Easter greetings

Orthodox believers in Montenegro are celebrating the greatest Christian holiday today - Easter.

On this occasion, congratulations were sent by state and local officials, representatives of political parties, and diplomats.

Vujović: The Feast of the Light That Never Fades

Minister of Culture and Media Tamara Vujović said that Easter is "a holiday of light that does not fade."

She congratulated the holiday on the Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral Joanikije, the bishops, clergy, monks and believers of the Orthodox faith.

"May the joy of Easter fill your hearts and homes with light and peace. Easter is a holiday of the victory of life over transience, a holiday of light that does not fade, a holiday of freedom that is not exhausted in an instant, a holiday that stands before us as a reminder of the deepest part of man, of his need for meaning, for renewal, for dignity that transcends all uncertainty of time. On the day when the light of the Resurrection overcomes the darkness of all transience, we gather around the truth that is deeper than all fear and more permanent than all uncertainty," the greeting reads.

What would the world be like, she said, without "that hope that is renewed despite everything." "Without the conviction that the word of life is not spoken once and for all, but is always reaffirmed in every act of kindness, in every effort to be better towards one another? It is precisely in this steadfast faith that life has a deeper meaning that man builds his expressions in art, in heritage, in language, in the customs that he transmits and preserves. That is why our culture is not only reflected in great works, but also in symbols, in inherited forms, in what connects us through time and gives us a sense of belonging and permanence," she added.

The Easter holidays, she said, invite us to "pause and listen to what is often overshadowed by everyday life" - the need for closeness, for understanding, and for "a quiet joy that does not depend on circumstances, but on the depth of our relationship with others."

"May the feast of the Resurrection remind us that life is not confined within the confines of the moment, but open to eternity; that suffering is not the last word, but the path to transformation, and that love is stronger than any division. Wishing you to spend this holy holiday in peace, health, and spiritual joy, surrounded by your loved ones, I send you my heartfelt congratulations. Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen!"

Danilović: Do not risk dignity for integration into any broader alliance

The Day of Christ's Resurrection is always an opportunity to change, to call each other, to be better, said the President of United Montenegro, Goran Danilović.

He congratulated the Orthodox believers in Montenegro, Serbian Patriarch Porfirije, and the bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church on the holiday.

He said, among other things, that Montenegro "must not risk even a fraction of its dignity due to integration into any broader alliance."

"In these days of Easter, we offer a sincere prayer for the preservation of Kosovo and Metohija and the Serbs who live in difficult conditions of persecution and injustice. We wish our Montenegro harmony, joy and understanding. Montenegro is not alone today, it is not because the whole world has a common concern, a fear of a general war that is no longer a sporadic conflict but a real threat to humanity. At every beginning and end, Christ is with us, but decisions are ours as well as responsibility. We live in a time in which wisdom, patience, humanity, sensitivity and justice are not valued. There are rare historical occasions in which we have been able to protect ourselves and our neighbor, and today even that little has been declared a weakness. The Day of Christ's Resurrection is always an opportunity to change, to call out to each other, to be better. Montenegro is our common home, and our Serbian people in Montenegro are its founder and guardian, its cornerstone, the foundation of the past and the strength of the future. Together with other peoples who make up this state, we share tradition, victories and defeats, language, destiny and future", Danilović announced.

It would be, as he said, the greatest, common victory ever "if we sincerely guarded our own and respected others', if we understood the Creator who made us different."

"However, we are facing a time of trial and testing of our perseverance. In the state in which we are the hosts and its founders, we are not equal. We are obliged to fight for the equality of the Serbian language, for the symbols of the state that will bring us all together, for the strengthening of cultural and educational institutions. The task of political subjects is to reconcile our community in the historical truth, and not in the lies that our children and grandchildren are still learning today. Montenegro must not risk even a fraction of its dignity due to integration into any wider alliance. Therefore, we must not give up even a fraction of our territory or condescend to anyone who decides on our fate. We must respect our neighbors, but respect must also be returned to us. If we are proud of our ancestors, of the sacrifices that we have made for freedom and honor throughout history, we are obliged to respect their vows and to keep them. We must not allow ourselves to lose ourselves in the race and intention to be someone else as soon as possible, or to receive recognition from someone else. Christ did not give up on people or "For the sake of every being, Christ suffered on the Cross for us. If we forget this, we will pay the highest price for our survival. Let us love our neighbors as the crucified Lord loved us. Christ is Risen," Danilović wrote.

