Clerics reflect on Easter’s true meaning
In celebration of Easter, prominent clerics speak with OGHENOVO EGODO-MICHAEL about the essence of the season and how it should be celebrated
The Gospel is built on Easter — Prophet Kayode Abiara
A former General Evangelist of the Christ Apostolic Church, Prophet Kayode Abiara, talks about Easter values, and calls on Nigerian leaders to be selfless in governance
Can you share the most memorable Easter celebration you’ve had?
All of them have been memorable, by His grace.
What special services or events does your church organise during the Easter season?
We have our Easter conference, as well as our children’s/youth Easter Camp for the Easter weekend. We are expecting about 600 children. It will be a time of fun and spiritual impartation.
What challenges do you face in reaching out to the community during this season?
By the grace of God, we do not have the challenge of reaching out to people. We just intensified our church’s reach beyond the four walls.
How can individuals contribute to the spirit of Easter beyond attending church services?
Easter is about love, service and sacrifice. Jesus came to die because God loves humanity. The community must find ways to love, live right and serve their fellow countrymen.
How can churches adapt their approach to better engage younger generations during Easter?
We can do this by letting the younger ones know the value that Easter adds to their spiritual growth. We can change methods, but the message cannot change.
What message do you have for Nigeria’s leaders, seeing that the hope of the nation rests on their shoulders?
They should serve the nation diligently. They should show genuine love and care for the nation. They should be selfless in their governance, knowing that success is based largely on the support and the well being of the people.
How does Easter shape your faith?
Easter is the most important event to me as a Christian. The death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the basis of the Gospel that we preach. It is the anchor upon which the gospel is built.
Easter is a moment for introspection— Pastor Ituah Ighodalo
The lead pastor of the Trinity House Church, Lagos, Ituah Ighodalo, speaks on how Easter should be marked, and condemns the persecution Christians face all over the world
How would you describe the significance of the Easter season?
Easter is so significant and critical; it marks a turning point for mankind. Because of the thanksgiving nature of Christmas, people tend to place a lot of emphasis on Christmas, but it is just the beginning. It ended at Easter. If Christ had been born and never gone to the cross, all He would have been is a great master and teacher. But by going to the cross and dying during Easter, He solved mankind’s problems and challenges with God permanently. The essence of Easter is rooted in the law that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and the wages of sin is death. Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sin. We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God, but God came down, took on the flesh of man and died in our place for our sins and thereby reconciled us to God. It is a message for those who believe. It happened around this time 2025 years ago and therefore, we tend to remind ourselves of the great sacrifice that connects us to God.
How should Christians celebrate Easter?
It is more of a moment of reflection than a celebration. It is a moment of introspection and thanksgiving to God for what He has done. We need to constantly remind ourselves of this great sacrifice. Christianity cost God a lot, including humility, shame, sacrifice, pain and the experience of physical death. The gospel itself costs those who are connected with spreading it a lot. Most of the early disciples of Jesus Christ were abused, criticised and killed in very terrible ways. Following Jesus costs a lot. The song, ‘I have decided to follow Jesus’ was written by a man who had his wife, two sons and himself killed because he decided to follow Jesus. Therefore, we soberly reflect on that, change our behaviours and attitudes, repent from our bad ways and truly decide to follow Jesus, especially since it is not as challenging as it used to be. A lot of us who are Christians now actually enjoy a bit of a free ride because many people had laid down their lives for Christianity in the past.
Despite the challenges being less severe than in the past, what words of encouragement would you offer to those who continue to face persecution for their faith in Christ?
Thank you for bringing me to that remembrance, especially in Northern Nigeria— places like Southern Kaduna, and Jos, the capital of Plateau. A lot of people who still call on the name of Jesus Christ are vilified, murdered and butchered. There is a Catholic priest who was recently butchered. Just a few days ago, about 91 people were killed in Adamawa State for this same Christianity. People are still being killed in India, Asia and other parts of the world. My heart goes out to them, and I pray that a lot of Southern Christians, including myself, will sacrificially find a way to help and support our brothers in the Middle Belt and the North. We are appealing to our northern brothers who are persecuting us to please drop their swords. We can live together as brothers. We will not interfere in one another’s personal affairs. Let everybody live. We don’t persecute anyone here in the South, we don’t see any reason why people should be persecuted in the North. We want to appeal to our leaders to please step into this matter and appeal to these people to stop all these persecutions, and also let the full force of the law come down on those who still engage in things that are against the laws of the country.
Should Easter celebrations include non-Christians?
I think Easter is also a period where we, as Christians, should go out there to spread the gospel and provide information. The first way to do this is to talk about it to our brothers out there who do not know Christ yet, or those who partially know about Him but are not talking about it as they should. We can talk about it through crusades, evangelical meetings, one on one contact and so forth. My mantra in Trinity House this season is evangelism. This is the time to re-propagate the gospel and tell people what the Lord has done for us.
