New Delhi, India – Across Asia, Christian communities marked Good Friday with solemn rituals, processions, and prayers, reflecting on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the message of sacrifice, redemption, and hope.
From the bustling cities of the Philippines to the quiet churches of South Korea and India, believers gathered in large numbers to commemorate one of the most sacred days on the Christian calendar.
In India, Jalandhar’s Christian Communities Unite in Reverent Good Friday Observance on April 18, 2025
On April 18, 2025, the Christian communities of Jalandhar, Punjab, came together in deep reverence to observe the solemn occasion of Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The day was marked by heartfelt prayers, services, and processions, reflecting the central Christian values of love, sacrifice, and redemption.
A significant highlight of the observance was the grand Good Friday event organized by the Ankur Narula Ministry in Khambra Village. Thousands of devotees gathered for the occasion, led by Apostle Ankur Yoseph Narula, Senior Pastor and Overseer of The Church of Signs and Wonders, one of Punjab’s largest and fastest-growing ministries. The gathering saw participants from diverse backgrounds come together in worship, honoring Jesus Christ’s selfless sacrifice. Apostle Narula emphasized that Christ came for the salvation of all people—beyond any nation or community, and not just for Christians alone.
The Church of Signs and Wonders, located on Nakodar Road in Khambra Village, has become a beacon of spiritual unity. With nearly three lakh members and branches across Punjab, as well as in the US, Canada, and Germany, the ministry has extended its outreach significantly. The Good Friday service, which ran from 6 PM to 11 PM, was filled with worship, prayer, and expressions of gratitude. Apostle Narula, described as anointed and Spirit-filled, led the congregation in glorifying the name of Jesus Christ.
The observance highlighted the vibrant presence of Christian ministries in Punjab, with the Church of Signs and Wonders standing out for its outreach and spiritual healing services. This Good Friday, the faithful in Jalandhar came together, demonstrating that the message of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice resonates universally and unites people from all walks of life in a shared expression of faith and hope.
In the Philippines, Asia’s largest Catholic nation, thousands of faithful joined reenactments of the Passion of Christ in provinces such as Pampanga and Bulacan. Some devotees engaged in acts of penance, including self-flagellation and crucifixion reenactments—an intense form of devotion that draws international attention each year.
In Sri Lanka, which has seen growing interfaith efforts in recent years, Good Friday was observed peacefully, with joint interfaith messages from Christian and Buddhist leaders calling for compassion, justice, and reconciliation.
Meanwhile, Christians in Pakistan gathered in cathedrals and small chapels alike, lighting candles and praying under tight security. In Lahore, Archbishop Sebastian Shaw called for national harmony and encouraged believers to “be instruments of peace and forgiveness, following the example of Christ.”
In South Korea, where Christianity is a major religion, churches held quiet vigils and solemn services. The Yoido Full Gospel Church and Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul hosted thousands of attendees, many of whom reflected on the significance of the day amid growing concerns over regional security.
Across Indonesia, home to a significant Christian minority, Good Friday services were held with a strong message of interreligious respect. President Joko Widodo extended greetings to Christian citizens, reaffirming the country’s commitment to religious tolerance.
In Malaysia, Good Friday is officially observed as a public holiday in the states of Sabah and Sarawak, where the day is marked by church services and community-led gatherings reflecting on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim extended his warm greetings to Christians in Malaysia in honor of Good Friday and Easter Sunday, urging all Malaysians to embrace the values of love, unity, and mutual respect.
This year, the Easter Vigil was especially significant, with more than 2,000 individuals across the country preparing for baptism. Of these, 1,047 were newly baptized in Peninsular Malaysia, with a comparable number receiving the sacrament in Malaysian Borneo.
Good Friday is recognized as a public holiday in Hong Kong, with schools and most businesses closed, allowing the faithful to participate in religious services and processions.
Time and Date
Churches across the city held special services, including the Stations of the Cross and Passion narratives, reflecting the solemnity of the day. In areas like North Point, congregations gathered for live services, fostering a sense of community and reflection.
This year’s observances were particularly poignant as they come during a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and humanitarian crises in various parts of the world. Clergy across the continent urged believers to reflect on the meaning of sacrifice and extend compassion to those suffering from war, displacement, and poverty.
As Asia’s diverse Christian communities marked this sacred day, the unifying message of Good Friday—of love, sacrifice, and the hope of renewal—resonated across churches, homes, and hearts.
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