{"id":4722,"date":"2026-04-04T19:24:07","date_gmt":"2026-04-05T02:24:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/?p=4722"},"modified":"2026-04-04T19:28:11","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T02:28:11","slug":"orthodox-easter-in-ukraine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/ua\/resources\/orthodox-easter-in-ukraine\/","title":{"rendered":"Orthodox Easter in Ukraine"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>By Rein Deaton<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Acknowledgement: With thanks to Fr. Volodymyr Yavorskyi, a priest of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and the pastor of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Portland, Oregon.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the chill of winter begins to give way to the fresh life of spring, Christians around the world celebrate Easter and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Ukraine, this holiday is filled with cultural significance and many local traditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-d1e52fbb wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:36px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Geographical-map-of-Ukraine-with-the-distribution-of-Easter-egg.jpg\" alt=\"Geographical map of Ukraine with the distribution of Easter egg painting depending on the region. Nemtseva Tatyana, CC BY-SA 4.0\" class=\"wp-image-4723\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Geographical-map-of-Ukraine-with-the-distribution-of-Easter-egg.jpg 960w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Geographical-map-of-Ukraine-with-the-distribution-of-Easter-egg-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Geographical-map-of-Ukraine-with-the-distribution-of-Easter-egg-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Geographical-map-of-Ukraine-with-the-distribution-of-Easter-egg-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Geographical map of Ukraine with the distribution of Easter egg painting depending on the region. Nemtseva Tatyana, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"507\" height=\"559\" src=\"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Stamp-series-Ukrainian-folk-costumes-Easter.jpg\" alt=\"Stamp series \u201cUkrainian folk costumes\u201d. 2025. \u201cBilhorod (Belgorod) Region. Easter.\u201d Public domain.\" class=\"wp-image-4725\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.9070056249543429;width:237px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Stamp-series-Ukrainian-folk-costumes-Easter.jpg 507w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Stamp-series-Ukrainian-folk-costumes-Easter-272x300.jpg 272w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Stamp-series-Ukrainian-folk-costumes-Easter-11x12.jpg 11w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 507px) 100vw, 507px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Stamp series \u201cUkrainian folk costumes\u201d. 2025. \u201cBilhorod (Belgorod) Region. Easter.\u201d Public domain.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Two different Easter calendars<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before diving into what makes Ukrainian Easter (usually called Pascha) so special, it\u2019s worth noting that many Ukrainians are Orthodox Christians [1]. There are a few differences between the way Easter is celebrated in the Orthodox church and the way it\u2019s celebrated in other Christian churches. Perhaps the most important difference is the date of Easter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Christian world uses two main calendars: the Julian and the Gregorian calendars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Gregorian calendar:<\/strong>&nbsp;Used by Protestants and Roman Catholics. This is also the calendar used by most people around the world today in everyday secular life.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Julian calendar:<\/strong>&nbsp;Used by most Orthodox churches. It is nearly identical to the Gregorian calendar, except for the fact that its dates are 13 days behind those of the Gregorian calendar. This means that Orthodox Christians usually celebrate Easter later than other Christians.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Note: While the Orthodox Church of Ukraine switched most of their calendar of observances to the Gregorian calendar in 2023, Easter is the exception. Easter, and the dates calculated from it, are still set according to the Julian calendar. [12]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-in-Luhansk-Ukraine.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4726\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.7507537137532204;width:318px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-in-Luhansk-Ukraine.jpg 500w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-in-Luhansk-Ukraine-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-in-Luhansk-Ukraine-9x12.jpg 9w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pysanky &#8211; Ukrainian Easter eggs. Easter in Luhansk (Ukraine). Qypchak, CC BY-SA 3.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lent<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Lent is also slightly different between churches:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Catholic Lent lasts for 40 days, beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending with the Thursday before Easter. For Catholics, Lent overlaps with Holy Week, the seven days preceding Easter. [10]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Great Lent, as it\u2019s known in the Orthodox church, also lasts for 40 days, but it ends eight days before Easter. [2]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beginning 40 days before Holy Week (and 48 days before Easter Sunday) Orthodox Ukrainians observe Great Lent, during which they give up meat and dairy products. It is a time of spiritual purification and of prayer. [3, 4] It is both the longest and the most important fast in the Orthodox calendar [6].