Getting to Know Each Other, Sharing Traditions
This is the second in a series of updates from Ukraine Aid International on Easton’s sister city Sviatohirsk. The updates focus mainly on the human aspects of life today in Sviatohirsk and are intended to complement UAI’s on-going fundraising efforts. In the last two years, Easton has generously funded a dump truck, fresh drinking water, wood pellets heating fuel, and, most recently, generators.
Easter came early this year to Sviatohirsk and Easton! Last week, First Selectman Dave Bindelglass, along with UAI steering committee members Katya Wachope, Claire Wilkes, Lyla Steenbergen and Diane McCann participated in an online video call hosted by Sviatohirsk Mayor Volodymyr Rybalkin and several Sviatohirsk residents The call was a continuing effort to build the growing friendship between the two sister cities.
Those on the call introduced themselves to one another. After warm greetings, a cultural exchange ensued. UAI translator Bogdan Shestopalov facilitated the conversation. Olena, Youth Center Department chair; Olya, Cultural Center Department chair; and Kyrillo, Media and IT assistant, explained the key elements of an Easter celebration in Ukraine, which include:
- Easter baskets, key contents and their meaning:
- Psyanka, elaborately decorated Easter eggs, representing new life, rebirth, joy of the Resurrection
- Paska, a special Easter bread — Joy of the Risen Christ
- Variety of smoked meats — Atonement for sins
- Salt — Purity and immortality
The Easter service at church lasts all night! At midnight, Easter Day begins with the priest proclaiming, “He is Risen.” At dawn, the Easter baskets are blessed.
Families return home to enjoy a festive dinner.
We then shared some highlights of Easter celebrations in Easton:
- Easter baskets — In preparation for Easter Sunday, adult family members prepare baskets filled with chocolate Easter bunnies and eggs. On Easter morning, children are delighted that the Easter bunny has delivered a basket especially for them to their homes.
- Church celebrations — Christ Church in Easton prepares weeks in advance for its Easter Sunday service, which includes:
- Special Easter liturgy
- Newly polished silver elements on the altar
- Hymns sung by the choir, rehearsed weeks in advance, especially for this service.
- Abundance of flowers decorating the altar, especially Easter lilies
- Easter egg hunt — Following the service, children dash outside to participate in an Easter egg hunt with each egg containing candy.
- Family dinner — Later in the day, families may serve lamb or ham, typically served with spring vegetables.
The hour-long call flew by. Mayor Rybalkin commented that the call needed to end so First Selectman Bindelglass would not miss his lunchtime.
A few closing remarks were shared:
- Coming together to talk “face-to-face” with one another was heartwarming
- Each country shares common Easter traditions
- Mutual commitment to organize more calls such as this and integrate them into schools
- Invitations from both town leaders to visit their respective towns
The call’s goal was achieved. The friendship between our sister-cities is definitely growing. A few days later, the call’s recap was featured in a newspaper in Donetsk, the region in Ukraine where Sviatohirsk is located.
Look for our next update, which will feature our interview with First Selectman Bindelglass. In the meantime, you can always make a donation to support Easton’s sister city today!
Slava Ukraini! (Glory to Ukraine!)
