Over two billion Christians around the world watched Easter on Sunday to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion. Holidays are considered the most important part of the Christian liturgical calendar, which constitutes the central doctrine of faith.
However, it is impossible for soldiers on the frontlines of war in Ukraine to observe religious opportunities in a peaceful and secure environment.
A temporary ceasefire was announced on Saturday by Russian President Vladimir Putin, allowing people to celebrate the holiday on the same day for Orthodox and Catholic Christians for the first time since 2017.
Peace was short-lived after the war sides accused each other of breaching ceasefires and continuing to launch attacks.
Ukrainian President Voldymi Zelensky accused Russia of targeting Ukrainian cities with drones and missiles, and the Kremlin of trying to sell its idea of celebrating the world for a temporary ceasefire.
“As of Easter morning, it can be said that Russian forces are trying to create a general impression of a ceasefire, but in some places they will not abandon individual attempts to advance and give Ukraine’s losses.”
Despite Putin’s declaration of the Easter ceasefire, Zelensky said on Sunday morning that Ukrainian forces recorded 59 Russian artillery fires and five attacks by units along the frontline, with dozens of drone strikes.
The Russian Ministry of Defense has denounced Ukrainian forces for an overnight attack in the Donetsk region despite the ceasefire. It said Ukraine had sent 48 drones to Russian territory.
According to the ministry, there were “dead and injured among civilians” without giving details. It claimed that Russian troops had strictly observed the ceasefire.
Officials set up by Russia in the Carson region of the partially occupied Ukraine region also said Ukrainian forces had launched an attack.
However, despite the difficulties of the war, multiple Easter services and masses were organized in several Ukrainian cities. The capital, Kiev, celebrated its fourth Easter holiday under the conditions of martial law.
Hundreds of people attended services at Orthodox Churches in Ukraine and Catholic Churches in Ukraine. The masses were broadcast online for those who were unable to attend.
Hundreds of worshippers gathered on Sunday for Easter service at St. John’s Church, the long-standing spiritual and community center in Harkiff.
The church served as a source of strength through Ukraine’s independence, taking on new importance during a full-scale Russian invasion and transformed into a humanitarian hub.
Father Victor Marianchuk, known as the “Prettier of the Rev. of Harkiv” since the 2004 Orange Revolution, led the Easter liturgy along with Bishop Mitrofan of Harkiv.
The service brings together a wide range of sections of Ukrainian society, including soldiers, volunteers and longtime parishioners.
Military pastors also existed to celebrate traditional Easter bread.
Russian soldiers also celebrated Easter at the Frontline. A video released by the Russian Ministry of Defense showed Orthodox military personnel taking part in traditional Easter practices such as egg coloring.
The soldiers were treated with a hot meal and were given cakes as well as their Easter services in one of the churches in the special military operations zone.
I hope this will be the last major holiday celebrated under war conditions in an effort to end the war defended by US President Donald Trump.
Trump shared Sunday in a post on his own social media platform, Truth Social, that he hopes that a deal to end the battle between Kiev and Moscow will be reached this week.
