With Orthodox Christians marking Good Friday, the saddest day before the greatest Christian holiday – Easter, Danilo Pavlovic, the Hegumen from Zitomislici near the southern Bosnian city of Mostar, told N1 that Easter marks the victory of good over evil.

“Good Friday is one of the most dramatic days of the year, a day without which Easter wouldn't exist. On this day we remember Christ’s passion, the crucifix and his sacrifice,” the Hegumen said.

Most faithful fast for seven days before Easter, but all fast on Good Friday. They also colour eggs for Easter.

“There are different ways of colouring eggs, depending on various customs. They’re mostly coloured on Good Friday. They are a part of Easter celebration because they represent a new life – a life rising from a grave,” Pavlovic told N1.

He pointed to the need of ending all divisions, as is written in the gospel:

“Mostar is usually mentioned as an example of a divided city, a city of unresolved differences. This, indeed, is so politically and formally but there are people here who see Mostar as their home. We love this city with all our being, and we must overcome these divisions,” Hegumen said.

“Few cities are as diverse as this one. Catholics, Muslims and Orthodox live here together, and we truly celebrate our holidays together.”
Asked if the Church should be more open to media, he said “absolutely.”

“The Church must recognise this. We could all send them a sort of criticism that they should be more open to the public because they are the bearers of the Gospel truth for all and it says that there are no divisions between men and women, or nations,” Pavlovic concluded.