Tag Archives: Christianity

History, Holidays, Religion

Easter Orthodox Christmas Day (7 January)

Titanic News Channel Wishes All Our Friends In Eastern Orthodox a Joyous and Blessed Christmas Day!

 

The Adoration of the Shepherds (Gerard van Honthorst 1590–1656)
Image: Public Domain (Wikipedia)

 

Why Does Eastern Orthodox Celebrate Christmas on January 7?

Eastern Orthodox follows the Julian calendar for their liturgical year. The Gregorian calendar, named for Pope Gregory XIII, was proclaimed in a Papal Bull in 1582. Its full implementation took 300 years owing to many countries not wanting to adopt a calendar proclaimed by a pope. Most Catholic countries quickly adopted while others adopted it later as the calendar was accurate and corrected the problems of the Julian. While dislike of the Catholic church was a reason in some cases, there were other reasons such governments being slow to act as well as local customs and traditions that had to be overcome. Adopting the new calendar required a major change, namely setting the calendar forward 13 days. That was a major feat implementing the change in many countries. The tradeoff though was clear. The newer calendar was more accurate so that you no longer had to make manual calculations to adjust for solstices, equinoxes, and other events under the old calendar. Those problems were now gone.

For Eastern Orthodox, the issue was not the accuracy of the new calendar but with the Papal Bull itself that had things in it they did not agree with and thus rejected it. The Congress of Constantinople (1923) created a Revised Julian Calendar that synchronized with the Gregorian on everything except Easter. This was accepted by Orthodox Churches in Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, Greece, Cyprus, Romania, Poland, and Bulgaria. It was rejected by Orthodox churches in Jerusalem, Russia, Serbia, Ukraine, and Georgia. Due to the split, the date for Easter is different between the two since the Revised Julian Calendar uses a different formula that the other churches rejected. That is why Christmas is celebrated by Greek Orthodox Church on December 25 but Russian Orthodox on January 7. The last country to adopt the Gregorian calendar was Saudi Arabia in 2016.

Sources

Christmas Worldwide. “Eastern Orthodox Christmas: Celebrations in Russia, Greece, and Ukraine – Christmas Worldwide.” Christmas Worldwide. Last modified January 18, 2025. Accessed January 6, 2026. https://christmases.net/eastern-orthodox-christmas-celebrations-in-russia-greece-and-ukraine/.

“A Papal Calendar?” Orthodox Church in America. Last modified January 3, 2017. Accessed January 6, 2026. https://www.oca.org/reflections/fr.-lawrence-farley/a-papal-calendar.

Wikipedia contributors. “List of Adoption Dates of the Gregorian Calendar by Country.” Wikipedia. Last modified October 23, 2025. Accessed January 6, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_adoption_dates_of_the_Gregorian_calendar_by_country

Christmas, Religion

Saint Stephen’s Day/Boxing Day UK (26 December)

Saint Stephen by Carlo Crivelli (1476)
Source: National Gallery, London via Wikimedia Commons.
Public Domain in UK and US; may be restricted in other countries.

If you remember the Christmas carol Good King Wenceslas , you heard the name. Stephen was a deacon in the early Christian church who was accused of blasphemy and put on trial by Jewish authorities in Jerusalem. After a trial in which he denounced them, Stephen was stoned to death. One of the witnesses to the event was Saul of Tarsus, who later converted and is known today as the apostle Saint Paul. Stephen is considered the first martyr for the faith, the reason his feast day immediately follows the celebration of Jesus birth. All the major Christian congregations–Anglican, Catholic, Lutheran, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Orthodox–all venerate him as a Saint and celebrate the feast day (Western churches on 26 December, 27 Dec Orthodox, and 8 Jan Oriental Orthodox). In some countries (mainly Western Europe) it is a public holiday.

In the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand it is celebrated as Boxing Day, a secular holiday that falls on the same day as Feast of Stephen. Traditionally it is the day in which servants and tradespeople receive the “Christmas box” from their employers. While that tradition may still hold true, it is either a second Christmas day for some or an extra shopping day (though in some countries it apparently is a day when a lot of returns to retailers takes place). It is also a major sports day as well.

