Millions of Christians around the world celebrated Easter on Sunday. Many gathered in churches to join the ceremony on the day most Christians consider as the most important holiday of the year.
In Australia, several church services were conducted throughout the day. Christians went to St. Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney for services while religious leaders in Brisbane called on worshipers to believe in the “hopeful message of the resurrection,” SBS reports.
Christians in Russia flocked to Moscow’s Christ the Savior Cathedral and attended the Easter service. Prominent personalities in politics, including President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, joined other churchgoers in celebrating the holiday, reports Russian News Agency TASS.
Thousands of pilgrims visited Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulcher. It is believed to be the location where Jesus was crucified and resurrected, according to The Associated Press.
Meanwhile, despite religious persecution and discrimination in the Middle East, Christians still made time to celebrate Easter. In Egypt, Coptic Christians observed Easter on a more somber note following the recent twin bombings of churches in Tanta and Alexandria.
Embattled Christians in Iraq spent Easter in camps after being displaced when ISIS overtook Mosul three years ago. Iraqi forces have liberated some Christian villages near the country’s second largest city, but many Iraqis are still hesitant to return home.
Sources:
Seattletimescom. (2017). The Seattle Times. http://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/christians-celebrate-easter-across-conflict-torn-mideast/
Tasscom. (2017). TASS. http://tass.com/society/941621
Sbscomau. (2017). News. http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/04/16/celebrating-easter-sunday-around-australia