Živković: Love, respect, justice and charity are values ​​to follow

Love, respect, justice and charity are true values ​​that we should follow as guides as we jointly make efforts to build a better, fairer and happier society, said the President of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), Danijel Živković.

He congratulated the members of the Orthodox faith in Montenegro on Easter, wishing them to spend the holidays "in peace, health and happiness with their loved ones."

"May this day remind us all how important it is to appreciate and respect each other, regardless of all differences, because interethnic and interreligious harmony, one and all, should be experienced as the greatest wealth of Montenegrin society. The festive atmosphere is the right time to remember that love, respect, justice and charity are true values ​​that we should follow as signposts as we jointly make efforts to build a better, more just and happier society. In this name, I wish all citizens of the Orthodox faith a happy Easter and to spend it in the most beautiful setting - the warmth of a family home," the greeting reads.

Pejović: Strength lies in the willingness to understand each other

Easter reminds us not only of joy, but also of the responsibility we bear as people and as a society, said the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Boris Pejović, in his congratulations to Orthodox believers.

"In a time that often brings uncertainty and trials, this holiday brings us back to our core values ​​– faith, dignity and mutual respect. It reminds us that strength does not lie in divisions, but in the willingness to understand each other and build trust. These are the days when we pause and look at ourselves – not through what we have achieved, but through how we have been towards others. It is in this silence and honesty that there lies the space for personal and collective progress. May Easter bring peace to your homes, stability in everyday life and faith in a better tomorrow. May it encourage us to persevere in what is right and to choose responsibility, solidarity and togetherness as a society," the greeting reads.

Jokić: A victory of life, hope and a new beginning

Easter is a symbol of the victory of life, hope and a new beginning, said the President of the Municipality of Kotor, Vladimir Jokić.

He congratulated the hierarchal governor of Kotor-Tivat, the parish priest of Kotor, archpriest-stavrophor Nemanja Krivokapić, the clergy and citizens of the Orthodox faith on the holiday.

"May the joy of Easter, which is a symbol of the victory of life, hope and a new beginning, inspire you to do good. This time of spiritual renewal, unity and mutual respect reminds us of the importance of togetherness, solidarity and responsibility in building a more just and humane society. Guided by the values ​​of this significant Christian holiday, I wish you to spend the coming days in health, well-being and true harmony!"

Camaj: Easter should be an incentive to strengthen mutual respect, solidarity and togetherness

Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Nikola Camaj congratulated the clergy and citizens of the Orthodox faith in Montenegro on Easter.

"On the occasion of Easter, I wish you to spend the holidays in health, peace and family warmth. May the feast of Christ's Resurrection be an incentive to strengthen mutual respect, solidarity and togetherness, as well as lasting values ​​that contribute to understanding and harmony in society. With my most sincere congratulations, I wish a happy and blessed Easter to all Orthodox believers in Montenegro and abroad," the greeting reads.

HNV: Symbol of victory over death, sin and evil

The Croatian National Council in Montenegro, in its congratulatory message to believers, stated that the greatest Christian holiday symbolizes "God's, but also man's victory over death, sin and evil, as well as faith in eternal life."

"The Croatian National Council of Montenegro cordially and traditionally, with 'Christ is risen', congratulates Easter to all believers who celebrate it according to the Julian calendar," the greeting reads.

Jovanović: Source of faith and hope

Easter, as a source of faith and hope, additionally encourages us to cultivate mutual respect, solidarity and responsibility, in the spirit of togetherness and common good, said the President of the Municipality of Budva, Nikola Jovanović.

He congratulated the Serbian Patriarch Porfirije, Metropolitan Joanikije of Montenegro and the Littoral, bishops, clergy and believers of the Orthodox faith on the holiday.

"On the occasion of the Resurrection of Christ, on behalf of the Municipality of Budva and on my own behalf, I extend my sincere congratulations, wishing you to spend this day in health, spiritual peace and joy. This great Christian holiday, as a source of faith and hope, additionally encourages us to cultivate mutual respect, solidarity and responsibility, in the spirit of togetherness and the common good. May the joy of this holiday bring peace, health and prosperity to your homes. Christ is Risen!"

Ćulafić: Easter reminds us of the essence of faith, of suffering, sacrifice and the victory of life over death

Easter reminds us of the essence of faith, of suffering, sacrifice and the victory of life over death, said Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development Damjan Ćulafić.

He congratulated the holiday on the Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral Joanikije, the Metropolitan of Budimlje and Nikšić Methodius, the Orthodox clergy, monasticism and Orthodox believers in Montenegro.

He said that Easter is a holiday of deep silence and reflection, but also a holiday of hope, a new beginning and spiritual upliftment. "In that sense, Easter carries a special symbolism, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, humanity was given faith, renewal and the light that comes after darkness."

Ćulafić pointed out that "this greatest holiday, although reminiscent of suffering, carries a strong message of life, not only in the spiritual, but also in the natural sense."

"Nature awakens, renews itself and reminds us of the unbreakable connection between man, God and the world around us."

According to him, in the spirit of these values, caring for the environment becomes not only an ecological, but also a spiritual obligation.

"May Easter bring you peace in your heart, strength in your faith, and joy in your home with your loved ones. Christ is risen," the greeting card reads.

Nurković: Holidays to strengthen mutual respect, understanding and togetherness

Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Mirsad Nurković, in his congratulatory message, wished citizens of the Orthodox faith a peaceful, healthy, and family harmony during Easter.

"May the holidays further strengthen the values ​​of mutual respect, understanding and togetherness, as the fundamental principles on which a modern and democratic society is based."

Raičević: May the pandemic be an additional inspiration for us to turn to each other

Easter reminds us that we should live life by nurturing the values ​​of forgiveness, respect, and love for one another, said the Mayor of the Municipality of Bar, Dušan Raičević.

He congratulated Archpriest-Stavroph Slobodan Zeković, the archbishopric protopresbyter of Bar, the clergy and the faithful on the holiday, with "expressed joy that days filled with peace, love and gentleness lie ahead."

"Easter reminds us that we should live our lives by nurturing the values ​​of forgiveness, respect and love for one another, as the highest values ​​of humanity that have been embedded in the very foundations of our city for centuries. That is why, let this great holiday be an additional inspiration for us to turn to each other, and preserve the spiritual and moral values ​​that connect and ennoble us as a community and as individuals. With sincere wishes that you spend the holiday days in joy and prosperity, surrounded by your loved ones and sharing joy with all people of goodwill in our city and country, I once again sincerely congratulate you on Easter. Christ is risen," the greeting reads.

Novaković: Easter messages to inspire us to be better people

The mild holidays are a source of true joy, peace and togetherness, but also an opportunity to honestly look within ourselves and reexamine our own actions, actions and values ​​to which we aspire, said the president of the party I Vote Montenegro - I Vote Bar, Radomir Novaković.

He congratulated Metropolitan Joanikije of Montenegro and the Littoral, the hierarchal regent and parish priest of Bar, Archpriest-Staurophorus Slobodan Zeković, the clergy and the faithful on Easter.

"It is especially important that we contribute to creating a safer and more just environment for our youngest through our example, because the future we are building belongs to them. May the messages of Easter inspire us to be better people, more responsible citizens, and more persistent in our efforts to contribute to the common good. Christ is Risen!"

Petković: To be better and more tolerant towards each other

Easter is a holiday that symbolizes the victory of good over evil, a holiday that teaches us forgiveness and understanding, said the president of the Bokek Forum, Andrija Petković.

"Easter is a holiday of reconciliation and calls us to come together around messages of love, hope and faith. To be better and more tolerant towards each other. To be able to rely on each other in the challenges that life brings us, because only by building mutual trust do we have a chance to realize ourselves as people. On behalf of the Boka Forum and on my own behalf, I sincerely wish all Orthodox believers a Happy Easter. Christ is Risen."

SEP: Easter to encourage the gentleness of forgiveness and the strength of trust

The European Progress Party congratulated Orthodox believers on Easter.

