Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Christians around the world, including those in American Samoa, are commemorating Good Friday tomorrow, the day they believe Jesus Christ was crucified and died on the cross to save us from our sins.

Good Friday is marked with morning services by some church denominations, especially the Catholic Faith, whose parishioners re-create the final steps Jesus took while carrying his cross to Calvary.

It precedes Easter Sunday, the day Christians believe Jesus was resurrected —  and will include a wide range of church services territory-wide, followed by an Easter feast. On Saturday there will be Easter Egg hunts for the children, while some of Easter Egg hunts will be held Sunday as well.

Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata released the following statement celebrating Easter:

“He is risen! As Christians, we have been proclaiming this wonderful message of hope for two millennia. On this Easter Sunday, we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“In American Samoa, we are a people of faith. Thank you to each of our pastors, church congregations, musicians, and faithful hearts throughout our islands for your dedication all year, and especially for your part in this joyful celebration each year to conclude Holy Week and consider the blessed hope in Jesus.

“May our Easter Sunday services be filled with praise, prayer, and gratitude, and may God be with our people, our families, and our islands in our worship and celebration.”

 In his Easter Message, Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula said, “We recognize this sacred day as a time to reflect on commemorating Christ's crucifixion and burial. His suffering in Gethsemane and His crucifixion on Calvary were acts of perfect love, providing the way for all to return to our Heavenly Father.

“The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the infinite sacrifice that offers hope, redemption, and eternal life. May this day inspire us to deepen our faith, offer heartfelt gratitude for His grace and extend Christlike compassion to others.

“All government offices will be closed in observance of Good Friday. Employees not required for essential services shall be excused from duty, while those required to work will receive holiday wages per applicable laws. With deep appreciation for your hard work and dedication, I encourage you to celebrate our heritage, reflect on our blessings, and cherish this time with loved ones. Wishing you a joyous and blessed Easter weekend.”

Gov. Pula has already declared Friday, a local government holiday and all ASG offices will be closed. Employees required to work will receive holiday wages in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

With the three-day weekend, police plan to increase road patrols to keep the territory’s highways safe and the Department of Public Safety urges the community to keep peace and harmony at this time, when Christians mark the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Several local businesses will be closed to not only observe Good Friday but to allow their workforce to attend morning church services.

All federal offices including the U.S. Post Office in Fagatogo will be open for business as usual.

In observance of Good Friday, Samoa News will not publish Friday; however, Samoa News Facebook will provide news updates as events occur during this three-day weekend.

Happy Easter to American Samoa and Samoans around the world.