PETALING JAYA: As church bells chimed to mark the start of Easter services, parishioners flooded into churches on a sunny Sunday with joy and celebration.
This jubilant atmosphere was palpable yesterday at St Paul’s Anglican Church during its 9am service.
Attendees had begun filling the wooden pews since 8.30am, and by the time the service commenced, the church was packed to capacity. Greeting each other with wide smiles and a heartfelt “blessed Easter,” they settled down for the service.
“We thank God for his welcome to all of us in church this morning, and for helping us to find redemption and victory in the life of Jesus Christ,” said the archdeacon, Venerable Dr Vijendra Daniel, during his sermon.
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The church was adorned with fresh flowers, and sunlight streamed through stained glass windows, creating a serene atmosphere.
Vijendra said that Easter is the pinnacle of the Holy Week celebrations and the turnout exceeded expectations, with around 450 people attending the service yesterday.
“We had services every night this week, and all of them have been full,” he said.
For 85-year-old Amy David, Easter is very meaningful and even surpasses Christmas.
“Easter is about Jesus saving me, and I am very touched by what He has done,” she said.
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This year is also particularly special because Amy will have a gathering with all her extended relatives whom she has not seen for a long time.
Part-time church worker Terry Tan, 49, said that physical services are important because of the interaction with meaningful Easter traditions.
“For example, the service of tenebrae and lighting of the Paschal candle – these historical traditions connect me to my faith.
“Coming to church is also an expression of my devotion and commitment to God, and it is not only just to receive but to give and serve others,” he said.
Business owner Gobinathan Raman, 58, said Easter holds increasing importance each year, reinforcing his faith and beliefs.
After service, he will have dinner with his wife, Grace Gnanakkan, and children; it is their tradition every year.
The service closed with a greeting of peace between the parishioners and hymns sung by the church choir.
Easter marks the end of the 40 days of Lent, and unlike Good Friday, which commemorates the suffering of Jesus Christ, Easter is a celebration of His resurrection from death.