If you are in Italy, it is treated like a second Christmas Day but with a difference.  Christmas Day is home with family and streets are mostly empty (and nearly everything is closed except for some restaurants and  parafarmacies (pharmacies). December 26th is il giorno di Santo Stefano and a major day for Italians. They go out to eat at restaurants with family and friends. The streets are teeming with people often to see the Presepe (Nativity scene) in their local church or perhaps to see many of them in different churches. Donations to the church usually are made as well. Processions to Santo Stefano take place in many cities and towns. And there are many local traditions as well. Also many seek out the living Nativity scenes as well.

Sources

“St. Stephen.” Encyclopedia Britannica. Last modified December 17, 2025. Accessed December 26, 2025. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Stephen.

“Boxing Day.” Encyclopedia Britannica. Last modified December 26, 2025. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Boxing-Day.

“CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: St. Stephen.” https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14286b.htm.

Leake, Mike. “Who Was Stephen in the Bible?” Christianity.Com. Last modified September 22, 2025. https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/what-is-the-significance-of-the-stoning-of-stephen.html.

 

 

Christmas, Religion

Happy Advent! (Fourth Sunday of Advent)

Photo:Public Domain

O come, O King of nations, bind
in one the hearts of all mankind.
Bid all our sad divisions cease
and be yourself our King of Peace

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Today Christians celebrate the fourth and final Sunday in Advent. The liturgy will often include Old Testament readings from Micah (5:1-4) or Isaiah (7:10) that contain the prophecies about how God will send Jesus to come among the people and stop the enemies that are plaguing his people. A second reading, such as from Hebrews (10:5-10), will be used to show how Jesus came to fulfill God’s will and defeating the enemy that separates us from him. Finally, the Gospel, often from Luke about Mary visiting Elizabeth, will be read to show a parallel to the Ark of the Covenant. As the Ark contained the Ten Commandments-the word of God-Mary contains the son of God in her body. Elizabeth exclaims she is full of grace for the child she bears-the future John the Baptist-jumped with joy inside her when she greeted Mary.

The final days of Advent are thus to prepare for the great celebration of Christmas. Christians are asked to not only reflect on this great day of joy to come, but to also find Jesus in a very real way during this time. Perhaps it will come from service to others, donating food for families in need, or spending time with those who have no one close to be with during this time of year.

Journey to Bethlehem
Altus Fine Arts via Pinterest

Sources

Advent: Dates, Traditions, and History,” InfoPlease, last modified November 18, 2021, accessed November 29, 2025, https://www.infoplease.com/culture-entertainment/holidays/advent-dates-traditions-and-history.

Holcomb, Justin. “What Is Advent? The Season’s History, Meaning and Traditions.” Christianity.Com. Last modified October 29, 2025. Accessed November 29, 2025. https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/what-is-advent.html.

“What Is Advent?,” USCCB, accessed November 29, 2025, https://www.usccb.org/prayer-worship/liturgical-year/advent.

Suggested Reading

Ave Maria Press, Away in a Manger: Daily Prayers for Advent and Christmas 2025, 2025.

Ferguson, Sinclair B. Love Came Down at Christmas: Daily Readings for Advent. Good Book Company, 2018.

Kohn, Harold E. Advent Devotional for Christmas: 25 Illustrated Daily Reflections to Prepare Your Heart for the Season. Independently published, 2025.

Grabill, Rebecca, and Stephen Grabill. The Joy of Advent: Family Celebrations for Advent and the Twelve Days of Christmas, 2024.

Santa, Thomas M. The Essential Advent and Christmas Handbook: A Daily Companion, 2000.

Saunders, William P. Celebrating a Merry Catholic Christmas: A Guide to the Customs and Feast Days of Advent and Christmas. Tan Books, 2018.

Titanic News Channel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Christmas, Religion

Happy Advent! Gaudete Sunday (3rd Sunday of Advent)

The first two Sundays of Advent are times of penance and reflection. On the third Sunday, it is time to remember both the joy to come with the birth of Jesus and his return. The third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday or Rejoice Sunday. Gaudete is the Latin word for Rejoice so is commonly called that on traditional Christian liturgical calendars. The third Sunday is the joyful midpoint on our way towards Christmas, so we spend time reflecting on joy and hope.

