Christians following the Western calendar in border towns in southern Lebanon, near Israel, marked Good Friday in the runup to Easter Sunday, with prayers and religious processions despite Israeli airstrikes, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency.

Worshippers in the Marjayoun and Hasbaiyya districts held ceremonies and funeral processions symbolizing the crucifixion and burial of Jesus in towns, including Deir Mimas, Burj al-Muluk, Qlayaa, Jdeidet Marjayoun and Kawkaba.

Churches were filled with worshippers despite heightened security tensions, as bells rang and prayers were held, reflecting residents’ determination to practice their religious rites, the agency reported.

Residents described the ceremonies as a message of resilience and defiance.

At St. Peter’s Melkite Greek Catholic Cathedral in Jdeidet Marjayoun, Father Milad Klass expressed hope that “the suffering in the south" will end and "all of Lebanon will enjoy security, peace, and stability.”

In Kawkaba, a religious procession was limited to the church vicinity due to security measures imposed by the Lebanese army and security forces.

Father Jreiss Nahra said in his sermon, “Today we pray for our wounded south and beloved Lebanon that the peace of Christ may prevail with the dawn of the glorious resurrection,” referring to Easter Sunday, marking the resurrection of the crucified Jesus, as told in the Bible.

In the Bint Jbeil district, the National News Agency said towns, including Rmeish, Debel and Ain Ebel, marked Good Friday with prayers and tolling church bells in mourning.

Catholic and Protestant Christians will celebrate Easter on April 5, while Orthodox Christians in Russia and Ukraine will celebrate Easter a week later on April 12, due to traditional calendar differences.

Israel has pounded Lebanon with airstrikes and launched a ground offensive in the south since a cross-border attack by Hezbollah on March 2.

Lebanese authorities said nearly 1,368 people have since been killed and 4,138 wounded in the Israeli assault.

*Writing by Rania Abushamala in Istanbul.