Russian Orthodox Patriarch Sends Easter Greetings to Astronauts

MOSCOW, May 5 (RIA Novosti) - The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, wished astronauts on the board the International Space Station (ISS) a happy Orthodox Easter on Sunday, a church spokesman said.

“Patriarch Kirill spoke to ISS astronauts via closed communications channel,” the patriarch’s spokesperson said. “He wished them God’s help in their important service.”

There are three Russian astronauts among the current six-man crew of the ISS. The other three astronauts on board the orbiting platform are US and Canadian nationals.

Russia and some other Orthodox Christian nations celebrate Easter in line with the Julian calendar.