By tradition, the Good Friday service is held at noon, the hour of Jesus’s death by crucifixion. The service is somber, and lengthy. The saddest hymns are sung, the Passion is recalled in all its details, the choir and clergy come and go with a silence that is abnormal and spooky.
Images of Jesus above the altar are shrouded in lengths of purple or deep red, symbolic of a dramatic absence.
At St James Episcopal, a large empty wooden cross was brought forward to be venerated. Individuals lined up to kneel and kiss the cross or pray silently, ritually recalling an event whose significance has endured across the millennia, creating a faith that has been contested even as it has reshaped human society.
After a service of two hours, the church began to empty of worshippers, though some remained to pray. Others stepped in off the street, silent observers of one of Christianity’s most holy days.
Janet says
In this respect, the Catholic and Episcopal churches are alike. I participated in our Good Friday service that was just as you explained. Somber and deeply prayerful.
Celia says
Yes.
harley says
Yes, Good Friday is sure a somber Holiday. I’ve been to a few Good Friday Services at noon and sure enough as you described the singing and much of the ceremony I found to be very sad and heavy.
Celia says
It’s mournful, it’s true. Death has its day, in a ritual remembrance that makes way for rebirth.