Zelensky Honors Ukraine’s Strength and Faith in Easter Address
In a heartfelt Easter message on April 20, President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the “resilience, compassion, and humanity” of the Ukrainian people, declaring that their faith has endured through 1,152 days of all-out war.
This year, Easter holds particular significance in Ukraine, as both Orthodox and Catholic Christians observe the holiday on the same day — a rare alignment. Yet the lead-up has been filled with sorrow, following a series of devastating Russian strikes, including one in Sumy that killed at least 35 and injured over 100. Russia’s announcement of a one-day Easter ceasefire along the front line has done little to halt the violence; Ukraine has already reported breaches.
Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Zelensky’s Easter addresses have consistently echoed a message of hope amid suffering. This year’s was no exception.
“Evil Has Its Hour. But God Has His Day.”
“Dear Ukrainians,” Zelensky began, “Easter is a special day we always await — a bright light, especially when the sky above us is darkened by war. It reminds us that evil may have its moment, but it is God who has the final word.”
He connected the trials of Ukraine with the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ, affirming that just as life overcame death in that story, Ukraine too will see evil retreat and peace prevail.
“Today, these words resonate in every Ukrainian heart,” he said. “Despite all we’ve faced, our faith has not dimmed.”
Questions in the Darkness, Answers in the Heart
Zelensky spoke candidly of the questions many Ukrainians ask in moments of despair: Why so much suffering? Why do children die in missile strikes? Why are cities like Sumy, Kryvyi Rih, and Kharkiv targeted again and again?
“When the mind finds no answers,” he said, “the heart begins to speak. Something strong and unseen keeps our hands from falling. It shows us the light.”
That light, he said, shines in the people — in their love, support, and unity. “We look into the eyes of loved ones. We feel support not just from those close to us, but from strangers. That is God — in our willpower, our compassion, our humanity.”
Faith in One Another
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine’s strength lies in its people’s shared values and unity. “We know what we’re defending. We know who we’re fighting for,” he said. “This faith lives in each other, in our defenders, in every Ukrainian standing firm.”
He invoked a common thread running through each Easter since the war began: that even in the darkest hour, the people of Ukraine refuse to lose faith. “Evil may have its hour. But God has His day.”
A Prayer for Peace
The president called on Ukrainians to pray — for the soldiers on the front lines, for those in captivity, for the families separated by war. He asked God to strengthen and protect those who heal, teach, and save others every day.
“We pray for our children, for our parents, for every Ukrainian who deserves peace,” he said. “Our path is hard. But the key word is: we’re walking it. We are moving forward.”
Hope Built from Ruins
Drawing on the symbolism of Easter and the resurrection, Zelensky said Ukraine’s future will be built from what was meant to destroy it.
“All the stones thrown at us — we will turn them into the foundation of freedom and peace,” he said. “Because in the end, it’s not only military victory that matters — but the triumph of the spirit.”
He ended the speech with a message of unity and endurance:
“May all this come true. May God help us.
May there be peace. May there be Ukraine.
Christ is Risen!
Indeed, He is Risen!”
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