Silent Churches: Dubai’s Easter Silence Echoes Malta’s Solidarity

In the heart of Dubai’s bustling Jumeirah Beach Residence, the usually vibrant St. Mary’s Catholic Church stands eerily silent this Easter. The grand building, a familiar landmark to Maltese expats, is one of many churches across the UAE that have cancelled Easter masses due to the war in Ukraine.

War’s Reach: From Kyiv to Dubai

The conflict in Ukraine, thousands of miles away, has cast a long shadow over Dubai’s Easter celebrations. The UAE, home to a significant number of Ukrainians and Russians, has taken a neutral stance in the conflict. Yet, the war’s ripple effects are being felt in the city’s churches, with many opting to cancel masses as a sign of solidarity with the victims.

Father Mark, a Maltese priest who has been serving the Dubai community for over a decade, explains, “We stand with the people of Ukraine. Canceling masses is a small sacrifice we can make to show our support.”

Malta’s Connection: Expats Find Comfort in Familiarity

Dubai is home to a thriving Maltese community, many of whom have made the city their home for years. For them, Easter is a time of family, tradition, and familiar rituals. The cancellation of masses has left a void, but it’s also sparked a sense of unity.

Maria, a Maltese expat who has been living in Dubai for 15 years, shares, “Easter in Dubai is always special because it’s a chance to connect with our Maltese community. This year, while we’re sad about the masses, we’re also finding new ways to come together and support each other.”

Some Maltese families have started organizing private Easter gatherings, sharing traditional Maltese food and celebrating together in their homes. Others are planning to attend the few masses that are still scheduled to take place in other churches around the city.

: Hope Beyond the Silence

As the war in Ukraine continues, the silence in Dubai’s churches serves as a poignant reminder of the conflict’s global impact. Yet, it also underscores the power of community and solidarity in the face of adversity.

Father Mark looks ahead, “Easter is about hope and resurrection. While this year is different, we hope that next Easter, we’ll be celebrating together again, stronger than ever.”

For now, the churches in Dubai stand silent, their usual hymns of praise replaced by the distant echoes of a conflict far away. But the spirit of Easter, of hope and renewal, persists in the hearts of the Maltese community, ready to be rekindled when the time is right.