<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Holy Week<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Holy Week is the week preceding Easter, marked by both Catholic and Orthodox Christians. It begins on Palm Sunday and lasts through Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Orthodox Christians, many of the traditions of Great Lent continue into Holy Week, including fasting. This is also when more specific preparations for Easter are made. [4]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1e7a8a7b wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:40px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"308\" height=\"308\" src=\"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Ukrainian-Easter-card.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4727\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Ukrainian-Easter-card.png 308w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Ukrainian-Easter-card-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Ukrainian-Easter-card-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Ukrainian-Easter-card-12x12.png 12w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 308px) 100vw, 308px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ukrainian Easter card. Public domain.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"638\" src=\"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Traditional-Ukrainian-Paska-with-a-Trypillian-pysanka-and-willow-branches.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4728\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Traditional-Ukrainian-Paska-with-a-Trypillian-pysanka-and-willow-branches.jpg 960w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Traditional-Ukrainian-Paska-with-a-Trypillian-pysanka-and-willow-branches-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Traditional-Ukrainian-Paska-with-a-Trypillian-pysanka-and-willow-branches-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Traditional-Ukrainian-Paska-with-a-Trypillian-pysanka-and-willow-branches-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Traditional Ukrainian Paska with a Trypillian pysanka and willow branches (AMartiniouk, CC BY-SA 3.0)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Willow Sunday<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The first day of Holy Week, called Palm Sunday in other parts of the world, is known as Willow Sunday (Verbna Nedilia) in Ukraine. Palm trees don\u2019t grow in Ukraine \u2013 instead, pussy willow twigs are traditionally used. [11]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As people greeted Jesus Christ with palms as their King and Savior, so Ukrainians greet Him with pussy willows as King and Savior. On Willow Sunday, it is customary to playfully tap one another with these blessed branches, accompanied by words that remind us that in one week it will be Pascha. In some regions, these branches are then planted in the ground to bring more luck. [4, 11] &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"805\" height=\"698\" src=\"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Maundy-Thursday-1887-by-Ukrainian-painter-Mykola-Pymonenk.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4729\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.1533090057214939;width:596px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Maundy-Thursday-1887-by-Ukrainian-painter-Mykola-Pymonenk.jpg 805w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Maundy-Thursday-1887-by-Ukrainian-painter-Mykola-Pymonenk-300x260.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Maundy-Thursday-1887-by-Ukrainian-painter-Mykola-Pymonenk-768x666.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Maundy-Thursday-1887-by-Ukrainian-painter-Mykola-Pymonenk-14x12.jpg 14w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 805px) 100vw, 805px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Maundy Thursday (1887), by Ukrainian painter Mykola Pymonenko. Public domain.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Holy Thursday<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Holy Thursday, also called Maundy Thursday, celebrates the passion of Christ. This is traditionally the day when Ukrainian Easter bread, called paska, is baked. A special church service is held in the evening, during which candles are lit, and these lit candles are then carried all the way home. These candles are called Passion Candles (Strasna Svichka) and are believed to protect the home and the people in it. [4, 7]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Good Friday<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The most somber day of Holy Week is Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion of Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A number of important Ukrainian traditions on this day center around the Plaschenytsia, or the Holy Shroud. This is a cloth icon that represents the burial shroud of Christ. Upon the cloth is an illustration of Christ laid out for burial. The Shroud is carried in a procession around the church building, and then laid out in front of the congregation for a ceremony of veneration. [3, 4, 16]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1e7a8a7b wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:40px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"662\" src=\"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-Matins-1891-by-Ukrainian-painter-Mykola-Pymonenko.