, the custom of observing Good Friday is believed to have started since 100 CE.The history and significance of Good Friday is known to all. The story of this holy day originates from Jesus Christ’s crucifixion. According to the Gospels, Judas Iscariot, who was one of the disciples of Lord Jesus, betrayed him and helped a few temple guides to arrest Jesus Christ in exchange of a few silver coins. There were many charges against Lord Jesus, who was arrested for allegedly misleading the masses, claiming to be God’s son and provoking people to rise against the king.He was brought to a high priest named Annas, who sentenced him to death because the interrogation held against the son of God failed to arrive at a favourable conclusion. The next morning, he was produced in front of Pontius Pilate , a Roman governor, who asked Jewish leaders to judge the case of Jesus Christ. However, Roman law did not allow Jewish judiciary to judge a death sentence. Hence, the case was referred to King Herod, who was the ruler of Galilee because Jesus Christ too was a Galilee. However, the case of Jesus Christ was again sent back to Pontius, because King Herod didn’t find the lord guilty.Meanwhile, Pontius was about to release Jesus Christ because Pontius’ wife had a dream the night before about the righteous man. Unfortunately, the Christ was charged with another mistake by a priest. The priest demanded that Jesus Christ should be sentenced to death because he claimed to be God’s son. A scared Pontius although declared Jesus as innocent but he handed Jesus for crucifixion because Pontius was scared of the high priests and didn’t wanted to lose his job. Following his orders, Jesus Christ was crucified and as soon it was done the whole land was engulfed in darkness, there was a massive earthquake as the son of God gave up his spirit and when a large cry escaped his lips, the curtains of the temple was torn to pieces. It was then it was declared that he was truly God’s son. This all happened on a Friday which is now observed as Good Friday.Meanwhile, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a secret follower of the Christ requested Pontius to hand over the body of Jesus Christ. One of his followers Nicodemus wrapped the Christ’s body with a mixture of spices like an embalm and on the third day, which is celebrated as Easter Sunday, the son of God rose from the dead."Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone but in every leaf in springtime." – Martin Luther"Stoning prophets and erecting churches to their memory afterwards has been the way of the world through the ages. Today we worship Christ, but the Christ in the flesh we crucified." – Mahatma Gandhi"For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day. "– Mark 9:31"Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee." -Isaiah 60:1-2"Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." -John 11:25-26"Good Friday marks the slaying of our Jesus. The unblemished lamb, the perfect sacrifice. He took our guilt and blame upon Himself so we could be with Him in paradise."-Anonymous(Source: giphy.com)(Source: giphy.com)(Source: giphy.com)(Source: giphy.com)(Source: giphy.com)
Good Friday 2018 is a widely instituted holiday around the world.
Good Friday will be celebrated across the world on March 30 this year and is a a widely instituted legal holiday around the world, including India. Good Friday holds special significance for the Christian community as it commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is followed by Easter that marks the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. The death of Jesus symbolises the death and forgiveness for all of mankind's sins, with Jesus taking the ultimate sacrifice for the good of all humans. For Christians across the world, Good Friday is observed as a day for solemn mourning. The day is spent fasting, in prayer and repentance on the suffering of Jesus.
To commemorate Good Friday, processions are organised by churches around the world to educate people and draw their attention to the day when Jesus died for humanity. Some churches also hold meditation services and remove all the decorations from the statues. For years, most Christians refuse to eat meat on Good Friday.
2018 Good Friday: It's a day of solemn mourning.
One of the most important Good Friday symbol is the crucifix, or cross, which represents the way in which Jesus died. Other symbols of Good Friday include black cloth used to cover the cross, paintings and statues in churches and some homes to signify mourning.
Good Friday is celebrated across the world.
While in German, the day is called Karfreitag, which means "Sorrowful Friday." In English, the term "Good" is debated. Some believe it developed from an older name, "God's Friday" and the word "Good" in Good Friday means holy or pious. It is also known as Holy Friday, Great Friday, and Black Friday.
1 / 23
Good Friday is a solemn day commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. Christians around the world observe this day with great humility and reverence. Observed on the Friday preceding Easter Sunday, people honour and remember the passion and suffering through which Jesus went through. Also known as Great Friday, Holy Friday or Black Friday, many Christians spend the day fasting and is a day of mourning. Click through to see how Christians all over the world are observing this Holy week. (Source: AP)
Larantuka – the Catholic heart of Indonesia – is near Kupang in Flores, at the far east of the archipelago. An estimated 6,000 Catholic pilgrims visit for the religious festival of Semana Santa – a period that begins on Ash Wednesday and reaches its crescendo on Good Friday. The town boasts three religious statues that washed up on its shores in mysterious circumstances in the 1500s
