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Good Friday Celebrated at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Abu Dhabi.

"It is accomplished; and bowing his head he gave up his spirit."

Abu Dhabi, April 3, 2015: Today the whole Church mourns the death of our Savior. This is traditionally a day of sadness, spent in fasting and prayer. The title for this day varies in different parts of the world: "Holy Friday" for Latin nations, Slavs and Hungarians call it "Great Friday," in Germany it is "Friday of Mourning," and in Norway, it is "Long Friday." Some view the term "Good Friday" (used in English and Dutch) as a corruption of the term "God’s Friday." This is another obligatory day of fasting and abstinence. In Ireland, they practice the "black fast," which is to consume nothing but black tea and water.

LITURGY
According to the Church’s ancient tradition, the sacraments are not celebrated on Good Friday nor Holy Saturday. "Celebration of the Lord’s Passion," traditionally known as the "Mass of the Presanctified," (although it is not a mass) is usually celebrated.
The General Intercessions conclude the Liturgy of the Word. The ten intercessions cover these areas:
 
•         For the Church
•         For the Pope
•         For the clergy and laity of the Church
•         For those preparing for baptism
•         For the unity of Christians
•         For the Jewish people
•         For those who do not believe in Christ
•         For those who do not believe in God
•         For all in public office
•         For those in special need

Part two is the Veneration of the Cross. A cross, either veiled or unveiled, is processed through the Church, and then venerated by the congregation. We joyfully venerate and kiss the wooden cross "on which hung the Savior of the world." During this time the "Reproaches" are usually sung or recited.

 Part three, Holy Communion, concludes the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion. The altar is covered with a cloth and the ciboriums containing the Blessed Sacrament are brought to the altar from the place of reposition. The Our Father and the Ecce Agnus Dei ("This is the Lamb of God") are recited. The congregation receives Holy Communion, there is a "Prayer After Communion," and then a "Prayer Over the People," and everyone departs in silence.

Today’s solemn service was concelebrated by HE Bishop Paul Hinder along with all the priests of the St. Josephs’ Cathedral. Rev. Fr. Savarimuthu, Parish Priest, St. Joseph’s Cathedral thanked parish community for attending the Good Friday services in large numbers as well as for their active and meaningful participation.