"May Easter, as a symbol of the victory of life over death, encourage the gentleness of forgiveness and the strength of trust both among our neighbors and in the community to which we belong, but also among all people of good will. By respecting and helping each other, we can also make our society better and more prosperous, which is the universal goal found in the messages of Christ's resurrection. In that name, we once again congratulate you on the Easter festivities."

Dukaj: Only united can we build a more just society

Easter carries a strong message of faith, hope and good deeds, said Minister of Public Administration Maraš Dukaj.

He congratulated the holiday on citizens of the Orthodox faith, and everyone celebrates it according to the Julian calendar.

"On the occasion of the great Christian holiday of Easter, I extend my sincere congratulations, with the hope that this holiday will inspire us to cultivate mutual respect, solidarity, appreciation of diversity and the dignity of every human being."

He said that only united, through joint effort and dedication to the common good, can we build a more just, humane and prosperous society - a society in which everyone feels accepted, safe and dignified.

"Let us be guided by the principles of togetherness, tolerance and mutual understanding, because by doing so we not only contribute to general progress, but also create the foundations for personal and family well-being. May the upcoming mild days be filled with peace, love and joy, spent in health, happiness and understanding with family and friends," Dukaj wrote.

Kordić: Solidarity and understanding lead to progress and stability

Tourism Minister Simonida Kordić said that, in times of challenges, solidarity and understanding are "values ​​that lead us towards progress and stability of our society."

She congratulated Orthodox believers on Easter.

"As we approach the greatest Christian holiday, I wish that the Easter days bring you spiritual peace. May Easter strengthen mutual respect, encourage humanity and strengthen unity among people. In times of challenge, solidarity and understanding are precisely the values ​​that lead us towards the progress and stability of our society. With the wish that you spend the holiday in the circle of your loved ones, filled with joy and hope, I congratulate you once again on Easter. Christ is Risen."

Borovinić Bojović: Vaccine strengthens faith and gives strength

Easter is a holiday that always awakens hope in us, strengthens faith and gives us the strength to create and act, believing in solidarity, tolerance and mutual respect, as values ​​that lead us towards a more just and humane society, said the President of the Capital City Assembly, Jelena Borovinić Bojović.

She congratulated the Serbian Patriarch Porfirije, Metropolitan Joanikije of Montenegro and the Littoral, the monks and clergy of the Serbian Orthodox Church, and the faithful of the Orthodox faith on the holiday.

"May this most joyful Christian holiday bring joy, peace and love to all your homes, filling them with the warmth of togetherness, understanding and mutual support. I wish all citizens of Podgorica and Montenegro the resurrection of all that is beautiful, good and noble, all that contributes to a better future for our children, our friends and neighbours. Christ is risen - truly risen," the greeting reads.

Koprivica: Easter should be an incentive to strengthen brotherly harmony

Easter is a holiday of the victory of life over death, love over hatred, and unity over division, said Deputy Prime Minister Momo Koprivica.

He congratulated the holiday on the Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral Joanikije, the hierarchs of the Serbian Orthodox Church with jurisdiction in Montenegro, the clergy and citizens of the Orthodox faith, with the wish that "the holidays of Christ's Resurrection be filled with joy, love and peace."

"Easter, symbolizing faith in eternal life and victory over death and transience, is deeply woven into the traditions, spiritual and cultural being of Montenegro, which has strived for the universal values ​​of justice and freedom through feats and sacrifice. In the spirit of rich tradition and enduring moral principles, we welcome the days of Paschal joy with the sincere belief that they will be an additional incentive for peace in the world and the strengthening of fraternal harmony in our country. In the name of victorious Easter, the holiday of holidays, the holiday of the victory of life over death, love over hatred and unity over divisions, I send my congratulations to Orthodox Christians with the greeting of eternal love, faith and hope: Christ is risen - truly risen," wrote Koprivica.

Nenezić: Encouragement to take care of each other in these challenging times

The President of the Bar Municipal Assembly, Branislav Nenezić, congratulated all citizens of the Orthodox faith on the holiday, with sincere wishes that the celebration of Easter will bring joy, good health to all homes, and guide us to harmony among loved ones, neighbors, and all people of goodwill.

