The holiest day of the Christian calendar was celebrated across the tri-state area.
Not long after the sun peaked over the horizon Sunday morning, the faithful gathered in the Music Pier in Ocean City.
An hour later beneath the still leaf less trees of Rittenhouse Square, the people of Philadelphia's Tenth Presbyterian hosted another sunrise service.
Across the region Christians who follow the western calendar celebrated Easter, outside and inside.
In traditional churches and in one case an enormous basketball arena.
The largest single gathering was Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church's service at the Liacouras Center.
In its 10th year this mass effort was first conceived to get all its members under one roof at one time but now it's a little different.
"We want the spectacle of the crowd to remind people how important this day is," said Dr. Alyn Waller, pastor.
Easter is the foundation of the Christian belief system. The faithful believe Jesus Christ, who was crucified, was resurrected from the dead, giving them the hope of an everlasting life.
"The main message of Easter is that of hope. Hope that through death, the God of life promises new life through the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ," said Pastor Wayne Zschech, Luther Church of Our Savior.
William Foreman says he believes Christian teachings can help his young daughter navigate life in the 21st Century.
"Show her the ways, and to use the religion as a part of a way we need to grow up, so that way she doesn't get caught up there out on the streets," said Foreman.
