Radio Free Europe and Easter ©

In 1955, the Radio Free Europe Press sent via balloon to Hungary an Easter leaflet that read, in part:

“Stand fast and do not let yourselves be caught again in the yoke of slavery.” - The Epistle of the Apostle Paul to the Galatians…

Free nations are based on Christ’s precepts. Tyrants from Genghis Khan through Hitler and Stalin have tried to destroy the code of equality, tolerance and justice…

The message of Easter knows no Iron Curtain. The message of Easter is addressed to you – help your fellow who is endangered by hate. The message of resurrection cannot be stilled. Kindle the spirit of self-sacrifice and charity, which unites and strengthens the nation.

RFE Programs

Beginning in 1953, Radio Free Europe broadcast “Polish Gems”, a series of 5-minute programs about prayer and faith 7 days-a-week at 8:l0 a.m. and 7:l0 p.m. Radio Free Europe also broadcast a special program, “Our Lady's Peddler,” which aired in Poland on Easter Sunday 1961.

In April 1963, Radio Free Europe broadcast “special” religious programs, including Pope John XXIII’s Easter message, behind the Iron Curtain in connection with Holy Week and Easter: the programs originating from RFE headquarters in Munich included Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox services, liturgical music, sermons and other special features. The Radio Free Europe Fund’s press release included these summaries of the broadcasts:

Poland

RFE’ Polish section has organized special coverage of Holy Week ceremonies in Rome for broadcast to Poland.  In addition, a Mass, Polish sermon and Polish hymns will be broadcast from a Polish church in Munich.  Other Polish programs will include a morality play, Bible discussions and reading from a 16^th century account of a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

Czechoslovakia

Czechoslovak programs will include a Mass, Pope John’s message and programs for Eastern Rite Catholics.  Protestant services in New York will be broadcast, as will a special series of 25 religious musical programs.

Hungary

The Hungarian section is broadcasting 15-minute Easter messages three times daily from April 7 to April 16.  On Good Friday a special program on Easter Customs is being presented.

Romania

A program of religious mediation is being broadcast daily during Holy Week for RFE’s Romanian Orthodox tradition, an Easter midnight Mass is being broadcast at midnight April 13.

Bulgaria

Bulgarians will also hear RFE broadcasts of the Easter Eve midnight Mass, as well as programs of religious music on Easter Sunday and Monday.

Copy and translation of the leaflet sent to Hungary in 1955 is courtesy of Herb Friedman, author of the excellent article on RFE’s balloon / leaflet programs: http://www.psywarrior.com/RadioFreeEurope.html

For more information about RFE’s Polish religious programs, see Patricia F. Phalen (2004): “Profound Sound: Family Theater Radio”, 1947-1970, Journal of Radio Studies, 11:1, 116-130, http://dx.doi.org/10.1207/s15506843jrs1101_10.