"The message of the resurrection represents the ultimate victory of life over transience, which should encourage us all to look after each other in these challenging times. The joy of Easter, which we share with our loved ones, is the unshakable foundation of a correct and Christianly sublime belief in life that we can only progress when we are equal and when we respect each other," he said in his congratulatory message.

Nenezić said that we should view the values ​​of Easter as a lasting inspiration for a life in peace and dignity, and a willingness to help our fellow human beings.

"All of this makes us stronger and more prepared, but it also reminds us that we must understand that today, it is we who are responsible for our Montenegro and for our Bar. Easter is also an opportunity to remind ourselves of the timeless values ​​of the victory of good over evil, justice over injustice, and life over death. May these mild days, days of joy, guide us to strengthen mutual trust and tolerance, because only in this way can we inherit the values ​​on which our modern, civic, and European Montenegro should rest," he concluded.

Šćekić: A celebration of hope, renewal and the victory of life over temptations

The leader of the People's Trust Movement (PNP), Dragoslav Dado Šćekić, sent his congratulations to all Orthodox believers, Patriarch Porfirije, Metropolitan Joanikije of Montenegro and the Littoral, Metropolitan Methodius of Budimlje and Nikšić, as well as to the entire clergy, monasticism and faithful people.

Šćekić said that Easter is a holiday of hope, renewal and the victory of life over temptations.

"It reminds us of true values ​​- faith, forgiveness, mutual respect, solidarity and trust. It is in these values ​​that we need to find the strength to overcome all the challenges we face as a society and to build a safer, more just and dignified future for all our citizens together. May the Easter spirit encourage us to be better towards each other, to show more understanding, humanity and responsibility, and to be more united as a community than ever. Only through joint efforts can we create a society based on trust, truth and equal opportunities for all. On behalf of the People's Trust Movement and on my own behalf, I wish you that the joy of Easter fills your homes with warmth, faith and hope for a better tomorrow. Christ is Risen!", said Šćekić in his congratulatory message.

Đeka: Easter, as a symbol of hope, renewal and the victory of life

On the occasion of Easter, the Minister of Human and Minority Rights, Fatmir Đeka, sent sincere congratulations to Orthodox church dignitaries, clergy, monks and all Orthodox believers.

"I wish everyone who celebrates one of the greatest Christian holidays to spend the holiday days in peace, health and family happiness, in the circle of their closest people. May Easter, as a symbol of hope, renewal and the victory of life, bring joy and warmth to your homes and remind you of the values ​​of togetherness, solidarity and mutual respect. May the joy and peace of Easter fill every corner of your home and your hearts," Đeka said in his congratulatory message.

Aleksić: A holiday that reminds us once again that hope, truth and life are invincible

Deputy Prime Minister for Education, Science and Relations with Religious Communities Budimir Aleksić congratulated Metropolitan Joanikije of Montenegro and the Littoral, Metropolitan Metodije of Budimlje and Nikšić, Metropolitan Atanasij of Milesevo, Metropolitan Dimitrije of Zahumlje and Herzegovina, all Orthodox believers and clergy, as well as all citizens who celebrate this holiday according to the Julian calendar, on Easter.

Aleksić said that Easter is a holiday that reminds us once again that hope, truth, and life are invincible.

"In times of great social and global challenges, this holiday serves as a moral guide, calling us to humility, forgiveness and mutual respect. As a society, we are called to turn the joy of Easter into the strength of togetherness. May these days inspire us to work even more dedicatedly on building a more just and prosperous Montenegro, in which solidarity towards our neighbor will be our greatest virtue. I wish you to spend the holiday days in peace and good health, filled with the deepest meaning that Easter brings to every person and every home," Aleksić said in his congratulatory message.

Đeljošaj: Easter reminds us that hope and love are the strength that overcomes all challenges

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development Nik Đeljošaj sent his warmest congratulations to all citizens of the Orthodox faith on the occasion of Easter, wishing them to spend it in peace, health and joy, surrounded by their loved ones.

"Easter reminds us that hope and love are the strength that overcomes all challenges. May this great holiday encourage us to always choose unity, solidarity and responsibility towards the community as the foundation of our common progress in times of trial," the message reads.

