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
Conservatives, NDP should be 'celebrating' EV deals: industry minister
Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne says federal opposition parties should be 'celebrating' the recently announced electric vehicle deals, despite their criticisms the Liberals refuse to make public the terms and conditions laid out in the contracts.
$500K-worth of elvers seized at Toronto airport
Fishery and border service officers seized more than 100 kilograms of unauthorized elvers at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on Wednesday.
Banking mogul suing government after intelligence leaks leave him shut out of Canadian economy
Chinese Canadian banking mogul Shenglin Xian has launched a $300 million lawsuit against the federal government. It’s a means to find the source of intelligence leaks which Xian says has cost him his livelihood.
His SUV was stolen on Montreal's South Shore. Then he got a $156 parking ticket
A couple is frustrated after their SUV was stolen from Montreal's South Shore in March and they received a parking ticket for the same vehicle last week.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
Box tree moths have infested Ontario and experts say more are coming. Here's what to do to protect your garden
An invasive moth species is on the rise in Canada and, if you've planted a certain shrub, it could stand to ruin your garden.
Evacuation orders lifted in Fort McMurray Saturday as rain dampens wildfire activity
Residents of Fort of McMurray who were displaced over wildfire concerns were told to return home Saturday.
To plant or not to plant? Gardening tips for May long weekend
May long weekend is finally here, and with the extra time off you may be getting the itch to head out to your garden and plant. However, the old debate whether you should plant now, or wait, is still ever-present.
Sean 'Diddy' Combs abuse allegations: A timeline of key events
In the six months since singer Cassie filed a lawsuit against Sean Combs, a wave of similar cases and public allegations against one of the most influential music moguls of the past three decades have occurred.