Q: This question has come up on a few occasions at the National Liturgical Council meeting as to whether, in the absence of a priest, a deacon or lay-person may lead the Good Friday liturgy.
My understanding would be that because of the special nature of the Good Friday Liturgy (i.e. that it is much more than simply a Liturgy of the Word with Adoration of the Cross and Communion) then only a priest would be able to preside.
Your response to this would be most appreciated.
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A: I answered this briefly on the blog last year: https://paulturner.org/
Still, there is no tradition behind a deacon or layperson presiding for the Good Friday liturgy. The priest presides, and it is the only occasion when he wears a chasuble at a liturgy that is not mass. I presume that this is because the community enters into the sacrifice of Jesus on that day in a way of commemoration that relates to but is distinct from the eucharist.
If no priest is available, presumably, the liturgy is not celebrated. Other options exist: stations of the cross, evening prayer, devotional exercises such as the seven last words.