Good Friday 2025: The Day of Sacrifice, Love, and Redemption
📅 Date:
18th April 2025 (Friday)
📍 Celebrated in:
Across the world, especially in Christian-majority countries like –
Italy, Spain, the USA, the Philippines, the UK, India (Goa, Nagaland, Kerala, etc.)
🔎 What is Good Friday?
Good Friday is a highly sacred day in Christianity, observed to remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
It marks the remembrance of His suffering, sacrifice, and the love He showed for humanity. It is also known as Passion Friday or Holy Friday.
📜 History and Religious Significance
According to Christian belief, Jesus Christ was crucified by Jewish rulers and Romans because He showed people the path of love, forgiveness, and truth.
By sacrificing His life, He atoned for the sins of humankind.
On the third day, which is Easter Sunday, His resurrection took place.
🙏 How is Good Friday Observed?
🕊️ Worship and Prayer:
Special prayers, silent worship, and the veneration of the ‘Cross’ are held in churches.
It is customary to wear black clothes — a symbol of mourning and reflection.
📖 Bible Reading:
The Seven Last Words of Jesus are read.
“Stations of the Cross” — the 14 stages of the Cross — are depicted in processions in churches.
🍞 Fasting and Abstinence:
Most Christians observe a fast on this day or have only one light meal.
Meat is avoided.
🌍 How is it Celebrated Around the World?
🇮🇳 In India:
In states like Goa, Kerala, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, etc., it is a public holiday.
Churches hold processions, dramatic Passion Plays depicting Christ’s sacrifice, and silent prayers.
🇵🇭 In the Philippines:
People engage in acts of penance like whipping themselves or carrying crosses to feel Jesus’ suffering.
🇮🇹 In Italy and Spain:
Special processions take place, with participants dressed in black and carrying crosses, Bible figures, and more.
🌅 Why is Good Friday Called “Good”?
Though this day commemorates a tragic event, it is called “Good” in Christian belief because Jesus’ sacrifice became the path to salvation and redemption for humanity.
Good Friday is not just a religious observance but a symbol of sacrifice, love, and forgiveness. This day teaches us that after darkness, light comes, and the sacrifices made for truth are never in vain.
- Religion World Bureau
