[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
[April 11, 1999]
[Page 536]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on the Observance of Orthodox Easter
April 11, 1999

    I wish to send a warm message of greetings today to the 6 million 
Orthodox Christian Americans and the quarter-billion Orthodox Christians 
around the world, as they gather to proclaim that ``Christ has risen.''
    I know the feeling of joy that comes on Easter Sunday, when we 
celebrate the miracle of Jesus' Resurrection and His gift to us of 
eternal life. Yet I also understand that on this particular Easter 
Sunday, the joy Orthodox Christians feel may be mixed with other 
emotions: with sadness over the tragic events in and around Kosovo, and 
with fear for those whose lives may still be in danger. The majority of 
those forced from Kosovo in the last 2 weeks are Muslim, but among them 
are Catholics and Orthodox Christians, too. Our hearts and prayers must 
go out to all who have suffered. We hope and pray for the restoration of 
peace and a resolution based on democracy and tolerance.
    On this holiest of days, when Orthodox Christians celebrate the 
triumph of life over death, of hope over despair, let us recommit to 
seeking peace, human rights, and an end to suffering for people around 
the world.