FLAT ROCK, N.C. (WLOS) — Billions of Christians around the world are observing Good Friday on April 18, and many churches will hold a devotion called Stations of the Cross.
St. John in the Wilderness church in Flat Rock holds a Stations of the Cross event each year. It takes multiple church members at a time to lift up the cross and take turns carrying it across the property and into the church.
Fr. Josh Stephens, St. John in the Wilderness Rector, said it’s one way that they are able to live through the story of Jesus.
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“So we actually step into the story, and it’s a way that we pray with our entire selves, our bodies…you know our hearts, as we actually carry this large wooden cross for for Good Friday,” he said.
It’s really powerful.
Christians recognize Good Friday as the day Jesus Christ was crucified on a cross and died at Calvary. The stations of the cross cover 14 specific events beginning with the condemnation of Jesus and ending with his burial.
Father Josh said observing Good Friday in this way allows church members to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and pray about his sacrifice. He said he hopes those attending the service will remember that God knows about the suffering of his people.
We find that God is in complete solidarity with us.
“…and that somehow by being honest with God about our own experiences, and seeing God‘s experience as one of us gives us a lot of grace and it gives us a lot of hope,” he said.
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The cross is made of cedar by a member of the church. The Stations of the Cross is a historical event dating back to the early Christian church.
Father Josh said all are welcome to join their Easter services on Sunday. They will take place at St. John in the Wilderness, 1895 Greenville Highway, at 8:45 a.m. and 11 a.m.