Back in the Middle Ages, church leaders realized that if you have an entire season of repentance, you need to also celebrate joy and hope. Without that, its whole purpose would be lost. So, on Gaudete Sunday we take time to step back from the somber nature of the season and celebrate the joy and hope that is to come. Rather than the somber purple of penance, the liturgical color is rose or pink (priests or ministers can wear either one). And the advent candle for this day is one of those colors as well. Since we are lighting this candle on Gaudete Sunday, it is the candle of joy.

The scripture readings will also reflect this as well. Often St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians is read in particular verses 4:4-7:

“Brothers and sisters: Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

On this particular Sunday, you will see more joyful decorations in church with emphasis on joy. Colorful flowers, decorations, and banners may be displayed. Music will be joyful as well along with special prayers offered during the service. Families are encouraged to get together for a special meal on this Gaudete Sunday (often a brunch).

Sources

Advent: Dates, Traditions, and History,” InfoPlease, last modified November 18, 2021, accessed November 29, 2025, https://www.infoplease.com/culture-entertainment/holidays/advent-dates-traditions-and-history.

Holcomb, Justin. “What Is Advent? The Season’s History, Meaning and Traditions.” Christianity.Com. Last modified October 29, 2025. Accessed November 29, 2025. https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/what-is-advent.html.

“What Is Advent?,” USCCB, accessed November 29, 2025, https://www.usccb.org/prayer-worship/liturgical-year/advent.

Suggested Reading

Ave Maria Press, Away in a Manger: Daily Prayers for Advent and Christmas 2025, 2025.

Ferguson, Sinclair B. Love Came Down at Christmas: Daily Readings for Advent. Good Book Company, 2018.

Kohn, Harold E. Advent Devotional for Christmas: 25 Illustrated Daily Reflections to Prepare Your Heart for the Season. Independently published, 2025.

Grabill, Rebecca, and Stephen Grabill. The Joy of Advent: Family Celebrations for Advent and the Twelve Days of Christmas, 2024.

Santa, Thomas M. The Essential Advent and Christmas Handbook: A Daily Companion, 2000.

Saunders, William P. Celebrating a Merry Catholic Christmas: A Guide to the Customs and Feast Days of Advent and Christmas. Tan Books, 2018.

Titanic News Channel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Advent, Christmas, Religion

Feast of Saint Lucy (Santa Lucia) 13 December

Saint Lucy by Domenico Beccafumi, 1521 AD.
Public domain via Wikimedia Commons

Saint Lucy of Syracuse (Santa Lucia) is observed as the bringer of light in the darkest times. Born in Syracuse possibly in 283 into a noble family, she devoted herself to God after her father’s death. Her mother suffering from an illness, set up an arranged marriage for her so her future would be secure. She prayed at the shrine of Saint Agatha and received a vision that her mother would be healed. When she was, she encouraged her and the family to give their wealth to the poor. However, the man she was betrothed to was angry and informed the authorities that she was a Christian.

Emperor Diocletian was intolerant of Christianity and led one the most severe persecutions against them. Lucy was asked to renounce her faith and refused. She was tortured and lost her eyes (though some sources say she did that herself) since the Roman governor did not want her seeing any more visions. Refusing to surrender her faith, she initially was to burn to death. However, the fire would not light, and she was killed by the sword steadfast in her faith till the end. She died in 303 AD.

Her devotion and martyrdom became well known. While many legends abound, it is clear she was a martyr for the faith and never wavered. Her feast day was set on December 13. On the old Julian calendar, that was the shortest day of the year when light was needed. Her day became symbol to mean return of the light. Although that day shifted when a new calendar was adopted, her feast day remains the same. Her feast day is celebrated in Scandinavian countries as a festival of light during the long winter night. A young girl in a white dress and red sash carries palms and wears a wreath of candles on head. Special rolls or cookies are made for the day and often handed out to the elderly. It is also celebrated in parts of Italy particularly in Sicily and in many places of the world today. There are many churches dedicated to her and the island of Santa Lucia in the Caribbean is named for her.

