Christians celebrate Easter

Thiruvananthapuram: Christians in the State Sunday attended special prayers and services in churches on the occasion of Easter, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ after crucifixion.

The faithful, including women and children, thronged churches to attend midnight mass.

Processions marking the resurrection were also held in churches.

Senior bishops and priests led Easter mass and gave messages of spiritual revival to devotees.

Easter also marked the end of the Holy Week of prayers and penitence recalling the final phase of Christ's life from his arrest and crucifixion, followed by resurrection.

The Syro Malabar Church Archbishop Cardinal Mar George Alencherry led the special Easter prayers and services at St Mary's Forane church at Pallippuram in Cherthala.

Archbishop M Soosai Packiam presided over the mass at St Joseph's cathedral of Latin Catholic rite here.

Traditional feast was served in Christian homes, marking the end of the 40-day period of Lent when believers shun luxuries and worldly pleasures.

Governor P Sathasivam, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and leaders of various political parties greeted Keralites on the occasion.