The priest blesses the congregation with water. Photo: Novyny.LIVE

On Sunday, April 20, thousands of believers gathered near churches throughout the Odesa region to celebrate Easter and bless their Easter baskets. This year, the festivities took place in a calm and uplifting atmosphere. People brought baskets filled with Easter cakes, painted eggs, and homemade dishes to the churches. After the blessing ceremony, families headed home to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ.

Journalists from Novyny.LIVE attended the blessing procession in Odesa and the surrounding areas.

Blessing of Easter baskets in Odesa

Easter is one of the most significant holidays in the Orthodox calendar. This year, residents of Odesa began gathering at churches early in the morning to make it in time for the services and the blessing of their Easter baskets.

Long lines formed outside churches in the city center and suburbs, with families holding baskets adorned with towels, containing cakes, dyed eggs, sausages, cheese, butter, and salt. The crowd remained calm and orderly.

"We are all at war..."

In Odesa's churches, festive services were held from early morning. A special sermon was delivered by Father Vasyl Vyrozub, who addressed the congregation with profound words about the price of freedom and true unity.

"Today, we are all at war. On the front lines is a soldier with a weapon. In this war, there is a volunteer, a sailor, a medic, a teacher, and even a child, who draws a blue and yellow heart in a shelter", — the priest spoke to those present.