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 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”.
Read also
Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture
Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.
JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism
Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.
First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language
The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.
OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law
Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’
In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.
Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.