Update: 7:02PM The Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama wishes every Fijian a happy Easter as Christians commemorate the death of Jesus tomorrow.
In his Easter message,
Mr Bainimarama says Easter is the most solemn commemoration on the Christian calendar
because of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
But, he says is also a time of great joy three days later because
as the Bible tells us, Christ rose again from the dead to sit at the right hand
of God.
“The triumph of the resurrection is at the heart of the Christian
message. Christians believe that God sacrificed his son for the sins of the
world and we are all redeemed by that sacrifice,” Mr Bainimarama said.
In Fiji, he says the two great events of Easter are commemorated throughout the
country – the pain of Christ’s death on the Cross on Good Friday and
the resurrection on Easter Sunday.
“And in the Fijian spirit, we mark that commemoration with public
holidays as a general act of solidarity and respect for the beliefs of
Christians everywhere.
“One of the great things about the new Fiji is a heightened appreciation
on the part of everyone that while we may take a particular religious path
ourselves, the beliefs of others should be respected.
“And whatever our beliefs,
we can all join in the celebrations of others, whether it is the tradition of
eating Hot Cross Buns on Good Friday or Easter
Eggs on Easter Sunday.
“This year especially, we can all be grateful as a nation for God’s mercies. Many Fijians have suffered a great deal
from Tropical Cyclone Winston – the loss of loved ones, their homes and
possessions. But our faith in God has sustained us. And this Easter, more than
most, we ask God’s Blessing on our beloved Fiji and all our people,” he said.