Christians around the country flood churches for Good Friday service

CHRISTIANS around the country filled churches today to observe Good Friday (Holy Friday), in commemoration of the Passion and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Good Friday is the second day of the Sacred Paschal Triduum, and it is the Friday before Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of Jesus.

The Easter triduum began yesterday with Maundy Thursday which commemorates the Last Supper, which Christians consider the institution of Holy Eucharist, also known as the Lord's supper or communion.

Rev Fr. George Harrison from the Church of Divine Mercy washing the feet of a parishioner during the Maundy Thursday service - Facebook Picture, April 18, 2025

During the Maundy Thursday mass, the priest washes the feet of 12 people from the local community, in memory of Christ's washing the feet of his disciples and signifying the continuance of Jesus' message of service and love.

The triduum will culminate with the Easter vigil on Holy Saturday evening and Easter Sunday..

On Holy Saturday, Christians will commemorate the time Jesus's body rested in the tomb before the resurrection.

Easter Sunday marks the resurrection of Jesus three days after his death by crucifixion. For many Christian churches, Easter is the joyful end to the Lenten season of fasting and penitence.

According to Catholic church goers today, the sermon touched on the challenges facing the world and a reminder that God is always present, even in one's darkest moments.

At the Church of the Assumption in Petaling Jaya, Father Leonard Lexson spoke on the deep meaning of the cross and what it symbolises.

"The cross is a symbol of love, and the pain and suffering Jesus endured for all of us by dying on the cross.

"I have noticed individuals reducing the cross to a mere jewellery or a decorative item, with some even using it on their earrings.

"The cross symbolises the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his subsequent resurrection ... the ultimate sacrifice made for the redemption of humanity, and also represents the triumph of life over death," he said.

The service began with the Liturgy of the Word, followed by Holy Communion and the Adoration of the Cross, before the congregation left the church in silence. – April 18, 2025