In Photos: Russia Marks Second Wartime Easter
Across Russia on Sunday, Orthodox Easter celebrations took place featuring a range of activities from grand religious processions and elaborate church services to intimate family gatherings and colorful egg decorations.
However, for the second year in a row, the celebrations took on a somber tone as Moscow continues to wage its war against neighboring Ukraine, which is also a predominantly Orthodox nation.
The Russian Orthodox Church holds a significant place in the cultural and political life of Russia, and its close relationship with the state often manifests in public celebrations. In Moscow, President Vladimir Putin attended an Easter service at Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral. Under the leadership of Patriarch Kirill, the Russian Orthodox Church has strongly supported the Kremlin’s decision to invade Ukraine.
Meanwhile, some 130 Ukrainian prisoners of war were released in a major Easter exchange with Russia on Sunday. Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to Ukraine's president, said that those freed in the exchange included troops who fought near Bakhmut, the city that has been the focus of Russia’s offensive in recent months. There was no immediate information on how many Russian prisoners were released.
However, for the second year in a row, the celebrations took on a somber tone as Moscow continues to wage its war against neighboring Ukraine, which is also a predominantly Orthodox nation.
The Russian Orthodox Church holds a significant place in the cultural and political life of Russia, and its close relationship with the state often manifests in public celebrations. In Moscow, President Vladimir Putin attended an Easter service at Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral. Under the leadership of Patriarch Kirill, the Russian Orthodox Church has strongly supported the Kremlin’s decision to invade Ukraine.
Meanwhile, some 130 Ukrainian prisoners of war were released in a major Easter exchange with Russia on Sunday. Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to Ukraine's president, said that those freed in the exchange included troops who fought near Bakhmut, the city that has been the focus of Russia’s offensive in recent months. There was no immediate information on how many Russian prisoners were released.
A young clergy member takes part in a religious procession from the Intercession Cathedral to Vladivostok's Central Square during Orthodox Easter celebrations.
Yuri Smityuk / TASS
Easter eggs and cakes at St. Cosmas and Damian Church in Moscow.
Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency
A nun and servicemen take part in an Easter religious procession in Vladivostok.
Yuri Smityuk / TASS
An Easter basket packed with decorated eggs and a cake.
Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency
Church of St Nicholas in Moscow.
Sophia Sandurskaya / Moskva News Agency
Russian President Vladimir Putin during the Easter service at Christ the Savior Cathedral in central Moscow.
Sophia Sandurskaya / Moskva News Agency
Putin was accompanied by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin for this year's Orthodox Easter service.
Sergei Karpukhin / TASS / kremlin.ru
During the service at Christ the Savior Cathedral, Putin and Patriarch Kirill exchanged Easter gifts.
Sergei Karpukhin / TASS / kremlin.ru
Patriarch Kirill leads the Easter service at Christ the Savior Cathedral.
Sophia Sandurskaya / Moskva News Agency
A group of Ukrainian prisoners of war released during the Easter Sunday exchange with Russia.
Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War / AFP
A banner outside the Easter gift festival at the High Petrovsky Monastery in Moscow reads "Christ has risen!"
Arthur Novosiltsev / Moskva News Agency
A girl paints a large festive egg at the High Petrovsky Monastery in Moscow.
Arthur Novosiltsev / Moskva News Agency
Young cadets from the Georgy Zhukov Corps
Arthur Novosiltsev / Moskva News Agency
