Christian leaders plead for peace in Ukraine at Easter

Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich and Reverend Christian Krieger are the authors of the statement.

Hollerich is the President of the Commission of Episcopal Conferences of the European Union (COMECE). Krieger is the President of the Conference of European Churches (CEC). They published the statement during a joint visit to the Polish-Ukrainian border, Riforma reports.

Hollerich and Krieger write that "the story of Christ's passion and death echoes human suffering experienced." Thereby, they referred in particular to Ukrainian refugees.

Furthermore, they point out that in Christ, God joins humanity. " He takes upon Himself our limitations and hatred, transforming our impasses, indignation, feelings of fatality and despair into hope through trust in Him."

Hollerich and Krieger also stress the importance of proclaiming the message "that turns our eyes towards the risen Christ." They conclude with a call to pray and work "for justice, reconciliation and peace between peoples, cultures and nations."

Visiting the Polish-Ukrainian border

During their visit to the Polish-Ukrainian border, Hollerich and Krieger went to some organisations that help Ukrainian refugees. Furthermore, they visited several local churches of various denominations. There, they saw the ways of humanitarian aid and reception projects for refugees in the country.

Pope calls for Easter truce

Pope Francis also called for peace during Easter time, Famille Chretienne writes. After the mass on Palm Sunday, the Pope said that Christ died to free humanity from "the denomination of evil" so that "life, love and peace may reign." According to the Pope, people should celebrate that victory, not the triumph of one human over another. Therefore, he strongly appeals for peace.

He called the Russian acts in Ukraine crimes against civilians, the Nederlands Dagblad reports. "Jesus is also crucified in the refugees who run with their children to escape bombings. And in elderly left to die, in youngsters robbed of their future and soldiers who have to kill their brothers."

Russian church requests safety for Easter service in Cherson

The Metropolitan of Novokakhovka and Genichesky Filaret (Zverev) plans to hold an Easter service in Nova Kakhovka in the Cherson region. That is reported by RIA Novosti. Therefore, he appeals to the Russian military for help in ensuring the safety of churchgoers. Orthodox Christians will celebrate Easter on April 24.