Christians marked the death of Jesus Friday with solemn Good Friday services.
The West Virginia Prayer Alliance held a special Good Friday Communion gathering at every courthouse across West Virginia.
Locally, the service was at noon at Monongalia County Courthouse Square.
Individuals and churches of all backgrounds were invited to join in this meaningful observance to honor the sacrifice of Jesus and celebrate the unifying spirit of faith.
Today is Holy Saturday, honored as the day Jesus was buried.
Easter is the holiest day in the Christian calendar, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The resurrection represents the triumph of good over evil, sin, death, and the physical body.
Easter Sunday also marks the end of Holy Week, the end of Lent and the last day of the Easter Triduum — Maundy Thursday through Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday.
It will also begin the Easter season of the liturgical year. Orthodox Easter will be celebrated May 5.