By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Anglican Archbishop on the Niger, Diocese of Awka, Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim, has charged Christians not to lose hope in the fact that Easter will be celebrated while the lock down as a result of the ravaging pandemic, COVID-19, is still on.

He described the season as a time to show unwavering faith in God, saying that the faithful in Christ must give thanks for the resurrection of Christ.

Ibezim in his Easter message to the Anglican faithful said: “I charge Christians to see this Easter as a time of renewal and awakening. Let me reiterate that this Easter brings us hope on the mercies of God.

“This Easter has renewed our hope for tomorrow. It’s a time to remember that Jesus Christ died that we may live. And, I charge you as a Christian, whatever you do, remember that Jesus Christ died for you. Honour him always by your actions and inactions. Let the world bless His name through your life.

“Last year, Christians celebrated Easter in grandeur, but that’s no more. But, this year, we are to celebrate it in a more quiet and solemn way due to the current situation. Who could have imagined such happening? Today, 2020 Easter is celebrated in empty churches and empty markets, and in some clines, empty cities.

“There are no treats but lamentations and complaints in all fronts. Christians are in the greatest test of their fate ever with the coronavirus pandemic as it’s happening during the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The question is why should coronavirus be happening when Christians are celebrating Jesus Christ’s resurrection after crucifixion on the cross and death.

“I enjoin you to always rejoice and sing God’s praises whatever the situation and if you have erred, ask God for forgiveness. Let me pray to God to forgive us in accordance with His word on the cross as written in Luke 23:34 ‘Forgive them father, for they no not what they do’. We are your children, continue to bless us and give us another reason to be thankful and celebrate your love.”

The Archbishop urged Christians to celebrate a blessed Easter with social distancing and cleanliness as their watchwords, urging them to repent from their shortcomings, sins, and prepare for the returning of Christ Jesus.

He observed that since the celebration of Palm Sunday, was done using technology, that Easter worship will also be transmitted through the internet.

“We have our Maundy Thursday, or Holy Thursday commemorating the Last Supper, when Jesus shared the Passover meal with his disciples on the night before he was crucified.

“Good Friday, Christians commemorate the passion, or suffering, and Christ’s death on the cross, whereas Holy Saturday is the last day of Holy Week and ends the season of Lent. The day commemorates Jesus’ body in the tomb after his death.

“But Christians rejoiced on Easter Sunday with the resurrection of Jesus Christ, believing that Jesus came back to life, or was raised from the dead, three days after his death. Without this, there is no Christianity. This is why the Old Testament ended when Jesus said ‘it has finished’ and the New Testament began with Jesus Christ’s resurrection from death.

“At a time like this churches were shut to control the spread of the coronavirus. Services look different with some embracing technology to get their messages out like we did in Awka diocese. However, the focus is on Christ Jesus. Though the methods of worship changed, messages remained the same which is that Jesus is Lord. Remember, God’s ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ is laying His life down for his people. That was the greatest expression of love ever,” Ibezim stated.

He enjoined Christians not waver in spreading joy and happiness in their areas of residence and beyond during the Easter celebration despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Anglican bishop announced that Easter service will be streamed at 7: 30am on ABS Radio/TV and other Broadcast stations and social media channels including the Church’s Facebook page.

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