Cochrane's vibrant Ukrainian community held its first-ever Ukrainian Orthodox Easter service on April 19 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, lead by Father Vasyl Hnativ, of St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Sobor.
Afterward, families gathered outside in the church parking lot, many wearing traditional Ukrainian clothing and bringing baskets of homemade food. Father Vasyl blessed the food with holy water.
The sharing of food is a key part of Ukrainian Orthodox Easter traditions, which mark the resurrection of Christ. The sweet aroma of freshly baked paska (sweet bread) filled the air.
Olga Borysiuk, a board member with the Cochrane Ukrainian Association, said the service is one of several events planned since the association’s formation. She said there are currently about 50 Ukrainian families living in Cochrane.
Borysiuk said the association is extremely grateful to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church for its kindness and generous support in accommodating the service.