Good Friday marks the anniversary of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and His subsequent renunciation of the body almost 20 centuries ago. It is one of the most important days in the Christian Calendar and this year falls on March 29.

Origin
    One philosophy says that "Good Friday" is a contraction of "God's Friday" ('Gottes Freitag' in German), just as "good-bye" is a contraction of "God be with ye". Another Philosophy says that it is called Good Friday because it brought about the greatest good, explained below. Also, calling it Good Friday reiterates that not even death can overwhelm God' love.

History
    For accounts of Jesus Christ's renunciation of His body, refer to Gospels of the Bible in the books of Matthew 26 and 27; Mark 14 and 15; Luke 22 and 23 and John 18 - 20. Jesus had prior knowledge of the manner in which He would renounce His body and predicts it in Mark 8:31 and Luke 9:22. He said that the elders, chief priests and teachers of the (religious) law of the time would reject Him before His renunciation of the body.

Events leading to Jesus' renunciation of the body
    Jesus was praying in a place called Gethsemane with His disciples when He was betrayed by disciple Judas to the armed guard. One of Jesus' disciples tried to defend Jesus by attacking one of the Roman soldiers. To this, Jesus responded by ordering the disciple to put his sword back in its place and said, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and He will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?" This showed that while Jesus had the spiritual power to save himself, He chose instead to renounce His body as per God's will.

    In the events to come Jesus was arrested and falsely convicted of blasphemy and treason, and was sentenced to crucifixion. Jesus was then nailed to the cross. Above Jesus' cross in Greek, Hebrew (Aramaic), and Latin were printed the words "Jesus of Nazareth, king of the Jews". The Latin acronym INRI comes from this; "Isus Nazarethis Rex Iudaeorum". While on the Cross, Jesus chose not to have His senses dulled by a drugged wine and was heard saying, "Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." This symbolizes Jesus' spiritual love (priti) for humanity also including the people that were crucifying Him.

Extraordinary spiritual experiences when a spiritually evolved person renounces His body
    When a spiritually evolved person renounces His body, the spiritual energy in Him completes His last will (Refer to Matthew 27.51). At the time, spiritual experiences such as the ones listed in Matthew 27.52 (tombs opening, raising of the bodies of dead Saints) take place to strengthen the faith of seekers.

Significance
    Jesus Christ's renunciation of His body on the cross was a spiritual triumph, as indicated by His last words (John 19:30), "It is finished", implying the attainment of complete conquest over death.

    It was a triumph because it shows the importance of following God's will even in the face of death. In the Bible, 1 Corinthians 15:3 it is said that Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. This implies that following a Christ-like life in total surrender to God would bring us salvation and take us beyond sins.

Observing Good Friday
    Good Friday is observed in Christian churches as a time to commemorate and enact Jesus' renunciation of His body through various observances and services of worship. While some church traditions focus specifically on the events of the last week of Jesus' life, many of the liturgies (orders of worship) symbolize larger themes that marked Jesus' entire ministry.

    Every year on Good Friday, pilgrims from around the world gather to walk along the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem. Some carry a cross to understand better the nature of the burden that Jesus bore. Others accompany them, as witnesses, penitents and believers.

    Traditionally, the service for Good Friday is held at mid-afternoon to correspond to the final words of Jesus from the cross (Matt 27:46-50). The service is a series of Scripture readings, a short homily (practical spiritual guidance) and a time of meditation and prayer. One traditional use of Scripture is to base the homily (that is, the devotional) on the Last Words of Jesus, as recorded in the Gospel tradition.

    Some churches use the 'Stations of the Cross' as part of the Good Friday Service. This service uses paintings or banners to represent various scenes from Jesus' betrayal, arrest, trial and death, and the worshippers move to the various 'stations' to sing hymns or pray as the story is told. There is a great variety in how this service is conducted, and various traditions use different numbers of stations to tell the story.