Book of Alternative Services

Friday, April 3^rd, 2026

Good Friday: The Celebration of the Lord’s Passion (Red or Black)
Day of discipline and self-denial

Good Friday

Celebration of the Eucharist: While the BAS permits the celebration of the Eucharist today, it is suggested that, in keeping with ancient tradition, the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving not be offered. Holy Communion from Gifts consecrated last night can be a simple and moving way for people to be joined to Christ in his Passion on this day.

Veiling on Good Friday: In those places that keep the custom of veiling, crosses and crucifixes are unveiled before the service of Good Friday. The other veils are removed when the church is prepared for the first service of Easter.

Note on Holy Cross Day: The cross as a sign of God’s love has a particular emphasis in today’s liturgy. Just as Corpus Christi allows one of the major themes of Maundy Thursday to be observed with a different emphasis outside of Holy Week so as to celebrate the centrality of the Eucharist in the church’s life, so too Holy Cross Day (September 14th) allows the centrality of the cross in the Passion of Christ on Good Friday to be celebrated outside of Holy Week in a way that allows a celebration of the cross as a sign of the victory of Christ over sin and death and our salvation.

Office Note: The BAS provides four readings for the offices today. The suggestion is to use the Old Testament or the New Testament reading and use the Gospel appointed for the morning (Jn 13:36-38) at Morning Prayer, and the omitted reading and the Gospel appointed for the evening (Jn 19:38-42) at Evening Prayer. It is recommended that the alternate Old Testament reading (Wis 1:16—2:1, 12-22 or Gen 22:1-14) not be used today.

Morning Prayer: Ps 95 (Invitatory), 22; Lam 3:1-9, 19-33; 1 Pet 1:10-20 or Jn 13:36-38; Coll 308

Holy Eucharist: Propers 308; Is 52:13—53:12; Ps 22; Heb 10:16-25 or 4:14-16, 5:7-9; Jn 18:1—19:42 (omit Gospel responses); Meditation on the Cross of Jesus 313; Holy Communion 317; no dismissal

Evening Prayer: Ps 40:1-14, (15-19), 54; (Wis 1:16—2:1, 12-22 or Gen 22:1-14); 1 Pet 1:10-20 or Jn 19:38-42; Coll 308

Link to full text for this day.