How to Celebrate Good Friday

Last Updated: May 20, 2022 Approved

If you are a Christian, and you believe that the Lord Jesus Christ Is the Eternal Son Of God, and that He died for all your sins, then for you, Good Friday is the most sorrowful, the most solemn, and yet, one of the holiest days of the entire year.

Indeed, it is not a day for celebration, it is a day for observing.

Steps

1
Visit your local church.
- For Roman Catholics: There is no mass on Good Friday; however, there is usually a service with Holy Communion. Pray before the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. The Holy Rosary is especially good prayer for Good Friday.
- In addition to Holy Mass, many Churches may also have the Stations of the Cross, which may like to attend.
2
Some Christian communities (Catholic and others) hold Passion Plays, which you might like to attend, or perhaps, even participate, or organize.
- If in the event you are hosting guests, you may offer them afternoon tea, with some 'hot cross buns.' These are sticky fruit buns, with some dough at the top, in the shape of a cross. You may have it toasted, or plain.
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3
Alternatively, some people fast on Good Friday. Some people refrain from eating at all, and some people eat very lightly. If you are still growing, it might be a good idea to eat lightly. See the section for Byzantine Christians below.
4
At 3:00 PM, if you don't go to Mass, stop what you are doing.and pray, if possible. Traditionally, Jesus died on the cross at this time.
5
Throughout the day, reflect on the death of Jesus. It is the whole idea of Good Friday.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

For Byzantine Christians

1
Byzantine Catholics are required to fast from all meat and dairy products (eggs included). Orthodox should check the rules of their eparchy.
2
Attend Matins with the reading of the Twelve Passion Gospels and the Entombment Vespers.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

For Protestants, and all others

1
There are many different traditions held by each of the other Christian denominations. The best way to learn what those are is to ask your pastor, minister, priest, or church leader.

Community Q&A

Question

How can someone die for 3 days and then come back to life? It's not possible.

Community Answer

Jesus was God. As it says in Luke 1:37, "For nothing will be impossible with God.”
Question

Do corporations let their employees out early on Good Friday?

Community Answer

Depends on where you live. In the United States, most of them don't. The only religious holiday that is observed by secular US businesses is Christmas. But if you need the day or part of the day off, you can always request it from your employer ahead of time.
Question

What do Protestants eat on Good Friday?

Community Answer

Protestants don't have food restrictions on Good Friday, although many of them choose to observe the same "no meat" rule as Catholics.