Orthodox Christians in Europe and Middle East celebrate Easter

Orthodox Christians across Eastern Europe and the Middle East have been celebrating Easter, the most important date on their religious calendar.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev attended the service at Moscow’s Christ the Saviour Cathedral that started late on Saturday and ran into Sunday morning.

MFA_Ukraine offers the warmest wishes to people across #Ukraine & around the world celebrating the Orthodox Easter. pic.twitter.com/p8FGbu6Po4

— MFA of Ukraine (@MFA_Ukraine) May 1, 2016

The Holy Fire from Jerusalem was delivered to Moscow late on Saturday and was carried by priests around the cathedral after which the Patriarch announced the resurrection of Christ with the greeting: “Christ has risen!”

In Jerusalem worshippers packed into the Holy Sepulchre Church in the old city where Jesus is said to have been buried and resurrected.

Followers took part in the reception of the Holy Fire, represented by lighting each others candles before parading around the inner temple and chanting.

Euronews