Christ is risen: Orthodox Easter celebrated in Seychelles |13 April 2026
Father Sergios Janosevic leading the Orthodox Easter feast (Photo: Contributed)
Orthodox Christians in Seychelles gathered this Sunday at the parish of Saint Dimitrios Church, Machabée to celebrate Easter; the radiant feast of the Resurrection of Christ according to Orthodox tradition.
The parish, which is part of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa, welcomed a vibrant and multicultural congregation. Faithful from Seychelles, Serbia, Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Egypt came together in prayer and celebration, joined also by visiting Orthodox tourists from Russia, Ukraine, and Romania, reflecting the parish’s strong international character.
The solemn Paschal service was led by Father Sergios Janosevic, archpriest and dean of the parish, who has served in Seychelles since 2010 and has been residing in the country since 1987. In a spirit of joy and reverence, he proclaimed the triumph of Christ over death, marking the heart of the Easter proclamation.
At the end of the Divine Liturgy, Father Sergios read the ancient Easter homily of Saint John Chrysostom, a powerful sermon that continues to echo through centuries of Christian tradition. Its message invited all to share in the joy of the feast: “Let all take part in the banquet of Faith. Let all take part in the wealth of Righteousness.”
The homily further emphasised the victory of forgiveness and life over death: “Let no one bewail transgressions, for forgiveness has dawned from the tomb. Let no one be fearful of Death, for the death of the Saviour has set us free.”
It concluded with the triumphant proclamation that defines the Easter celebration: “O Death, where is thy sting? O Hades, where is thy victory? Christ is risen and thou art overthrown. Christ is risen and the demons have fallen. Christ is risen and the Angels rejoice.”
The celebration ended, as is tradition across the Orthodox world, with the joyful exchange of greetings: “Christ is risen!” — “Truly, He is risen!”
Contributed