Who started Good Friday? This question has intrigued Christians and historians alike for centuries. Good Friday, also known as Holy Friday, is a significant day in the Christian calendar, commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. The origins of this solemn day are deeply rooted in the New Testament and have been celebrated by Christians worldwide for over two millennia. Understanding the history behind Good Friday requires delving into the events that led to Jesus’ crucifixion and the subsequent establishment of this holy day. In this article, we will explore the origins of Good Friday and the individuals who played a pivotal role in its inception.
The roots of Good Friday can be traced back to the New Testament, where the Bible recounts the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion. According to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot, arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, and subsequently subjected to trials before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. Jesus was ultimately condemned to death by crucifixion, a common form of execution in the Roman Empire.
The first Christians did not immediately establish Good Friday as a specific day of observance. Instead, the early church focused on Easter, which commemorates Jesus’ resurrection. It was not until the 4th century that the Council of Nicaea, convened by Emperor Constantine, officially established the dates for Easter and Good Friday. The council determined that Easter should be celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox, and Good Friday would be observed on the Friday before Easter.
The individual responsible for starting Good Friday as a day of solemn observance is not a single person but rather the collective efforts of the early Christian community and the ecumenical councils that shaped the liturgical calendar. However, several key figures played a role in the development and promotion of Good Friday as a significant day of remembrance.
One such figure was Pope Gregory the Great, who served as the Pope from 590 to 604 AD. He is credited with promoting the observance of Good Friday and encouraging Christians to fast and pray on this day. Pope Gregory the Great also authored a series of sermons on the Passion of Christ, which helped to deepen the understanding of the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and the importance of Good Friday.
Another influential figure was Saint Ambrose, a 4th-century bishop of Milan, who is considered one of the Church Fathers. Saint Ambrose played a crucial role in shaping the liturgical practices of the early church, including the observance of Good Friday. He is known for his theological writings and his efforts to promote the veneration of the cross, which is central to the Good Friday liturgy.
In conclusion, while it is difficult to pinpoint a single individual who started Good Friday, the origins of this solemn day are rooted in the New Testament and the collective efforts of the early Christian community. The ecumenical councils, such as the Council of Nicaea, played a significant role in establishing the liturgical calendar and designating Good Friday as a day of observance. Figures like Pope Gregory the Great and Saint Ambrose contributed to the promotion and understanding of Good Friday, ensuring that this day of remembrance would endure for generations to come.
