Orthodox Christmas is a ‘bittersweet’ season for Ukrainians in Manitoba – Winnipeg | 24CA News
It’s an essential time of 12 months for a lot of Ukrainians, however Christmas — historically celebrated Jan. 7 in response to the Julian calendar utilized by the Eastern Orthodox Church — brings a mixture of pleasure and unhappiness as soon as once more, because of the ongoing battle with Russia.
Anastasia Yereniuk, a volunteer with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, who has been busy resettling Ukrainian households in Manitoba, known as it a “bittersweet” Christmas season.
“It’s so sweet because they’re safe, they’re in Manitoba, because it’s a holy day, because it’s an opportunity to really celebrate the importance of the nativity,” she mentioned.
“But it’s very bitter in the sense that the war continues to rage. So many of their friends and relatives and acquaintances have lost their lives — we’ve lost archives, the arts have been put at an absolute minimum.
“It’s a very, very difficult, bitter time for sure.”
Yereniuk mentioned the Manitoba group has gone above and past to help and supply for newcomers from Ukraine and welcome them to their new houses, however the combined feelings throughout what must be a joyful season are clear.
“At least they’re here, and they can observe their tradition in a safe manner. … But they’re always, always cognizant of the fact that their loved ones are being left behind.”
Julia Krykavska, a volunteer in Brandon, says there are about 70 households who’ve arrived within the western Manitoba metropolis from Ukraine, and there’s robust help from the group to assist them settle and benefit from the holidays within the security of their new houses.
“Right at this moment, a lot of people are gathering to have a Christmas supper, mainly to pray that this disaster be over as soon as possible,” Krykavaska mentioned.
“Christmas will not be the same as any other holiday this year for many Ukrainians across the world, as we’re all suffering from this invasion. Christmas is about family, it’s about sharing, giving … and sharing this joy of Christmas will not be the same this year because many families have lost their loved ones, have lost their homes … or have lost their lives as well.
“So Christmas will definitely be a sad holiday.”
Krykavaska mentioned the group in Brandon is doing no matter it may to assist discover housing, employment and extra, in addition to elevating funds by means of occasions, bake gross sales, markets, and another initiatives which may assist.
“It’s incredible — it’s such an important support right now.”
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