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Global Christian Community Observes Easter Sunday
Across the globe, Christian communities are commemorating Easter Sunday, marking a significant day in the Christian calendar. In a rare alignment of calendars, both Orthodox and Western churches are observing the sacred holiday on the same date this year. Easter Sunday, a pivotal religious festival for Christians worldwide, celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Easter Celebrations Around the World
Lebanon: Mass Amidst Destruction
In Lebanon, despite significant destruction, faith endured as numerous Christians gathered for Easter mass. They congregated at a church in Derdghaya, Tyre, which had been almost entirely ravaged by recent Israeli airstrikes, demonstrating resilience and devotion amidst conflict.
Pakistan: Prayers and Greetings
In Pakistan, members of the Christian minority joyously celebrated Easter Sunday. Following prayers at St. John’s Cathedral Church in Peshawar, congregants exchanged warm greetings, underscoring the spirit of unity and festivity within the community.
Jerusalem and Greece: Fireworks and Candlelight
Festivities took diverse forms across different locations. In Greece, vibrant fireworks illuminated the sky, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Meanwhile, in Jerusalem, worshippers engaged in a solemn candle lighting ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, revered as the site of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and burial.
Vatican City: Pope Francis’s Easter Message
Despite recent health concerns, Pope Francis made a notable public appearance. Touring St Peter’s Square in the popemobile, the Pontiff greeted the assembled faithful after delivering his ‘Urbi et Orbi’ benediction from the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, conveying a message of hope and renewal.
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Jerusalem’s Old City: Holy Fire Ceremony
Continuing a centuries-old tradition, Palestinian Christians participated in the Holy Fire ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem’s Old City. Devotees lit candles at the site believed to be where Jesus was crucified and entombed, symbolizing resurrection and faith.
Ukraine: Easter Amidst War
In war-torn Ukraine, Easter offered a moment of communal observance even as conflict persisted. Worshippers in Kyiv gathered, awaiting a priest’s blessing for baskets filled with traditional Easter foods, including pastries, eggs, and other symbolic items. However, the holiday provided little reprieve for residents of Kharkiv, a northeastern city under frequent attack since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. A stark reminder of the ongoing conflict was a Russian missile strike on Good Friday that resulted in casualties.
Lebanon: Faith in the Ruins
The extent of devastation in Lebanon was further highlighted by poignant scenes from the Saint George Melkite Greek Catholic Church. A priest and worshippers conducted Easter mass within the skeletal remains of the building, reduced to rubble by Israeli airstrikes in Derdghaya, Tyre. Christians in Lebanon were compelled to observe Easter amidst the tangible aftermath of conflict.
Pakistan: Vibrant Celebrations by Christian Minority
Further details emerged from Pakistan, showcasing the Easter celebrations of the Christian minority community in Peshawar. Photographs captured members greeting one another after communal prayers at St. John’s Cathedral Church. Participants, dressed in colourful traditional attire, were seen engaging in hymns and prayer, reflecting the joyous and devotional aspects of Easter.
Kenya: Legio Maria Church Observance
In Nairobi, Kenya, the Legio Maria Church marked Easter Sunday with a gathering at the Africa Church Mission. Striking images depicted nuns in white robes holding lit candles during an Easter vigil mass at St. Helena Parish in Mathare, showcasing the diverse expressions of Easter faith across the African continent.
Turkey and Bethlehem: Diverse Observances
In Mersin, Turkey, Christians congregated at the Greek Orthodox Church for Easter Sunday services. Meanwhile, in Bethlehem, West Bank, at the Church of the Nativity, revered as Jesus’s birthplace, Christians gathered for the ‘Easter Eve’ ceremony, demonstrating the global reach and varied traditions of Easter celebrations. Dozens participated in the Saturday night event in Bethlehem.
Pope Francis’s Appearance and Blessing
Pope Francis’s Easter Sunday appearance in St Peter’s Square was a source of joy for Catholic faithful. Despite his recent recovery from pneumonia, the 88-year-old pontiff delivered his ‘Urbi et Orbi’ benediction from the papal balcony. Images captured enthusiastic crowds in the tulip-adorned plaza, many hoping to see the Pope, whose appearance had been uncertain due to his health. His presence was warmly welcomed by the masses who congregated in Vatican City.
Russia: Orthodox Easter Service in Moscow
In Moscow, Russia, Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church led the Orthodox Easter service at Christ the Saviour Cathedral. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin were present at the significant religious event. Young women were photographed holding candles during the service, attended by prominent political figures.
Iraq: Easter Mass in Baghdad
Extending across continents and cultures, Christians in Baghdad, Iraq, also observed Easter, attending mass at St. Joseph Church, joining the global Christian community in commemorating the holy day.
Greece: Traditional ‘Rocket War’
In Greece, beyond solemn religious services, a unique and vibrant tradition unfolded on the island of Chios. The village of Vrontados witnessed the annual ‘rocket war’ between rival congregations. Thousands of fireworks illuminated the night sky as Saint Markos and Panagia Erithiani churches engaged in this dazzling, albeit unconventional, Easter celebration, transforming the resurrection night into a spectacle of light and sound.
Greek Easter Lamb Tradition
Following the night’s fiery displays, morning images from Greece showcased another Easter tradition: Greek Easter lambs, slaughtered the previous evening, roasting on skewers, ready for customers in a village overlooking Volos, highlighting the culinary customs associated with the Easter holiday.