Russian Orthodox Church celebrates Easter

MOSCOW, April 23 (RIA Novosti) - Russian Orthodox Church believers are celebrating Easter or the Resurrection of Christ this Sunday.

The Resurrection of Christ occurred on the third day after the Savior's death on the Cross. This evangelical event signifies the Lord's triumph over sin and death and the start of a new world atoned by Jesus Christ.

Festive Easter services are conducted in all Orthodox churches on the night of Saturday and Sunday.

Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II called on Orthodox believers to keep the joy of the holiday of Christ's Resurrection.

"On this paschal night, I heartily congratulate all of you with Christ's Resurrection and greet you with a greeting that has been passed over since the apostles' time: 'Christ is risen!'" said Alexy II after serving a divine liturgy in Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin congratulated Orthodox Christians and all citizens of Russia celebrating Easter, the presidential press office said Sunday.

"I heartily congratulate Orthodox Christians and all citizens of Russia celebrating Christ's Resurrection. Easter gives millions of Russians joy and hope, and strengthens faith in high spiritual ideals," Putin said in his congratulatory letter.