Local Church Pews filled this Easter Sunday
By: Carolyn Donaldson
Updated: April 9, 2012
Area churches of many faiths were full according to the local faith leaders WTAJ News spoke with.
At First Lutheran in Downtown Altoona, music is a big part of the ministry and celebration Easter Sunday. Part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, this Blair county church's sanctuary burned almost 15 years ago and took years to rebuild both in structure and membership.
A block away, members of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church celebrated Palm Sunday with this Sunday morning service.
Their divine liturgy followed the path of Jesus into Jerusalem.
The Greek Orthodox liturgical calendar is in a different cycle than other christian calendars.
And just around the corner, the center of the local catholic community, the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament was filled with their faithful.
Part of the Easter tradition in this faith is the renewal of baptismal vows.
Greens soaked in holy water are sprinkled on the congregation.
Monsignor Robert Mazur thinks Sunday's church pews are fuller thanks in part to the downturn in the economy.
"With the economy, these are difficult times and when that occurs religion is a support, an affirmation, sort of accompanies us on our journey of faith."
At First Lutheran in Downtown Altoona, music is a big part of the ministry and celebration Easter Sunday. Part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, this Blair county church's sanctuary burned almost 15 years ago and took years to rebuild both in structure and membership.
A block away, members of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church celebrated Palm Sunday with this Sunday morning service.
Their divine liturgy followed the path of Jesus into Jerusalem.
The Greek Orthodox liturgical calendar is in a different cycle than other christian calendars.
And just around the corner, the center of the local catholic community, the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament was filled with their faithful.
Part of the Easter tradition in this faith is the renewal of baptismal vows.
Greens soaked in holy water are sprinkled on the congregation.
Monsignor Robert Mazur thinks Sunday's church pews are fuller thanks in part to the downturn in the economy.
"With the economy, these are difficult times and when that occurs religion is a support, an affirmation, sort of accompanies us on our journey of faith."
