12-04-2026, Ostend

Easter in Ostend.

On the night of April 12, Orthodox believers celebrated the Resurrection of Christ at the Church of St. John the Theologian in Ostend. According to tradition, parishioners walked in a procession around Sint-Katharinaplein, where the church is located. During the liturgy, the Gospel was read in various languages ​​besides Church Slavonic: Greek, Serbian, Moldovan, Georgian, Ukrainian, Dutch, and Russian. The choir, led by Mother Evdokia (Inga Katamasvili), also sang the Easter troparion in various languages.

After the Easter Matins, the rector of the church, Archpriest Gennady Katamasvili, blessed the Easter cakes and eggs. Despite the late hour, many, including families with children, continued to pray during the festive Divine Liturgy and received Holy Communion. Father Gennady read the Easter message of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, calling on the flock to love, forgiveness, and comfort the grieving.

Following the service, the parishioners prepared a small festive meal, congratulated each other on the long-awaited Easter, and reflected on the past fast. We thank everyone who came for their prayerful efforts, our choir, Mother Evdokia, and the parishioners who prepared the church for the feast!

Christ is Risen!