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4730\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-Matins-1891-by-Ukrainian-painter-Mykola-Pymonenko.jpg 960w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-Matins-1891-by-Ukrainian-painter-Mykola-Pymonenko-300x207.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-Matins-1891-by-Ukrainian-painter-Mykola-Pymonenko-768x530.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-Matins-1891-by-Ukrainian-painter-Mykola-Pymonenko-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Easter Matins (1891), by Ukrainian painter Mykola Pymonenko. Public domain.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-celebration-in-Odesa-Ukraine.-Church-of-the-Nativity-of-Christ-\u00a9-Yuriy-Kvach.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4731\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-celebration-in-Odesa-Ukraine.-Church-of-the-Nativity-of-Christ-\u00a9-Yuriy-Kvach.jpg 960w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-celebration-in-Odesa-Ukraine.-Church-of-the-Nativity-of-Christ-\u00a9-Yuriy-Kvach-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-celebration-in-Odesa-Ukraine.-Church-of-the-Nativity-of-Christ-\u00a9-Yuriy-Kvach-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-celebration-in-Odesa-Ukraine.-Church-of-the-Nativity-of-Christ-\u00a9-Yuriy-Kvach-16x12.jpg 16w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Easter celebration in Odesa, Ukraine. Church of the Nativity of Christ \u00a9 Yuriy Kvach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Holy Saturday<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Also called Easter Saturday, Holy Saturday is the time for all the last-minute preparations to be completed before Easter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Krashanky, which are single-color dyed eggs, are prepared now so they will be ready to eat on Easter morning. Unlike the multi-colored Easter eggs common in America, Ukrainian krashanky are traditionally dyed red to symbolize the blood of Christ. [4]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some families also bring their Easter baskets to church to be blessed on this day, while others wait until Easter morning. [4]Holy Saturday<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also called Easter Saturday, Holy Saturday is the time for all the last-minute preparations to be completed before Easter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Krashanky, which are single-color dyed eggs, are prepared now so they will be ready to eat on Easter morning. Unlike the multi-colored Easter eggs common in America, Ukrainian krashanky are traditionally dyed red to symbolize the blood of Christ. [4]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some families also bring their Easter baskets to church to be blessed on this day, while others wait until Easter morning. [4]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"578\" data-id=\"4733\" src=\"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-128th-Brigade-2022-4-1024x578.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-128th-Brigade-2022-4-1024x578.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-128th-Brigade-2022-4-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-128th-Brigade-2022-4-768x434.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-128th-Brigade-2022-4-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-128th-Brigade-2022-4.jpg 1395w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"726\" data-id=\"4732\" src=\"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-128th-Brigade-2022-3-1024x726.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4732\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-128th-Brigade-2022-3-1024x726.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-128th-Brigade-2022-3-300x213.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-128th-Brigade-2022-3-768x545.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-128th-Brigade-2022-3-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-128th-Brigade-2022-3.jpg 1162w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"4735\" src=\"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-128th-Brigade-2022-2-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4735\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-128th-Brigade-2022-2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-128th-Brigade-2022-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-128th-Brigade-2022-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-128th-Brigade-2022-2-16x12.jpg 16w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-128th-Brigade-2022-2.jpg 1210w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-id=\"4736\" src=\"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-128th-Brigade-2022-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4736\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-128th-Brigade-2022-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-128th-Brigade-2022-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-128th-Brigade-2022-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-128th-Brigade-2022-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-128th-Brigade-2022-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Easter-128th-Brigade-2022.jpg 1551w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">For the 128th Brigade in 2022, helmets did double duty as Easter baskets.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"4734\" src=\"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Charity-fundraiser-exhibition-of-Easter-baskets-in-Drohobych-Ukraine.-Drohobych-City-Council-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4734\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Charity-fundraiser-exhibition-of-Easter-baskets-in-Drohobych-Ukraine.