BISHOP VLADIMIR FEKETE PRESIDED ON GOOD FRIDAY LITURGY

Good Friday is the day that ends the earthly life of Jesus with His death on the cross, the day of the redemption of the entire world. According to the ancient tradition of the Church, Holy Mass is not celebrated on this day, but the Liturgy of the Remembrance of the Lord’s Passion is held, consisting of three parts: the Liturgy of the Word, the veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion.

On April 18, in the Baku Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Holy Liturgy of Good Friday was presided by the Apostolic Prefect of the Catholic Church in Azerbaijan Bishop Vladimir Fekete. According to the liturgical rules of the Church, the priests and altar servers entered the church in complete silence, after which, having paid homage to the altar, which on this day was without a veil and candles, Bishop Vladimir Fekete and the priests concelebrating with him prostrated themselves before the altar. This liturgical gesture has a dual meaning: it expresses both the deep veneration of Our Lord’s Sacrifice on the Cross, and the descension of God into the darkness of human sin and weakness, since each priest at the liturgy represents Christ Himself.

After the collect prayer, the first part of the service began – the Liturgy of the Word, the center of which is the Gospel story of the Lord’s Passion. The Liturgy of the Word ended with a general prayer consisting of 10 appeals: about the Holy Church; about the Pope; about all ranks and degrees of believers; about catechumens; about the unity of Christians; about the Jews; about those who do not believe in Christ; about those who do not believe in God; about those who rule states; about those in distress.

Then came the second part of the service – the Adoration of the Holy Cross. The Cross was brought into the church, and all the congregation kneeled adored the Cross.

At the end of the liturgy, the Most Holy Sacraments were transferred to the Holy Tomb for veneration.