What is Good Friday, and what is its significance in the Easter Week for Christians?

Good Friday, which marks the day when Jesus Christ was crucified and died in Calvary, falls on the Friday right before Easter. Across the world, Christians observe this solemn day with humility and reverence by remembering the passion and sacrifice of Christ. [caption id=“attachment_3384050” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  The crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Image from Pixabay[/caption] This day is symbolic of the win of good over evil because it is believed that Christ died in 33 AD for the sake of humanity; he bore the sacrifice on behalf of the rest of humankind and is considered the bridge between God and mortals. It is written in gospels that Judas, one of the twelve disciples of Christ, betrayed him for thirty silver coins to the Sanhedrin. Accused of blasphemy, Christ was sentenced to death and crucified with two criminals. During his interrogation by the High Priest, Christ was silent. In the solemn oath, the High Priest asked, ‘I adjure you, by the Living God, to tell us, are you the Anointed One, the Son of God?" of Christ, who replied by saying, “You have said it, and in time you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Almighty, coming on the clouds of Heaven.” Three days later, Christ was resurrected from the dead on Easter Sunday. There are several theories as to why this day has been named so. Some believe that the word ‘good’ is a reference to the holiness of the day, while others argue that the word ‘God’ was used interchangeably with ‘good’ in ancient texts. This day is also called Holy Friday, Great Friday, Black Friday and Easter Friday. Good Friday celebrations are marked by a sombre, sorrowful tone. People spend the day fasting, meditating and remembering Christ through their prayers. Churches hold services but bells are not rung, and churchgoers and priests wear black clothes. The altar and pulpit of the church are left bare, and candles are not lit on this day. The significance of this day lies in the Church’s commemoration of Christ’s arrest, crucifixion, death and eventual resurrection.