Zelensky congratulates Catholics and Protestants on Easter

President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky. Photo: zoda.gov.ua

On April 4, 2021, President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky congratulated Catholics and Protestants on Easter, wishing them "the faith that comes true and makes life in a diverse Ukraine more comfortable".

In a congratulatory message posted on the President's Facebook page, the head of state recalled that Ukraine has become home to more than 100 nationalities and “we have speakers of different languages, representatives of distinctive cultures and different religious denominations”.

“Today, believers of the Western rite are celebrating Easter,” the message says. - <...> This is already the second Easter, which we must spend at home, and for the sake of our own health and the health of our relatives, watch services on television and on social networks, and not attend church. Remember, prayer is strong at home as well."

According to Zelensky, "this new challenge is a test from which we will definitely emerge stronger".

“This is the time to stop for a moment and remember the importance of communication and mutual support. And also – understanding between people, respect and acceptance of new things, challenges and otherness. And it's not just about holidays. Priorities are formed from our daily attitudes. In the end, it is also the values that determine the mood of society, its aspirations and accents in plans for the future,” the President added.

In conclusion, the head of state wished "the believers of the Western rite prosperity, health and the faith that comes true and makes life in diverse Ukraine more comfortable."

As reported, on April 1, the Office of the President registered an appeal by the UOC believers about the persecution of their Church, which was signed by over a million Orthodox Ukrainians.

Read also

Jesuit Order closes its oldest community in Belgium over declining numbers

In Liège, an official farewell was held for the representatives of the Society of Jesus, whose uninterrupted presence in the region had lasted since the 16th century.

UOC eparchies organize summer camps for children

Young believers in the Poltava and Sumy dioceses spent a week at Orthodox camps.

Zelensky calls strike on Moscow a response to shelling of Kyiv Lavra

The Ukrainian president justified the raids on Moscow as a necessary response to the damage inflicted on an Orthodox shrine.

Scandal erupts in Georgia over ruins of 6th-century church

The National Heritage Protection Agency accused a diocese of the Georgian Church of illegally demolishing an ancient basilica.

Zelensky shows Trump photos of Lavra's burning Dormition Cathedral

Images of the burning Dormition Cathedral reportedly moved the U.S. president deeply.

Thousands of Hasidic Jews besiege military prison in Israel over draft evader

The army deployed special forces to the protest site amid fears demonstrators could attempt to break into the prison.