Good Friday: Reverend Michele Lees addressing the crowd at St Mary’s Parish Echuca. Photo: Phil Zamagias
Bystanders and visitors to Echuca witnessed the annual ‘Walk of Witness’ on Good Friday as a group of around 120 people made its way from church to church along Hare St.
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Pilgrims took turns carrying a large wooden cross between the venues as Echuca and Moama’s Christian churches joined together on Good Friday to focus on the most important message of the Christian faith: That Jesus died to save sinners.
Finding voice: Pastor Rob Tanner speaking in front of the Echuca Moama Uniting Church steps. Photo: Phil Zamagias
Beginning at the Uniting Church, Reverend Michele Lees welcomed the crowd and led them through a series of Bible readings and meditations on Christ’s journey to His crucifixion.
Holy day: Theo van der Nest carries the cross. Photo: Phil Zamagias
Pastor Donovan Jasper led the assembly in songs of praise and thanksgiving. While the physical stops were at the Anglican and Catholic churches, Christians from many local churches were able to participate in this truly ecumenical event.
Pastor Rob Tanner, from New Life Baptist Church in Moama, gave the Easter message reminding people that even in the darkness of Good Friday, the light of Christ is the hope of the world as we see on Easter Day.
Walking through town: Donovan Jasper with a guitar and Rob Lees carrying the cross. Photo: Phil Zamagias
After the walk, the Uniting Church hosted a morning tea with hot cross buns for everyone.
“The Walk of Witness is gaining momentum after the interruption of COVID but is now a popular way for local Christians to demonstrate their unity in the things that matter most,” Christ Church Anglican Echuca Rev Phil Zamagias said.
“While styles of worship or meeting times may vary, the message of the cross brings Christians from all backgrounds and all ages together.”
Follow me: Harry Jasper walking with the cross past the Old Echuca Post Office. Photo Phil Zamagias
By all accounts, the Walk of Witness is a very moving way to commemorate the sacrifice of Jesus nearly 2000 years ago. But Friday is only half of the story because Jesus rose again from the dead and that is the pivotal point of the Christian faith. What Jesus did on the cross makes it possible for all people to live with God forever.
Why not visit a local Christian church and find out for yourself?
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