ID :
55169
Mon, 04/13/2009 - 15:27
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/55169
The shortlink copeid
Thousands attend Easter services in churches across the UAE
Some stood reverently, with palms clasped together and heads slightly bowed amid the wafting odour of incense and candles, and strains of organ music playing in the background.
Others who did not make it inside the church just stood or knelt outside and made the "sign of the cross" as the proceedings beamed out of large speakers hung at strategic locations. Thousands of more queued up as they tried to push their way into the church to offer prayers.
This was the scene yesterday at many church compounds in the UAE, as Christians thronged to mark Easter Sunday. The weather was warm with a gentle breeze that only helped to make the Easter night joyous.
At St Joseph's Cathedral in Abu Dhabi, Vicar Apostolic of Arabia Bishop Paul Hinder led thousands of faithful at an outdoor Eucharist to conclude the three-day celebration.
Michael Orlando, a faithful from the Indian state of Kerala, believes the downturn in the economy is the cause of the significantly high church attendance in recent weeks, not just during Easter. "I would say there is definitely a higher number of people coming into the church, not necessarily to worship, but to sit quietly and let the music wash over them. This is not so surprising, as churches are comforting places in troubling times," he says, adding, "I guess this is a realisation that materialism isn't enough to satisfy the human spirit." Bishop Hinder delivered his homily.
In Dubai, there were barely any parking spaces in areas along the Oud Metha Road where the St Mary's Catholic Church and Holy Trinity Church are located.
Services at the Anglican Holy Trinity Church started as early as 5:30am in order to give many people an opportunity to attend.
Reverend John Weir, the senior chaplain led many to a moment of praise and worship. Earlier, Reverend Weir told Gulf News: "Come and see! Our churches are full and overflowing with every nationality. There are tens of thousands who will attend our Easter services. Current global economic problems require tough decisions about life, its values and its purpose." And true to his words, the church was overflowing as there was no available seat at 6pm, for a service that started at 7:30pm.
At St Mary's Catholic Church, English services started at 5:30am and more people kept streaming in at intervals of two hours.
Others who did not make it inside the church just stood or knelt outside and made the "sign of the cross" as the proceedings beamed out of large speakers hung at strategic locations. Thousands of more queued up as they tried to push their way into the church to offer prayers.
This was the scene yesterday at many church compounds in the UAE, as Christians thronged to mark Easter Sunday. The weather was warm with a gentle breeze that only helped to make the Easter night joyous.
At St Joseph's Cathedral in Abu Dhabi, Vicar Apostolic of Arabia Bishop Paul Hinder led thousands of faithful at an outdoor Eucharist to conclude the three-day celebration.
Michael Orlando, a faithful from the Indian state of Kerala, believes the downturn in the economy is the cause of the significantly high church attendance in recent weeks, not just during Easter. "I would say there is definitely a higher number of people coming into the church, not necessarily to worship, but to sit quietly and let the music wash over them. This is not so surprising, as churches are comforting places in troubling times," he says, adding, "I guess this is a realisation that materialism isn't enough to satisfy the human spirit." Bishop Hinder delivered his homily.
In Dubai, there were barely any parking spaces in areas along the Oud Metha Road where the St Mary's Catholic Church and Holy Trinity Church are located.
Services at the Anglican Holy Trinity Church started as early as 5:30am in order to give many people an opportunity to attend.
Reverend John Weir, the senior chaplain led many to a moment of praise and worship. Earlier, Reverend Weir told Gulf News: "Come and see! Our churches are full and overflowing with every nationality. There are tens of thousands who will attend our Easter services. Current global economic problems require tough decisions about life, its values and its purpose." And true to his words, the church was overflowing as there was no available seat at 6pm, for a service that started at 7:30pm.
At St Mary's Catholic Church, English services started at 5:30am and more people kept streaming in at intervals of two hours.
