Good Friday, also called Holy or Great Friday. It is the Friday preceding Easter Sunday (Pascha). It commemorates the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Golgotha.

Eastern Orthodox Christians are not supposed to eat at all on this day and the next. Good Friday is a fast day in the Catholic Church. It is a day of mourning in church.

In the Orthodox understanding, the events of Holy Week are not simply an annual commemoration of past events, but the faithful actually participate in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Orthodox Church begins the day with Matins (Morning Prayer), where the 'Twelve Gospels' is chanted.

The last words from the cross

The Bible quotes seven last sentences that Jesus Christ spoke from the Cross.

Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing. (Luke 23:34)

Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:43)

Woman, here is your son... Here is your mother (John 19:26)

Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani? (My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?) (Mark 15:34)

I am thirsty (John 19:28)

It is finished (John 19:30)

Father, into your hands I commend my spirit (Luke 23:46)

The seven last words have inspired a number of composers....

Good Friday is celebrated in many countries as a public holiday.