Parishioners gathered to celebrate Easter in Orthodox churches across the UAE, praying for peace and love in uncertain times.
Hundreds of Orthodox Christians celebrated Easter on Sunday, considered one of the holiest times of the year for the community that drew together families from across the country.
After a week-long shutdown due to safety reasons amid the Iranian missile attacks, churches in Dubai resumed in-person prayer services from April 10 and worshippers filed into pews for Easter services this weekend.
Churches had closed and live streamed services from April 3 to comply with precautionary measures during the Iran war. Churches in Dubai permitted parishioners to pray indoors this weekend following the announcement of a two-week ceasefire in the Iran war.
At the Our Lady of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, in Dubai, priests prayed for peace and calm while celebrating the joy of Easter.
The head priest leading the service gave thanks for the strength of people’s faith and resolve, asking the congregation to pray for continued peace.
“We pray that God will lift from his world the nights of wars that force man and touch hearts and souls with his sweet nectar,” the priest told worshippers gathered in prayer.
Strict guidelines were issued by churches in Dubai specifying that doors would be closed once the hall was full. Typically, the church compounds are large with crowds gathering outside as well as inside the church buildings.
Churches in Abu Dhabi and other emirates remained open. In Abu Dhabi, the rain did not deter the crowds with standing room only available at St Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Mussaffah.
The courtyard was packed as worshippers celebrated Easter lighting candles to symbolise Jesus's resurrection. Services were held in Arabic and drew Orthodox Christians from countries including Syria, Lebanon, Greece, Bulgaria and Romania.
Strict rules to register
Prominent churches in Dubai reopened from Saturday with strict rules in place about attendance.
In a post on its website late on Friday, St Mary's Catholic Church said it received official permission from authorities to reopen for major services but these will remain indoor for now.
Worshippers must also register to attend Saturday and Sunday masses to ensure no overcrowding, the post on the website said.
Only adults aged 18 and above can register, the church said, with masses also being live streamed for everyone else. Those who are not registered will not be allowed to attend, it said.
“Apart from the celebration of the mass, no other activities will be permitted within the church compound,” Fr Leny Supe Escalada said in a video message, stating outdoor areas were being restricted for “everyone's safety”.
Fr Escalada urged everyone to follow government directives. He said awareness posters in several languages were displayed around the church compound.
“I urge you to take a moment to read and understand these important safety instructions, especially in the event of any emergency alerts.”
He asked people to remain vigilant and reassured worshippers the church has prepared a contingency plan in case of any emergency.
Services at St Francis of Assisi in Jebel Ali, Dubai, also resumed on Sunday, April 12, on a first come, first served basis.
The Sikh gurdwara in Dubai also announced it was reopening daily from Saturday.
“We are happy to announce that Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar is now open daily from 6am to 6pm, with the last entry at 5.30pm,” read a statement.
“The safety and well-being of all devotees remain our utmost priority.”
-
Reverend Father Peter Fernando during the Easter Sunday service at St Therese Church in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
Worshippers gather for Easter Sunday Mass at St Michael’s Catholic Church in Sharjah. Despite regional tension, the service proceeded as scheduled, drawing members of the local Christian community together for the annual religious observance. Ahmed Ramzan / The National -
Easter Sunday service at St Therese Church in Abu Dhabi. Hundreds of devoted Christians gathered to pray for peace. Victor Besa / The National -
Worshippers at St Michael’s Catholic Church in Sharjah as the UAE continues to come under attack from Iran. Ahmed Ramzan / The National -
Easter Sunday service at St Therese Church in Abu Dhabi. Parishioners from all corners of the globe who call the UAE home united in a show of solidarity and celebration of their faith. Victor Besa / The National -
Worshippers at St Michael’s Catholic Church in Sharjah. While mindful of the challenges facing the Emirates, churchgoers in Abu Dhabi were grateful for the opportunity to come together to deliver a message of hope. Ahmed Ramzan / The National -
Easter Sunday service at St Therese Church in Abu Dhabi. People did not let the war deter them from marking Easter. Victor Besa / The National -
John Doringo, centre left and his family watch the Easter Sunday Mass online that was streamed by St Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai, at their home in Mirdif. Some churches are closed to the public until further notice as a precautionary measure. Limited Easter services were available to watch online. Antonie Robertson/The National -
Worshippers at St Michael’s Catholic Church in Sharjah. Thousands of Christians across the UAE are marking Easter in the shadow of the Iran war. Ahmed Ramzan / The National -
People at St Michael’s Catholic Church in Sharjah. Some churches introduced precautionary measures for the huge congregations. Ahmed Ramzan / The National -
People at St Michael’s Catholic Church in Sharjah. Easter Sunday marks Jesus' resurrection and is one of the most significant dates in the Christian calendar. Ahmed Ramzan / The National -
The Doringo family watch the Easter Sunday Mass online. Antonie Robertson / The National
Since the Iran war started on February 28, the UAE has faced 537 ballistic missiles, 26 cruise missiles and 2,256 drones launched by Iran.
Christians in the UAE also joined a prayer for peace on Saturday, following a call from Pope Leo XIV.
Bishop Paolo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, called on the faithful to respond to the Pope's appeal. On Easter Sunday, the pontiff said he would lead a prayer vigil for peace at St Peter’s Basilica on April 11.
