By Etieno Ibanga
As the Christian community prepares for the annual Easter celebration, Prophet Peter Tom Udofia, General Overseer of The Way of Salvation Church of Jesus Christ, has described the observance as a tradition rooted in paganism rather than a divine commandment.
Speaking to newsmen, the fiery televangelist asserted that Easter has no biblical basis and should not be practiced by true followers of Christ. According to Prophet Udofia, the festival stems from ancient pagan rites, particularly the worship of the Greek goddess Diana (also known as Artemis), a deity symbolizing fertility. He referenced Acts 19:23–28 to support his claims, pointing out that idol worship associated with Diana brought great wealth to silversmiths — a practice he likened to modern religious commercialization.
“The word ‘Easter’ appears only once in the Bible and that too is a mistranslation,” he explained, citing Acts 12:4 in the New King James Version. “The correct term is ‘Passover,’ which aligns with God’s instruction to commemorate Christ’s death through the Last Supper.”
Quoting 1 Corinthians 11:25–26, Prophet Udofia emphasized that Jesus commanded believers to remember His death through the breaking of bread and drinking of wine, not through seasonal festivities. He further warned Christians to avoid being deceived by traditions of men, referencing Colossians 2:8 and Deuteronomy 4:19, which caution against idol worship and the observance of celestial festivals.
Calling on believers to return to the core message of salvation, Prophet Udofia reiterated the need for repentance, holiness, and spiritual rebirth as prerequisites for divine approval. “Mark 16:16 makes it clear that only those who believe and are baptized shall be saved,” he declared, urging Christians to “follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).
Concluding his message, the Prophet stated that God has mandated him to warn the world against embracing “superstitious” traditions like Easter. He urged all Christians to uphold the truth found in the Gospel and to live by the principles of the New Testament in preparation for eternity.
