The Association “Pro Ortodoxia”, together with a group of Christians, called on society to celebrate Easter in peace and unity and, given that this period is an occasion for unity, the Christians are urged to celebrate united the rest of the religious holidays of the year as well, especially Christmas. The Christians are asked not to become split as social unity, understanding and prosperity depend on the unity at religious level.
In a news conference at IPN, the head of “Pro Ortodoxia” Ghenadie Valuta said the Orthodox Christians observe Easter according to the universal or old style, which sets the tone of all the other feasts. “This holyday is not possible without the supernatural descent of the Holy Fire. Easter unites the Orthodox Christians because God makes us be united and because the Holy Fire does not descend when the feast is celebrated according to the new style. The people are united and celebrate together Easter, but, when Christmas is coming, they divide into two groups and follow the old calendar or the new one. Why does this happen? Why don’t we keep this unity for all the holidays of the year?” he asked.
Ghenadie Valuta also said that forgiveness and reconciliation depend on a correct behavior and the time is now opportune for those who cause this division in society to realize this and to stop doing so. “Peace and unity are important because where there is no peace and unity, there is no resonance to God and we are hypocritical. We know that our society is divided at all the levels - social, political and religious,” he stated, adding that the Resurrection must become for everyone a source of peace and unity.
Jurist Radu Busila told the same news conference that there are legal norms that regulate all the spiritual, religious relations. “The freedom of conscience is guaranteed. It should be manifested by tolerance and mutual respect. The religious denominations are free and function according to their own statutes, in accordance with the law. In the relations between religious denominations, the manifestations of hatred are banned. The denominations are autonomous, separated from the state, and enjoy the support of the state, including for providing religious assistance in the army, hospitals, penitentiaries, old people’s homes and orphanages,” said the jurist, reading the Constitution. He stated that all the members of society must act in accordance with the law and peace in society must come first of all from those who govern this state.
