MOSCOW, April 20. /TASS/. Russian Communist Party leader Gennady Zyuganov said on Wednesday Jesus Christ was the first Communist in history and denounced plans to cancel May Day events due to Orthodox Easter celebrations.

"Christ was the first Communist of the new era. He raised his voice for the miserable, suffering, poor, sick and needy, for everyone who is in trouble," said Zyuganov, who heads the party since 1995. "And if he was alive, he would have joined us."

Zyuganov said Communist Party members are not going to cancel May Day celebrations, adding that Orthodox Easter, which falls on May 1 this year, "does not contradict workers’ solidarity."

A number of Russian regions announced plans to cancel all traditional rallies and demonstrations on May 1, which is officially known in the country as Day of Spring and Labor, as many people would prefer to celebrate Easter with their families.