Russian President Dmitry Medvedev congratulated Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia with Orthodox Easter and thanked him for the Church’s role in Russia’s spiritual revival, the Kremlin press office said on Sunday.
“While sharing the Paschal joy with you, I want to express gratitude for the clergy’s efforts aimed at the nation’s spiritual revival, the consolidation of public peace and accord and the upbringing of the younger generation,” Medvedev said in a statement.
Russia is celebrating Orthodox Easter, Christianity's most important and joyful feast when the Church commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Tens of thousands of people flocked to the country's churches to attend solemn midnight processions with crosses and icons, as well as evening and night divine services throughout the country.
“The Paschal festivities mark the victory of the good and open new possibilities for the spiritual improvement, mercy and aid to neighbors,” the statement said.
“The Russian Orthodox Church has always been the keeper of our people’s traditions and for centuries protected its sacred things and served in the interests of the country’s unity and consolidation.”
