Good Friday stands as the most somber and solemn day in the Christian liturgical year, a day when Anglicans around the world pause to commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. In the Anglican tradition, this day is marked by a rich blend of scripture, prayer, and ritual that invites worshippers into a profound encounter with the cross—the instrument of Christ’s suffering and the symbol of God’s redemptive love. Observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday, Good Friday is the emotional and theological heart of Holy Week, a time when the church reflects on the cost of sin, the depth of Christ’s sacrifice, and the paradox of victory through defeat. Learn more below.
The Significance of Good Friday
Good Friday recalls the events of Jesus’ betrayal, trial, crucifixion, and death as recounted in the Gospels, particularly the Passion narrative from John (chapters 18-19). In Anglican theology, this day is not merely a historical remembrance but a living participation in the mystery of salvation. The cross represents both the weight of human sinfulness and the boundless mercy of God, who, through Christ’s self-offering, reconciles humanity to Himself. The “Book of Common Prayer”—the cornerstone of Anglican worship—frames Good Friday as a day of fasting, penitence, and mourning, yet it subtly points toward the hope of resurrection, which remains unspoken until Easter.
Unlike Sundays, which celebrate the resurrection, Good Friday suspends the usual joy of Christian worship. Churches are stripped bare following Maundy Thursday’s altar-stripping, with no flowers, no colorful vestments, and often no music beyond unaccompanied chants. This starkness reflects the desolation of Christ’s death and invites the faithful to enter a space of spiritual vulnerability and contemplation.
The Good Friday Liturgy
The Anglican observance of Good Friday typically centers on a special service held at noon or 3 p.m., times traditionally associated with Jesus’ hours on the cross (Mark 15:25, 34). This service, distinct from the Eucharist, is structured around three core elements: the Liturgy of the Word, the Solemn Collects, and the Veneration of the Cross. Each component draws worshippers deeper into the narrative and meaning of the crucifixion.
1. The Liturgy of the Word: The service begins with silence, often as the clergy enter without procession or hymn, underscoring the day’s gravity. The Passion according to St. John is read, either in its entirety or in parts, often with dramatic participation: a narrator, a reader for Jesus, and the congregation voicing the crowd’s cries of “Crucify him!” This communal reading implicates all present in humanity’s rejection of Christ, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for sin. In some parishes, a sermon follows, traditionally one of the “Seven Last Words”—meditations on Jesus’ final utterances from the cross, such as “Father, forgive them” or “It is finished.” These reflections highlight Christ’s humanity, divinity, and redemptive purpose.
2. The Solemn Collects: A distinctive feature of the Anglican Good Friday liturgy, the Solemn Collects are a series of intercessory prayers that broaden the scope of the day’s focus. Led by a deacon or priest, these prayers petition God for the church, its leaders, the world’s nations, the suffering, and even those who do not know Christ. Rooted in ancient Christian practice, they express the universal reach of the cross, affirming that Christ’s death was “for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). The congregation responds with “Amen” or kneels in silence, embodying a posture of humility and supplication. This moment bridges personal repentance with corporate solidarity, a hallmark of Anglican worship.
3. The Veneration of the Cross: Perhaps the most visually and emotionally striking element of the service is the Veneration of the Cross. A plain wooden cross is brought into the church, often accompanied by the anthem “Behold the wood of the Cross, on which hung the salvation of the world.” Congregants are invited to kneel as an act of devotion and gratitude. This ritual powerfully symbolizes the paradox of the cross as both a tool of execution and a throne of glory.
The service typically concludes abruptly, with no benediction or closing hymn. The congregation departs in silence, mirroring the suddenness of Jesus’ death and leaving the church in a state of expectant stillness, awaiting the resurrection.
Theological Depth in the Anglican Context
Anglican theology approaches Good Friday with a nuanced blend of catholic and reformed perspectives, reflecting its “via media” heritage. The cross is understood as an atoning sacrifice—Christ bearing the penalty for sin in humanity’s place—yet it is also a victory over evil and death.
This liturgical focus fosters a balance of awe and intimacy. The absence of the Eucharist on Good Friday (a practice shared with many Western traditions) underscores the day’s uniqueness: rather than receiving Christ’s presence in bread and wine, the faithful gaze upon his presence on the cross. Yet, in some parishes, they may distribute communion from Maundy Thursday’s consecrated elements, emptying all of the reserve elements.
Cultural and Contemporary Relevance
Good Friday’s observance in Anglicanism has evolved with cultural contexts. In England, it remains a public holiday, with traditions like eating hot cross buns (marked with a cross to recall the crucifixion) persisting alongside worship. Globally, Anglican communities adapt the day to local customs—processions in some regions, quiet vigils in others—while retaining the core liturgy.
In modern times, Good Friday resonates as a countercultural moment. Amid a world of noise and distraction, its silence and simplicity challenge the faithful to confront suffering, mortality, and redemption. It also speaks to social justice, as the Solemn Collects pray for the oppressed, prompting Anglicans to see Christ’s cross in the struggles of the marginalized.
Conclusion
Good Friday in the Anglican tradition is a day of stark beauty and profound meaning, weaving together scripture, prayer, and symbol to draw worshippers into the heart of the Christian story. Through the Passion reading, the Solemn Collects, and the Veneration of the Cross, Anglicans mourn Christ’s death while standing at the threshold of hope. The liturgy’s restraint—no Eucharist, no triumphant music—mirrors the desolation of Calvary, yet its rituals affirm the cross as the pivot of salvation history. For Anglicans, Good Friday is not an end but a passage, a day when the church lingers in the shadow of the cross, trusting that Easter’s light will soon break forth. In its solemnity and depth, it remains a testament to the Anglican commitment to worship that engages both heart and mind, inviting all to behold the love that triumphed through sacrifice.
