How Many Days Until Good Friday?
Good Friday 2026 is on Friday, April 3, 2026.
About Good Friday
Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. It is observed during Holy Week as part of the Paschal Triduum on the Friday preceding Easter Sunday. It is a day of solemn remembrance, penance, and reflection on Christ's sacrifice.
Significance: The "Good" in Good Friday
Commemoration of Crucifixion
The central focus is remembering the suffering and death of Jesus on the cross, a pivotal event in Christian theology.
Atonement for Sin
Christians believe Jesus' death was a sacrifice to atone for the sins of humanity, reconciling people with God.
The Paradox of "Good"
The term "Good" Friday may derive from "God's Friday" or reflect the belief that Christ's suffering and death, though tragic, led to the ultimate good of salvation and resurrection.
Hope in Sacrifice
While a day of mourning, it holds the promise of Easter's resurrection, signifying victory over sin and death.
How Good Friday is Observed
Observances vary among denominations but often share a solemn and reflective character:
Special Church Services
Services often focus on the Passion narrative (the story of Jesus' suffering and death), readings from scripture (especially John's Gospel), and prayers. Services might be held in the afternoon, around 3:00 PM, considered the traditional hour of Christ's death.
Stations of the Cross
Also known as the Way of the Cross (Via Crucis), this devotion involves meditating on 14 specific moments of Jesus' final journey to crucifixion, often moving between images or plaques depicting these scenes.
Veneration of the Cross
In Catholic, Anglican, and some other traditions, a ritual where the faithful approach and show reverence (kissing, bowing) to a crucifix.
Somber Atmosphere
Churches may be stripped of decorations, altar cloths might be black or violet (or removed), bells are silenced, and the overall mood is one of quiet mourning.
Fasting and Abstinence
Like Ash Wednesday, Good Friday is typically a day of obligatory fasting and abstinence from meat for adult Christians in many traditions.
Prayer and Silence
Personal prayer, reflection on the Passion, and maintaining a sense of quiet reverence throughout the day are encouraged.
Good Friday within Holy Week
Palm Sunday
Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
Holy Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday
Events leading up to the Passion (teaching, cleansing the Temple).
Maundy Thursday
The Last Supper, institution of the Eucharist, washing of the feet, Jesus' agony and arrest.
Good Friday
Jesus' trial, crucifixion, death, and burial.
Holy Saturday
The day Jesus lay in the tomb; a day of waiting and quiet reflection (Easter Vigil begins in the evening).
Easter Sunday
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Good Friday is the most solemn day of Holy Week, marking the culmination of Jesus' suffering before the triumph of Easter.