GOOD FRIDAY

Good Friday is observed by Christians as a day of solemn remembrance and reflection on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is part of the Holy Week, which commemorates the events leading up to Jesus' death and resurrection, as recounted in the New Testament of the Bible.

The observance of Good Friday serves several purposes:

• Good Friday is a time for Christians to remember and reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, according to Christian belief, willingly suffered and died on the cross to atone for the sins of humanity. It is considered the culmination of Jesus' earthly ministry and the fulfillment of God's plan for salvation
• Good Friday provides an opportunity for believers to engage in prayer, meditation, and spiritual reflection. It is a day for introspection, repentance, and gratitude for the love and mercy demonstrated through Jesus' sacrifice
• Good Friday has been observed by Christians for centuries as a significant day in the liturgical calendar. Churches around the world hold special services and ceremonies, including the Stations of the Cross, readings from the Scriptures, hymns, and prayers, to commemorate the passion and death of Jesus Christ
• Good Friday is a unifying experience for Christians of various denominations, as they come together to remember and commemorate the central event of their faith. It serves as a reminder of the common bond shared by believers in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ
• Good Friday is also a time of preparation for Easter Sunday, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. By observing Good Friday with reverence and solemnity, Christians prepare themselves spiritually to fully experience the joy and hope of Easter.

3. Why is it called ‘Good’ Friday?

Good Friday, along with Easter Sunday and other movable feast days in the Christian calendar, does not have a fixed date each year. Instead, its date varies from year to year. The reason for this is rooted in the way Easter is calculated, which in turn determines the date of Good Friday.

Here's why the dates for Good Friday differ every year:

• Based on the Lunar Calendar: The date of Easter, and consequently Good Friday, is determined by the lunar calendar. Specifically, it is based on the timing of the full moon following the vernal equinox (the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere).

• Council of Nicaea: In 325 AD, the Council of Nicaea established a standardized method for calculating the date of Easter. It was determined that Easter would fall on the Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox.

• Eastern vs. Western Churches: While both Eastern and Western Christian churches follow the same method for calculating Easter, they use different calendars. The Eastern Orthodox Church uses the Julian calendar for determining the date of Easter, while most Western churches, including Roman Catholic and Protestant denominations, use the Gregorian calendar.

• Occurrence of the Equinox and Full Moon: Because the vernal equinox and the phases of the moon do not align precisely with the Gregorian calendar, the date of Easter fluctuates from year to year. Easter can occur as early as March 22nd or as late as April 25th.

• Computus: The process of calculating the date of Easter is known as "computus." It involves complex astronomical and calendrical calculations to determine the timing of the equinox and the full moon. Church authorities perform these calculations each year to establish the date of Easter and, consequently, Good Friday

• Many Christians attend special church services on Good Friday. These services often include readings from the biblical accounts of Jesus' passion and death, such as the Gospel narratives of the Crucifixion. Hymns, prayers, and reflections are also part of the service, focusing on the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and the meaning of the cross
• In some Christian traditions, a ceremony known as the "Veneration of the Cross" is held on Good Friday. During this ceremony, a cross or crucifix is displayed prominently in the church, and worshippers may come forward to kiss or touch the cross as an act of reverence and devotion
• The Stations of the Cross, also known as the Way of the Cross or Via Dolorosa, are a series of images or sculptures depicting the events of Jesus' crucifixion and death. Many churches have stations set up for worshippers to pray and meditate on each stage of Jesus' journey to the cross
• Good Friday is often observed as a day of fasting and abstinence in many Christian traditions. Some believers abstain from meat or certain foods, while others may refrain from eating altogether for a portion of the day, particularly during the hours traditionally associated with Jesus' crucifixion
• Good Friday is a day of quiet reflection and solemnity, marked by a subdued atmosphere in churches and among believers. Many Christians observe periods of silence or engage in personal prayer and meditation as they contemplate the significance of Jesus' sacrifice
• Some Christians use Good Friday as an opportunity to perform acts of compassion and service in their communities. This may include volunteering at homeless shelters, visiting the sick or elderly, or engaging in other forms of charitable work as a way of embodying the spirit of Christ's selfless love