Thousands flock to churches to observe Good Friday
abu dhabi — This is the holy week for the Christian community in the country. Joining their counterparts in other parts of the world, thousands of Christian believers observed Good Friday, taking part in church services from early morning till night.
Good Friday marks the death of Jesus Christ. Rituals, hymns followed by commemorations of the passion marked the day. The biggest holy mass was held at St Joseph’s Cathedral Abu Dhabi where services started from 8 am. There were prayers and rituals held inside and outdoors. Commemorations included Holy Communion and Veneration of the Cross among others. Easter Vigil will start from 7pm and Easter Sunday will have holy mass, beginning from 4am till night in English, French, Arabic, Korean, Italian, Polish, Urdu, Spanish, Konkani, Malayalam, Tamil, Sinhala and Filipino languages.
St George Orthodox Cathedral vicar Father MC Mathai Maracheril said: “All believers observe the day with utmost devotion as everyone reflect on the sacrifices made by Jesus Christ, who died for mankind.”
Close to 6,000 members of the Christian community turned up for services and broke fast in the church. The Easter celebrations will start with Saturday prayers from 7pm onwards.
Abu Dhabi Airport Road resident Saji Thomas said Good Friday is a solemn day which Christians observe with great humility and reverence.
Mar Thoma Church Abu Dhabi vicar Prakash Abraham said on the day believers ‘recall the experiences of Jesus Christ on Earth’.
“He gave his life as ransom for many. Today, the church is shelter for some and comfort zone for many. His suffering and death are recalled sometimes by sentiments and, other times by practice and experiences in our daily lives. He wants us to take share of his suffering,” Abraham said.
Mar Thoma Church service saw close to 7,000 faithful attend the services. Easter vigil will start from 8pm on Saturday. St Dionysius Orthodox Church in Al Ain had service held under chief celebrant of the Passion Week Yuhanon Mar Policarpos, Metropolitan of Angamaly Diocese.
Easter Day service will start from as early as 6am and runs till 10.30pm. Thomas George from Mussafah said such days are important reminders not to take anything easy in life.
“We must respect his sacrifices and follow a path shown by Jesus.”
For the faithful, now its hours leading to the great feast and celebration on Easter Sunday.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com