Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata released a statement on April 2 marking the celebration of Easter and reflecting on its significance for Christians.
In her message, Amata emphasized the importance of faith in American Samoa and expressed gratitude to religious leaders and congregations for their dedication during Holy Week. She said, “He is risen! As Christians, we have been proclaiming this wonderful message of hope for two millenia. On this Easter Sunday, we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Amata also thanked pastors, church congregations, musicians, and community members across the islands for their contributions to annual Easter celebrations. “In American Samoa, we are a people of faith. Thank you to each of our pastors, church congregations, musicians, and faithful hearts throughout our islands for your dedication all year, and especially for your part in this joyful celebration each year to conclude Holy Week and consider the blessed hope in Jesus,” she said.
She encouraged communities to fill their services with praise and gratitude. “May our Easter Sunday services be filled with praise, prayer, and gratitude, and may God be with our people, our families, and our islands in our worship and celebration.”
The statement concluded with a biblical passage from Mark 16:6: “And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.”
