Orthodox Easter is a joyful time for people of Christian faith – a time families and friends get together to celebrate one of the most important days of the Christian calendar.
Obviously, this year’s Orthodox Easter celebrations will be very different, with coronavirus forcing restrictions on public and private gatherings and places of worship.
It has been a challenging time for our nation – natural disasters including droughts and bushfires, and now, a global health crisis has changed life in Australia as we know it.
Due to the unprecedented health crisis we face, we will not be able to celebrate this Orthodox Easter together with families and friends attending church services and enjoying feasts. Instead, we can all be together in spirit – the Australian spirit of taking responsibility for our own actions, looking after the welfare of each other, and supporting our nation by keeping our community safe.
READ MORE: Australia’s PM Scott Morrison’s Easter message for Orthodox Christians
I am well aware of the pressures experienced by all Australians during this extraordinary challenge. Please be patient and be kind to each other. We are a strong and cohesive nation and we have repeatedly demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity.
At this difficult time, we all can draw from the message of Easter – a message that conveys hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel, a message of strength and renewal.
I wish you all the best as you mark Easter.
Alan Tudge
Acting Immigration Minister
