DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Easter celebrations of Christian denominations in Syria were limited to prayers at churches and places of worshiping marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the messenger of peace and amity.

A mass religious celebration was held at Mar Jirjis's Cathedral for Syriac Orthodox, headed by Patriarch Mar Ignatius Zakka I Iwas of Antioch an All the East for the Syriac Orthodox, Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, assisted by bishops, priests and the patriarchal Mar Ephrem choir in Damascus.

In his sermon, Patriarch Iwas explained the sublime meaning of this occasion and the sacrifice of the Jesus Christ to save the humanity and achieve happiness through faith.

He added that Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus, which makes us full of hope and determination despite all circumstances.

Patriarch Iwas prayed to God to preserve Syria's people and President Bashar al-Assad, to bless the martyrs and heal the injured.

Chairing a requiem at Mar Jirjis Church for Roman Orthodox in Damascus, Greek Orthodox Patriarchal Assistant, Bishop Luca al- Khouri said that Zionism and those who follow it are behind the events taking place in the Middle East with the aim of stoking seditions and shedding the Syrian blood to force Syria give up its stances in support of the Arab issues.

He stressed that the Syrian people are committed to their national unity for the sake of their freedom and independence, calling upon all Syrians to pray to God to protect Syria's people, president and Army, whose members have sacrificed their lives to defend the homeland.

Prayers and requiems were performed at churches and worshiping places throughout the Syrian governorates.

The sermons hailed the national unity of the Syrian people which constitutes the main pillar for Syria's strength and steadfastness against challenges.

R. Raslan/ H. Said