The History of Good Friday

A cross on an Orthodox Church in Russia.

Good Friday is the day in the Christian calendar devoted to the remembrance of the death of Jesus. It is the second of the three days known as the "Triduum." The tone and style of worship on Good Friday reflects its solemnity: biblical texts from the Passion are read, churches are darkened, and in many traditions, the cross is unveiled for adoration. The history of Good Friday explains the origins of many of these practices.

Early History

For the first three centuries of Christian history, every Friday was established as a day to commemorate Jesus' sacrificial death. (The memory of this continues in many liturgical churches, as for instance in the Roman Catholic tradition of abstaining from meat on Fridays.) During this time period, the Mass evolved as a combination of elements of the Jewish synagogue service with the heraldry of the Roman Empire.

Etymology

Beginning in the fourth century, the Friday before Easter began to receive special status, which is why it was called "Great" Friday--as in, the greatest Friday of the church year. It was also known as Holy Friday, Long Friday and Sorrowful Friday.

Monastic Developments

Over the next 500 years, European monasteries developed the basic structure of the Good Friday service as it has come to be practiced. This begins with a Thursday night vigil (or Matins,) during which the Eucharist is set aside ("reserved") and the Passion narrative from the Gospel of John is read. This part of the service concludes with a Friday afternoon ("None") rite centering on the unveiling and adoration of the cross.

The Reserved Eucharist

A procession may follow from the altar to the Garden of Repose, from which is taken the Eucharist reserved from the night before. In the Roman Catholic Church, only the celebrant receives this communion, while in other liturgical denominations (such as the Church of England,) the entire congregation is invited to receive.

Protestant Churches

Since the era of the Roman Catholic and Protestant Reformations of the 16th century, the Good Friday service has continued to evolve to meet the pastoral needs of churches. In the Anglican Communion, Good Friday is often centered on Christ's seven last words from the cross. Other liturgical traditions, including Lutherans, Methodists and Moravians, observe Good Friday by celebrating Holy Communion.

References

• The Catholic Encyclopedia
• ShareFaith: Good Friday