Easter in Jerusalem

So this is probably one of the busier weeks here in Jerusalem. The Jews are celebrating Passover or Pesach, the Western Christians are celebrating Easter Weekend and the Eastern Churches will be celebrating Easter Weekend this coming weekend.

There is always a long list of services or events to chose from in which to participate.

Thursday evening I joined Christ Church in their Maundy Thursday Service and walk to the Mount of Olives. On the way there we saw one of the Othodox groups going to the Church of all nations for a service. Their singing was beautiful!

Walking up to the Russian Orthodox Church's garden

The stars were bright 

Some flowers in their garden

Good Friday - I joined Christ Church again for their service. It was also the beginning of Pesach and our church does a Pesach Sedar.  This is a time to retell the story of the Exodus, and that is what we did. It is no coincidence that this holiday celebrating freedom comes at the same time as we celebrate Christ's victory over death.

 Sunday Morning - Catching the sunrise on my way to the Garden Tomb

I think this is one of the bigger gatherings on Easter Morning. 6:30am Sunrise service at the Garden Tomb.  Good worship and celebration time.

The trees catching the rising the sun.

The message was given by Rev. Simon Ponsonby from Oxford. 

We celebrated at school with an Easter BBQ - games, food and finished with worship together. 

But most importantly,

His is not here. 

He is Risen!