Corner House Christian Church hosts Passover Seder tonight

HUBBARD

Igor Bagirov of Beth-El Russian Messianic Missionary Ministries of Cleveland reminded those attending a Seder at Corner House Christian Church that without Judaism there would not be Christianity. Jesus was a Jew and participated in the rich heritage of the faith, which included celebrating Passover.

Bagirov led a Seder tonight at the church at 6954 Chestnut Ridge Road. It was a special feature of Wonders of Wednesdays (WOW), a program for youth and adults.

Members of the nondenominational church followed a program, which noted that “seder” means “order” in Hebrew and the service follows a certain procedure. The Seder recalls the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt and liberation from slavery. Jesus celebrated a Passover meal with his disciples the night before he was crucified. Christians know that as the Last Supper.

Today is known as Holy or Maundy Thursday in Christianity. Some churches may recall the Last Supper with a special meal and service that includes foot washing. Maundy refers to the ceremony of washing the feet of the poor and commemorating Jesus’ washing of His disciples’ feet at the Last Supper.

Bagirov’s mother was Jewish and his father, Shiite Muslim. He observed Muslim holidays growing up, he said. He and his wife, Tatiana, were Russian citizens, then moved to Israel, then Canada, where they converted to Christianity, then came to the United States about 19 years ago.

Pastor David T. Coxson said he saw the Seder as a learning experience for members.

Read more about the event in Thursday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.