Moscow (AsiaNews) – In an atmosphere of unity and joy Christians celebrated Easter in Russia. Unlike most other years, Catholics and Orthodox observed the event on the same day this year.
“We were fortunate to celebrate the festivity together,” said one Moscow Catholic. “The atmosphere in the streets was great and it gave a chance to sincerely show that we can be together in spite of our differences.”
Local media treatment of the Easter Triduum was quite thorough, including live coverage. Still in interviews some of the faithful said they had hoped that the networks could have had more documentaries or public affairs shows dealing with issues relating to Christ or His Passion.
In addition to better relations between believers, the Sister Churches showed also positive signs at the leadership level. Fr Igor Vyzhanov, secretary of the External Relations Department at Moscow’s Russian Orthodox Patriarchate, attended the vigil mass celebrated by Mgr Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz, head of the Archdiocese of the Mother of God in Moscow.
“How splendid it is when all Christians, as brothers, celebrate together the mystery of the Resurrection and jointly praise Christ, the Giver of Life, Mgr Kondrusiewicz said.
Jointly bearing witness of Christ should be a “goal for all believers, something which may help them oppose ‘negative trends in the modern society,’ lead the world out of ‘its long spiritual crisis,’ and transform it for the better.”
Aleksej II, Patriarch of Moscow and All the Russias, celebrated the liturgy at Christ Saviour Cathedral. During the service he slammed those in our society who “idolise money, power and physical health” as if they were divinities “that guarantee man his freedom” when in fact they chain him to the “slavery of selfishness and vice.” Instead, for the patriarch, the faithful must “strengthen values like the family” so that new generations may grow in “spirit and truth.”
Catholics and Orthodox will continue praying together after Easter celebrations. On April 16, which is the 80th birthday of the Pope, faithful from the two communities will meet again in Rome, in the San Pancrazio catacombs for a liturgical prayer. The meeting is part of a wider initiative organised by the Sophia International Association and backed by both Churches. It is scheduled to take place between April 15 and 23 in the Italian capital including meetings between top representatives from the Vatican and the Moscow Patriarchate. Among the various events, there will be a meeting between Card Paul Poupard and Bishop Marl who will focus on the areas of ‘harmony’ between the Pope’s and Patriarch Aleksej II’s teachings. (MAN)
