Christians recount Jesus’ dying moments on Good Friday
KUCHING: More than 1,500 Christians braved the afternoon heat to take part in walking the Stations of the Cross at St Thomas Cathedral here to commemorate Good Friday.
The threat of a potential sunshower mid-morning did not deter those who turned up for the Way of Sorrows or Via Dolorosa.
Rev Canon Gregory Chambers led the congregation around the cathedral’s compound to recount events during Jesus’ final hours leading to his death.
There are 14 stations, each marking events of the Passion from when Jesus was sentenced to death to his burial.
Thousands of parishioners also attended Good Friday services at the cathedral.
Service began at 6.45am with the Veneration of the Cross, which was also held at the 8.15am mass, followed by a Mandarin service at 10am.
The Stations of the Cross was held between noon and 3pm, the hours traditionally marked as the time Jesus suffered on the cross before dying. The Good Friday services ended with evening prayers at 4pm.
Today, the cathedral is scheduled to hold its Great Easter Vigil at 8pm with the lighting of the Paschal Candle.
On Easter Sunday, there will be a Holy Communion with hymns at 6.30am, Solemn Liturgy with procession at 8.15am, Holy Communion in Mandarin at 10.30am and Evensong with Holy Communion and procession at 5.30pm.
The sorrow of Good Friday is considered a dark prelude to Easter, the brightest and holiest day on the Christian calendar celebrating the resurrection of Jesus.