Good Friday Pilgrimage Set

The community is invited to walk with local churches Friday along a pilgrimage through downtown Greenwood in recognition of Good Friday. 

The Rev. Don Chancellor, the rector at the Episcopal Church of the Nativity, has been working with other area churches to  organize the event, which will begin at 1 p.m. Friday in front of the Episcopal church. 

“Because this was a normal practice for me, I thought I’d invite others,” he said. “We’re all looking for a way to show visible unity, and we’re hoping it can be an opportunity — and, hopefully, a tradition — where Christians can at least come together publically in both our sinfulness and faithfulness.” 

He said he has had informal discussions over the last several weeks with the Rev. Ruth McKinney of Wesley United Methodist Church, Dr. Montrell Greene of Sycamore Street Church of Christ, the Rev. Scott Wright of St. John’s United Methodist Church and others about the pilgrimage.

The walk will follow the Stations of the Cross, a traditional Good Friday practice established in the early church. 

The 14 stations along the pilgrimage follow the story of the passion of Christ, beginning when he is condemned to die and ending when he is laid in his tomb. 

Each stop will offer a chance for those present to pray and meditate in preparation for Easter Sunday. Chancellor said the pilgrimage fills in the time in between those stations and allows those who participate to reflect on the actions represented and “live in the tension” of the finality of the last station. 

“What this does for us spiritually is to allow us to stare with some clarity at the sacrifices made on our behalf and think about what the world could have been like without the resurrection,” he explained. 

Chancellor said he expected several churches to participate but did not know how many people would make the pilgrimage. 

“My hope is that, by coming together and walking the way of Christ together, we will be helped in seeing each other in a context that promotes unity,” he said. 

If it rains, the Stations of the Cross most likely will be set up in the Episcopal Church of the Nativity, but Chancellor is hopeful that it can proceed outdoors. “The great thing about it being outside is that it allows you to take the time to reflect, as you walk, on the process,” he said.