Abu Dhabi:
Churches in the capital have started receiving thousands of worshippers for prayers during Holy Week, which began on Sunday (Palm Sunday).
Holy Week commemorates the final week of Jesus Christ’s life and culminates with Easter Sunday. Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting and marks the beginning of the Season of Lent in Western Christianity. It is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting that continues until Easter Sunday. Maundy Thursday commemorates the last supper of Jesus Christ with the apostles. Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. Jesus’ resurrection is celebrated on Easter Sunday, which reminds humanity that hope comes after suffering.
Father Prakash Abraham, vicar at the Mar Thoma Church, said Holy Week gives a wonderful opportunity for introspection. “We can go forward in life by correcting ourselves only. This is a chance for transformation and complete purification,” he said.
Around 7,000 worshippers are expected to attend Good Friday prayers, the most important occasion during the week, at the church. “We will serve ‘love feast’ to believers during lunch,” Father Abraham said.
Reverend Canon Andrew Thompson, senior chaplain at St Andrew’s Church, said: “The ultimate lesson of Easter is that Jesus taught us, even in the face of overwhelming evil, love will ultimately overcome. The news of recent days of murderous attacks in London, Sweden and Egypt, not to mention the horrific sarin gas attack in Syria, serves to remind us why Easter resonates with us,” he said.
Rev Thompson said Christians remember that Jesus also entered into a world of violence and injustice. He also experienced prejudice and terror. He was a homeless refugee and outsider, the senior chaplain said.
Easter Sunday will see thousands of Christians celebrate hope over despair, light over darkness and love over hate, he said.
Jeramie Rinne, senior pastor at Evangelical Community Church, said: “During Holy Week, we focus our hearts and minds on the death of Jesus on the cross for our sins and the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Remembering his death and resurrection gives us hope in a world filled with suffering, violence and conflict,” he said.
“We welcome everyone to celebrate Holy Week with us. Come to a Good Friday or Easter morning service. Or if you can’t attend a church service, download a Bible app and read the gospel of Mark in the New Testament to learn about the story of Jesus,” Rinne said.
Father Thomas Sebastian, Bishop’s secretary at St Joseph Church, said although the suffering caused by atrocities across the world is disheartening, Holy Week is an opportunity for believers to do something to alleviate people’s pain.
Around 100,000 worshippers are expected to attend the prayers during the week at St Joseph Church, he said.
Father Mathai Marancheril, vicar at St George Orthodox Church, said there will be continuous prayers from 8am to 4pm at the church on Good Friday. “Here in the UAE, Christians have religious freedom. We are grateful to the UAE leadership for their generosity,” Fr Marancheril said.