Displaced Christians in Lebanon celebrate Easter, hoping for peace
發佈日期: 2026-04-05 20:35
TVB News
Even as large parts of southern Lebanon come under intense Israeli bombardment, residents in some Christian neighbourhoods marked Easter far from their homes with prayers and religious processions.
Blasts were heard in Beirut early Saturday with plumes of smoke rising from buildings.
In the weeks since Israel launched bombardment in retaliation for attacks by Iranian proxy group Hezbollah, over 1,400 people have been killed in the country. More than 1 million fled from the south and east of Lebanon as well as Beirut's southern suburbs.
Many are taking refuge on the streets and improvised tent shelters in rudimentary conditions.
Residents in Christian villages along the Lebanese border with Israel wanted to hold on to their land although their expectation was dampened amid renewed Israeli airstrikes and ground invasion.
On Holy Saturday, the sombre day between Good Friday and Easter, congregants observed inside St. Anthony Church in the village of Alma al-Shaab. As in years past, they gathered to pray and remember those who are gone.
Father Maroun Ghafari delivered sermons beside a cardboard cut-out depicting the church, as the limestone walls were trapped behind the front lines of the war.
He told worshippers: "We gather today while we are away from our town, however, the Church stays with the community of believers."
The Chorbishop said they are seeing the war "isn't bringing any results except destruction, killing and displacement," and that the people of Alma al-Shaab are among those most deeply wounded because they want peace, not war.
Nabila Farah, one of the last villagers to leave their homes, said she still feels heartbroken about the displacement.
"When the holiday comes, you feel longing, nostalgia, and a tightness in heart," she said affectionately, reminiscing about the sound of church bells and the "beautiful old traditions" that they were raised with.
