Calgary-based Ukrainians prepare for sombre Easter celebrations amid war
Many Calgary-based Ukrainians are preparing for their Easter this Sunday, April 24, which also marks two months of war in Ukraine.
“I think it's going be quite emotional for everyone, including myself,” said Father Patrick Yamniuk of St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Orthodox Sobor.
While Sunday should be a joyous celebration, this year, it will likely be somber.
“I'm sure for the refugees, they will be thinking about their families at home that aren't going to be able to come to church,” said Yamniuk. “There'll be those that have lost loved ones in Ukraine (and) they'll be thinking about their recent loss, the sorrow and will be grieving at the same time.”
Yamniuk says his congregation has been welcoming those seeking asylum into the community.
“The church is becoming the adopted family for these people,” he said. “This is a place where they can come to feel comfort, (and where) there are other people that speak their language.”
When the war began, St. Vladimir's created a Ukrainian humanitarian aid committee to help home refugees, provide support and give out basic supplies to those coming to Calgary.
“I’m an immigrant, so I remember myself coming to Canada and thinking, ‘What would I need first as essentials?” said Olga Matsula, who is on the committee. “On top of not having necessities, we also have some ability to give people hope, to give them comfort that they’re wanted and welcome in Canada.”
St. Vladimir's is expecting more refugees requiring their services this month and are continuing to collect donations. They are also asking local businesses, if they have any employment opportunities that would be suitable for newcomers, to contact them.
HELPING PETS IN NEED
Calgarians have not only stepped up to help Ukrainians, but they are helping their animals as well.
“I just didn’t want to sit here and feel helpless,” said Sue Ghebari, the owner of 17th Ave Thrift Store. “We really want to help some of the animals, and the people who own animals or who have animals that they had to leave behind.”
Parachutes for Pets, and 17th Ave Thrift Store, teamed up to collect donations. Melissa David, the founder of the charity, says there is a high demand for veterinary care supplies and pet food.
David has been in contact with four animal welfare organizations in Ukraine that are helping abandoned and injured animals, along with pets with owners seeking safety.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Lanny McDonald and a few old Flames take the Stanley Cup on a surprise visit to the man who saved his life
The Stanley Cup was passing through town Friday, and Lanny Legend took it upon himself to take it for a surprise visit.
Bathroom break nearly derails $22 million project at city council meeting
A brief break during Wednesday's city council meeting in Saskatoon nearly cost the city dearly.
Chad Daybell sentenced to death for killing wife and girlfriend’s two children in jury decision
Jurors resumed deliberations Saturday on whether a man should be sentenced to death after being convicted days earlier of the murders of his wife and his girlfriend’s two youngest children in Idaho.
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family
The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
Father who killed one-year-old son with axe may be allowed to travel in southwestern Ontario
A Mennonite father who killed his one-year-old son with an axe may be allowed to travel to parts of southern Ontario in the coming months
'It feels like freedom': Why some Albertans like going nude in nature
Few people can say they accidentally purchased a nude beach — but Shelley can. When she saw a piece of land she could fondly remember camping on was up for sale, she inquired about it and ended up purchasing it. She soon found that there were already inhabitants on it.
This Calgary home has a giant tree in the middle, and it's for sale
There's a luxury 'tree home' for sale in Calgary.
China lands spacecraft on the moon amid growing space rivalry with U.S.
A Chinese spacecraft landed on the far side of the moon Sunday to collect soil and rock samples that could provide insights into differences between the less-explored region and the better-known near side.
Pedestrian dies after being hit by train in Brockville, Ont.
Brockville Police says a pedestrian has died following a collision with a train that was heading to Toronto.