Following the
Easter Sunday Resurrection Services and Divine Liturgy, Ukrainian families
would gather outside the church and exchange the joyful greeting "Khrystos
Voskres"! (Christ Is Risen!). That would be answered
with the equally cheerful "Voistynu Voskres"! (Indeed He Is Risen!). Hugs and kisses for long absent friends and family
would follow, as many would come great distances to be together on this
holiday. The family would then return home, where the traditional blessed
Easter foods basket would be brought out.
The father or head of the household would then begin the Easter breakfast
by taking one of the blessed hard boiled eggs and dividing it up among the
family members. As each member is given a piece of the egg, the father would
proclaim “Khrystos Voskres"! The
member would reply “Voistynu Voskres"! The passing out and consumption of the egg was
a very important start to the meal. The egg symbolized new life and the
Resurrection of Christ, and therefore, the basis of the entire celebration. In
eating it together, family unity was strengthened, as was the prospect for a healthy
and happy year ahead. Ringing of the Church Bells |