A family member of a man who was left in critical condition after falling from a cross at a crucifixion reenactment has spoken out with the latest update to his health.
On Friday (April 19), a crucifixion reenactment with the Vandalia Community Christian Church took place at the Masonic Cemetery off of Route 33 in Weston, Western Virginia.
A crucifixion reenactment is a devotional practice which can form part of some church's observances of Holy Week. It can see members of the community reenact moments of Jesus Christ's suffering and death - from self-flagellation, crawling on the ground, carrying wooden crosses or indeed nailing themselves to crosses - as a way of paying their respects, an act of sacrifice or personal penance or to bring about good will and blessings.
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An 84-year-old man ended up falling around 10 feet from one of the crosses during the reenactment at around 12:30pm.
It's reported there were three crosses with three different men reenacting Jesus' crucifixion as part of the church's Easter activities.
The men are reported as having been standing on small platforms in costume, while other individuals dressed as Roman centurions and Mary watched, as reported by West Virgina News.
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Prior to the event taking a turn, a church member told the outlet: "We are here today, on this windy but gorgeous day, to reenact the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We’ve been doing this for over 20 years.
"We’ve been here in years past when it was raining, [with] sleet, snow and freezing temperatures, but today is perfect. There are people who are on the crosses who represent Jesus and the two thieves."
It's reported the man who fell was critically injured and flown to an emergency facility however, a family member of the injured man has since spoken out with an update on his condition - thankfully his condition having improved.
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It's reported those familiar with the incident said the man was not a member of the church but was helping at the event.
As of April 21, a family member told 5 News the man remains in intensive care with broken ribs, however, his condition is reportedly improving and doctors don't believe his injuries are life-threatening anymore, as quoted by WDBJ7.
While it's unclear whether the man was nailed to the cross, another believer did indeed have nails put through his hands, South China Morning Post reports.
A 64-year-old named Ruben Enaje was reportedly nailed to a cross for the 36th time in the village of San Pedro Cutud in the Philippines to mark Good Friday this year.
Topics: World News, US News, Health, Religion
Poppy Bilderbeck