Special prayer services held on Good Friday

New Delhi, Apr 6 (UNI) The Christian community today observed Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus at Calvary.

During special Good Friday services the Christians meditated on Jesus suffering and death on the cross with readings from the Gospel giving accounts of the events leading up to the crucifixion.

Some congregations hold a three-hour service on Friday representing the three-hours Jesus spent on the cross. Many services includes seven distinct elements representative of Christ's seven utterances while on the cross.

A cross, symbolic of the one on which Jesus was crucified, was also unveiled in many churches across the city. It is believed that Jesus rose from his grave on the following sunday, which is celebrated as Easter.

The rituals for Good Friday began on the immediately preceding Thursday. A feast symbolising the last supper of Christ was held on Thursday night. The end of this meal marked the beginning of the fast for Easter.

Hundreds of devout Catholics gathered in the Churches to participate in the mass. During the sermon, the priests narrated the sufferings that Jesus Christ took upon himself for the sake of humanity.

The crucifix, kept from view until the mass, was uncovered before the crowd for veneration.

UNI