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Christians in Kuwait mark Easter with solemn devotion, joyful celebrations

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Christians express gratitude to Kuwaiti leadership for fostering climate of tolerance, respect

KUWAIT: Christians across Kuwait came together over the weekend to commemorate Good Friday and celebrate Easter Sunday — two of the most significant observances in the Christian calendar. Marking these holy days with reverence and joy, the faithful attended special services, community events and family gatherings that reflected the country’s religious diversity and commitment to peaceful coexistence.

Despite being a predominantly Muslim nation, Kuwait continues to uphold its long-standing tradition of religious tolerance, allowing Christian residents — comprising nationalities including Filipinos, Indians, Egyptians, Lebanese and Western and African expatriates — to observe their faith freely and openly.

Churches across Kuwait, including the National Evangelical Church of Kuwait, Holy Family Cathedral, Coptic Church and Life Abundant International Church (LAIF) hosted services beginning on Good Friday and culminating with Easter Sunday celebrations. Services were conducted in multiple languages including English, Arabic, Tagalog and Malayalam, underscoring the multicultural makeup of the Christian population in the country.

In his Easter message, Bishop Jonathan Njoku of LAIF encouraged believers to remain united in faith and compassion. “Good Friday and Easter are celebrations of life triumphing over death and light conquering darkness. It is a time for Christians to reaffirm their commitment to hope, love and charity,” he told the congregation.

Security personnel deployed

Security personnel were deployed around church premises to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of services, with authorities coordinating closely with church leaders. In addition to religious observances, many Christian families marked the occasion with traditional meals, gift exchanges and cultural events. Community groups organized egg hunts and family-oriented festivities for children, adding to the joyful spirit of Easter. While Easter is not a public holiday in Kuwait, some employers offered flexible working hours to allow Christian employees to attend church and spend time with loved ones.

Tolerance and respect

Christian residents expressed gratitude to the Kuwaiti government and people for fostering a climate of tolerance and respect. “Kuwait is one of the most peaceful countries in the world. We thank the leadership for upholding religious freedom. Easter is deeply meaningful for us and we are grateful to celebrate it here,” said Filipino evangelist Ethan Angelo. “Actually, I love celebrating Easter in Kuwait. It is peaceful here. We pray that God will grant us more blissful days ahead,” added Syrian Christian Mary Thomas, who was celebrating at the Catholic Church in Kuwait City with her friends.

Good Friday, which Christians believe commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ (PBUH), was observed with solemn services featuring scripture readings, hymns, and meditative prayers. Many congregants participated in fasting and quiet contemplation, fostering a reflective atmosphere within the churches. Easter Sunday, which Christians believe symbolizes the resurrection of Jesus Christ (PBUH), was marked with vibrant services filled with music, floral decorations and messages of hope and renewal. Churches were adorned with symbols of new life and congregants came together in celebration of faith and the promise of spiritual rebirth.

Easter has become a recognized occasion within Kuwait’s expatriate communities. Officially recognized churches host services and activities throughout Holy Week, including Palm Sunday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil. These traditions, along with community celebrations, highlight Kuwait’s commitment to religious inclusion and cultural harmony. The Easter observances once again reflected Kuwait’s role as a welcoming home for diverse communities, where faith is practiced in peace and mutual respect.

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Iran Embassy opens condolence book to honor victims of Zionist aggression

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KUWAIT: The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Kuwait opened a condolence book, on Monday, to honor the victims of the recent aggression against Iran. The event was attended by officials, ambassadors, and media. Iranian Ambassador to Kuwait Mohammad Toutounchi expressed his appreciation for the positions of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, especially Kuwait, regarding the recent events, noting that Kuwait’s Foreign Minister had called his Iranian counterpart in a gesture that reflects the strength of bilateral relations, describing the presence of ambassadors at the embassy as “Noteworthy and Positive.”