Last Updated: 03/25/2025 by Charlie Vensel
What Is Good Friday?
The Significance of Good Friday
Good Friday recalls the events of Jesus’ betrayal, trial, crucifixion, and death as recounted in the Gospels, particularly the Passion narrative from John (chapters 18-19). In Anglican theology, this day is not merely a historical remembrance but a living participation in the mystery of salvation. The cross represents both the weight of human sinfulness and the boundless mercy of God, who, through Christ’s self-offering, reconciles humanity to Himself. The “Book of Common Prayer”—the cornerstone of Anglican worship—frames Good Friday as a day of fasting, penitence, and mourning, yet it subtly points toward the hope of resurrection, which remains unspoken until Easter.
Unlike Sundays, which celebrate the resurrection, Good Friday suspends the usual joy of Christian worship. Churches are stripped bare following Maundy Thursday’s altar-stripping, with no flowers, no colorful vestments, and often no music beyond unaccompanied chants. This starkness reflects the desolation of Christ’s death and invites the faithful to enter a space of spiritual vulnerability and contemplation.
The Good Friday Liturgy
The Anglican observance of Good Friday typically centers on a special service held at noon or 3 p.m., times traditionally associated with Jesus’ hours on the cross (Mark 15:25, 34). This service, distinct from the Eucharist, is structured around three core elements: the Liturgy of the Word, the Solemn Collects, and the Veneration of the Cross. Each component draws worshippers deeper into the narrative and meaning of the crucifixion.
1. The Liturgy of the Word: The service begins with silence, often as the clergy enter without procession or hymn, underscoring the day’s gravity. The Passion according to St. John is read, either in its entirety or in parts, often with dramatic participation: a narrator, a reader for Jesus, and the congregation voicing the crowd’s cries of “Crucify him!” This communal reading implicates all present in humanity’s rejection of Christ, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for sin. In some parishes, a sermon follows, traditionally one of the “Seven Last Words”—meditations on Jesus’ final utterances from the cross, such as “Father, forgive them” or “It is finished.” These reflections highlight Christ’s humanity, divinity, and redemptive purpose.
2. The Solemn Collects: A distinctive feature of the Anglican Good Friday liturgy, the Solemn Collects are a series of intercessory prayers that broaden the scope of the day’s focus. Led by a deacon or priest, these prayers petition God for the church, its leaders, the world’s nations, the suffering, and even those who do not know Christ. Rooted in ancient Christian practice, they express the universal reach of the cross, affirming that Christ’s death was “for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). The congregation responds with “Amen” or kneels in silence, embodying a posture of humility and supplication. This moment bridges personal repentance with corporate solidarity, a hallmark of Anglican worship.
3. The Veneration of the Cross: Perhaps the most visually and emotionally striking element of the service is the Veneration of the Cross. A plain wooden cross is brought into the church, often accompanied by the anthem “Behold the wood of the Cross, on which hung the salvation of the world.” Congregants are invited to kneel as an act of devotion and gratitude. This ritual powerfully symbolizes the paradox of the cross as both a tool of execution and a throne of glory.
The service typically concludes abruptly, with no benediction or closing hymn. The congregation departs in silence, mirroring the suddenness of Jesus’ death and leaving the church in a state of expectant stillness, awaiting the resurrection.
Theological Depth in the Anglican Context
Anglican theology approaches Good Friday with a nuanced blend of catholic and reformed perspectives, reflecting its “via media” heritage. The cross is understood as an atoning sacrifice—Christ bearing the penalty for sin in humanity’s place—yet it is also a victory over evil and death.
This liturgical focus fosters a balance of awe and intimacy. The absence of the Eucharist on Good Friday (a practice shared with many Western traditions) underscores the day’s uniqueness: rather than receiving Christ’s presence in bread and wine, the faithful gaze upon his presence on the cross. Yet, in some parishes, they may distribute communion from Maundy Thursday’s consecrated elements, emptying all of the reserve elements.
Cultural and Contemporary Relevance
Good Friday’s observance in Anglicanism has evolved with cultural contexts. In England, it remains a public holiday, with traditions like eating hot cross buns (marked with a cross to recall the crucifixion) persisting alongside worship. Globally, Anglican communities adapt the day to local customs—processions in some regions, quiet vigils in others—while retaining the core liturgy.
In modern times, Good Friday resonates as a countercultural moment. Amid a world of noise and distraction, its silence and simplicity challenge the faithful to confront suffering, mortality, and redemption. It also speaks to social justice, as the Solemn Collects pray for the oppressed, prompting Anglicans to see Christ’s cross in the struggles of the marginalized.
Conclusion
Good Friday in the Anglican tradition is a day of stark beauty and profound meaning, weaving together scripture, prayer, and symbol to draw worshippers into the heart of the Christian story. Through the Passion reading, the Solemn Collects, and the Veneration of the Cross, Anglicans mourn Christ’s death while standing at the threshold of hope. The liturgy’s restraint—no Eucharist, no triumphant music—mirrors the desolation of Calvary, yet its rituals affirm the cross as the pivot of salvation history. For Anglicans, Good Friday is not an end but a passage, a day when the church lingers in the shadow of the cross, trusting that Easter’s light will soon break forth. In its solemnity and depth, it remains a testament to the Anglican commitment to worship that engages both heart and mind, inviting all to behold the love that triumphed through sacrifice.
Category: Anglicanism Tags: Anglicanism 101, BCP, Book of Common Prayer, Good Friday, Holy Week, Lent