Ukrainians in Calgary are celebrating Orthodox Easter this weekend, however for a lot of it isn’t as joyous as prior to now because the struggle in Ukraine drags on.
Olena Berezenska got here to Calgary final June to flee the struggle in Ukraine. This weekend is her first Easter away from dwelling. She says the homesickness is alleviated considerably by the basket blessing at St. Attending Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Sobor, surrounded by many fellow Ukrainians.
“Earlier than the struggle, all my Easter celebrations had been in Ukraine with my household, my total household. My sister remains to be in Ukraine and I miss her rather a lot,” mentioned Berezenska
Lots of of individuals lined up for the normal ceremony on Saturday. For the reason that struggle started, the parish council president estimates that the numbers attending companies have tripled, with St. Vladimir’s that gives a spot for newcomers to really feel much less remoted.
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“We additionally see some households who usually are not absolutely in Canada. A part of the household remains to be in Ukraine and a part of the household is right here, so there’s some anxiousness and frustration. In order that they actually need to have a quiet place,” mentioned Olga Matsula St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Sobor Parish Council President mentioned
Newcomers can study English at St. Vladimir’s learns and will get assist discovering a spot to stay, which is without doubt one of the largest challenges evacuees face. Matsula says 400 individuals come from Ukraine to Calgary each week.
“We’ve a welcome middle downstairs and we’re experiencing a state of affairs the place individuals come to the middle desperately and say they do not actually have a spot to remain for tomorrow or the day after tomorrow,” mentioned Matsula.
Berezenska mentioned it wasn’t that troublesome to search out work or housing when she arrived right here final June, however she mentioned she hears from new arrivals that it is tougher now.
“It is a huge drawback for Ukrainians now and in addition an enormous drawback to get a job as a result of lots of people are coming right here,” Berezenska mentioned.
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Father Vasyl Hnativ celebrates his first Easter right here. He moved to Calgary a number of weeks in the past from Kherson, a spot Russian troops pounded with relentless artillery for months.
“I am so grateful to be right here and to be with Father Patrick,” Hnativ mentioned by means of an interpreter. “I really feel so sorry about it and I pray to God that this struggle will finish quickly,” Hnativ mentioned.
Like so most of the individuals who attended the basket blessing on Saturday, Hnativ doesn’t know when he’ll return to Ukraine.
“We nonetheless do not feel Canadian, however not in Ukraine, so it is a very sophisticated feeling. However the individuals listed below are nice and we’ve met many Canadians who’re so supportive of Ukrainians and they’re so pleasant. It helps us really feel higher,” mentioned Berezenska.
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