The ambassador said in a statement that his country endured twelve days of intense aggression by the Zionist entity, joined by the United States in the final two days, explaining that Iran faced simultaneous attacks from countries equipped with nuclear capabilities and advanced technology, backed by NATO. He emphasized that the planners of this aggression had expected Iran to collapse within days. However, “The unity of the Iranian people inside and outside the country formed a formidable barrier.” He added that US intervention came only after ten days of failed efforts to achieve any ground breakthrough.

Toutounchi revealed that the number of victims exceeded 620 martyrs, with more than 5,356 wounded, including 13 children and 43 women, some of whom were pregnant, adding “Seven hospitals, six health centers, and dozens of ambulances were destroyed. These martyrs cannot be replaced whether they were children, military leaders, or academics, calling for the Zionist entity and the United States to be held accountable before international bodies to prevent such crimes from recurring.

Regarding Iran’s nuclear program, the ambassador reiterated Iran’s commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), pointing out that the country’s nuclear program, which represents less than 3 percent of global peaceful nuclear activities, has undergone over 23 percent of international inspections. He argued that this high inspection rate indicates no deviation toward military objectives.

He disclosed that Iran had recently agreed to five rounds of indirect negotiations aimed at reviving the diplomatic track and ensuring the peaceful nature of its nuclear program. He also stressed that Iran’s response against US military and intelligence bases in Qatar was a legitimate act of self-defense and was not directed at any neighboring countries, affirming Iran’s full respect for their sovereignty. He noted that Iran had communicated with Qatari leadership to clarify its position, stating that military bases in neighboring countries used by US forces cannot be considered safe havens for launching attacks.

Meanwhile, the Iraqi Ambassador to Kuwait Al-Manhal Al-Safi expressed his deep gratitude to Kuwait’s leadership, government, and people for facilitating the return of over 3,000 stranded Iraqi citizens by issuing more than 3,500 transit visas in just 12 days. The Iraqi ambassador affirmed his country’s full solidarity with Iran and condemned the aggression, revealing that Zionist aircraft had breached Iraqi airspace, prompting Baghdad to file an official complaint with the UN Security Council.

In the same context, the Sudanese Ambassador to Kuwait Awadal-Karim Al-Rayah Balla offered his condolences to Iran, describing the incident as “A blatant and unacceptable attack.” He called for regional unity to confront shared challenges, emphasizing that the targeting of Iran threatens all free peoples in the region. He urged a joint response to protect stability and to revive the Palestinian cause as a priority. The Sudanese envoy also pointed to the double standards in the international system, calling for crises to be addressed through international legitimacy rather than the imposition of forceful agendas.

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Exit permit now mandatory for expat workers

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KUWAIT: A decision mandating expatriates working in the private sector to obtain an exit permit with the prior approval of their employers comes into effect on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Employees need to apply through the Sahel app or the Public Authority of Manpower’s website. The employer must then approve the request online before the authority issues the permit. The decision applies to private sector employees who have residency under article 18. Those who have article 19 residency – self-sponsored – are not required to obtain the exit permit.

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410 students benefit from Educational Care Bank project

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KUWAIT: Al-Safa Charitable Society announced that 410 students across various educational stages have benefited from the Educational Care Bank project for the 2024-2025 academic year. The initiative, implemented in collaboration with the General Secretariat of Endowments, provided a total of KD 100,000 (approximately $330,000) in educational support within Kuwait. Chairman of Al-Safa’s Board of Directors Mohammad Al-Shaya said in a press statement on Monday that the project reflects a shared commitment to supporting future generations by creating an educational environment free from financial obstacles. He emphasized that the initiative also aims to alleviate the financial burden faced by low-income families amid ongoing economic challenges.

Al-Shaya praised the General Secretariat of Endowments for its continued sponsorship of impactful and innovative projects that serve the community, particularly those focused on education. He noted that the Secretariat’s support for this program underscores its strong belief in education as a cornerstone for societal advancement and sustainable development. He added that Al-Safa Charitable Society, through this partnership, seeks to nurture a knowledgeable and responsible generation capable of contributing meaningfully to national development. The project, he explained, targets students who face difficulty in paying tuition fees, reaffirming the association’s belief in the right to education for all—without discrimination or financial barriers. — KUNA

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