Experiencing Easter twice this year has helped me to understand for myself the importance and privilege of being able to celebrate in freedom. It motivates me to - not only pray for my brothers and sisters in the Holy Land - but to engage in creating more awareness, advocating and acting to support a flourishing Christian community in the Holy Land.

The Ceremony of Holy Light, or Ceremony of Holy Fire, is one of the most sacred rituals in Orthodox Christianity. But what happens and why is it so significant?

In February of this year, a group of dedicated Embrace supporters made their way to Israel and Palestine after two years of travel restrictions. The group was led by Bishop Rachel Treweek, and this Easter time she reflects on the need for us to tear down our own barriers and let in the love of Christ.

This week, our friends and partners in Egypt tell us how they celebrate Holy Week. Just like in the UK, Holy Week and the Easter celebrations at its end are a hugely important time for Christians across the Middle East.

It is with sadness that we wish Canon Anthony Ball a fond farewell as he steps down as an Embrace Trustee, and one time Chair. Anthony shares with us some final thoughts on the importance of Embrace’s transforming work, the blessings of giving and receiving, and the sustaining hope which is fostered by standing in solidarity with our Christian sisters and brothers in the Middle East.

Lent is observed by Christians across the world. This week, our friends and partners in Egypt share how their churches mark this time of reflection and contemplation. Christians in Egypt predominately belong to the Coptic Church, but other denominations include Armenian Apostolic, Catholic, Maronite and Anglican. 

This Lent, we are bringing you a series of reflections from our friends and partners in the Middle East. This week, we hear from Suheir of the Secretariat of Solidarity in Jerusalem about how Lent is celebrated in the Holy Land itself.  

The observance of Lent , and the celebration of Easter, is a time of profound spiritual reflection for many Christians around the world. Here, in their own words, some of our partners reflect on how Eastern Christians mark this holy season in parts of the region.

For the first time since the pandemic began nearly two years ago, Embrace was able to bring a group of volunteers to the Holy Land to assist with the planting of olive trees in Palestine. Here, our very own Rowena reflects on what it was like to return after such a long absence.