Easter

International Christian Embassy condemns burning of Netanyahu effigy at Spain Easter ceremony

The group also urged the Vatican to reconsider what it described as one-sided criticism of Israel and to take steps to prevent similar incidents globally. 

People cheer as an effigy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is blown up, in this screengrab from a video obtained from social media, in El Burgo, Spain, April 5, 2026.
Christian worshippers take part in the Holy Fire ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City during the Easter holiday on April 11, 2026.

'A beacon of tolerance': Holy Fire ceremony marked in Jerusalem's Old City

Russian President Vladimir Putin pictured April 7, 2026.

Russia's Putin announces Orthodox Easter ceasefire, Ukraine's Zelensky agrees

Dubai Chocolate.

KitKat trucks heist may cause Easter shortage in Europe


Gaza's Christians 'heartbroken' for pope who phoned them nightly

Christians in Gaza said that they had "lost a man who fought every day in every direction to protect this small herd of his."

 Palestinian Christians attend an Easter Mass at the Greek Orthodox Saint Porphyrius Church, in Gaza City, April 20, 2025.

Lunar eclipse over Jerusalem may mark date of Jesus's crucifixion, NASA reports

Some believe that the new data from NASA, paired with Biblical text, could pinpoint the day Jesus was crucified.

 A "Blood Moon" is seen during a lunar eclipse over Jerusalem July 27, 2018.

On a united Easter, the lives and struggles of Christians in the Middle East

This Easter, Orthodox and Western Christians find themselves united in a rare occurrence: celebrating the resurrection of Christ on the same day.

 People carry crosses next to a flag adopted by the new Syrian rulers, during a protest against the burning of the Christmas tree in Hama, in Damascus, Syria December 24, 2024.

Pope Francis calls for Gaza ceasefire during Easter appearance

"I appeal to the warring parties: Call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace," the Pope's Easter message said.

 Pope Francis speaks from a balcony on the day of the "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and to the world) message, at St. Peter's Square, on Easter Sunday, in the Vatican, April 20, 2025.

Ukraine reports nearly 3,000 violations of Russia's own Easter ceasefire vow

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a unilateral Easter ceasefire in Ukraine, ordering his forces to end hostilities on Saturday until the end of Sunday.

 Russian President Vladimir Putin and Mayor of Moscow Sergei Sobyanin attend the Orthodox Easter service at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow, Russia April 20, 2025.

Russia's Putin declares unilateral Easter ceasefire in Ukraine

A Ukrainian official said on Saturday that Russian forces were continuing to open fire on Ukrainian positions despite Putin's proclamation of an Easter ceasefire.

 Russian President Vladimir Putin at his office in Moscow, April 9, 2025.

Pope Francis, still recovering, skips Rome's annual Good Friday procession

The 88-year-old pontiff, who is limiting his public appearances on doctors' orders, skipped an outdoor ceremony for Good Friday, the day Christians mark Jesus' crucifixion.

 Pope Francis looks on as he leaves Regina Coeli prison after a visit, in Rome, Italy April 17, 2025.

Jerusalem celebrates Holy Thursday with ritual feet washing commemorating Last Supper

Members of the Church believe that the act is also symbolic of selflessness and compassion, commemorating the Last Supper. 

 Christian monks and friars walk in procession around the Stone of Anointing during the Washing of the Feet ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem on April 17, 2025.

Round two of Easter in Jerusalem coming up in a month

Churches abide by different calendars, hence the holidays fall on different days most years.

Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Metropolitan Theophilos (C) takes part in the Easter Sunday mass procession inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's old city

Christians gather in Jerusalem's Old City for Easter amid Gaza war

Despite a decrease in tourists and tempered celebrations, Christians gathered at the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem's Old City for prayer and commemoration.

 Melissa Mott of King of Kings leads prayergoers during the March 31 service at the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem.