Easter services – how they were held in different countries

Orthodox Christians in all countries celebrate Easter, a little differently, but with the same joy and hope.

In Istanbul, at a festive service, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew called for an immediate end to the war in Ukraine and throughout the world.

In Greece, for the first time in two years, the faithful can celebrate their most important day without coronavirus restrictions. In Athens, representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora have been gathering in the Church of the Holy Trinity for more than 20 years. Today, Ukrainian refugees pray here far from their families. A refugee from the Ukrainian city of Irpen says:

“This is a big tradition in my family, we gather around the table for Easter, but, unfortunately, this year the situation has developed that my parents celebrate the holiday in Ukraine, and I’m here alone.”

Egyptian Coptic Christians also celebrate Easter. In 2017, a double terrorist attack during worship took the lives of dozens of Christians, so security measures in the country have been increased.

In Ramallah, Orthodox churches celebrated the “Sabbath of Light” – they met the Holy Fire that arrived from Jerusalem. In the city, says euronewsa procession of scouts accompanied by the sounds of national and religious music took place.

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