Easter

Easter Monday: A Remnant of an Ancient Christian Tradition

A 2,000-year-old Christian celebration, Easter commemorates the resurrection of Christ and lies at the very heart of the Christian faith. A time of joy and sharing, Easter is rich with traditions—from ringing church bells to egg hunts and the traditional Easter lamb. But did you know that Easter Monday is a remnant from the time of Emperor ...

In Search of Easter Eggs: A Timeless, Chocolate-Filled Tradition

Every year on Easter Sunday or Monday, backyards and gardens come alive with excitement as children, baskets in hand, hunt for hidden chocolate eggs. Though it may seem like a simple festive activity today, the Easter egg hunt has a deep and rich history that stretches back centuries, blending mythology, Christian customs and local folklore. From ...

Lebanon Grieves Deeply After Shocking Death of Pope Francis

The Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, sparking a wave of sorrow across the globe. In Lebanon, the news reverberated deeply, uniting both political and religious leaders in mourning the loss of a spiritual icon whose message of peace and inclusion touched millions. The Presidency of the Council of Ministers declared a ...

Maronite Patriarch Rai Injured During Resurrection Mass, Undergoes Successful Surgery

A statement issued by the Media Office of the Patriarchal See in Bkerke reads: “At the beginning of the Divine Liturgy for the blessed Feast of the Resurrection, held at 10:00 AM on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at the Church of the Resurrection in the Patriarchal Headquarters in Bkerke, in the presence of His Excellency, the President of the ...

One Easter, One Hope

In a rare alignment of calendars, Lebanon’s Orthodox, Greek Catholic and Maronite churches celebrated Easter together. From messages of renewal to reflections on unity and homecoming, believers across sects shared one spirit of resurrection and hope.

In Jerusalem, Orthodox Christians Celebrate the Miracle of the Holy Fire Amid Tight Restrictions

Thousands of Orthodox Christian faithful gathered at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem to witness the ceremony of the Holy Fire, a central event in Orthodox Easter celebrations. According to tradition, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch enters the Edicule of the Holy Tomb, completely darkened, and emerges with candles lit by a flame ...

The Alignment of Calendars: Christians and Muslims Will Fast Together This Year

This year, due to a calendar alignment, Christian and Muslim fasting periods will overlap during the lunar month of Ramadan, which runs from March 1 to March 29. Their fasts begin just two days apart: Saturday, March 1 for Muslims and Monday, March 3 for Eastern Christians. For Latin Catholics, Lent starts two days later, on Wednesday, March 5, ...