“Dear residents of Karelia,

 

“Easter always evokes mercy and compassion for one’s neighbor, the desire to do what is good and upbuilding, and a hope for good change. It unites people of different ethnicities who keep their spiritual and cultural traditions from generation to generation.

 

“On this happy day, I sincerely wish you good health, wellbeing, peace and concord!

May the fire of faith, hope, and love never die down in your hearts and the paschal joy stay with you for the rest of the year!”