Thousands attend Easter services in churches across the UAE

Dubai: Some stood reverently, with palms clasped together and heads slightly bowed amid the wafting odour of incense and candles, and strains of organ music playing in the background.

Others who did not make it inside the church just stood or knelt outside and made the "sign of the cross" as the proceedings beamed out of large speakers hung at strategic locations. Thousands of more queued up as they tried to push their way into the church to offer prayers.

This was the scene yesterday at many church compounds in the UAE, as Christians thronged to mark Easter Sunday. The weather was warm with a gentle breeze that only helped to make the Easter night joyous.

At St Joseph's Cathedral in Abu Dhabi, Vicar Apostolic of Arabia Bishop Paul Hinder led thousands of faithful at an outdoor Eucharist to conclude the three-day celebration.

Michael Orlando, a faithful from the Indian state of Kerala, believes the downturn in the economy is the cause of the significantly high church attendance in recent weeks, not just during Easter. "I would say there is definitely a higher number of people coming into the church, not necessarily to worship, but to sit quietly and let the music wash over them. This is not so surprising, as churches are comforting places in troubling times," he says, adding, "I guess this is a realisation that materialism isn't enough to satisfy the human spirit." Bishop Hinder delivered his homily.

In Dubai, there was barely any parking spaces in areas along the Oud Metha Road where the St Mary's Catholic Church and Holy Trinity Church are located.

Services at the Anglican Holy Trinity Church started as early as 5:30am in order to give many people an opportunity to attend.

Reverend John Weir, the senior chaplain led many to a moment of praise and worship. Earlier, Reverend Weir told Gulf News: "Come and see! Our churches are full and overflowing with every nationality. There are tens of thousands who will attend our Easter services. Current global economic problems require tough decisions about life, its values and its purpose." And true to his words, the church was overflowing as there was no available seat at 6pm, for a service that started at 7:30pm.

At St Mary's Catholic Church, English services started at 5:30am and more people kept streaming in at intervals of two hours.

How do you usually celebrate this day? What is your most memorable Easter?

Sharjah had a mass services of a commendible number. The Easter vigil started at 11.30 and lasted till over 2.30. We celebrated with family and went out dancing breaking the large chocolate easter egg, cake.
F. K.
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: April 13, 2009, 09:08

We always celebrate Easter with family at home, it is a day to remember our lord, praise him and thank him for he has done for us by taking away our pain. My best Easter was the one I celebrated in 2002 after my marriage. We had an entercast marraige, so after marriage it was the first time I was celebrating Easter. Just newly married and come to Dubai, I had to cook for around 20 - 25 people, trust me I am not a good cook. But I enjoyed it. It was the best Easter i ever had.
Sheetal Kumar
Dubai,UAE
Posted: April 13, 2009, 08:45

We usually celebrate Easter by going to the churches back home in the Philippines. One of the most memorable is watching the Passion Plays and the traditional burning of the effigy of Judas Escariot beside the church.
Dexter Dalisay
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: April 13, 2009, 08:33

Well in deed the celebration of Easter in my home country is a very big celebration. Where my parents wake us up as early as 2:30am to watch the play "The Resurrection" in our church. Where Mary meet Jesus and angels are singing. It's like Christmas but more importantly the essence of the celebration of Easter is thanking and praising our Almighty Creator. Happy Easter!
Mhadzie
Dubai,UAE
Posted: April 13, 2009, 08:31

The day before Easter is usually very busy with delicacies being prepared and we indulge in Non-veg dishes as we complete the 50 days Lent. We have Easter service in church at night and we have a traditional breakfast of Appam.
Ms Philip
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: April 13, 2009, 08:24

Well this day (Easter) being a very special day for all the people believe in God, We go to church and have a family get together and then back to our regular work.
Aaron
Dubai,UAE
Posted: April 13, 2009, 07:33