Today is Eastern Orthodox Easter, which is widely celebrated by Ukrainian residents. Churches in Hilversum have therefore organized an Easter Mass with a very special guest.
Eastern Orthodox Easter is one of the most important days of their faith. Eggs are decorated, Easter baskets are filled and a big cleaning is done at home. The Churches of Hilversum have joined forces to organize something for Ukrainians in the Gooi on this important day. “As a believer you still want to give something back, then you no longer think about all the different movements,” says Jan-Willem Meinsma van Kerken van Hilversum while handing out sunflowers.
The Roman Catholic Saint Vitus Church opens its doors to the Eastern Orthodox priest Mychailo Lesiv. The priest has come from Ukraine especially to offer the refugees some hope during this difficult time. “I miss my home and friends. Still, this is a nice way to celebrate,” says a Ukrainian churchgoer.
Easter basket
It is a tradition during this celebration to bless Easter baskets by a priest. “We have therefore given everyone a basket,” says Sonja Zeven of the Churches of Hilversum. The procession started at the reception center and went with basket and sunflower towards the Saint Vitus Church.
“Who knows, maybe we could do mass together,” says Pastor Jules Dresmé as the procession of Ukrainians walk from the reception center to the church. Jules is allowed to bless the Easter baskets together with priest Mychailo at the end of the mass. Mychailo says he is grateful that the church community is opening up to this important day. During his prayer, the thoughts are mainly focused on hope and peace.