The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister for Multiculturalism, issued the following statement on the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic celebration of Easter:

“Christians in Canada have celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ at Easter, also known as Pascha, for centuries. This holiest day of the Christian calendar, arising out of the ancient context of the Jewish Passover feast, marks the event at the heart of the Christian faith, and has played an important cultural role in the history of our nation.

“Easter in Canada is now celebrated in dozens of different languages and according to an enormous diversity of Christian rites and traditions.

“While Canadian Christians of the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and many of the Eastern Catholic Churches gather prayerfully this weekend to celebrate the hope of the Resurrection, let us be mindful of Christians in other parts of the world who suffer persecution and violence because of their faith.

“All Canadians stand in solidarity with them, as Canada continues to champion religious freedom and pluralism, both here and abroad.

 “As Minister for Multiculturalism, I wish all of those celebrating a blessed end to the Great and Holy Week and a joyous Easter.”