Church leaders preparing for the 2026 Easter joint worship service pose for a photo in Seoul. From second right are Rev. Kim Il-yeop of the Korea Baptist Convention, Rev. Kim Jeong-seok of the Korean Council of Churches in Korea, Rev. Lee Young-hoon of Yoido Full Gospel Church and Rev. Eom Jin-yong of the Korean Church General Secretariat. Photo by Asia Today
March 11 (Asia Today) — South Korea’s Protestant churches will gather for a nationwide Easter worship service in Seoul on April 5, with an Easter parade scheduled the day before in downtown Seoul.
Organizers said 72 denominations are expected to participate in the joint Easter service at Yoido Full Gospel Church in the Yeouido district.
The event is organized by the Korean Council of Churches in Korea, a major Protestant umbrella group. This year’s motto is “Resurrection of Life, Peace on the Korean Peninsula,” with the theme “Resurrection! Peace! Love!” based on John 20:19-23.
The sermon will be delivered by Rev. Kim Jeong-seok, president of the council.
At a briefing Tuesday at Yoido Full Gospel Church, Rev. Lee Young-hoon, senior pastor of the church and head of the organizing committee, said the participation of 72 denominations effectively represents most of South Korea’s Protestant churches.
“When 72 denominations take part, it means nearly all established denominations are participating,” Lee said. “Even churches affiliated with other Protestant organizations are expected to attend, making this a gathering of the broader Korean church.”
Kim said Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and represents a message of hope.
“True hope comes from the historical event of Jesus overcoming death through resurrection,” Kim said. “We hope everyone can share in the joy of the resurrection.”
He added that all offerings collected during the joint service will be donated to support people in need.
The “2026 Easter Parade” will take place Saturday in Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square area, a day before Easter Sunday.
Organized by CTS Christian TV and other Christian groups, the parade began in 2023 and will be held for the fourth time this year. Organizers said about 8,000 participants from 40 teams will join the event.
The parade will present scenes from the Bible and the history of Christianity in Korea through four themed acts: “The Beginning of the Promise,” “Suffering and Resurrection,” “The Korean Peninsula and the Gospel,” and “Promise for the Future.”
Following the parade, a musical performance about the life of Jesus Christ and a concert titled “Joyful Concert” will be held on a special stage.
Kam Kyung-chul, chairman of CTS and the parade’s chief organizer, said he hopes the event will become a new tradition for Korean churches.
“We hope believers will actively participate so this Easter festival – sharing the joy of resurrection and praying together – can become a lasting tradition of the Korean church,” he said.
— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI
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