Fridays Are Always Good,
But This Friday is Especially Good

Good Friday, the Friday of Holy Week in the calendar of the Christian churches, is set apart to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus. This year we have a5 weelk long difference between Catholics and Orthodox Churches.

The formula for Greek Orthodox Easter "Pascha" is:
First Sunday after fool moon after Veranl Equinox.

The earliest name for this day, “Pascha,” refers to the Jewish Passover celebrated at this time. In the beginning the day’s observances grew out of this Jewish Passover custom of keeping “the days of unleavened bread” from the fourteenth to the twenty-first Nisan. Other names were: “Day of the Lord’s Passion,” Day of the Absolution,” and “Day of the Cross.” The name “Good Friday” is a peculiarly English expression. It reflects the joy of completed redemption and protests against superstitious notions that all Fridays are “unlucky” and that this particular Friday must be shrouded in funeral gloom. Although, it is more probably derived from a corruption of “God’s Friday.” It was called “Long Friday” by the Saxons and Danes, apparently in allusion to the long services held on that day in the churches. In medieval days, notably in Spain, the churches were closed on this day as a sign of mourning.

Good Friday Worship Services reflect the character of solemn, restrained praise. The church services held today, on Good Friday, differ but slightly from each other. In all, are read or chanted the Scriptures relating to the Passion of Christ, most using the Gospel of John chapters 18:1 through 19:42. Many have Tre Ore Services that last for three hours, from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 pm. The Tre Ore Services are usually composed of a Good Friday Litany, the reading of the Passion according to St. John, sermons on the Passion or the Seven Last Words of Jesus on the Cross, and the Bidding Prayer. The germ of the Bidding Prayer may be found in the worship of the Jewish synagogue, where prayers were offered for members of the Jewish community and their needs. The early Christians expanded the idea. Justin Martyr in the second century speaks of such a prayer as the "Deacon’s Litany " or the "Prayer of the Faithful." The text of today's Bidding Prayer probably dates from the time of Leo the Great in the fifth century.

The Holy Flame

Watch the vidoes of the Holy Saturday celebrations 2007 in Jerusalem

Kindly Regards

Your Community
Georgios

Dear Georgios,

I did not know that Easter celebrations could be so impressive in Greece. I have just listened to the wonderful music by Irene Papas and the experience has been unforgettable.

Here is a very modest contribution by myself to your forum. At the time I painted it, some years ago, I was feeling most intensely the spirit of Easter and the glorious Resurrection of our Lord.

Thank you,

Luis Miguel Goitizolo