From Hollywood Bowl to Skid Row--Easter Rites

Tradition mixed with social and political concerns as thousands observed Easter in Los Angeles Sunday at traditional church services and programs to feed the homeless.

Following a 70-year tradition, more than 15,000 gathered at 5:15 a.m. for Easter Sunrise Service at the Hollywood Bowl.

This year’s program, “Freedom and Peace,” was dedicated to “welcoming back” the countries of Eastern Europe.

Clergy from Latvia, Hungary, Romania and Czechoslovakia stood together on stage, giving a special Easter prayer for each of their countries.

“It was very emotional for a lot of people,” said Norma Foster, director of the service.

The service was highlighted by the traditional lighting of a “human cross.” As actress Connie Stevens read the poem “The Master Is Coming,” 200 children in the Living Voice Choir stood in dark robes.

On cue, the children dropped the black robes, revealing sparkling white vestments and “lighting” up the “cross.”

“To see that cross which is foreboding and sad light up . . . it’s always a moment people wait for and it’s always a challenge to see if the children will forget to drop the robe,” Foster said.

At the end of the program, 200 “birds of peace” were released into the air.

About 3,000 homeless people dined on a special Easter meal at the Fred Jordan Mission on downtown’s Skid Row. Volunteers prepared baked chicken, candied yams and cranberry sauce.

At Lawry’s California Center, nearly 100 youngsters searched for eggs filled with candy, money and certificates for Paula Abdul music tapes.

Erin Harvey, 10, of Calgary, Canada, celebrated her first Easter in the United States at Lawry’s.

“I’m glad I came because I like looking for things,” she said. “It was fun and I’ll remember it for a long time.”