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PATRIARCH CONGRATULATES BELIEVERS ON UPCOMING EASTER

MOSCOW, April 30 (RIA Novosti, Olga Lipich) - Alexy II, the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia congratulated Orthodox Christians on upcoming Easter, and called on every believer to pour love and light onto the world, and be charitable to all the needy and the veterans."Paschal joy is shining in our hearts to console us in our worldly chores. It encourages us for a life of love and goodness, and bestows upon us a presentiment of our own resurrection," the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church said in his Easter message.

"Many of us badly need help and compassion. These are people advanced in age, victims of war, crime and calamity, the poor, the diseased, the lonely, the orphaned and the homeless. May each of them receive as Easter gift our charitable love and our labors of mercy.

"To live a life of Paschal light means to overcome all sorrow, triumph in all trial and tribulation, and have the plenitude of peace and joy.

"May the Resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord bring peace wherever blood is shed and hatred is aflame.

"Cast off all enmity, all sinful ways and feebleness of the spirit. May every day, every hour of our life, follow the testament of Christ: 'Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.'

"The Russian Orthodox Church will be toiling on in the name of blessed reconciliation and accord of the entire human race. In this service, we are ever willing to join efforts on the common cause with the state, with the many public movements, with people of all faiths and convictions," says the Patriarch.

His message makes special mention of 60th WWII victory anniversary galas, due several days later. "Those were trying years at the life-and-death brink. That was when the holy Christian faith burgeoned forth in the national heart again to find a new strength.

"In the Victory year, the radiant Easter day also coincided with May Day to closely precede national jubilance that came with the Great Victory. Christ the Savior blessed the people who turned to Him, and bestowed His peace on them," the Patriarch concluded.