Easter holidays were not canceled either in Kyiv nor anywhere else in Ukraine. It will be possible to attend a services before 12 midnight or after 5 am. Those who decide to stay for the night service, will not be able to leave the churches until the end of the curfew.
“Kyiv authorities have decided to completely cancel Orthodox Easter. On the brightest holiday for believers, no one will be allowed in churches.” This disinformation was spread by the Russian media on the eve of Easter celebrated according to the Julian calendar. Pro-Kremlin media assure that Easter services in the Ukrainian capital were canceled due to hatred of everything Russian, although Russia could have guaranteed Ukraine a ceasefire during the holiday.
“Ukrainian officials and schismatics associated with them are driven by a truly satanic hatred of everything Russian and Orthodox. Therefore, there is no place for prudence, humanity, or common sense,” Russian media write.
Easter holidays were not canceled or banned neither in Kyiv nor in Ukraine in general. Ukrainian authorities simply reminded their citizens of the increased danger in Ukraine during holidays because of Russia’s full-scale invasion and its constant missile attacks on civilian infrastructure.
The Kyiv Military Administration reported that increased security measures will be taken during the festivities in the capital. It also emphasized that the curfew from 00:00 to 05:00 will remain unchanged for Easter. According to the administration, Kyiv churches will be open to all for evening and morning prayers on April 15 and 16. On Saturday, evening prayers will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., and on Sunday, morning prayers are scheduled from 05:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
However, the administration separately noted that Ukrainians who wished to stay for night church services could do so despite the curfew. The administration explained that those who came to services before the curfew began should stay through the night until the curfew ends. They cannot leave the church and be outside at this time. The only exception is moving to the nearest shelter in case of an air alert.
At the same time, the Kyiv authorities urged citizens to switch to online broadcasts of religious services due to the increased danger of provocations and shelling from Russia. Ukrainians are also urged to plan their route to the nearest shelter in advance in case of an air alert.
‘Remember that our enemy holds nothing sacred! Even on such bright days celebrating the Resurrection of the Lord, the aggressor is only expected to cause evil! Because he is evil. That is why the threat of provocations or missiles is especially active today! Follow the safety rules. Take care of yourself and loved ones. Be responsible and help bring peace to Ukraine after our Victory!’ — emphasized Serhii Popko, Kyiv Military Administration chairman.
Despite Russia declaring the sanctity of Easter, it launched missile strikes on Ukraine in 2022 on the eve of this holiday. On April 23, Russia struck Odesa with cruise missiles, one of which hit a multi storey residential building. As a result of the attack, eight Ukrainians were killed, including a three-month-old baby, and dozens were injured.
