Leaders of Bosnia’s Orthodox Christians called in the speeches for forgiveness and reconciliation at the Orthodox Easter ceremony in the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Theotokos in Sarajevo on Sunday.
Many believers attended the mass led by the Bishop of the Metropolitanate of Dabar-Bosna, Hrizostom Jevic, in Sarajevo.
In his speech that followed the mass, Archpriest Stavrofor Nenad Tupeša sent messages of peace, saying that what is created can not become eternal on its own.
“Unfortunately we are still facing a lot of tests and troubles, with terrorism, wars, and the taking of human lives across the globe. The cries and the agony of the victims which reach us with the greatest speed, through modern means of communication, injure our hearts,” Tupesa said.
People’s souls are overwhelmed with disappointments, sadness and dissatisfaction and all around them are injustice and hatred, he said.
The Archpriest called for peace, love and forgiveness as well as a renewal of the faith.
“Let us hug each other with God’s love and not only those who love us but let us hug with our love also our enemies. Let us forgive them because the Lord has forgiven our sins on the Cross,” Tupesa reminded the believers.
“Let us forgive each other, reconcile with each other, hug each other and walk the holy path of God’s love. We are witnesses to love and we live in it,” he added.
Easter is one of the most important holidays for Eastern Orthodox Christians, who on that day celebrate the resurrection of Christ and the victory of faith and life over death.
After the mass, Orthodox Christian families gather at home to share a meal dominated by red eggs and Easter bread.
