Rev. David Svihel stands before the crowd.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Sarasota
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The annual Good Friday stations of the cross walk began 24 years ago with a small group of men at Church of the Redeemer, but it has since branched out to encompass the wider community.
As the 2025 editing of the walk concluded, Father Charleston Wilson said he felt moved when he saw a number of people he estimated at about 1,000 gathered in front of Church of the Redeemer, where he serves as rector.
"It drew a tear from my eye to look out and see the power of all of us under the banner of Jesus and walking in his footsteps," he said.
The church and the Sarasota Ministerial Association conducts the annual multi-denominational event, which extends from Regal Hollywood Cinema on Main Street to Church of the Redeemer, also involves clergy from different area congregations.
A Good Friday tradition, the stations of the cross grew out of the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, and the 14 stations each represent a part of the story of Jesus’ crucifixion.
Wilson said hundreds of years ago, it would have been unheard of for different Christian denominations to celebrate together.
"It's really something that needs to be lifted up in the community, to the state, to the country, to the world," Wilson said.
Tanner Bobb, Mitchell Wrigley and Arch Long, seventh graders who attend Church of the Redeemer, walk along together.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Phillip Pifer sings with the crowd during a song.
Photo by Ian Swaby
David Lindenau, 10, listens a speaker while stopped at one of the stations.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Stanley Prophet and his wife Rose Prophet participate in a devotion at one of the stations.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Rev. David Svihel carries the cross down Main Street.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Kim Pulliam follows along during a devotion.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Melinda Drake, worship leader of Vision Church, sings "Mary, Did You Know?" at the 6th station in front of First Sarasota.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Rev. David Svihel stands before the crowd.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Maria Guardado carried the weight of the cross throughout the walk.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Stephen DeHart, an ordained minister, blows the shofar. "The shofar has a very, very deep meaning," he said. "When you blow it, it changes the atmosphere."
Photo by Ian Swaby
Antonio Leal-Olmedo, lay leader of Church of the Redeemer's Hispanic congregation, speaks at the 10th station.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Tiffany Echols and her son Oscar Echols, 11, walk together. As Church of the Redeemer members, it was their first time participating in the walk, after moving to Sarasota from Alabama. "He was really taking it all in," Tiffany said.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Senior Pastor Brett DeHart of First United Methodist Church speaks at the 11th station, in front of the church.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Senior Pastor Ruth Smalt of Siesta Key Chapel speaks at the third station.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Rev. Wesley Tunstall Jr. listens as Melinda Drake, worship leader of Vision Church, sings "Mary, Did You Know?" in front of First Sarasota.
