Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska congratulated their compatriots on Easter, emphasizing the strength of unity, faith, and resilience of the Ukrainian people amid a prolonged war.
This is reported by Kyiv24
A Symbol of Unity and Faith in Difficult Times
In their Easter address, the presidential couple highlighted the importance of maintaining spiritual resilience. They quoted words inscribed above the Oranta in St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv:
“God is in the city, and it will not be shaken” – these words are engraved here, above our Oranta, in our great Sophia. And these words are endowed with extraordinary strength, which we have felt for over a thousand and a half days of the battle for life, in which our Ukraine, our capital, our people, and our faith remain steadfast. And this is so important today, when the war is not only on the battlefield, but there is also a fierce battle of emotions, characters, and spirit, truth against lies, faith against despair, hope against despondency. It is not easy for all of us to lead this struggle. Especially in times of turbulence, when it seems the world is plunging into the abyss and no one knows what tomorrow will bring.”
The Zelenskys emphasized that it is precisely in such moments that Easter provides answers on how not to lose hope, find light in the darkest times, and stay together despite the trials. They pointed out that support and strength can be found in sincere words, warm embraces, caring for loved ones, and the daily actions of every Ukrainian.
The Spiritual Heritage and Strength of the Ukrainian Family
The presidential couple noted that thanks to unity, Ukrainians have together overcome the most challenging winter in history, and today they welcome spring and Easter as one large family. For the fifth consecutive year, Ukrainians celebrate the holiday despite the pain and burden of war, preserving their identity, traditions, familial warmth, and faith in the future. According to the Zelenskys, thousands of defenders at the front stand for the laughter of children to echo in homes, and for families to gather together again.
Zelensky and his wife emphasized that the true meaning of Easter lies in the unity of the people and the aspiration for revival. They expressed their belief that Ukrainians will honorably walk this path until the first peaceful Easter for the entire country arrives, when sirens will not sound over the land, and everyone will return to their families.
They also noted that for over 1500 days, Ukrainians have been holding the line, and the faith in the victory of good over evil remains extraordinarily strong. The presidential couple thanked everyone who fights and believes in peace, stressing the importance of joint efforts and support from both security forces and the entire Ukrainian society.
The Zelenskys emphasized that Ukrainians not only believe in miracles but also create them every day, demonstrating courage, selflessness, and strength of spirit. They wished for hope, warmth, and faith to unite the hearts of all Ukrainians, and for the defenders to be protected by the heavens.
On Sunday, April 12, Orthodox Christians and Greek Catholics celebrate one of the greatest Christian holidays – Easter, which symbolizes the victory of life, faith, and hope.