Also, we should extend good cheer to others. We should go around looking for the sick or the poor and extend goodwill to them. I was in the prison last weekend, and this Easter, I am going to the hospitals to visit the sick. Also, constantly, we are supporting those who are indigent through scholarship, education, feeding and empowerment. It is also a time to help the government in one or two areas where they are deficient and show goodwill. Amongst ourselves as Christians, we should show unity and goodwill. One of the challenges of Christianity today is a lack of unity. We need to all work together. The fact that Jesus Christ died for all of us and rose from the dead is much more fundamental than any differences. When you get to Heaven, you will not see any denomination there. What you will see are children of God and believers of Jesus Christ.
Easter is the deepest demonstration of love — Pastor Bolaji Idowu
The lead pastor of Harvesters International, Bolaji Idowu, speaks about his favourite Easter memory and what the season means to him
What does Easter signify for you, and how does it shape your faith?
Easter is the deepest demonstration of love, sacrifice, and power. It reminds me that absolutely nothing is impossible with God. As someone committed to prayer and practical wisdom, Easter is a personal call to live each day with renewed purpose, knowing that God’s grace has made a way.
Can you share the most memorable Easter celebration you’ve had?
One unforgettable Easter was at our Lekki campus. We redesigned the entire church entrance to look like the tomb where Jesus was buried, creating an immersive experience. Our ushers and greeters dressed in traditional Jewish attire, which made the story come alive in such a unique way. After the powerful service, which was a time of worship, reflection, and renewed remembrance of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, we hosted a vibrant family fun fiesta. There was food, laughter, connection, and community. It was a beautiful reminder that Easter is both sacred and joyful.
What special services or events does your church organise during the Easter season?
Every Easter at Harvesters is a unique celebration. We intentionally create new experiences each year to help people connect deeply with the message of resurrection. However, a constant feature is our Impartation and Communion service, which is always a powerful moment of spiritual renewal. For the children, we host our vibrant Eastervaganza, a fun, faith-filled experience designed to help them understand the meaning of Easter in an age-appropriate, exciting way.
What key message do you hope attendees will take away from your Easter service this year?
Easter is a reminder that nothing is ever lost and restoration is possible. Also, trusting God 100 per cent is the only way to live life to the fullest. I want people to leave our Easter service knowing that the resurrection and the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ is the greatest gifts to mankind.
Given that Easter is a particularly busy time for churches, how do you balance your responsibilities while also celebrating the season with your family?
Easter is a wonderful opportunity to slow down and treasure moments with family. Even with the “busyness” of life, I make it a priority for us to spend meaningful time together. We pray, reflect on the significance of the season, and find joy in simple moments of connection and togetherness. These times recharge my spirit and deepen the bonds that matter the most.
What advice would you give to parents about discussing the significance of Easter with their children?
Speak to their tender hearts. Tell them about Easter like it’s the greatest love story ever, because it is. Use language they understand, and don’t just speak it; live it. Show them through your actions that you don’t just talk the talk, you walk the talk. Let your life be their first Bible, so they grow up with a living, breathing example of what faith looks like.
Easter is proof of salvation— Archbishop Rufus Ositelu
The Primate of The Church of the Lord Worldwide, and President of the World Council of Churches for Africa, Rufus Ositelu, talks about his favourite Easter memories and addresses common misconceptions about the resurrection of Jesus Christ
What special traditions do you and your family observe during the Easter season?
When I was young, my family enjoyed attending Good Friday and Easter Sunday worship services, and we always looked forward to Easter Monday (aka Galilee), where we enjoyed different cultural foods.
How would you explain the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ to those who may be unfamiliar with its importance in Christianity?
Historically, the non-Christian accounts of Flavius Josephus, Cornelius Tacitus, Lucian of Samosata and even the Jewish Sanhedrin corroborate the early Christian eyewitness accounts of the important aspect of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is significant in the sense that our lives have purpose beyond our sojourn in this world, and that there is hope of victory over evil, despair and death.
In what ways should Christians reflect on the deeper meaning of Easter beyond the celebrations?
Christians should reflect on Easter as the season when Jesus endured the cross to atone for the sins of the world, as it gives hope for life with God now and in eternity. It is the proof of salvation, power over sin and the promise of security. The story of Easter is a powerful reminder of the enduring truths of the Christian faith.
How can the message of Jesus’ resurrection inspire individuals to find hope and resilience in the face of daunting challenges?
The resurrection of Jesus inspires individuals and brings the message of hope and eternal life. Easter is not just a day; it is a symbol of the never-ending hope that faith brings.
Resurrection joy is to lift Christians from loneliness, weakness and despair to strength, companionship and happiness. Sin broke the relationship with God, but Jesus repaired it and reconciled us back to God, the Father.
What misconceptions about the resurrection of Christ would you like to address?
One misconception about Easter is its association with the pagan goddess Ishtar, the Babylonian and Assyrian goddess of love, fertility and war. Though the names sound similar, there is no direct connection between the two.
