Holy Week and Easter around America World

Easter is the most significant celebration in the Christian faith, and this year’s Easter is especially meaningful. For a rare and joyful occasion, Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox Christians around the globe will all be celebrating on the same day. This means that believers in each of our partner countries will be united in celebration!

This week, we are using our Facebook and Instagram accounts to highlight how Holy Week and Easter are observed and celebrated in each of these countries. Also, we’ve gathered all of that information here in one place, along with specific prayer requests, so you can join us in lifting up our global brothers and sisters in prayer.

Bulgaria

This week marks Holy Week in Bulgaria, the most solemn part of the Orthodox fasting period. From Monday to Wednesday, only plant-based foods without oil are allowed. Oil is permitted on Thursday and Saturday, while Good Friday calls for complete abstinence from food and drink. On Holy Saturday night, a candlelit procession celebrates Christ’s resurrection, with greetings of “Hristos voskrese!” (“Christ has risen!”) and the response of “Voistina voskrese!” (“Indeed he has risen!”).

Easter Sunday is full of joy. As the Bulgarian saying goes, “Not every day is Easter.” People wear new clothes, paint eggs, and take part in friendly egg “fights,” which involve trying to crack your opponent’s egg. A red-dyed egg symbolizes health, while festive tables feature sweet “kozunak” bread and roast lamb.

Prayer focus: Our Bulgaria adoption program is our newest one. Many of the available children are older and have difficult life circumstances and medical histories. Please pray for more families to open their hearts to these children. Visit our Waiting Child Photolistings for the chance to pray for some of the specific children.

Colombia

Normal life in Colombia is at a standstill this week as its people, who are deeply Catholic, celebrate Semana Santa or Holy Week with pilgrimages and processions. All week, Colombians will immerse themselves in reflection, faith, and celebration with traditions and practices that vary widely by region. The peak of ceremonies falls on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, when people all over Colombia commemorate Jesus Christ’s Passion, crucifixion, and death.

On Good Friday, locals serve Potaje de la Vigilia, a “fasting soup” cooked with codfish, chickpeas, and spinach. This hearty soup, or rather stew, comes from Spain and stems from the tradition of abstaining from meat during the Lent.

Prayer focus: Please pray for the many children in Colombia who need families. Currently, 12,000 children are in the Colombia social service program, with 900 currently available for international adoption. Many of these children are older, have special needs, or are part of a sibling group. You can view and pray for specific ones in our Waiting Child Photo Listings.

Ecuador

Easter is a major celebration in Ecuador, beginning a week before Easter Day with Palm Sunday, marking the start of Semana Santa, or Holy Week. Rooted in a strong Catholic tradition, each day holds special meaning, especially Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Churches glow with candlelight, and Quito hosts the grand Procession of Jesus of Great Power. Some of the male participants dress as “Cucuruchos” in purple robes and pointed hats while carrying crosses and walking barefoot. Women may dress as “Verónicas” and wear veils to pay homage to the woman whom tradition says wiped Jesus’ face with her veil. The week culminates with Saturday of the Glory, filled with joy and dance.

A highlight is Fanesca, a traditional soup with twelve grains symbolizing the disciples. It’s a beloved Easter dish across Ecuador.

Prayer focus: Last week, a missions team returned from Ecuador filled with excitement after meeting the children there. We will be advocating for new children soon and are hopeful they will find families. Will you join us in praying that God brings forward the right families — especially for healthy older children, sibling groups, and children with medical needs — who are still waiting in Ecuador? Stay tuned for updates and ways to get involved.

Ethiopia

Fasika, or Ethiopian Easter, is a deeply spiritual time that lasts 55 days and will end on April 20 of this year. Fasika involves strict fasting and avoiding meat, dairy, and animal products. Popular fasting foods include lentils, shiro, injera, atkilt wot, and fosolia.

Celebrations of Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday begin with church services and culminate in joyful feasting, dancing, and singing. Fasika not only honors Christ’s resurrection but also showcases the vibrant traditions and rich devotion of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

Prayer focus: Pray for the 15 girls in our two Bete Hosanna homes and the 37 families in our Ethiopia Family Empowerment Program. Pray for our continued favor and partnership with the government of Ethiopia. Pray for our mission teams that visit Ethiopia.

Haiti

In Haiti, a predominantly Catholic country, most Christian families do not eat red meat during Lent in honor and respect for Jesus’ blood shed on the cross. They make a traditional “Holy Week Salad”: boiled eggs, beets, cabbage, carrots, and turnips. A typical Good Friday meal in Haiti consists of fish and rice cooked with white beans and beets.

Flying kites is a popular Haitian tradition on Easter. Children with little money can make their kites with whatever materials they can find, such as plastic bags or tarps with sticks. Degagé is a common saying in Haiti that means to make do with what you have.

Prayer focus: Due to the unrest in Haiti, we are not currently accepting applications for our adoption program in this country, but we are still working with families who are already in the process. Some have been waiting to be united with their children for many years. In addition, we support a children’s home with 22 children. Please pray for the people and country of Haiti this week.

India

While India is primarily Hindu, Christianity is India’s third-largest religion, with around 26 million followers, or 2.3% of the population. Tradition says St. Thomas the Apostle brought Christianity to India.

During Holy Week, some people fast or avoid meat, and vibrant parades and Bible-themed skits are performed. Good Friday, in contrast, is a somber day with darkened churches and quiet services. After the service, a traditional bitter drink made from leaves and vinegar is shared.

On Easter, churches are filled with joy and celebration. While egg decorating isn’t widely practiced, many still buy colorful eggs and toys like the Easter Bunny for children. Gift-giving and exchanging blessings are common.

Prayer focus: Pray for families to answer the call to adopt from India. Pray for the families who are currently waiting to bring their children home that they may be encouraged and strengthened throughout their wait. Pray the officials of India will make decisions in the best interest of children so they may continue to find loving Christian families. Pray for God to give us the wisdom and favor to find the right family for each child that God brings to us.

Thank you for taking this special journey with us through our partner countries! Let the unity of this Easter Sunday remind us of the global body of Christ and inspire us to lift each other in love and prayer.

“May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.” – John 17:23