Easter celebrated despite the fighting

There is not much left of the small church of Komyshuvakha, in the region of Zaporijjia (Ukraine), destroyed by Russian bombardments, Sunday April 16, Easter day, sacred for the Orthodox. No truce, as Ukrainians and Russians alike celebrate the most important holiday in their religious calendar. A year ago, the faithful were for many cloistered at home, for fear of attacks. This year, they came to have their traditional Easter eggs and cakes blessed. In kyiv, a priest has seen his community evolve since the beginning of the war: “There are people who survived the fighting, who were under occupation, and who now find meaning in life. But there are also those who left and left the church”.

A short-lived peace

Despite this spiritual doubt which can sometimes set in, President Volodymyr Zelensky wanted to send a message of courage by asking the Ukrainians to maintain unshakable faith in their victory. While in Moscow (Russia), President Vladimir Putin attended Easter Mass in the presence of Patriarch Kirill. Between the two, on the front line, the soldiers also took a moment to pray. Between habit and resignation, the Ukrainians know that the fighting will continue. Easter will at least have allowed them to find peace for a few hours.