Good Friday
Good Friday
Good Friday commemorates Jesus' crucifixion ©
The most important events in Christianity are the death and later resurrection of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the Son of God, and whose life and teachings are the foundation of Christianity.
Good Friday is the Friday before Easter. It commemorates the execution of Jesus by crucifixion.
Good Friday is a day of mourning in church. During special Good Friday services Christians meditate on Jesus' suffering and death on the cross, and what this means for their faith.
In some countries, there are special Good Friday processions, or re-enactments of the Crucifixion.
The main service on Good Friday takes place between midday and 3pm. In many churches it takes the form of a meditation based on the seven last words of Jesus on the cross, with hymns, prayers, and short sermons.
The last words from the cross
The Bible quotes seven last sentences that Jesus spoke from the Cross.
Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.Luke 23:34
Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.Luke 23:43
Woman, here is your son... Here is your motherJohn 19:26
Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani? (My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?)Mark 15:34
I am thirstyJohn 19:28
It is finishedJohn 19:30
Father, into your hands I commend my spiritLuke 23:46
The seven last words have inspired a number of composers, including Schutz, Haydn, Dubois, and James MacMillan.