Christians to observe Good Friday by prayer and fasting

In the backdrop of violence, accusations and isolation, Good Friday will render hope and comfort to thousands of faithful Christians across the country.

There would be special services, fasting and prayers on this day to remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, more than 2000 years ago.

It also marks the beginning of three days leading to Easter, to celebrate the resurrection of Christ, who Bible says, could not be contained in the tomb or be conquered by death.

Pastor John Abraham, head of Christ Church in New Delhi, says the event is of great significance especially to Indian Christians who have been going through a turbulent time.

"There is hope and inspiration in the cross of Jesus Christ for those suffering in Orissa, Karnataka and other states. Christ sacrificed himself for others and he taught humanity the importance of serving and loving amid hatred, anger, violence," he told Christian Today.

"In our services while we commemorate the event, we will also pray for these persecuted Christians, so they can be comforted and reinvigorated by the beautiful life of a man who subjugated the entire world, with love, sacrifice and obedience," he added.

Besides prayer and fasting, some congregations in the country will re-enact the role of Jesus' in a ritual called the Stations of the Cross. Holy Communion will also be held in the Catholic and Orthodox churches.

Soome protestant bodies also released statements urging Christians to pray for peace and unity during the Holy Week.

The National Council of Churches in India said it is high time for Christians to pray for peace in the country where insecurity and disharmony has crept in.

Good Friday is the culmination of the 40-day Lenten period during which the faithful abstain from meat and dairy products. The money not spent on food is collected and used to help feed the poor especially by the Catholic Church.