Good Friday is observed by various Christian denominations around the world to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. While the basic beliefs and practices surrounding Good Friday are shared by all Christian denominations, the specific ways in which the holiday is observed can vary depending on the denomination.
Here are some examples of how different Christian denominations observe Good Friday:
- Roman Catholic Church: The Roman Catholic Church observes Good Friday as a day of fasting and abstinence. The church holds a special service called the “Celebration of the Lord’s Passion” in which the passion of Christ is commemorated with the reading of the gospel accounts of Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion. This is followed by the Veneration of the Cross, in which the faithful are invited to come forward and kiss a wooden cross.
- Anglican Church: The Anglican Church observes Good Friday with a service called the “Liturgy of Good Friday,” which includes the reading of the passion narrative and the veneration of the cross. The service may also include the recitation of the Solemn Collects, a series of prayers for the church, the world, and the needs of all people.
- Methodist Church: The Methodist Church observes Good Friday with a service called the “Three Hours’ Devotion,” which is a three-hour service of prayer, scripture reading, and meditation on the passion of Christ. The service may also include the singing of hymns and the veneration of the cross.
- Baptist Church: The Baptist Church observes Good Friday with a service called the “Service of Darkness,” which is a somber service of scripture reading and reflection on the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion. The service may include the singing of hymns and the veneration of the cross.
- Pentecostal Church: The Pentecostal Church observes Good Friday with a somber service that includes scripture readings, hymns, and reflection on the passion of Christ. The service may also include the recitation of the Solemn Reproaches and the veneration of the cross.
- Adventist Church: The Adventist Church observes Good Friday with a service of scripture readings, hymns, and reflection on the passion of Christ. The service may include the recitation of the Seven Last Words of Christ and the veneration of the cross. Some Adventist churches also hold a service of Tenebrae on Good Friday.
You might be wondering why Jehovah Witness is not on the list, here is why:
Jehovah’s Witnesses do not consider Good Friday to be a religious holiday. They refer to it as “the day of preparation” for the annual commemoration of Jesus’ death, which they call the “Memorial of Christ’s Death.”
They hold this commemoration on the anniversary of Jesus’ death, usually after sunset. During the service, they gather at Kingdom Halls to commemorate Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross with scripture readings, prayers, hymns, and a talk that focuses on the significance of Jesus’ death.
These are just a few examples of how different Christian denominations observe Good Friday. Regardless of the specific practices, the overarching theme of Good Friday is one of solemnity, reflection, and remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.