Friday, April 18, 2025

Local Christians to Observe Good Friday

Christians in Pasadena and around the world will commemorate Good Friday on April 18, marking the solemn day when Jesus Christ suffered and died on the cross.

Many churches offer special services and prayer opportunities for worshippers to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice. Some congregations set up wooden crosses for meditation, while others observe the Stations of the Cross, a devotional practice recalling Jesus’ journey along the Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrows) in Jerusalem to Calvary, where he was crucified.

For many believers, Good Friday is also a day of fasting and penance, and serves as a reminder to be concerned about suffering in today’s world.

In Pasadena, several churches are holding special events. Knox Presbyterian Church at 225 South Hill Avenue will host a prayer vigil from noon to 6 p.m. in the sanctuary, offering personal reflection time with prayer guides available. The vigil continues on Holy Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., leading up to Easter Sunday services on April 20 at 10 a.m.

All Saints Church in Pasadena, at 132 N. Euclid Avenue, will host its annual “Stations of the Cross — A Journey Through Pasadena” on Friday, April 18, start at 6:00 p.m. The event reimagines the traditional Christian ritual by guiding participants through downtown Pasadena, connecting religious narratives with modern social justice issues at local civic landmarks.

Downtown, Pasadena Presbyterian Church at 585 E. Colorado Blvd. will present its 27th Annual Good Friday Devotional Concert at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. The free event, presented by the Friends of Music, features resident and guest singers accompanied by the Friends of Music Orchestra performing works including Morten Lauridsen’s “Lux Aeterna” and Elaine Hagenberg’s “Illuminare.” Timothy Howard and Jeffrey Schindler will conduct.

Good Friday is the only day of the year when Mass is not celebrated in Catholic churches.