Today is Good Friday, the Friday just before Easter, when we commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus. Good Friday is a holy day for Christians, meaning that we are to pray and fast and are allowed only one full meal and no meat (as it is Friday).

There is no official mass on Good Friday, however there is a Good Friday Liturgy, in which there are a series of readings and meditations, and the Passion account from the Gospel of John. Celebration of mass is strictly forbidden on this day, and Eucharist may only be distributed for one of two reasons: 1) if it was consecrated as mass the night before on Holy Thursday; 2) as viaticum for the dying.

It is likely that the name “Good Friday” came from the earlier English name, “Godes Friday,” meaning “God’s Friday;” similar to how “God be with ye” was shortened to “goodbye.”

Here are some names that other countries refer to it as:

• High Friday - in the Holy Land
• Passion Friday - Russia
• Karfreitag “Friday of lamentation” - Germany
• Great Friday - Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Macedonia, Poland
• Holy Friday - Latin America, Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, Brazil
• Long Friday - Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland

Today is a very important day for Christians around the world, and I hope you those of you out there can make it to church today to celebrate Jesus sacrificing himself for the forgiveness of our sins. Jesus died at 3 PM, so at the very least say a prayer and give thanks at that time.