-Drohobych-City-Council-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Charity-fundraiser-exhibition-of-Easter-baskets-in-Drohobych-Ukraine.-Drohobych-City-Council-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Charity-fundraiser-exhibition-of-Easter-baskets-in-Drohobych-Ukraine.-Drohobych-City-Council-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Charity-fundraiser-exhibition-of-Easter-baskets-in-Drohobych-Ukraine.-Drohobych-City-Council-1536x1024.png 1536w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Charity-fundraiser-exhibition-of-Easter-baskets-in-Drohobych-Ukraine.-Drohobych-City-Council-18x12.png 18w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Charity-fundraiser-exhibition-of-Easter-baskets-in-Drohobych-Ukraine.-Drohobych-City-Council.png 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Charity fundraiser &amp; exhibition of Easter baskets in Drohobych, Ukraine. (Drohobych City Council)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Easter Sunday<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Easter is a day of celebration, and its traditions reflect that. Church bells ring, and families break their fasts with the blessed foods in their Easter baskets. [4, 5, 7]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While the contents of a traditional Ukrainian Easter basket vary slightly by region, traditional contents include [3, 5, 13]:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>paska&nbsp;<\/strong>\u2013 traditional sweet Easter bread.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Easter eggs&nbsp;<\/strong>\u2013 symbolizing life and rebirth.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>krashanky \u2013 single-color dyed eggs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>pysanky \u2013 intricately-decorated Ukrainian eggs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>meat&nbsp;<\/strong>(such as sausage or ham) \u2013 symbolizing the sacrificial lamb, and marking the end of Lent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>dairy products<\/strong>&nbsp;(often cheese and butter).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>salt&nbsp;<\/strong>\u2013 symbolizes prosperity and purification. It\u2019s also a reminder of Christ\u2019s words to Christians to be the \u201csalt of the earth.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>horseradish&nbsp;<\/strong>\u2013 marks the bitterness of Christ\u2019s suffering. Often mixed with grated beets, whose sweetness symbolizes the resurrection.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>a candle<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 symbol of the light of Christ.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>rushnyk&nbsp;<\/strong>(embroidered cloth) \u2013 often embroidered with Easter motifs and traditional folk patterns.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>fresh greenery<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 symbolizing eternal life and resurrection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"738\" height=\"923\" src=\"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Church-of-St.-Michael-the-Archangel-Ukrainian-Orthodox-Church.-Komyshuvakha.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4737\" style=\"width:392px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Church-of-St.-Michael-the-Archangel-Ukrainian-Orthodox-Church.-Komyshuvakha.jpg 738w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Church-of-St.-Michael-the-Archangel-Ukrainian-Orthodox-Church.-Komyshuvakha-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Church-of-St.-Michael-the-Archangel-Ukrainian-Orthodox-Church.-Komyshuvakha-10x12.jpg 10w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 738px) 100vw, 738px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Bombed by russia on Easter:<br><\/strong>Church of St. Michael the Archangel (Ukrainian Orthodox Church). Komyshuvakha, Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. <br>Image: Ukrainian Security &amp; Emergency Services<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Easter in 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This year, Ukraine will celebrate its fifth Easter since russia\u2019s brutal full-scale invasion began. Protestants and some Ukrainian Catholics will celebrate on April 5th. Orthodox Christians and Greek Catholics will celebrate one week later, on April 12th.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For five years, Ukrainians have celebrated Easter under constant attacks. russian missiles target civilian gatherings and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsweek.com\/russia-attacks-church-ukraine-easter-sunday-2-casualties-report-1794629\" rel=\"noopener\">even<\/a>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ukrinform.net\/rubric-ato\/3696577-russian-missiles-destroy-church-in-zaporizhzhia-region.html\" rel=\"noopener\">churches<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just last year, on Palm Sunday, russian missiles killed 34 people and injured 117 more in an attack on the heart of the city of Sumy. One missile hit a passenger bus full of people. Children were among both the dead and wounded in the attack. Some of those killed were on their way to Palm Sunday services. [14, 15]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Days later on Good Friday, russia bombed Kharkiv with cluster munitions, killing one and injuring at least 60. On the same day, a drone attack on Sumy killed another civilian and destroyed a bakery preparing Paska bread for Easter. [15]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Transfiguration-Cathedral-in-Odesa-after-Russian-missile-attack-2023.