The Blessing of the Easter Basket

Khrystos Voskres!"(Christ is Risen!), 
"Voistyno Voskres!"(He is Truly Risen!) 
The traditional greetings and replies spoken by Ukrainian Christians around the world  
during Easter. The celebration of Easter is welcomed with great enthusiasm not only for  
its spiritual enlightenment but also for its deep rooted cultural traditions. 

Since the introduction of Christianity to Ukraine by Prince Volodymyr in 988 AD, Ukrainians have become devout and faithful followers of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is why the church is at the core of being one of the founding corner stones in the building of Ukrainian communities. 

The lively, beautiful and colorful traditions of Ukraine, whether religious or cultural, have been passed down from generation to generation. Together, young and old are seen hand in hand experiencing these joyous times, sharing the wondrous gifts that were once celebrated by their forefathers. 

One of these cherished gifts is the Traditional Blessing of the Easter Basket.On the eve of Easter Sunday, baskets filled with brightly colored Easter Eggs ("Pysanky") and the traditional Easter Bread ("Paska"), along with other foods, are brought into church for blessing by the priest. There is a deep religious and cultural significance in the Blessing of the Easter Basket. 

When Ukrainian Christians from around the globe arrive home after attending the celebration of Easter Mass, family and friends gather around the table with bowed heads in prayer to thank God for all of His Graces and praise the Lord in singing "Khrysos Voskres". At this point in time there is a sense of brotherly unity among all Ukrainian Christians, even though they may be far apart, they are celebrating the Resurrection of Christ and dinning on the prepared meal of blessed foods in unison