Accra, April 20, GNA – All over the world today, April 20, Christians are marking Easter Sunday, also called Pascha or Resurrection Sunday, to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, three days after His cruxifiction.
Easter Sunday is the heart of the Christian faith, symbolising hope, renewal, and victory over death.
According to the New Testament, the resurrection Sunday occurred on the third day after Jesus’ burial, following His crucifixion on Good Friday by the Romans at Calvary, Golgotha.
It is said that believers celebrate Jesus Christ’s defeat of death through His resurrection, creating hope of salvation for humanity.
In the Christian tradition, the death of Jesus Christ paid for the sins of humanity, while His resurrection symbolised believers’ anticipation of having their own resurrection.
Many of the faithful across the globe celebrate the Day with special church services, candle light and ringing of church bells.
In Ghana most congregants dress in white, a sign of victory over death, with church services chatacterised by songs of praise and joy.
Ahead of the celebration, some religious leaders have called for reconciliation, renewal of commitment to God, and ensuring that Christ’s death was meaningful and worthwhile by winning more souls into God’s Kingdom.
They have also urged Christians to avoid conflicts and promote peace and unity.
The Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) has rallied the nation to use the Easter festivities to make peace among one another, particularly within conflict communities.
It said Easter was a period of reflection and reconciliation and peace must reign across the country in honour of the sacrifices of Christ.
The General Secretary, CCG, the Reverend Dr Cyril Gershon Fayorse, noted that peace was a cardinal pillar of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and that must resonate among the citizenry.
“It is time to promote peace among individuals, groups, and communities and foster peaceful co-existence in Ghana’s social, political, religious, and ethnic architecture,” he said.
“Easter is a very serious exercise about reflection, restoration, reconciliation, and redemption. It is about reflecting on what God has done for humanity. We must reconcile with people who have offended us.”
The week leading up to Easter is known as Holy Week, beginning with Palm Sunday and including Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
Easter Sunday brings that week to a joyful close.
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