Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 1
Easter, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his crucifixion on Good Friday, was celebrated across Nagaland on Sunday with religious commitment and gaiety. One of the most important days as well as a foundation of the Christian faith, Easter Sunday signifies Jesus Christ’s victory over death and redeeming the humanity from sins.
Across the state, thousands of faithful thronged to attend special Easter services as well as various activities associated with the day.
The Kohima Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship (KBPF) organized a combined Easter celebration under the theme ‘Jesus paid it all’ at the War Cemetery on Easter Sunday.
KBPF president Rev. Dr. Vevo Phesao called upon all people to let the power of the resurrected Lord transform them. While calling upon Church leaders to also admit their sins, Rev Phesao called upon the believers to forsake “foolish pursuits that consume our lives, stop condemning ourselves and others for the past sins, relinquish the shame that harboured for too long and abandon our self-centred efforts to make ourselves worthy.”
He reminded that “Jesus is the answer for the world and only through Him true change will come and one should not worship money, government, power or any other ideologies.”
The service was led by Konyak Baptist Church Kohima Pastor, H Moba. The occasion witnessed special songs from Ao Baptist Church Kohima, Kohima Bible College, Chakhesang CRC, PR Hill and Shurhuveyi Tetseo.
Meanwhile, Nagaland Governor, PB Acharya had earlier called upon the people of the state to remember the true meaning of Easter and the sacrifice that has been made out of love.
“The significance of Christ’s resurrection is that truth triumphs over evil and love is always stronger than hatred,” the Governor said in his message, calling upon the people to “work for peace, harmony and brotherhood.”
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio also called for promoting “love, unity and understanding” with the celebration of Easter. “Easter signifies the victory of love. The resurrection of Lord Jesus promises eternal life and gives hope to one and all. Have a blessed #Easter and may the festival promote love, unity and understanding,” Rio tweeted on Saturday.
In many Baptist Churches, Easter coincides with ‘revival’ events with the redemption and renewal through Christ. With the ardent message of forgiveness, grace and renewal signified by the Resurrection of Christ, the revivals are held to renew their faith.
In many churches, baptized members partake in the Holy Communion or the 'Lord's Supper,’ reflecting on the last moments of Christ on Earth and symbolizing the unity in the Body of Christ.
For the Catholic churches, the Holy Week was observed with traditional practices of the Lord Jesus' Last Supper with the Apostles, passion, way of the cross, Easter Vigil, Easter celebration from March 25 to April 1. On Easter, the faithful took part in midnight Mass, besides renewing their commitment to lead a virtuous life emulating Christ.
For Orthodox Christians, Easter Sunday was the culmination of 50 days Lent which started on February 11. On April 1, MGOS Church, Dimapur started the day with Morning Prayer at 5:00 am, followed by Easter service and Holy Communion.
Apart from the special services, Easter also witnesses several other activities. The youth congregations of many churches visit hospitals, police stations, relief camps or share Easter with strangers on the street. The traditions of sharing eggs and cakes are also gaining momentum in recent years, especially among the youngsters.
