Australians come together for ancient celebrations of faith
13 April 2009
Many Australians of different faiths will celebrate religious festivals together over this coming Easter period in a demonstration of harmony and diversity, the Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, said today.
‘Here in Australia, people of these different faiths have bonded together to create understanding and community harmony – many through community work,’ Mr Ferguson said.
‘These festivals are traditionally an important time for families to be together, share food and consider the lessons taught by the holy texts of faith.’
The Christian, Coptic and Orthodox communities are celebrating Easter, while the Jewish community will be celebrating Passover.
‘This year, the dates of the Christian holy days of Easter and the Jewish festival of Passover coincide in the second week of April,’ Mr Ferguson said.
‘Each of these festivals is an ancient celebration of faith which
is an important part of the lives of Christian and Jewish people.’
Passover begins at sundown on April 8 and ends at nightfall on April 16.
Christian Easter begins with Good Friday on April 10 and ends Easter Monday,
April 13. Pascha (Greek Orthodox Easter) begins on April 17 with Orthodox
Good Friday and ends April 20 with Orthodox Easter Monday.
‘I send my best wishes to all Australians who are celebrating at this time,’ Mr Ferguson said.
Media contact: Carla Wilshire 0432 755 935
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/parlsec/media/media-releases/2009/lf09022.htm
Last update: 14 April 2009 at 11:03 AEST