By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
Christians across the world including Nigeria are today observing the most significant day in Christendom, Good Friday as the day when the man Jesus Christ died on the cross for humanity so that He could save them from their sins.
The day is observed as a public holiday in various countries including Nigeria, India, Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany.
Others are Australia, The Holy Sea (Rome), USA, Bermuda, Brazil, Finland, Malta, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore and Sweden among others.
In Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Christians of all denomination especially the orthodox Catholic and Anglican churches are organising midday services at different churches to commemorate the 2024 Good Friday.
For Christians, it is the most sorrowful, sombre and sacred day of the year and is also referred as Holy Friday, Great Friday, Black Friday or Easter Friday as the etymology of the term ‘good’ in Good Friday is contested in various circles where some say ‘good’ means holy while others say that it is a modification of ‘God Friday’ but many believe it is an appropriate term since it denotes that Christ suffered and died for his people.
Also, It commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death in the cavalry. Also known as Holy Friday, Great Friday or Black Friday, the festival is preceded by Maundy Thursday and followed by Holy Saturday.
Prompt News reports that in some traditions, church bells are rung slowly and solemnly on Good Friday, and they remain silent until Easter Sunday called the Resurrection, when Jesus Christ rose from the dead.
In other areas, parades are held in which hymns are sung and prayers offered while open air plays, depicting the last hours of Jesus Christ, are also organised by some communities.
