Submitted by: Audrey Showdra

A lovely crowd attended Easter Matins at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Holy Ascension, Swan River on May 4, 2024, celebrated according to
the Julian Calendar with Fr. Yurii officiating.

Pictured left, one of the many baskets brought to be blessed at the Easter service.

The baskets contain several different foods, including paska (Easter bread), babka ( a dessert bread), ham, eggs, garlic sausage, horse radish, butter, cottage cheese, as well as pysanky (non edible) written Easter eggs which all signify Christ’s Crucifixion.

Pictured right, pretty Iyrna Kryvenko (with her Mom Daria) is ready to have her Easter basket blessed.

Pictured left, Fr. Yurii and alter boy Artem Kryvenko Blessing Easter Baskets.

After the blessing, people Greet each other with “Christ is Risen” and reply “Indeed He is Risen.”