Saint Lucy is the patron saint of the blind, visually impaired, eye health, spiritual vision and discernment, protection during periods of hopelessness, and for those seeking clarity or guidance.

“O St. Lucy, Virgin and Martyr, you who sacrificed your life for Christ, intercede for us who seek your guidance. May your example of faith inspire us to walk in the light of Christ, and may your patronage bring healing to those who suffer from blindness, both physical and spiritual. Amen.” (Prayer of Saint Lucy)

Sources

“Saint Lucy,” Encyclopedia Britannica, last modified November 12, 2025, accessed December 2, 2025, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Lucy.

Catholic Online, “St. Lucy – Saints & Angels – Catholic Online,” Catholic Online, accessed December 2, 2025, https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=75.

“The Story of Saint Lucy: Her Life, Her Light, and Her Martyrdom,” Original Botanica, last modified December 1, 2025, accessed December 2, 2025, https://originalbotanica.com/blog/saint-lucy-story-martyrdom-light-prayer.

Rodriguez, Jaime. “Saint Lucia or Saint Lucy of Syracuse: History, Miracles and Much More.” Un Lugar Para Hablar De Religiones, Biblia, Jesucristo, Dios, Y Mas… Last modified February 14, 2024. Accessed December 2, 2025. https://hablemosdereligion.com/en/saint-lucia-or-saint-lucy-of-syracuse-history-miracles-and-much-more/.

Advent, Christmas, History, Religion

Happy Advent! (Second Sunday of Advent)

2nd Advent Sunday
Photo: Clemens PFEIFFER, Vienna (Wikimedia Commons)

 

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appears.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel 

 

Advent History

Advent finds its roots not in Christmas but in the observance of the Epiphany where Jesus is baptized. In France during the early centuries there was a time of preparation for this feast, which included fasting and prayer. Initially this was for three weeks and extended to forty to imitate the Lent season. Since this started on November 11 and on the feast of St. Martin, it became known as St. Martin’s Lent. This became codified by the Council of Saragossa in 330 AD requiring a time of fasting and prayer before the Epiphany, Then, in 581 the Council of Macon extended this to all the dioceses in France. This would spread to England where this custom was observed as well.

Back in Rome though the feast of the Epiphany was not celebrated but Christmas was. There was no special preparatory period for it either but there was concern there should be one for Christmas. Pope Gregory 1 (590-604) created the Advent Season by composing prayers, antiphons, and psalms to be used. This became known as the Roman Rite of Advent that lasted four weeks. When France adopted this, it added an emphasis be made to the second coming of Jesus. This eventually got back to Rome, which added it to the Advent themes. This became the Advent Liturgical season that we know today.

This is why the first two weeks have scripture readings focusing on the return of Jesus, while the last two weeks are concerned with the birth. Both themes are connected, and the emphasis is on people to “be prepared.” It is this dynamic that makes Advent an important part of the Christian calendar and why it is the beginning of the liturgical year. Advent is the starting point which flows to all the feasts and important holy days to come and ends on the very last Sunday before Advent celebrating Christ the King. Advent is a spiritual journey that prepares both for the birth of the savior but also his return. That is why the readings of the prophet Isaiah are featured during Advent as he speaks often of Israel’s salvation. Music played for Advent such as “Come, O Come, Emmanuel (based on the 9th century Veni, Veni Emmanuel) match this preparation period.

Sources

Advent: Dates, Traditions, and History,” InfoPlease, last modified November 18, 2021, accessed November 29, 2025, https://www.infoplease.com/culture-entertainment/holidays/advent-dates-traditions-and-history.

Holcomb, Justin. “What Is Advent? The Season’s History, Meaning and Traditions.” Christianity.Com. Last modified October 29, 2025. Accessed November 29, 2025. https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/what-is-advent.html.

“What Is Advent?,” USCCB, accessed November 29, 2025, https://www.usccb.org/prayer-worship/liturgical-year/advent.

Suggested Reading

Ave Maria Press, Away in a Manger: Daily Prayers for Advent and Christmas 2025, 2025.