Bečić: Building a society based on solidarity, mutual respect and togetherness

The Resurrection of Christ has reminded us for centuries of the eternal truth of the victory of life over death, good over evil, and light over darkness, said Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Bečić.

He congratulated the holiday on the Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral, Joanikije, bishops, clergy, monasticism, as well as citizens of the Orthodox faith.

"As the Easter troparion teaches us: 'Christ is risen from the dead, by death he has trampled down death, and to those in the tombs he has bestowed life', on this holy day we recognize the eternal call to strengthen faith, love and hope, but also to mutual understanding and forgiveness. It is precisely this faith in renewal and permanence that obliges us, in times of challenge, to build a society based on solidarity, mutual respect and togetherness. Guided by the universal values ​​of philanthropy and brotherhood, we are called to permanently embed them into the foundations of our state, aware that the good of each individual is also the good of all, just as every division is a weakness that we must overcome together. May the bright holiday of the Resurrection of Christ bring peace to hearts, harmony in families and society, strength in trials and unwavering faith in a better and more just tomorrow. Christ is risen," Bečić wrote.

Alhantuli: Easter to mark a new beginning, in which justice, peace and love will prevail

Palestinian Ambassador Rabi Alhantuli said that Easter instills confidence in the victory of truth, justice and peace.

"From Palestine, the land of resurrection, we wish our friends in Montenegro a blessed and happy Easter, with the hope that it will mark a new beginning in which justice, peace and love will prevail everywhere in the world. The Palestinian people, especially Palestinian Christians, guardians of the birthplace of Christianity, celebrate this important religious holiday with steadfast faith in the realization of their legitimate rights to freedom and independence, despite escalating Israeli attacks. This holy holiday instills in us the belief in the victory of truth, justice and peace," the greeting reads.

Krapović: The day when life conquered death, and eternity overcame transience

Minister of Defense Dragan Krapović said that Easter is the day when life defeated death, and eternity overcame transience.

He congratulated the holiday on the Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral, Joanikije, bishops, clergy, monks and believers of the Orthodox faith.

"May these mild days bring peace to your homes, warmth to your hearts and closeness between people. May they be a time of forgiveness, understanding and mutual care, values ​​that connect us and make us better. I wish you to spend Easter in peace, health and joy, surrounded by family and loved ones. Christ is risen," the greeting reads.

Vuksanović: Easter reminds us of the importance of sacrifice and hope

The Chief of the General Staff of the Army of Montenegro, Brigadier General Miodrag Vuksanović, said in his congratulatory message to members of the Armed Forces of Montenegro that Easter reminds us of the importance of sacrifice and hope - "values ​​that form the foundation of the military profession."

"May these mild days bring you peace, joy, and every personal and family happiness. Easter reminds us of the importance of sacrifice and hope - values ​​that form the foundation of the military profession. Therefore, be filled with pride in everything you do, as well as joy in the circle of your families and loved ones. Once again, I wish you a happy holiday, Christ is Risen," he wrote.

Knežević: Is it fair to hide behind Christ every time we have no one left to hide behind?

The president of the Democratic People's Party, Milan Knežević, said in his congratulatory message that, "since Christ was taken down from the cross," there have been few "ready to be crucified for their faith like him."

He asked, among other things, whether it was "honest to hide behind Christ every time we have no one left to hide behind."

"Tomorrow is Easter. We celebrate the victory of life over death. It is written in all the epistles. Since Christ was taken down from the cross, few have been willing to be crucified like him for their faith. That is why today we retell that Good Friday in which the Son of God suffered for us, bearing all our sins. The cult Russian rock band Nautilus Pompilus has a song called 'Walking on the Water' that begins with the fisherman Andrei fishing on the pier, while Christ saves lost souls. At one point, Andrei asks him what the secret of Christ's walking on the water is, and if he reveals it to him, he will give up fishing. And Christ answers him: 'You see there on the hill, a cross rises. Under it – a dozen soldiers. Hang on to it for a while, and when you get bored, come back, to walk on the water, to walk on the water with me!' Andrew, in fear, refuses this offer and leaves the pier in tears, carrying the fish he has caught with him. Would we today act like Andrew, carrying the fish home with him, while the Savior, walking on the water, saves lost souls? And all we need to do is hang ourselves on the cross. Many will say that we are not gods, nor saints, and that it is not necessary to prove our faith and virtue as they did. And they are probably right, but is it then fair to hide behind Christ every time we have no one left to hide behind? Or is it quite enough to send a circular message in the morning, preferably rhymed, always in Cyrillic, on which the son of God is depicted, in the background the heavenly light refracted by the shades of the tricolor. And so on until the next Easter or Christmas, and whether we will even see those people from the phone book by then is not important, because like Andrew, we will pick up the fish and go home, and Christ will continue to walk on the water and save lost souls. Just so that it does not turn out that we were afraid of salvation. Christ is Risen! Truly Risen," wrote Knežević.

