Celebration

The arrival of spring, which means warmth, sunny days and birds singing, I think is expected not only people, but also nature itself. With the arrival of warmth, everything around becomes bright, beautiful, seems kind and cheerful. When you being to notice all this beauty: the rustling of green leaves, the singing of birds, the scent of wildflowers, the purity and blue of the sky, you involuntarily begin to think: “How wonderful are your works, Lord!”

For believer the arrival of spring is of course associated with the most important holiday - Easter. Easter, the day of the Holly Resurrection, is the main event of the year for Orthodox Christians.

On this day believers celebrate the atonement of the sins of mankind through Christ the Savor and express their attitude to the holiday with the words of prayer: “ This is holiday of holidays and the triumph of triumphs”.

According to the law of our religion, before the Bright Day of Resurrection we need to endure a 49-day Lent. During the fast you need go to church more often, pray more not only for the living, but also for the departed, help those in need, try to reconcile with anyone in a quarrel, limit yourself in food and entertainment.

When I lived in Ukraine and I attended my church, I paid special attention to the services during the last week of Lent. The soul at these services was filled with sorrow for the suffering of the innocent Jesus and joy for the imminent coming of the Resurrection.

In our faith Friday when Christ was crucified is sad day, we sympathize with his suffering. But I understand why this day in Canada is Good Friday, without the crucifixion there would be no Resurrection.

Usually by Holy Saturday all the preparation for the feast is completed. The most festive dishes are prepared, and Easter bread is baked.

On Saturday evening we typically went to church to the all-night vigil. On this night our church always illuminated with many lanterns. People who could not attend the night service could listen to Easter songs and greetings through the installed loudspeaker. At 12 AM the priest proclaimed, “Christ Risen” and parishioners responded with joy and triumph “He is truly Risen”. Everyone started hugging and congratulating each other. I can`t put into words what feel believers in this moment! It`s so exiting and joyful!

But now in Ukraine, here it is the third Easter has passed without a night vigil, but with a curfew and without the sounds of the serenade, without the ringing of bell, but with the roar of exploding shells. In many towns and cities churches destroyed, priests and parishioners were murdered. The third Easter my parents met in silence, solitude, tears, fear. For some people this Easter was their last…

Living in Canada we try to preserve our faith, our holidays family traditions, but most importantly, we pray for peace in Ukraine, for peace in the World. We ask God to help us to become better, kinder, wiser. We pray that the Canadian people will never experience the grief that Ukrainians are experiencing.