First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic congratulated Easter, the most joyous Christian feast, to Serbian Patriarch Irinej and to all the worshippers celebrating this feast according to Julian calendar.

"We celebrate Easter with the hope for a new beginning, with belief in a better tomorrow and life. In the year when we are marking eight centuries of the Serbian Orthodox Church and our spirituality, we need to stand together, more than ever before, in the defence of the national interests of our people, regardless of whether its members live in the homeland or abroad. Irrespective of religion or ethnicity, we must work together to the benefit of Serbia and each individual, and in the interest of all generations, present and future.

Easter is the time to invest in togetherness and solidarity, the time for genuine respect and appreciation. I wish the holiday spirit of understanding and forgiveness to be felt among all the citizens of Serbia, regardless of their religion, sex or nationality, cementing our togetherness, in order to be able to face all the difficulties ahead.

Along with the wishes for overcoming all trials and challenges that our era abounds in, owing to hope, religion and love, and the belief that Christianity will bring us closer together, I wish all the citizens of Serbia celebrating the Resurrection of Christ according to Julian calendar to celebrate the most important Christian feast in peace and familial bliss", reads the congratulatory message signed by Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic.