Easter Celebrations in Odessa Region
A priest blesses the congregation with water. Photo: News.LIVE
On Sunday, April 20, thousands of worshippers gathered across Odessa to celebrate Easter and bless their Easter treats. This year's celebration took place in a calm and uplifting atmosphere. People brought Easter baskets filled with cakes, dyed eggs, and homemade dishes to the churches. After the blessing, families went home to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ.
Journalists from News.LIVE attended the blessing ceremony in Odessa and the surrounding areas.
Blessing of Easter cakes in Odessa
Easter is one of the most significant and joyous holidays in the Orthodox calendar. This year, residents of Odessa began gathering at churches early in the morning to attend services and bless their Easter baskets.
Long lines formed outside churches in the city center and suburbs, with families holding baskets decorated with towels, containing cakes, colored eggs, sausages, cheese, butter, and salt. The atmosphere was peaceful, and everyone maintained order.
"We are all at war..."
Today, festive services were held in Odessa's churches from early morning. The sermon delivered by Father Vasyl Vyrozub was particularly special, as he addressed the congregation with profound words about the price of freedom and true unity.
"Today we are all at war. In this war, there are soldiers with weapons. There are volunteers, sailors, medics, teachers, and even a child in a shelter drawing a blue and yellow heart", the priest said to those present.
