Christian community celebrates Easter at home amid coronavirus

KARACHI: The Christian community in Pakistan is celebrating Easter today (Sunday) with religious zeal and fervor to mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

However, due to the coronavirus lockdown in the country, the Christian community is celebrating the festivities at their home.

In this regard, churches across the country have also issued the notification urging members to stay at home and carry out the festivities, avoid gatherings, and maintaining social distance.

Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the culmination of 40 days of lent-a time of fasting, reflection and spiritual renewal for the Christian community.

This year in his Easter message, Pope Francis told followers to “not yield to fear” while leading an Easter Vigil the night before Easter Sunday inside an empty St. Peter’s Basilica.

Quoting Jesus upon the resurrection, Pope Francis said: “Do not be afraid, do not yield to fear. This is the message of hope. It is addressed to us today. These are the words that God repeats to us this very night.”

He further said, “Let us silence the cries of death, no more wars! May we stop the production and trade of weapons, since we need bread, not guns.”