Ferguson, Sinclair B. Love Came Down at Christmas: Daily Readings for Advent. Good Book Company, 2018.

Kohn, Harold E. Advent Devotional for Christmas: 25 Illustrated Daily Reflections to Prepare Your Heart for the Season. Independently published, 2025.

Grabill, Rebecca, and Stephen Grabill. The Joy of Advent: Family Celebrations for Advent and the Twelve Days of Christmas, 2024.

Santa, Thomas M. The Essential Advent and Christmas Handbook: A Daily Companion, 2000.

Saunders, William P. Celebrating a Merry Catholic Christmas: A Guide to the Customs and Feast Days of Advent and Christmas. Tan Books, 2018.

Titanic News Channel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Christmas, Religion

Happy Advent! (First Sunday of Advent)

Advent Wreath (1st Sunday)
Photo :Micha L. Rieser(Wikimedia Comos)

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appears.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year for Roman Catholics and many Christian denominations. It encompasses the four weeks (Sundays and weekdays) leading up to Christmas Day. Counting back four Sundays from Christmas Day will get you to the first Sunday of Advent. Depending on the calendar day Christmas falls on, Advent usually begins near the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle celebrated on 30 November. Eastern Orthodox, since it follows the Julian calendar, will start their Advent later as Christmas Day falls 13 days after the current Gregorian calendar.

Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning coming or coming to, is a time of preparation for the birth of Christ and a reminder that Jesus will return. During this period, Christians are reminded not to be weighed down or distracted by the cares of this world. Like Lent, Christians are called to reflect on our actions and seek penance. We also should prepare our hearts for the full joy of Christmas. We should not allow our souls to be burdened with predictions of events yet to come, but to be alert and ready. During this period, Catholic priests wear violet vestments, except on the Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday) when rose may be worn. Altars will be less decorated than usual during this time as well.

One of the symbols of Advent is the Advent wreath. This wreath has four candles (battery operated ones are acceptable) and are lit for each Sunday in Advent. Usually, a prayer is also spoken while lighting the prayer and often families will do it together. Most candles are purple, but one will either be white or rose for Gaudete Sunday. The popular Advent calendar is to not only marks down the days till Christmas, but also days of devotion during the season. A Christmas novena is also done. The traditional one is the St. Andrew Christmas Novena which begins on 30 November (the feast day of St. Andrew) and runs till Christmas Eve. A nine -day novena begins on December 16 and goes till Christmas Eve. Many Latin American countries celebrate this as Las Posadas, and it is popular in the Philippines as well (called Sambang Gabi).

There is specific music for the Advent season that is often played in Catholic and Christian churches during religious services. Music such as Silent Night, Adeste Fidelis, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing will not be heard until Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. Secular songs such as White Christmas, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer are reserved for Christmas concerts (which are sometimes held in churches) are not sung at all during religious services. While Christmas decorations may be outside the church, you will not see Christmas trees in the main area of the church where mass is celebrated during Advent. This has nothing to do with any connotation that a Christmas tree is pagan but rather that during Advent we must be solemn in observing it. So, a lighted Christmas tree is often near the entry or just inside the entry (if they have one). This has been the tradition that Saint Pope John Paul II started when he got a Christmas tree from his native country of Poland. Christmas decorations are generally put up usually on the Fourth Sunday of Advent and it is then you may see Christmas trees inside the church.

Flowers and wreaths are acceptable near the altar and not on it. Advent wreaths are often placed near the altar and lighted before the service begins. A Christmas crib or nativity scene may also be displayed as well.

Sources

“Advent: Dates, Traditions, and History,” InfoPlease, last modified November 18, 2021, accessed November 29, 2025, https://www.infoplease.com/culture-entertainment/holidays/advent-dates-traditions-and-history.

Holcomb, Justin. “What Is Advent? The Season’s History, Meaning and Traditions.” Christianity.Com. Last modified October 29, 2025. Accessed November 29, 2025. https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/what-is-advent.html.

“What Is Advent?,” USCCB, accessed November 29, 2025, https://www.usccb.org/prayer-worship/liturgical-year/advent.

