Zelensky congratulates Ukrainians on Easter and says what he asks God

President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky. Photo: a video screenshot from the Office of the President on Facebook

President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky. Photo: a video screenshot from the Office of the President on Facebook

President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky congratulated all Christians of the Eastern rite on the upcoming Holy Resurrection of Christ and urged Ukrainians to celebrate Easter at home. Zelensky’s video message is published on the President’s Office Facebook page.

“This year Ukraine, like the entire world, will celebrate Easter at home. ...> Easter is the victory of life over death, it is a celebration of joy. Therefore, let's find positive in today's situation. We are returning to the traditions of our ancestors, who did not have supermarkets or delivery of ready-made baskets via the Internet. This year, every housewife can make homemade Easter cake, the most delicious, because it will be made with your own hands. Each housekeeper can make meat treats, and together with our children we will paint Easter eggs ...> This is a kind of national family team building," Zelensky said.

The President wished that after the weekend and quarantine, Ukrainians will be scared by “the numbers on the scales, not the numbers on the thermometer”.

He noted that Easter is a holiday of unity, “and today our whole country is united by one desire – to go out, ...> and when we all stay at home – this is really unity, for the sake of doctors, for the health of our nation, and therefore – its future".

The President admitted that he often turns to God.

“And here I will not surprise you with anything, because we all, though in different words, ask the Almighty for the same thing: that our parents live longer, that our children are happy, that our grandchildren do not cough, that our loved ones are always near, that it is all right in Ukraine, and that we all are alive and well. May God help us in this. And we will help God. We stay at home!” he said.

In conclusion, Zelensky urged Ukrainians to remember the preaching of Jesus Christ: “Do not flaunt your own righteousness. The strongest faith is faith in our heart. May goodness, light, and mercy come into our hearts. May joy, prosperity and love come to our homes. May peace come to our land, peace, and again peace. I wish you all good health, God's grace and delicious Easter cake!”

As reported earlier, on April 14, 2020, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky once again called on Ukrainians to stay at home for Easter, as "nationality, gender or religion are not important to the coronavirus”.

SBU told Phanar many UOC bishops would join OCU in 2018, report says

According to a Phanar representative’s account, Ukrainian security services told the Constantinople delegation that many UOC representatives were prepared to attend the OCU’s “Unification Council.” In the end, only two did.

Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia

During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.

Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris

Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.

Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit

More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.

Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk

Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.

Sviatohirsk Lavra prays for murdered monk on 40th day after death

The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra held a memorial service for murdered Monk Varsonofiy, calling on the faithful to pray for the newly departed monk.