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4738\" style=\"width:355px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Transfiguration-Cathedral-in-Odesa-after-Russian-missile-attack-2023.jpg 500w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Transfiguration-Cathedral-in-Odesa-after-Russian-missile-attack-2023-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Transfiguration-Cathedral-in-Odesa-after-Russian-missile-attack-2023-9x12.jpg 9w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa after Russian missile attack, 2023. Image: Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Ukrainians have refused to let the horror of war prevent them from marking this holiday of resurrection and hope. Even after years of russian violence, the Ukrainian people have shown that it will take more than bombs and bullets to suppress their culture and their faith. [8, 9]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the warmth of spring breathes life back into the landscape, Christians in Ukraine and beyond celebrate the resurrection of Christ. It is up to all of us to renew our dedication to supporting Ukraine. Every one of us can make a difference in helping Ukrainians keep both their people and their cultural heritage alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This article is published as part of a collaboration between&nbsp;<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/dawnus.org\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>DAWN, Inc<\/em><\/a><em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/\"><em>Ukraine Defense Support<\/em><\/a><em>. It can be found on the websites of both organizations.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sources<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Press releases and reports \u2013 Dynamics of religious self-identification of the population of Ukraine: results of a telephone survey conducted on July 6-20, 2022. (August 5, 2022.)&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/kiis.com.ua\/?lang=eng&amp;cat=reports&amp;id=1129\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/kiis.com.ua\/?lang=eng&amp;cat=reports&amp;id=1129<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kennedy, L. (2026, April 1). What\u2019s the difference between Easter and Orthodox Easter?&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.history.com\/articles\/easter-orthodox-easter-differences\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.history.com\/articles\/easter-orthodox-easter-differences<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easter traditions in Ukraine: interesting facts and unusual rituals. (2025, April 20). Visit Ukraine.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/visitukraine.today\/blog\/6016\/easter-traditions-in-ukraine-interesting-facts-and-unusual-rituals\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/visitukraine.today\/blog\/6016\/easter-traditions-in-ukraine-interesting-facts-and-unusual-rituals<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ukrainian Easter traditions. (2023, April 1). Little Ukrainian Blog.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/littleukrainianblog.com\/culture\/traditions\/ukrainian-easter-traditions\/\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/littleukrainianblog.com\/culture\/traditions\/ukrainian-easter-traditions\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ukrainian Easter Basket. (2023, April 6). Little Ukrainian Blog.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/littleukrainianblog.com\/culture\/traditions\/ukrainian-easter-basket\/\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/littleukrainianblog.com\/culture\/traditions\/ukrainian-easter-basket\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Oleksandr, S. (2025, February 21). Great Lent 2025 traditions food calendar rules and prohibitions. 112.ua.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/112.ua\/en\/velikij-pist-2025-tradicii-kalendar-harcuvanna-pravila-ta-zaboroni-55464\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/112.ua\/en\/velikij-pist-2025-tradicii-kalendar-harcuvanna-pravila-ta-zaboroni-55464<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Paszczak Tracz, O. (1995). Ukrainian Easter traditions: Velykden \u2013 Great Day. THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY, LXIII, 17.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/archive.ukrweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/The_Ukrainian_Weekly_1995-17.pdf\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/archive.ukrweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/The_Ukrainian_Weekly_1995-17.pdf<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Associated Press. (2022, April 24). Ukraine marks Orthodox Easter with prayers for those trapped. NPR.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2022\/04\/24\/1094535365\/ukraine-marks-orthodox-easter-with-prayers-for-those-trapped\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2022\/04\/24\/1094535365\/ukraine-marks-orthodox-easter-with-prayers-for-those-trapped<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Zinchenko, P. (2025, April 21). Easter in Ukraine: how Ukrainians celebrate the Resurrection holiday in the fourth year of the large-scale war. Ukrainian National News (UNN).&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/unn.ua\/en\/news\/easter-in-ukraine-how-ukrainians-celebrate-the-resurrection-holiday-in-the-fourth-year-of-the-large-scale-war\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/unn.ua\/en\/news\/easter-in-ukraine-how-ukrainians-celebrate-the-resurrection-holiday-in-the-fourth-year-of-the-large-scale-war<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What is Lent? (n.d.). USCCB.