A festive occasion: On Easter, the clergy spread the message of love

Karachi's Christians commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

KARACHI: On Sunday, All Saints Church in PECHS welcomed visitors with two giant Easter eggs decorated in blues and yellows, hanging off poles in the garden, as the old and the young, the rich and the poor all gathered under one roof to celebrate Easter.

As Karachi's Christian community commemorated the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the clergy prayed for forgiveness, urging their congregations to take care of their neighbours and spread the message of love.

As he began his sermon, Reverend Shahid Sabir asked those present at All Saints Church to observe a moment of silence and remember the sacrifice made by Jesus for his followers. "We pray for our country, our Prime Minister and President. The fears that we experience as a minority can be overcome by strengthening our faith and following what Jesus preached," he said as the gathering repeated his words, repenting their sins and praying for the betterment of humanity.

Later, towards the end of the mass, the devotees gathered at a table for their share of bread and sweet water. "Before he was crucified, Jesus shared a portion of bread with his people, instructing them to do the same," Rev Sabir told The Express Tribune. Gesturing towards the drink that the attendees were sharing from one cup, he explained that it was made from grape essence. "It is drunk from the same cup to increase brotherhood and love among the community."

Every year, masses begin at churches across Karachi at midnight on Easter, continuing till the morning. According to one belief, Jesus was resurrected at dawn, around 4am; candlelight vigils and prayers are often held at this time to commemorate the sanctity of the moment.

"The 4am gathering is much larger than the morning masses," said Rev Sabir. "We had to get extra chairs in the lawn to accommodate everyone. Meanwhile, the morning masses are attended by those who are busy due to their jobs and night duties. They can choose which one they want to attend."

Irene, a teacher attending the mass, told The Express Tribune that they celebrate Easter by visiting their loved ones and preparing pulao (a meat and rice dish). "It's a joyful day so we dress up, make special sweetmeats, have our meals together and share sweets in Easter eggs," she revealed. When the service drew to an end, girls in bright shalwar kameez and sari-clad women in tinkling jewellery hugged each other, while others posed for photographs with each other. Meanwhile, the Reverend stood at the church doors to meet his congregation, patting each of them on the head and wishing them a happy Easter.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 6^th,  2015.