Washington DC, 18 April 2023 (TDI): On behalf of the United States (US) government, Vice President of the US, Kamala Harris, and Deputy Secretary of State, Wendy Sherman extend their warmest greetings to all Orthodox Christians around the world who celebrate Easter.
Vice President Harris said, “Doug and I wish a safe and happy Easter to all Orthodox Christians around the world who celebrate. May today be filled with hope, peace, and joy as you observe this important religious holiday.”
Deputy Secretary of State, Wendy Sherman also extended her wishes and tweeted, “I extend best wishes to the Orthodox Christian community in America and around the world as they observe Holy Friday and the Feast of the Resurrection. May this special time bring you and your loved ones hope, peace, and joy.”
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To mention, Orthodox Christians observe Easter according to the Julian calendar, which is different from the Gregorian calendar used by many other Christian denominations. This year, Orthodox Easter fell on April 16, and it is a time for reflection, prayer, and celebration.
The Holy Friday observance, also known as Good Friday, is a solemn day of remembrance when Orthodox Christians commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. It is a day for introspection and reflection on the sacrifices made by Jesus Christ for humanity.
For the information, the Feast of the Resurrection, also known as Pascha, is the culmination of the Easter season, and it is celebrated with great joy and reverence.
In short, it is a time to rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and to reflect on the hope and promise that this miraculous event brings to all believers.
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A safe and happy Easter to all Orthodox Christians, filled with hope, peace, and joy!
About Orthodox Christians
Notably, Orthodox Christians make up a significant portion of the Christian population worldwide, with the largest communities located in Russia, Greece, and the Middle East.
They celebrate Easter according to the Julian calendar, which is approximately two weeks later than the Western Christian observance.
Moreover, the Orthodox Easter celebrations are steeped in tradition and include a range of practices, such as fasting, attending church services, and exchanging Easter greetings.
The feast day is celebrated with special foods, including traditional Easter breads, eggs, and meat dishes.
In a nutshell, Orthodox Easter is a time of great joy and hope, and it marks the beginning of a new season of renewal and growth for believers.