Accra, April 16, GNA - Christians in Ghana on Sunday joined millions of the faith worldwide to mark Easter, the resurrection of Jesus Christ who was crucified dead at the Mount Calvary about 2000 years ago. Easter symbolises the victory of Christ over death and in Ghana hundreds of Christians wearing white clothes, signifying victory filled chapels to worship and praise God. A number of Churches, which are holding conventions, would wind up their activities after church services. 16 April 06

Tema

Tema, April 16, GNA - Christians have been urged not to return to their sins after Jesus Christ had laid down his life on the cross for the atonement of their sinful ways.

Rev Father Gabriel Liashiedzi, Priest in Charge of Our Lady of Mercy (OLAM) Catholic Church in Tema speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) said: "Easter is not only a matter of being saved from our sins but the most important of it is that, we remember Christ dying on the cross and refrain from returning to our sinful ways. He said if Christians should return to their sinful ways, that would mean crucifying Christ for the second time, while questioning if Jesus' blood was not expensive enough for mankind.

Rev. Fr. Liashiedzi reiterated that, without the resurrection of Christ, his death would have been meaningless adding that, "Saint Peter said that if the Lord had not resurrected, our faith would have been in vain". He said the resurrection signified Christ's victory over death and sin and the setting of mankind free from his sins. The clergyman further said Easter was cherished and held in solemnity as that was the greatest celebration for the Catholic Church because that was the time God reconciled with man using the greatest sacrifice.

He called on Christians to be humble as Christ humbled himself even unto his death on the cross, which was meant for only criminals despite his divine nature.

"We can not pay God for delivering us from the grips of the enemy but all we have to do is to obey his commandments then we would be his people and he our God" Rev Fr. Liashiedzi stated.

To political leaders he advised them to draw closer to God quoting from the Bible that "if God does not watch over the city, he watches in vain that keep wake".

He said the joy of Easter was not meant only for Christians but for all the handiwork of God including political leaders emphasizing that, without God no politician would realize his dreams since God alone knew what was good for a nation.

Kwesiminsim-Highways (W/R)

Kwesiminsim-Highways (W/R), April 16, GNA - The Reverend Anthony A Atiapah, Minister in charge of the Victory Presbyterian Church at Kwesiminsim has advised Christians to sacrifice and suffer the consequences of following Christ. He said many people were unable to sacrifice because they wanted to enjoy the reward quickly.

Speaking on the theme: "Christ is risen, he is risen indeed", he said the women who went to the tomb sacrificed their sleep, time and energy to visit the tomb of Jesus without complaining. Rev. Atiapah reminded them to change their ways to enable them to see and enjoy the full benefits of following Christ. He said Christians must inspire confidence, trust, restoration and change people's lives and not "push them down". Rev. Atiapah said the resurrection of Christ had taken away the misery, sickness, pain and hopelessness of man and restored him from fear. At the same service, Nana Adu Ameyaw II, Effiduasehene and Nana Konadu Yiadom I Queen mother of Effiduase who are also members of the church thanked God for the successful determination of a 28-year-old chieftaincy dispute in their area. They urged Christians to continually rely on God in all circumstances and challenges they go through. In another development the Rev. Emmanuel K Arthur, Sekondi Diocesan Youth Organiser of the Methodist Church said the Christian youth must not see the death and resurrection of Christ as a mere celebration. He said it signified the value and essence of Christianity and the youth must be encouraged to understand it.

Rev. Arthur advised the youth live righteous lives and not to allow the pressures and fashion of the world to entice them. He said the Easter season was not meant for drug abuse, sexual immorality and alcoholism but rather a time for sober reflection and repentance. Koforidua

In Koforidua, the newly-appointed Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Koforidua, Rev. Monsignor Joseph Afrifah-Agyekum, has asked Christians to let Easter renew their relationship with God by surrendering their lives to Jesus Christ.

He said they should do this by eschewing all immoral lifestyles that create obstacles between them and the love of God. Rev. Msgr. Afrifah-Agyekum, who was preaching the sermon at an Easter Holy Mass at the St George's Cathedral at Koforidua on Sunday, said in spite of difficulties in their lives, Christians should let the resurrection of Christ re-awaken their faith in him by emulating his truth, love and service to others.

He asked them to put all their problems before Jesus and have faith that once they follow him in the light he lit by his resurrection, they could overcome them.

Rev, Msgr. Afifah-Agyekum whose elevation by Pope Benedict XVI was announced on Wednesday, is to succeed the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. Charles Palmer-Buckle after his ordination by the Pope.