Thousands of Christians across the UAE are marking Easter in the shadow of the Iran war, with some churches introducing precautionary measures for the huge congregations expected at services over the weekend.
Faith leaders said it was hard to anticipate given the circumstances but it was still expected that tens of thousands of people would attend services at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai and St Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi on Easter Sunday alone.
Easter Sunday marks Jesus' resurrection and is one of the most significant dates in the Christian calendar.
In previous years, worshippers took up positions in church grounds. But this year some churches, such as St Joseph's and St Francis of Assisi in Jebel Ali in Dubai, are holding celebrations indoors only and entry is on a first-come, first served basis.
Changes have also been made to the number of masses. Last Easter Sunday, St Joseph’s held around 23 services in several languages. This year, there will be about 11 services, all in English, as most can follow the language, allowing a similar number of people to participate, church authorities said. Services will also be streamed online.
Delivering a message of hope
“Easter is very important because this is a season of hope,” Fr Chito Bartolo, parish priest of St Joseph's Cathedral, told The National on Thursday, stating that hope and peace are the main messages this year.
“Especially in this situation where everybody is being enveloped with fear, anxiety, or uncertainty - the message of Easter is very important … It is a message of hope.”
Worshippers have been attending services throughout Holy Week. At St Joseph’s Cathedral on Thursday, Bishop Paolo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, presided over a 7pm mass that included the washing of the feet in a ritual symbolising humility.
In his homily, Bishop Martinelli told the congregation that it was a special time “marked by the uncertainty of war”.
“We feel fear for the future, for our children and for our jobs,” he said. “But today we are certain that we are not alone.”
Large congregations are also expected for Good Friday - to commemorate Jesus Christ’s crucifixion along with Easter Sunday services.
It comes as conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran continues to disrupt public life, leading to event cancellations and some restrictions on large outdoor gatherings.
Faithful pray for better times
Fr Bartolo said since the war started on February 28, he had noticed an increase in people coming to church and that prayers had become more intense, with prayers for peace held continuously.
“The number of people who are coming to the church is extraordinary,” he said. “Whenever we celebrate mass, we can sense that … everybody is coming to pray intensely, meaning because when faith is tested, the more it becomes stronger.”
Christian communities from Anglican to Pentecostal churches are marking Easter, reflective of the diversity of the UAE’s make-up.
Fr David Jarratt, chaplain at St Andrew’s Anglican Church in Abu Dhabi, said it will host 30 guest congregations from Evangelical to Pentecostal on its compound with 3,000 worshippers expected across all groups over the weekend.
“Easter always has the message of hope and new life, it is the hinge on which everything turns,” Fr Jarratt told The National. “Whatever the world throws at us: uncertainty, loss, or weariness, the resurrection declares that none of it has the final word. Love does. Life does. God does.”
He also said prayers would be made for President Sheikh Mohamed “who has kept us safe during this challenging time”.
“We will continue to pray for him and everyone in his government.”
Global religious leaders are also using the occasion to call for peace. Pope Leo is marking his first Easter as leader of the Catholic Church. The pontiff on Tuesday expressed hope the Iran war could be finished before Easter in remarks to reporters in Rome. On Palm Sunday, the pontiff said God does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war.
Pope Leo is set to celebrate Easter Sunday Mass in St Peter’s Square and then deliver the traditional Urbi et Orbi (to the city and to the world) address.
Last year, the late Pope Francis made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, when his message - calling for peace from Gaza to Ukraine - was read aloud on his behalf.
