Feasts to fellowship: How churches have shifted from the traditional Easter

Machakos Cathedral faithful along Machakos - Kangundo road during Good Friday [John Muia/Standard] Until recently, Easter in Kenya meant long trips upcountry, bustling markets, and tables overflowing with food when families would reunite for hearty feasts. But this season, the holiday normally celebrated by Christians to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, is taking a markedly different tone, a quieter, more reflective celebration shaped by the realities of a tough economy. As the traditional Easter feasts seem to take a backseat, Christian churches across the country are embracing spiritually enriching activities to mark the holiday. From music festivals to charity work, congregations are turning Easter into a time of worship, unity, and service. Daniel Madalanga, Choir Director at ACK St Stephen's Cathedral Jogoo Road, says the church is the final refuge for many Kenyans. "Churches across the country have become the heart of the celebration; places not only of worship but also of hope, music, and community," said Madalanga. The ACK St Stephen's Jogoo Road choir held Easter Carols on Palm Sunday culminating into a week-long music fellowship with several choirs in attendance. The Easter Carols on Palm Sunday kicked off with a series of worship-filled services featuring all cathedral choirs and the praise team. The music, ranging from hymns and classical pieces to Afro-American spirituals, was carefully curated to mirror the stages of Jesus' journey from Ash Wednesday to Resurrection Sunday. "We prepared thematic songs to accompany each service from 7am to 9am, and 11am. It is how we walk the path of Christ with the congregation," Madalanga said. As economic challenges continue to affect families, such traditions are becoming increasingly central to Easter celebrations. "Instead of packed buses and crowded homesteads, more Kenyans find solace in church pews, community choirs, charity missions, and spiritual concerts," he added. The Easter season, which is very crucial point on the Anglican church calendar, the period from Ash Wednesday to Maundy Thursday (the Lent period), is a time of self-denial which includes fasting, a time of self-reflection and humility. The St Stephen's choir, which founded way back in 1954 by the late Prof Senoga Zake, has a strong and rich choral tradition. The usual Sunday service is transformed into a worship and concert setting. Choral music is interspersed with the seven Biblical readings and congregational hymns. The choirs perform a wide array of music, from hymns, anthems, classical and contemporary music, compositions and arrangements, sacred folk songs and Afro-American spirituals. It is done with the aim of enacting the season through music and also share the word and eventually liven the spirits of the Christians. The Salvation Army East Territory Band joined voices with the All Saints Cathedral Choir for a moving "Amazing Love Concert", combining music with a message of service and a tribute to the passion and sacrifice of Christ. Colonel Daniel Kiama, the Salvation Army's Territorial Commander, says the event was meant purely for soul-stirring hymns and powerful messages of hope. "It was an unforgettable afternoon as we celebrated love, music, and inspiration," he said. The concert was just one of many Easter season initiatives led by the church. Alongside the powerful music, the Salvation Army continued its outreach to the vulnerable in society, staying true to its mission of service. "Besides the concert, we continued with charity work, reaching out to vulnerable members of the society," says Colonel Kiama. He emphasized the importance of acts of service during the Easter season, encouraging churches to organize charitable initiatives, such as partnering with food banks or shelters to provide meals for those in need. "Acts of service like visiting the sick, giving to the vulnerable embody the spirit of Easter and showcase the love and compassion of the Christian community," said Kiama. For other churches, like Friends Church Quakers, Easter is more than a holiday. It is a moment to reflect on many aspects of life. The Quakers lined up a number of activities to capture the mood. For instance, Friends International Centre, Ngong Road, hosted a music extravaganza that brought together choirs across denominations. From Sunday School verses and teen gospel dances to elaborate performances in the Gold and Silver categories, the festival reflects the deep reverence for resurrection and the desire to nurture young artistic talent. Audiences are being treated to various categories, including bible verse, gospels dance, poem, gospel dance, composition and arrangement of a hymn, pop gospel and sacred folksong from Sunday School, teens and adults. According to Fanuel Demesi, the festival brings several denominations together to remember what the Lord Jesus Christ did Calvary. "It gives choir directors the chance to compose new songs while helping grow the music ministry. It is also a way to bring communities together through shared worship," explained Demesi. The Interfaith Easter Concert is a time of beautiful, worshipful music, enjoyed by all who attended. "When believers come together for such a beautiful reflection of Jesus Christ and His resurrection, the feelings of fellowship are strong. Concert performers and attenders lingered after to visit and share gratitude and joy," says James Sibo, a participant. Pentecostal Assemblies of God also leaned into music with their Music Fellowship event, where choirmasters staged powerful performances. According to Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) General Superintendent Kennedy Adiara, the church is using the season as a joyful opportunity to bring people together in creative and meaningful ways. "Easter provides a beautiful opportunity to bring everyone together. It's a time to rejoice, celebrate, and reflect on one of the most important moments in the Christian faith. A few creative activities can foster unity and fellowship among church members and the wider community," Adiara said. The church has for the last two weeks been preparing to treat congregation to the food of the soul, and the celebrations will extend beyond Easter Monday. "People are staying closer to home this year. But they're also finding new meaning in the season through music and fellowship," he notes. He urged churches to think beyond traditional services and consider collaborating with local talent. "You could invite local musicians, artists, or performers to share their talents, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Working with others not only enhances the quality of your event but also strengthens relationships and helps spread awareness about your church's mission," he says. Beyond the celebration, Adiara is suggesting holding educational events as another meaningful way to engage both churchgoers and the broader public. "You might also consider hosting workshops or seminars that dive into the historical and cultural significance of Easter.These sessions can offer something valuable to both believers and non-believers, sparking meaningful conversations and deeper understanding," he states. Adaira is encouraging churches to embrace creativity in their Easter events, from art and music to workshops on the significance of Christ's resurrection. "Acts of service like these embody the spirit of Easter and showcase the compassion of the Christian community," he said, a message echoed by Peter Baraza, Overseer of Eastleigh District. According to Baraza, Easter is a time of hope and renewal, and they have lined up community-driven events to mark the Resurrection in ways that are both spiritual and practical. Like other church leaders, Baraza is in agreement that the current economic climate is reshaping how Easter is observed-but not its essence. "We no longer have the luxury of traveling and feasting but living by the Grace of God. Churches have become the only refuge for consolation during the festive season," said Barasa. Even without elaborate travel or lavish meals, this Easter offered something far richer; a collective return to the essence of the season. Away in Kisumu, the Easter celebrations will bring life to with a groundbreaking performance where Lyndie Shinyega, a classical musician will belt her heart out. Dubbed the Passion Cantata, a theatrical concert blending live performances, dramatic re-enactments, and operatic vocals is set to bring together youthful artists to drive the message of Easter through art, dance, music and biblical storytelling. "Imagine an immersive journey through the Bible, brought to life with music and theatre. This is about experiencing Easter in a whole new way," says Shinyega.

Feasts to fellowship: How churches have shifted from the traditional Easter

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