Christians in Hasakah (Hesekê) and Qamushli (Qamişlo) in northern Syria celebrated Easter on Sunday, April 16, attending services and praying in the churches.
Easter, which is celebrated according to the eastern calendar, brought many Christians to churches in the early hours of the morning to join the celebrations.
Christians flocked to the churches of Mar Jerjes and Maryam al-Azhar in Hasakah, while services were held at the church of Maryam al-Azra in Tirbespiye and the church of Mart Semoni Mardudu in Derik, the church of Maryam al-Azra in the centre of Qamushli, the churches of Mar Yaqub and Mar Qaryaqes in the Erbawi neighbourhood and the church of Mar Afram in the west of Qamushli.
Congregations prayed, sang hymns, and celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The celebrations continued throughout the day as Christians congratulated each other and exchanged Easter greetings.
The Christian population in northern Syria has been subjected to persecution and violence by various armed groups in the past. However, in recent years, the region has seen a relative calm and stability, allowing Christians to practice their religion freely and without fear.