(Photo Courtesy of Open Doors USA)
Iraq (MNN) — Christians in ISIS-controlled areas are celebrating Easter and Holy Week despite the danger, according to Open Doors USA.
They are recognizing the day of the washing of the feet on Thursday, Good Friday, the Saturday of Light, then Resurrection Sunday.
In Iraq, Easter is a larger celebration than Christmas for Christians. In light of the terror happening around them, thousands have been displaced. Many refugees had hopes of being home before Easter, but many are in camps in northern Iraq.
A local Christian relief workers says, “Easter also gives new hope. We are celebrating the resurrection from the death of Jesus Christ, but we are also looking forward to a resurrection in each of our hearts.”
Iraq is ranked number 3 on the Open Doors 2015 World Watch list of the worst persecutors of Christians. Pray for persecuted Christians around the world as they celebrate the Risen Christ this week. In the past, Christians have been especially targeted by violence from terrorist groups during Easter events.
