After 2 Years Of Absence, Indonesian Citizens Hold Eid Prayers At The Indonesian Embassy In Moscow

The atmosphere of Eid prayer at the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow. (ANTARA/HO-KBRI Moscow)

JAKARTA - Around 200 Indonesian citizens attended the Eid Prayer 1 Syawal 1443 Hijri, Monday, May 2, 2022 at the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow, Russia.

After being absent for 2 (two) years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the echo of takbir and tahmid again echoed in the open area of the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow sports field which was used as the location for Eid prayers.

In a press release from the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow quoted by Antara, the Eid prayer was organized by the Indonesian Islamic Brotherhood Association (HPII)-Moscow in collaboration with the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow.

The chairman of HPII-Moscow and Education Attache of the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow, Adi Nuryanto, explained that this Eid prayer was the first after 2 years of absence due to the high level of COVID-19 in Moscow.

"Alhamdulillah, because COVID-19 is getting more and more sloping, Eid prayers can be carried out again, but by continuing to apply health protocols to worshipers who come to prayer locations," said Adi Nuryanto.

Acting as priest is Colonel Budi Susilo, Defense Attache of the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow, while the preacher is Adi Nuryanto, Education Attache of the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow/Chairman of HPII-Moscow.

In a sermon entitled "The Momentum of Eid as an Inspiration for the Importance of Maintaining Islamic Brotherhood and Unity of the Nation" Colonel Budi Susilo explained the benefits of fasting in Ramadan in shaping the personality of Muslims who are increasingly pious and Eid al-Fitr is the beginning of holiness that the congregation needs to guard so that they do not repeat sins again. -sins in the past.

He also mentioned the importance of maintaining ukhuwah Islamiyah by improving the quality of oneself in interactions with fellow human beings, maintaining harmony, helping those in need, and also to always honor parents.

"Let's welcome tomorrow with optimism and produce optimal performance, both as leaders, staff, students and other workers and all of that is within the framework of our worship to Allah SWT," said Colonel Budi Susilo closing his sermon.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia to the Russian Federation concurrently the Republic of Belarus, Jose Tavares accompanied by his wife Fitria Wibowo Tavares was also present and delivered the message of Eid al-Fitr during the Eid prayer.

"On behalf of myself and my family and the entire staff of the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow, I wish you a Happy Eid Al-Fitr 1 Syawal 1443 Hijriyah to all Indonesian people in Russia. Forgive me body and soul. May God Almighty always bestow his blessings of health and happiness on all of us," said Ambassador Tavares in front of the congregation.

Ambassador Tavares also said that according to the direction of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, the commemoration and celebration of this year's Eid al-Fitr will not be carried out by holding an open house.

"I hope that all Indonesian people in Russia can understand that we can't do this year's Eid celebrations with the festivities like before the pandemic. Hopefully next year's Eid we can celebrate it more festively," concluded Ambassador Tavares.

The Eid prayer at the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow was attended by Indonesian people who live in Moscow City and its surroundings, along with the staff and families of the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow.

Most of the Indonesian people who attended were Indonesian students who were studying at various universities in Russia. Also seen are Indonesian citizens who work as professional workers and spa therapists in the city of Moscow.

One of the Indonesian students who attended, Akira Rizky Rosyadi, a 3rd year student at the Faculty of Information Systems, Department of Artificial Intelligence, Russian Technological University (Mirea) expressed his appreciation for the Eid prayer at the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow.

“Although it is still in a limited condition, I am very happy because it has been 2 years that this kind of friendship cannot be felt. Hopefully the pandemic will end soon, so that friendships like this can be carried out again as before," said Akira.

Another Indonesian citizen, Rifky Indriarto, who currently works as an electrical engineer at Nordgold Plc, a mining company in Russia, expressed his happiness at being able to perform Eid prayers at the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow.

"Alhamdulillah, after 2 years of the pandemic, today we can pray Eid at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia along with all Indonesian citizens in Moscow. It feels emotional and happy to be able to gather at the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow, with full simplicity it can replace the warmth of longing for a big family in the country," said Rifky, who was present with his wife and three daughters.