Good Friday

Today is Good Friday, the day when those who follow the Christian (Gregorian) calendar commemorate the day when Jesus Christ was crucified.
Many will ask “what is ‘good’ about a day when the Son of God, an innocent Man, suffered and died?” They may prefer the Japanese name, which may be translated as ‘Day of Suffering’.

Jesus suffered for us, the Righteous for the unrighteousness. In the words of an old hymn, “He died that we might be forgiven, He died to make us good”. We also believe that He rose again, and we will celebrate on Easter Sunday, commemorating the Day of Resurrection.

Most of the Anglican churches in Kyushu will have a Holy Communion service on Sunday, with the service at St John’s Church, Izuhara being led by Bishop Luke Muto, and St Stephen’s Church, Nobeoka will have their final visit by Bishop Gabriel Igarashi. Many of the churches also have special services today.