Obama Sends Greetings To Those Observing Orthodox Christian Easter

Yesterday was Easter on the Orthodox Christian calendar.  On Saturday, President Obama issued a statement (full text) extending best wishes from himself and the First Lady to Orthodox Christians in the U.S. and around the world observing Holy Friday and the Feast of the Resurrection.  The statement said in part:

For millions of Orthodox Christians, this is a joyful time.  But it’s also a reminder of the sacrifice Christ made so that we might have eternal life.  His decision to choose love in the face of hate; hope in the face of despair is an example we should always strive to follow.  But it’s especially important to remember this year, as members of the Orthodox community have been confronted with persecution and violence, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa.