Lobamba – Thousands of worshippers gathered at Somhlolo Stadium for the Easter service, where national leaders and church ministers delivered a unified message that “He has risen,” urging emaSwati to strengthen their faith and remain steadfast through life’s challenges.
The service, held under the theme “He Has Risen,” combined scripture readings, sermons and choral performances, with His Majesty King Mswati III and Her Majesty the Queen leading messages that centred on the resurrection of Jesus Christ as a symbol of hope, endurance and spiritual renewal.
Opening the service, Mlangeni Mbalanyana Dlamini led a hymn, followed by a prayer from Archbishop Sipho Dlamini, setting the tone for a day focused on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 
Religious leaders delivered teachings drawn from six key Bible passages, emphasising faith and perseverance. Reverend Nkhosiphile Dlamini, preaching from Matthew 28, said Jesus’ resurrection saved believers from darkness and affirmed that those who believe in Him will also rise. Bishop Isaiah Malaza, referencing John 10:11–16, urged worshippers to remain patient and trust God, drawing from the women’s concern at the tomb and how their worries were resolved.
Bishop Bhekinkhosi Gamedze, preaching from Luke 24:13–21, spoke of two disciples who encountered Jesus on the road without recognising Him, highlighting the importance of inviting Christ into everyday life for protection and guidance. Zwelithini Magagula, reading from Mark 16:4–8, said Jesus’ victory over death shows that nothing can overcome God’s will, while also thanking the King for allowing freedom of worship in the country.
President Bongikhosi Shiba, citing John 21:1–12, described how Jesus revealed Himself to His disciples after His resurrection, encouraging believers to remain strong even in rejection. Pastor Alfred Dlamini concluded the teachings with John 11:25, reminding congregants that Jesus is life and that faith brings hope beyond death, urging patience and perseverance in difficult times.
In a prayer, Bishop Sipho Tembe thanked God for His consistency and protection over the nation, including the King and Queen, describing the monarchy as a gift that has sustained the country through difficult periods.
The event also featured performances from several choirs, including Melika Jericho Church in Zion, All Nations, Ukuphila Choir and Buhle baseNyakatfo Choir.
Prince Simelane introduced international visitors, including South African guest Kenneth Herington, who addressed the congregation on behalf of visitors. Herington congratulated King Mswati III on his 40-year reign and commended initiatives benefiting the nation. He concluded with a reflection that while many consider death the most powerful force, it was defeated by Jesus Christ.
Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini thanked the monarchy and citizens for gathering in unity to worship.
In her sermon, Her Majesty the Queen urged Christians to reflect their faith through their actions, stressing that the resurrection should be visible in how people live. She warned against mixing the worship of God with other beliefs and encouraged the nation to remain faithful, citing 1 Samuel 5 and Psalms 124.
Delivering the keynote message, His Majesty King Mswati III said the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ remain central to Christian belief but challenged worshippers to consider whether Christ has truly risen in their hearts. He said life’s challenges are part of a journey to success, drawing from the story of Abraham in Genesis 22, and urged emaSwati to put God first and remain obedient.
“The question is whether He has risen in your hearts,” the King said, adding that faith, humility and endurance are essential for spiritual growth.
The service concluded with a closing prayer by Bishop Simon Skhondze.
