Orthodox Christians Celebrate Easter on April 12

Orthodox Easter occurred on April 12, 2026 -- one week after Western Easter on April5 5-- due to the Eastern Orthodox Church's continued use of  the Julian Calendar to calculate Easter, while  the Catholic and Protestant  Churhes use the Gregorian Calendar.. Orthodox Christians also maintain that  Easter must fall after the Jewish Passover. 

Across Orthodox Churches worldwide -- from Greece, Russia, Egypt,Ethiopia, Romania, and diaspora communities -- the celebration began late on Holy Saturday, April 11, 2026.

Churches were completely darkened as the faithful gathered in silence.

Just before midnight, the priest lights a single candle, symbolizing Christ's  rising from the  tomb. 

The flame is passed from  person to person until the entire church glows with candlelight. 

At midnight , the priest proclaims: "Christos Anesti." (Christ is risen) and the people respond :"Alithos Anesti." (Truly He is risen).

The Paschal  Divine Liturgy follows with many parishes communing all Orthodox Christians present.

This moment -- darkness shattered by light -- is the heart of Orthodox Pascha.

"Christian Nationalism" Label Is Dangerous

One of the most effective ways to silence a Christian voice today is to attach a label to it  -- one that sounds  dangerous enough that no further argument  is required. That label is "Christian nationalism," the Christian Post website reports today (April 10,2026).

Some of the most oppressive regimes in  history wrapped themselves in  the language  of national identity. The party led by Adolf Hitler was known as the  National  Socialist German Workers' Party. 

As a result, the term "nationalism" often evokes  images of authoritarianism, coercion and extremism. When the word is joined with "Christian," the effect is immediate. Suspicion  is cast before any explanation  is given.

To suggest that applying  biblical truth to public life is dangerous  and misrepresents the  very nature of the  Christian faith itself,

Jesus Christ is not Lord over a narrow corner of private devotion.  He is Lord of all. 

New Report: Young Canadians Show Greater Openness to Religion

 A new research report suggests that young Canadians are showing  greater openness to religion, even as religious affiliations in the country remain low, the Christian Daily  website reports today(April 7, 2026).

The report ,  published March 5 by the Ontario--based Christian think tank  Cardus, in paertnership with the Canadian Bible Society, examines emerging trends in how  Canadians aged 18 to 34 relate to faith. Titled "Faith Restored ? The Evolving Relationship  Between Religion and Young  Canadians," the study explores whether Canada could be  experiencing early signs of a shift similar to what  some researchers have described as a "quiet revival" in the United Kingdom and reneweed interest in Christianity in  the United States.

"Religion  has not gone away, and within some groups and areas of the world it is growing," the report concludeed.

There is anecdotal evidence -- and in some cases, actual data -- to show  that people  aged 18--34 are open to Christianity and other faith traditions , and they are actively exploring these through activities such as reading Scripture and attending church.

The Unexpected Treasure of a King Who Gives

 While earthly kings demand,  consume,and enslave,  Jesus stands alone as the King  who continually gives life, mercy, and blessing ,  the Crossmap website reports today (April 5, 2026).

Israel asks for a king to be like  surrounding  nations.

Their request displeases God because they were rejecting  His leadership.

Unlike  earthly rulers, Jesus gives endlessly:grace, forgiveness, life, and Himself.

Jesus is the only King who  never exoloits  His people,but pours Himself out for them.

Believers are urged to recognize the treasure of Christ's  Kingship and to resist the  temptation to  seek worldly substitutes for God's leadership.

Indeed,  Jesus is the only King  who never exploits His people, but  pours Himself out  for them.

Lord's Supper Is Critical Time

 The Lord's Supper is a private time  to talk with God,inserted into our worship, the Crossmap website reports today (Apri 3, 2026).

Its chief purpose is as a sacrament of remembrance 'This time is to be celebrated in thankful recollection of His death on the cross for our salvation.

We remember in  the bread that His body was broken and in the cup that His blood was shed for us, to pay for our sins. We speak directly from our hearts to Jesus, telling Him we are sorry for our sins, asking for His forgiveness and His help in turningn  away from evil.

When we come to Him    in  this meal, our Advocate Christ pleads for us in heaven. He delivers us from the guilt of our sins and takes our burdens  upon Himself.

His death on the cross is complete in His dying moments. He said "Tetelestai" -- a Greek word meaning "It is finished." Jesus' death on the cross is a one--time sacrifice, a transaction  that has paid our debts in full.

God's forgiveness will bring us a refreshed life.

Franklin Graham Sends Letter to Trump Urging Him to Accept Jesus

 Franklin Graham wrote a private letter to President Donald Trump on Oct.15,2025,  which Trump publicly shared on Palm Sunday 2026, the Christian Today website reports today (April 1, 2026).

In the letter, Graham  congratulates Trump  for securing a ceasefire between  Israel  and Hamas and helping to return  Istaeli hostages, calling these events "an answer to prayer" and praising Trump as a "peacemaker."

Graham tells Trump, "No one can earn Heaven through accomplishments, success, or good works .Only Jesus can save a person from sin and Hell.

He adds that "Salvation  comes through faith in Christ's atoning death and resurrection."

Graham outlines the core Christian message: "Jesus died for us. He was buried. God raiseed Him on the third day. Only by believing this and inviting Christ into one's heart can a person be  saved."

Trump posted the letter publcly on Palm Sunday without commentary,  prompting widespread discusssion in Christian media. Graham later said he was glad the Gospel message was shared so broadly. 

We Need to Expand Our Generosity during Lent

 Each year, Lent invites us to consider what we might  sacrifice as we walk toward Easter, the Christian Today website reports today (March 28, 2026).  

This season is not only about what we surrender for ourselves, but also about what we release for the good of others. 

As we fast and pray, perhaps we should also ask  what could we share? What might we release for the sake of someone else?

A contribution toward a specific need. A home--cooked meal for a struggling family. A lift to the shops for someone in need. Volunteering your time.

This Lent, as we remember Christ's sacrifice,  perhaps we can also rediscover the gift of giving. 

Because when Christians give in this way, it restores hope and it points people back to Jesus, whose life was marked by meeting people at the point of need.