San Diego Christians mark Easter with prayers for peace as war in Iran escalates

As the war in Iran intensifies with no clear end in sight, Christians across San Diego County marked one of their most sacred holidays Sunday, celebrating Easter with prayers for peace and renewal.

Easter Sunday commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ following his crucifixion — a cornerstone of Christian faith symbolizing hope, rebirth and new beginnings.

At Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Logan Heights, parishioners gathered for worship and sacraments, including baptisms that underscored the spiritual meaning of the day.

The Rev. Hung Nguyen told congregants the message of Easter resonates in every aspect of life.

“In our joys, our sorrows, our struggles, God is saying trust,” Nguyen said. “You look amazing, you look beautiful,” he told the congregation Sunday during the mass delivered in English.

For many, the day brought a sense of emotional release and renewal.

“I feel like a weight has been lifted. I’m happy,” said Julianna Morales, a parishioner. “I feel like God’s with me and leading me the (right) way.”

Anthony Jimenez described a similar experience.

“Like a rush of happiness and awakeness,” he said. “I feel all the bad, everything that’s been built up, just releases.”

Across the county, hundreds gathered at Mount Helix for the 109th annual Easter sunrise service, a long-standing tradition that began in 1917.

Hosted by Legacy Church, the service drew people from multiple Christian denominations, united in worship as music echoed across the hillside.

“Look, God’s dwelling place is now among the people,” Senior Pastor Thomas Lengyel said during his sermon.

“As Christians, we believe that the world ultimately is a broken place. People are lost and looking for hope,” Lengyel told NBC 7. “We believe that God wants to bring peace, and we believe He wants to bring it through His people.”

From church pews to the mountaintop gathering, the message was consistent: a call for peace in a time of uncertainty — and a belief that prayers can reach far beyond church walls.