On the occasion of Good Friday, PM Modi conveyed his heartfelt wishes, recognizing the significance of the day in the Christian faith. Good Friday marks the solemn observance of the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ at Calvary, a central event in Christianity commemorated during Holy Week as part of the Paschal Triduum.
In his statement, PM Modi emphasized the importance of reflecting on the profound sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the profound lessons it imparts to humanity. He expressed his hope that everyone would find strength and inspiration in the teachings of compassion and forgiveness exemplified by Jesus’ life and teachings.
Good Friday holds immense significance for millions of Christians worldwide, who observe the day with fasting, prayer, and attending church services. Various denominations, including Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, and others, participate in rituals and ceremonies to honor the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Among the traditions observed on Good Friday is the Service of the Great Three Hours’ Agony, held in many Lutheran, Anglican, and Methodist churches, symbolizing the time of darkness covering the land until Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross. Additionally, members of the Moravian Church engage in the tradition of cleaning gravestones in Moravian cemeteries as part of their observance.
The date of Good Friday varies each year according to the Gregorian and Julian calendars, reflecting the disagreement between Eastern and Western Christianity over the computation of the date of Easter. Nevertheless, Good Friday is widely recognized as a legal holiday in numerous countries, including most Western nations and several U.S. states.
In countries where Good Friday is a public holiday, solemnity prevails, with certain activities restricted to honor the somber nature of the occasion. For instance, Germany has laws prohibiting public dancing and horse racing as a mark of respect for Good Friday’s significance.
As people across the globe observe Good Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message serves as a reminder of the universal values of compassion, forgiveness, and empathy that resonate across cultures and faiths, fostering harmony and understanding in society.
