Hyderabad: Churches in Hyderabad and Secunderabad have made special arrangements for Good Friday, expecting large crowds of devotees. People will gather from early morning to witness the Passion Play, which shows the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Many will also attend prayer services throughout the day.
In addition to morning services, churches will hold meditation sessions focusing on the last seven words spoken by Jesus before his death. There will also be a ceremony to honor the holy cross. Catholic churches in the city will conduct these meditations in three languages — Tamil, Telugu, and English — to reach more people.
On Thursday, churches observed Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday. This day remembers the Last Supper, when Jesus shared a final meal with his disciples.
G Selvavice, Secretary of the United Christmas Celebration Committee, said that some of the oldest churches in the city, like St Mary’s Basilica and St Joseph’s Cathedral, have set up tents and extra seating to help people stay comfortable in the summer heat. The prayer halls have also been decorated for Good Friday and the upcoming Easter celebrations on Sunday.
The pastor of CSI Wesley Church shared that all preparations are in place. “Our church services will begin in the morning and end by 3 pm, after the meditation on the last seven words spoken by Jesus on the cross,” he said.
