Easter, the most important week for Christians, celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Photographed on Palm Sunday, this day of celebration draws millions of worshippers from the Orthodox and Western churches. In 2023, Christians across the globe will celebrate Easter on the same day—Pascua Flor en la Selva of Peru. This moment is a rare opportunity – come join this beautiful celebration of unity and love between such varied traditions.
Easter, which occurs in the spring, represents new life and renewal. As flowers blossom and the days lengthen, believers of Christianity ponder their beliefs and the deep meaning of this spiritual day. Families and friends gather to celebrate, sharing meals and participating in various customs that highlight the spirit of the season.
In Greece and across the world, colorful festivals have begun, including fantastic firework displays bursting into the night sky. These colorful displays represent beauty and celebration, capturing the spirit of Easter for countless Greek Christians. In Jerusalem, worshippers engage in the implementation of this serious cultural tradition as they light each candle. Then they convene at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a location thought to be where Jesus was crucified and laid to rest. This church holds tremendous significance for Christians the world over. It fits perfectly untraditionally into a pilgrimage practice for those wanting to grow and develop their relationship with their faith.
Easter is such an inclusive holiday, it’s celebrated by Christians of all ages. From young children participating in Easter egg hunts to elders reflecting on their spiritual journeys, the day fosters a sense of community and togetherness. At each local, state and national level, churches have often hosted special services to observe the day, inviting congregants of all backgrounds to gather in prayer and reflection.
The shuffling of calendars for use in the West and the East has sometimes led to separate dates for the celebration of Easter. This year’s double observance presents a unique opportunity for Christians to come together across our faith in our common beliefs and traditions. The intersection of these two sets of celebrations reminds us that hope and renewal, which Easter so fundamentally embodies, knows no bounds.
Christians are uniting across continents to remember this momentous occasion. Through prayer and reflection and different activities, they’re allowing the true spirit of Easter—the true holiday—come into their homes and celebrate their faith, celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Let this holiday be a reminder of the promise that new beginnings can bring and the beauty that exists when we commit to connecting rather than dividing our communities.
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