Suggested Reading

Ave Maria Press, Away in a Manger: Daily Prayers for Advent and Christmas 2025, 2025.

Ferguson, Sinclair B. Love Came Down at Christmas: Daily Readings for Advent. Good Book Company, 2018.

Kohn, Harold E. Advent Devotional for Christmas: 25 Illustrated Daily Reflections to Prepare Your Heart for the Season. Independently published, 2025.

Grabill, Rebecca, and Stephen Grabill. The Joy of Advent: Family Celebrations for Advent and the Twelve Days of Christmas, 2024.

Santa, Thomas M. The Essential Advent and Christmas Handbook: A Daily Companion, 2000.

Saunders, William P. Celebrating a Merry Catholic Christmas: A Guide to the Customs and Feast Days of Advent and Christmas. Tan Books, 2018.

Titanic News Channel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

 

Halloween, History, Religion

All Saints Day (1 November)

The Forerunners of Christ with Saints and Martyrs (about 1423-24)
Fra Angelico (circa 1395–1455)
Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

All Saints’ Day (Solemnity of All Saints, All Hallows, Hallowmas or All Saints’)is celebrated on 1 November by most Western Christians and is to honor all saints known and unknown. In some Catholic countries, it is a holiday. It is a holy day of obligation for most Catholics except when it falls on a Saturday or Monday. In that case it is celebrated on Sunday. Eastern Orthodox is celebrated on the first Sunday after Pentecost and is called All Saints’ Sunday.

Pope Boniface IV formally started All Saints’ Day on May 13, 609 AD. He also established All Souls’ Day to follow All Saints Day. Pope Gregory III (731-741 AD) moved it to 1 November as that was the day the foundation of a new chapel (St. Peter’s Basilica) was being laid. He wanted to dedicate the new chapel to All Saints. Halloween then became part of a three-day period called ‘Days of the Dead” which it is the first day of (the vigil), then followed by All Saints and then by All Souls (those in purgatory). During the reign of Pope Gregory IV (82y-844 AD), he decided to make the feast of All Saints (just celebrated in Rome at that point) universal meaning all dioceses had to observe it.

All Saints Day is a public holiday in Ireland where all schools, businesses and government are closed.

For More Information

“All Saints’ Day | Definition, History, Catholic, Holy Day of Obligation, Observances, & Facts,” Encyclopedia Britannica, last modified October 28, 2025, accessed October 29, 2025, https://www.britannica.com/topic/All-Saints-Day.

Crain, Alex. “All Saints’ Day – the Meaning and History Behind November 1st Holiday.” Christianity.Com. Last modified August 14, 2025. Accessed October 29, 2025. https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/all-saints-day-november-1.html.

Religion

Today is Good Friday

Faithful reproduction of the painting “Christ on the Cross”, by Carl Heinrich Bloch. (1834–1890)
Museum of National History (Frederiksborg Castle, Copenhagen, Denmark)
Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

Today is Good Friday, an important event in the Christian liturgical calendar. Some argue the word Good is a corruption and used to mean God Friday. Others argue it always meant that the day is meant to be pious or holy. For Christians, Good Friday is the day Jesus was crucified on the cross. Observant Christians will mark the day by silent meditation, prayer, and church attendance. Many will fast during the day, particularly during the hours of 12 noon to 3 p.m. Hot Cross Buns are a traditional food many cultures use on this day (and through the Easter season). Most Catholics and Christians will avoid eating meat on this day and usually the main meal will be fish. Good Friday (and sometimes Easter Monday)are public holidays in many countries. Good Friday always occurs on the Friday before Easter Sunday.

For Further Information:

Catholic Online, “Good Friday – Easter / Lent – Catholic Online,” Catholic Online, https://www.catholic.org/lent/friday.php.

Hope Bolinger, “What Is Good Friday, and What Makes It so Good?,” Bible Study Tools, last modified April 15, 2025, https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/what-is-good-friday-and-what-makes-it-so-good.html.

Sandra Hamer Smith, “What Facts Do We Know About the Crucifixion of Jesus?,” Christianity.Com, last modified April 14, 2025, https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/what-do-we-know-about-the-crucifixion-of-jesus.html.