Ukrainians in embattled east mark third Easter under fire

Kostiantynivka, Ukraine Reuters Ukrainians in the embattled east flocked to church on Sunday to mark their third wartime Easter as Russian troops inched closer to threatening some of the region’s key cities. Fighting on the eastern front has worsened in recent weeks, particularly around the town of Chasiv Yar, while Kyiv’s troops await crucial US […]
Essay: Renewed hopes for ecumenical date for Easter could spell end to longest-running culture war

In an article first published by Religion News Service, KATHERINE KELAIDIS, a research associate at the UK-based Institute of Orthodox Christian Studies, says there is once again renewed hope that a rift over when Easter is celebrated will be resolved…
On Orthodox Easter, Zelenskiy calls on Ukrainians to unite in prayer

Kyiv, Russia Reuters President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called on his fellow Ukrainians on Orthodox Easter on Sunday to unite in prayer for each other and the soldiers on the frontline, saying God – who has a “Ukrainian flag on his shoulder” – will lead to life defeating death. “Let’s pray for each other. When we all […]
Putin attends Easter service led by head of Russia’s Orthodox Church

Reuters President Vladimir Putin and scores of other Moscow worshippers attended an Easter service on Sunday, led by the head of Russia’s Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, a staunch supporter of the Russian leader and his war in Ukraine. Putin, in a dark suit, white shirt and a dark red tie, stood in the capital’s main […]
Cheers and flames as Orthodox worshippers greet the ancient ceremony of the ‘Holy Fire’

Jerusalem AP Bells and clamour, incense and flames. One of the most chaotic gatherings in the Christian calendar is the ancient ceremony of the “Holy Fire,” with worshippers thronging the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Saturday. Cheers and prayers rang out as candles one by one were lit after reaching through a small opening […]
Postcards: The blessing of rain dampens Holy Week in drought-stricken Spain

BERNAT ARMANGUE, of Associated Press, reports from Spain on the impact much-needed rain had on Easter celebrations…
Pope overcomes health concerns to preside over Easter Mass and appeal for peace in Gaza and Ukraine

Updated: 8am, 1st April, 2024 (AEDT) Rome. Italy AP Pope Francis rallied from a winter-long bout of respiratory problems to lead some 60,000 people in Easter celebrations Sunday, making a strong appeal for a cease-fire in Gaza and a prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine. Francis presided over Easter Sunday Mass in a flower-decked St […]
Young and old participate in Holy Week religious processions on Italy’s Procida island

Procida, Italy AP Italy is known for the religious processions that take over towns big and small throughout the year when Catholic feast days are celebrated. But even in a country where public displays of popular piety are a centuries-old tradition, Procida’s Holy Week commemorations stand out. The picturesque island in the Bay of Naples, […]
Pope soldiers through Easter Vigil after missing procession

Vatican City Reuters Pope Francis on Saturday soldiered through a more than two-hour Easter Vigil Mass in St Peter’s Basilica, one of the longest services in Catholic liturgy, amid renewed concerns about the 87-year-old’s frail condition. His voice at times sounded raspy and out of breath, but he read out all of his prepared texts, […]
With pilgrimages on hold, Holy Land Easter programming fills a gap

United States RNS Holy Week is typically a time when church groups flock to Israel to walk in the way of Jesus before his crucifixion in Jerusalem. But not this year. With the Hamas attack on Israel on 7th October, and the fierce ground assault on Gaza that has followed, most US church groups are […]