Biden offers well wishes on Orthodox Easter, notes progress in coronavirus fight

President Biden offered well wishes for Orthodox Easter on Sunday, noting that many people have had to modify their religious traditions in recent times due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Jill and I extend warm wishes to all our friends in the Orthodox Christian community observing Easter. On this occasion of joy and renewal, Orthodox Christians worldwide rejoice in the miracle of the Resurrection and affirm commitments to spiritual disciplines and service to those in need,” Biden said in a statement.

“This Easter, as Orthodox Christians and so many other people of faith have had to once again modify religious traditions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we can also look to the future with hope,” Biden added. “Thanks to the leadership of countless people, including so many people of faith, the progress we are making in our battle against the virus will soon allow for a return to our timeless and treasured traditions of Easter and other holidays.”

“We wish a blessed Easter to all Orthodox Christians around the world celebrating a risen Christ and the triumph of light over darkness,” he said.

The Bidens celebrated the Easter holiday in a modified way at the White House as well in early April. The annual White House easter egg hunt was cancelled for a second year in a row. Biden and the first lady Jill Biden appeared alongside a masked Easter bunny in lieu of the annual Easter hunt.

They also sent out commemorative wooden eggs to vaccination sites around the country to mark the occasion.