He is risen!

Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the most important Christian festival, and the one celebrated with the greatest joy.

The date of Easter changes each year, and several other Christian festivals fix their dates by reference to Easter.

Churches are filled with flowers, and there are special hymns and songs. But not all Easter customs are Christian; some, such as the Easter Bunny, are Pagan in origin.

The Easter story is at the heart of Christianity
On Good Friday, Jesus Christ was executed by crucifixion. His body was taken down from the cross, and buried in a cave.

The tomb was guarded and an enormous stone was put over the entrance, so that no-one could steal the body.

On the following Sunday, some women visited the grave and found that the stone had been moved, and that the tomb was empty.

Jesus himself was seen that day, and for days afterwards by many people. His followers realised that God had raised Jesus from the dead.

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Good Friday: The Martyrdom of Jesus Christ

Good Friday is observed two days before Easter to honor the martyrdom of Jesus Christ. It is a day of somber ceremonies for all Christians. Originally known as ‘God’s Friday’, the present expression is believed to have emerged during the 10th or 11th century.
According to Christian belief, Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Some high authority officials however felt that he was trying to mislead the people. They hatched a plot against Christ and crucified him. A huge wooden cross was placed on his shoulders, and he carried it to the place assigned for his crucifixion.
A cross, symbolic of the one on which Jesus was crucified, is unveiled in many churches. It is believed that he rose from his grave on the following Sunday, which is celebrated as Easter Sunday.
The rituals for Good Friday commence on the preceding Thursday. A feast symbolizing the last supper of Christ is held on Thursday night. The end of this meal marks the beginning of the fast for Easter. Sermons, meditation and prayers form part of the ceremony, in memory of the suffering endured by Jesus Christ for three hours. This is followed by a general communion service at midnight. A day of prayer and penance, the bells of the churches remain silent on Good Friday.

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