Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov congratulated the faithful from the Catholic and Protestant churches on Good Friday and the coming Easter holiday.

For millennia the message from the cross helped Christians in Macedonia endure the worst trials and persecution, to resist temptation and overcome all difficulties. This Easter we prepare to welcome his Holiness Pope Francis to the Republic of Macedonia, who comes at a time of great moral crisis and lack of trust. He will be here to send a message of forgiveness, reconciliation and togetherness, President Ivanov said in his message to the faithful.