For many, Easter is just about chocolate eggs and a welcome extended weekend of rest. This update has been prepared to ensure that officers and staff are aware that Easter is the most important festival in the Christian calendar. It celebrates the resurrection from the dead of Jesus, three days after he was executed. The Easter story is at the centre of the Christian faith.
Operational officers and staff need to be aware that there will be increased activity in and around places of Christian worship. Also, at these locations there could be late night services and processions to mark events on the run up to and during the main Easter weekend :-
Palm Sunday 9th April – The Sunday before Easter Sunday. There may well be extra events during this time, which commences “Holy Week”. Many church fellowships will give our small crosses made from palm leaves, as a reminder of Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem and his death on the cross.
Maundy Thursday – 13th April – the day before Good Friday. There will be many churches and places of worship holding services this day. This day remembers the “Last Supper” which Jesus ate with his disciples.
Good Friday – 14th April – This commemorates the execution of Jesus by crucifixion. This is a day of mourning and reflection in the Christian faith. Many events will take place on this day, some into the early hours of the next day. Also during the day, officers and staff may see processions which are sometimes called a “walk of witness” in remembrance of this day. Large scale processions may well have already been notified to the Local Authorities.
Easter Sunday – 16th April – This is a day of celebration for Christians who believe that Jesus Christ rose from the dead after his crucifixion. There will be many services across all Christian places of worship.
