Celebrating Christ’s resurrection: Easter eggs and worship sweeten the day

Christian community revels in their close circle of family and friends.


Mavra Bari April 08, 2012

ISLAMABAD:


The Easter Bunny may have forgotten to bring eggs this season, but residents of the twin cities styled their own on Sunday. The Christian community painted shapes and stuck suckers on eggs in their homes in preparation of the evening egg-hunt.


Before feasting and egg decorating, they greeted the day with prayers in various churches. “Most communal worship starts with a procession towards the church,” said Fatima Bhatti, a college student. After everyone has arrived at the church, readings of the Bible commence and psalms are sung.

Reverend Irfan Jamil of St. Thomas Church commented that the egg is a symbol of life and birth and a fitting emblem to celebrate Jesus Christ’s resurrection.

The reverend’s sermon is one of the most notable parts of the Sunday service. Reverend Irfan Jamil of St. Thomas Church delivered a sermon to about 500 people, noting the variations of the story of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. He dispelled the myths that Christ was not dead at crucifixion but had just lost consciousness when he was buried, by stating that the resurrection is supported by the Bible as well as historical accounts. Furthermore, he manifested himself in front of many people on the third day who are witness to his second coming. In addition, his grave was found empty when his re-appearance was speculated, he added. Later in the sermon, people in the mass were sprayed with holy water. The themes of life, revival and purification were quite dominant throughout the day.

The Young Christian Leaders Network Team Leader Sunil Sheroon said, “The day is a source of happiness for us as it fulfils Christ’s prophecy that he would rise from the dead, becoming a testament to his grave sacrifice for all humankind.”

Unlike Pakistani Christians, foreigners and expatriates  did not have their families at hand. So they got together to celebrate.

Jim Williams, a British, has been working in Pakistan for eight months and commented that though he was unable to celebrate Easter with his family, it is nice to celebrate with fellow expats.

Ellen Maize, an American, has been in Islamabad for five months and attended the service at Our Lady of Fatima Church. She said the service was markedly different than the ones back home and was an interesting insight into the variations of holidays and religious custom across nations and cultures.

Pakistanis urged to work for peace, tolerance

In a statement issued on Sunday, Minister for National Harmony Dr Paul Bhatti urged the followers of all faiths to work for peace, love and tolerance. He addressed the Christian community at the prayer ceremony of Easter at Catholic Church Satellite Town in Rawalpindi. He cut a cake and distributed sweets among more than 100 children. He also sent food for the prisoners at Adiala Jail.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 9th, 2012.

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