Christian Ukrainians celebrated Orthodox Easter Sunday amid the ongoing war with Russia with soldiers receiving blessings from military chaplains a day prior. For those fighting on the front, the war, which has entered its third year, has made their faith all the more important.

Kyiv

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine from land, air and sea with strikes causing widespread damage. Global leaders have condemned the move and imposed sanctions.

Ukraine Invasion

War in Ukraine Overshadows Orthodox Easter Celebrations

Christian Ukrainians marked Orthodox Easter Sunday under the shadow of the ongoing war with Russia, finding solace and strength in their faith amidst the conflict. Ukrainian soldiers were blessed by military chaplains on the eve of Easter, highlighting the significance of their faith during these turbulent times, especially as the war enters its third year.

In Slovyansk, located in eastern Ukraine, Orthodox Christian soldiers received blessings from a chaplain, underscoring the role of faith in their lives against the backdrop of the conflict. For many soldiers, the war has deepened their spiritual beliefs. One soldier spoke of the importance of faith for him, particularly because of his grandchildren back home. He joined the army driven by a belief in justice and the triumph of truth over falsehood, emphasizing that faith is crucial in overcoming the hardships faced on the front lines.

The sentiment of faith providing strength and consolation was echoed by a priest in Kramatorsk, further south of Slovyansk. Despite the fear induced by the ongoing shelling and bombing, the clergyman highlighted the essential role of belief in offering spiritual and mental comfort to those living through the conflict. Drawing parallels to the suffering and resurrection of Jesus, he conveyed a message of hope and resilience to the beleaguered populace.

While many Western churches celebrated Easter at the end of March, Orthodox Christians, who follow a different calendar, celebrated in various locations including Kiev and Moscow. In Ukraine's capital, worshippers congregated at a cathedral before a wartime curfew, and in Moscow, attendees, including Vladimir Putin, participated in Easter Mass. This adherence to religious traditions, despite the war, underscores the continuing importance of faith for people in Ukraine and beyond.



War in Ukraine overshadows Orthodox Easter celebrations

Here in Slovyansk, in eastern Ukraine, these Orthodox Christian soldiers received blessings from a military chaplain a day before Orthodox churches across the world ushered in Easter. For some, Russia's war in the country, which has entered its third year, has made their faith all the more important. Faith is especially important because I have two grandchildren who stayed back home. I entered the army for their sake, so they would know that there's justice, that only truth will prevail, and that lies will always be punished. Without faith is very difficult for us. It helps us overcome these difficulties, so it is very important. Without faith in your heart, you cannot be here. A sentiment echoed by this priest over in Kramatorsk, a little further south. Yes, it's scary. Shells are bursting, bombs are flying. It's clear that it seems that there's no hope for the future, and everything is terrible, everything is bad. But when people believe in the Lord God, they realize that yes, the Lord suffered, but He rose again. So it is such a consolation, a spiritual and mental consolation for people who live here. Many Western churches celebrated Easter at the end of March this year, but Orthodox Christians follow a different calendar. In Ukraine's capital, Kiev, dozens of worshippers gathered at this cathedral before the wartime curfew at midnight. Believers over in Moscow also attended church services. Vladimir Putin was among the crowds at this Easter Mass in the capital.

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Ukraine Invasion