Ibrahimović: May Easter bring peace, joy and hope

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and President of the Bosniak Party Ervin Ibrahimović, in his congratulatory message to Orthodox believers, said that the holidays are a time when "the importance of living together, respecting diversity and preserving multiethnic harmony, which is the foundation of Montenegro, is further confirmed."

"May this great holiday bring peace, joy and hope to your homes, reminding us of the universal values ​​of forgiveness, solidarity and mutual respect. Holidays are a time when the importance of living together, respecting diversity and preserving the multiethnic harmony that is the foundation of Montenegro is further confirmed. By preserving these values, I am confident that we will continue to build a society in which understanding, tolerance and mutual trust reign, for the good of all our citizens," the greeting reads.

Joković: A celebration of hope, the victory of life over death and faith in a better tomorrow

Socialist People's Party President Vladimir Joković said that Easter is a holiday of hope, the victory of life over death, and faith in a better tomorrow.

He sent his congratulations to Orthodox believers and all those who celebrate the holiday according to the Julian calendar.

"Easter is a holiday of hope, the victory of life over death and faith in a better tomorrow. It reminds us of timeless values ​​such as: solidarity and togetherness, forgiveness and understanding, and of course, consistency in truth and justice, for which we as a party unwaveringly stand. May these festive days bring peace, health and joy to your homes. We want you to share the joy of Easter with your loved ones, neighbors and friends, strengthening the bonds that make us nobler and better people. Christ is risen - truly risen," Joković wrote.

Kovačević: Let us bear witness to the truth of Christ's resurrection through our actions

The President of the Municipality of Nikšić, Marko Kovačević, said that "only in love and togetherness can we build a better and more just society."

He congratulated the Serbian Patriarch Porfirije, Metropolitan Joanikije of Montenegro and the Littoral, Metropolitan Methodius of Budimlje and Nikšić, Bishop Paisius of Diocletia, the Nikšić Archbishopric and the faithful of the Serbian Orthodox Church on the holiday, with the wish that they "celebrate Easter in peace, health and joy."

"All our defeats and victories in this world cannot be measured against the truth that Christ was resurrected, defeated death and gave life to the dead in their graves. This truth has been carried by our local Church in this area for more than eight centuries, starting with Saint Sava and continuing to today's bishops on his throne and the thrones of our ancient dioceses. In particular, as the city of Nikšić, we proudly emphasize that we are the city of Saint Basil of Ostrog, whose work and spiritual strength have brought us together and strengthened us in faith, harmony and charity for centuries," said Kovačević.

He said that, in a time of numerous trials and challenges, "the feast of the Resurrection of Christ calls us to communion, forgiveness and mutual respect, reminding us that only in love and togetherness can we build a better and more just society."

"May the light of Easter illuminate all homes, bring hope, strength and spiritual strengthening to every person, and be a guide to peace and harmony among people. May the holiday remind us of the timeless values ​​of faith, hope and love, which sustain and elevate us as a people throughout time. May the joy of Easter encourage us to persevere in good, to be a support for each other and to bear witness to the truth of Christ's resurrection with our deeds. In the spirit of this great holiday, let us turn to family, loved ones and all who need a word of comfort, attention and support. Wishing you to spend Easter in peace, health and joy, with your loved ones, I once again extend my warmest congratulations with the traditional greeting: Christ is risen! - Truly risen," said Kovačević.