Another myth is that the date of Easter is determined by the pagan festival of Ostara, the Germanic goddess of fertility, sunrise and spring. Christians do not participate in any pagan worship during Easter because Jesus Christ is the reason for the season. Easter Sunday commemorates the resurrection of Jesus from the dead after his crucifixion on Good Friday. Friday is “good” because that was the day Jesus died, so that everyone could be forgiven for their sins. It is the forgiveness that is good; the day Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world, so that all may receive forgiveness and eternal life.
How can the message of Easter be applied to everyday life?
The life and death of Jesus is one of stewardship and sacrifice. We are also encouraged to forgive those who have wronged us, and serve God and humanity. Easter is also a reminder that grief, suffering or enjoyment are not the end of the story. Through the resurrection of Jesus, we are assured of resurrection too at the second coming of Christ Jesus. Moreover, He is with us in the spirit to give us the ability to overcome our challenges.
What is your fondest Easter memory?
In those days, we used to have secret ballots with different foods and drinks for elders in the church to pick on Good Friday. We would then take the food item stated in their ballot to “Galilee” (Easter Monday programme). This tradition was observed for several years, and the tradition is still ongoing in some of our church branches.
I pray that God will be merciful to Nigeria, and bless the country with love and peace, amen!
Resurrection of Jesus sets Christianity apart — Archbishop Emmah Isong
The presiding Archbishop of Christian Central Chapel International and the National Vice President, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (South-South), Emmah Isong, sheds light on the significance of Easter
what is the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ to Christianity?
What makes Christianity peculiar and different from other religions is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. That is what gives a child of God hope. The Bible says that if in this world, we have no hope and Jesus was not raised from the dead, we would have been miserable. Easter is a celebration of the persecution, arrest, crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ as our saviour.
What special traditions does your family observe during the Easter season?
Our family celebrates Easter with three important values. One is that Easter is a memorial of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, so we must perform the communion of the bread and wine as instructed by Jesus Christ. Also, we commemorate Easter with charity. We try to give back to society, especially the underprivileged, so that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is not only a religious event, but also one that shows the love of God.
Lastly, we celebrate the season by meeting and fellowshipping, which creates that partnership and friendship both in our personal family and church family.
Some people believe that while it may be easy to forgive, truly forgetting the offence is much more challenging. What are your thoughts on this?
There are two people involved in offences and forgiveness when you talk of man-to-man. Man-to-man forgiveness means you forgive someone who trespassed against you, and there are two aspects of that. One, I must admit my fault, accept and take responsibility then appeal to you to forgive me. However, some people weaponise forgiveness. For instance, some people will offend you or scandalise you and refuse to take responsibility and seek forgiveness. They would then challenge you that, because you are a Christian, you should forgive and forget. In that sense, such a person has weaponised forgiveness.
For God-to-man forgiveness, Jesus has already died for us and shed his blood on the cross, so we are guaranteed. If we confess our sins and forsake them, God is faithful and just to forgive us. So in dealing with the topic of forgiveness, we must also teach the topic of repentance and remorse from sinful ways.
What advice would you give to someone hesitant to believe in the possibility of renewal after experiencing significant loss or hardship?
So many crimes, suicides and divorces are a result of the fact that people are disgruntled and disappointed, and that is not unconnected to the harshness of the economy and bitterness of relationships. But whatever anybody could be experiencing that makes them so disgruntled and disappointed, they should have hope because they are still alive.
Second, believe that God, who knows tomorrow, would make your future better and brighter, no matter how yesterday was. There are cases like that all over the world. For example, you can read the stories of billionaires across the world, including Donald Trump. Even former President Muhammadu Buhari contested the presidency on many occasions, and hr never gave up. There are also heroes in the Bible who went through storms and overcame them. Trophies are not bought in the supermarket, and championship belts are not given as birthday gifts, so everyone strives to push to the front. What is going on today and what you did yesterday can never be compared. You have no idea what God has in store for you tomorrow. Never be too disappointed to acknowledge that.
How do you address doubts or questions about the resurrection of Jesus Christ?
There are three things to help a doubting Thomas regarding the resurrection of Christ. First, it is the efficacy of the power of the name of Jesus. No dead man who has not resurrected can command billions of followers, with countless miracles happening.
Also, I have been to the tomb of Jesus in Jerusalem. I travelled there with about 21 other people, including the present governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, and Helen Ukpabio. We went to where Jesus was buried, and the tomb was empty, so, historically, geographically and physically, the tomb of Jesus is empty, and no place on earth holds His remains.
The third is by personal experience. If you doubt that Jesus Christ is resurrected, then give your life to Him. Lift your hand and say, “Lord, reveal yourself to me if you are still alive and not buried and gone”. If you say that prayer with honesty and sincerity of heart, He will reveal Himself to you like He did to me on January 8, 1984.
