Topline
The people of Ukraine observed Orthodox Easter on Sunday, one of the country’s most important holidays in the shadow of a Russian invasion that began exactly two months ago and has resulted in the deaths and displacement of millions of Ukrainians even as its military has managed to mount a fierce defense.
A Ukrainian soldier lights a candle during an Orthodox Easter service in St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral … [+]
Key Facts
In a video address shared on social media, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said last year’s Easter celebration took place under a pandemic and this year Ukrainians once again are celebrating in a manner they are not used to because of a “plague called war.”
Zelensky then noted that the pandemic last year and the current invasion both show that “nothing can defeat Ukraine…good will overcome evil.”
Across the country, worshippers gathered in churches and took part in processions to mark the occasion.
Several churchgoers across the country also publicly gathered with their traditional easter baskets—filled with sausages, Easter bread, cakes and cheeses to be blessed by the priest.
A female Ukrainian soldier crosses herself during an Orthodox Easter service in St. Volodymyr’s … [+]
A Priest performs a blessing as people arrive for Easter Mass at the Intercession of the Theotokos … [+]
Worshippers receive a sanctification as they mark orthodox Easter day at the cathedral of the Holy … [+]
A Ukrainian priest blesses believers as they collect traditional cakes and painted eggs during … [+]
Olga Zhovtobrukh, 55, cries during an Easter religious service celebrated at a church in Bucha, on … [+]
A woman crosses herself as she is reflected in an icon of Jesus Christ during an Orthodox Easter … [+]
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2022/04/24/photos-in-the-shadow-of-war-ukrainians-observe-orthodox-easter/