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.usccb.org\/prayer-worship\/liturgical-year\/lent\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.usccb.org\/prayer-worship\/liturgical-year\/lent<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Sanctuary Project \u2013 University of Alberta. (n.d.). PussyWillow Sunday.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/livingcultures.ualberta.ca\/sanctuary\/?page_id=3023\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/livingcultures.ualberta.ca\/sanctuary\/?page_id=3023<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easter 2024: will the New Julian calendar affect the calculation of Easter in Ukraine? (2024, March 16).&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/visitukraine.today\/blog\/3527\/easter-2024-will-the-new-julian-calendar-affect-the-calculation-of-easter-in-ukraine#how-do-christians-determine-the-day-of-easter\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/visitukraine.today\/blog\/3527\/easter-2024-will-the-new-julian-calendar-affect-the-calculation-of-easter-in-ukraine#how-do-christians-determine-the-day-of-easter<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Yaroshenko, T. (2026, March 5). What\u2019s inside a Ukrainian Easter basket? Traditions reimagined in California. Ukrainian Flavors.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/ukrainianflavors.com\/blogs\/blog-uf\/what-s-inside-a-ukrainian-easter-basket-traditions-reimagined-in-california\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/ukrainianflavors.com\/blogs\/blog-uf\/what-s-inside-a-ukrainian-easter-basket-traditions-reimagined-in-california<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Russian strikes kill more than 30 in Ukrainian city of Sumy during Palm Sunday celebrations. (2025, April 13). PBS News.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pbs.org\/newshour\/world\/russian-strikes-kill-more-than-30-in-ukrainian-city-of-sumy-during-palm-sunday-celebrations\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.pbs.org\/newshour\/world\/russian-strikes-kill-more-than-30-in-ukrainian-city-of-sumy-during-palm-sunday-celebrations<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>UK Foreign, Commonwealth &amp; Development Office. (2025, April 23). Russia\u2019s missile attacks against Ukrainian civilians over Easter demonstrate its attitude towards peace: UK statement to the OSCE. GOV.UK.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/speeches\/russias-missile-attacks-against-ukrainian-civilians-over-easter-demonstrate-its-attitude-towards-peace-uk-statement-to-the-osce\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/speeches\/russias-missile-attacks-against-ukrainian-civilians-over-easter-demonstrate-its-attitude-towards-peace-uk-statement-to-the-osce<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>St. Nicholas Ukrainian Church. (2021, March 31). Easter Traditions \u2013 St. Nicholas Ukrainian Church.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/stnicholaschurchde.org\/easter-traditions\/\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/stnicholaschurchde.org\/easter-traditions\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-3 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\">\n<div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-justify-content-center fusion-flex-content-wrap\">\n<div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-2 fusion_builder_column_4_5 4_5 fusion-flex-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1 fusion-text-no-margin\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-8 fusion_builder_column_4_5 4_5 fusion-flex-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-5 fusion-text-no-margin\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-13 fusion_builder_column_4_5 4_5 fusion-flex-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-image-element awb-imageframe-style awb-imageframe-style-below awb-imageframe-style-11\">\n<div class=\"awb-imageframe-caption-container\">\n<div class=\"awb-imageframe-caption\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Rein Deaton Acknowledgement: With thanks to Fr. Volodymyr Yavorskyi, a priest of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and the pastor of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Portland, Oregon. \u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014 As the chill of winter begins to give way to the fresh life of spring, Christians around the world celebrate [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":28,"featured_media":4726,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[50],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4722","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-resources"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/ua\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4722","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/ua\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/ua\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/ua\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/28"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/ua\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4722"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/ua\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4722\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/ua\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4726"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/ua\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4722"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/ua\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4722"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ukrainedefensesupport.org\/ua\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4722"}],"curies":[{"name":"\u0412\u041f","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}