The clergy from around the eparchy shared some photos, reports and stories of how the parishes joyfully celebrated the Feast of the Resurrection of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ. By all reports, one thing is consistent and interesting, but especially hopeful – every parish and community saw an increase in the number of participants this year! Some of the people who augmented the numbers this year may very well be what some call “B.C.E.W.F. church-goers” (Baptism, Christmas/Easter, Wedding and Funeral), but there were also a good number of newcomers who intend to stay around and explore the “spiritual wealth” of Christ’s Church (CCEO 16ff). This is good news!
All parishes offered the glorious Easter Sunday liturgy filled with resounding, repeated singing of the proclamation that “Christ is risen from the dead! By His death he trampled death! And to those in the grave, He granted life!”
Depending on the territory that the priest has to cover, most parishes started with a sunrise Resurrection Matins service and a procession around the church. This moved into the Eucharistic Divine Liturgy with so many special “propers” combination that we wait all year for…. “Christ is Risen!”…. “All you, who have been baptized into Christ…!…“The Angel cried out…!”… and many soul-lifting Ukrainian Catholic Easter hymns! Then there was the Easter food blessing of baskets and then people getting together for that amazing Easter breakfast and some parishes even held and Easter festival (like Abbotsford) or hayivky dancing on the street.
As during Passion Week, Bishop Michael tried to visit as many parishes as possible in the Greater Vancouver area. Every parish was an experience of hope where larger and smaller communities gave glory to God in the best way they could…. and they did wonderfully! The Lord is surely well pleased with every parish and mission.
Resurrection Procession video at New Westminster [HERE]
Singing at the Abbotsford Easter Fest [HERE]
