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In the Ukrainian Catholic Church, the sacraments of First Confession and First Communion are significant milestones in a child’s spiritual journey. These sacraments are typically received from the age of 6 or 7 and older, when children are considered to have reached the age of reason and are capable of understanding the significance of these sacraments. First Confession is the preparation for receiving the Holy Eucharist. This sacrament allows them to reflect on their actions, seek reconciliation, and understand the importance of living a life in accordance with Christian values. First Communion follows the First Confession, where children receive the Holy Eucharist for the first time with full awareness.  It is a profound moment when children are fully initiated into the life of the Church and the community of believers with a new level of personal understanding. In our Church, infants are also given the Holy Eucharist during the sacrament of Baptism, as it is a long-standing practice in the Eastern Christian tradition. According to the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches (CCEC), canon 710 §1, “Parents are to see that infants are baptized as soon as possible after birth; they are also to see that they are nourished with the divine food of the Eucharist.” Therefore, children in our Church receive Holy Communion from infancy until the age of moral responsibility. We refer to this moment around age 7 as their “First Communion” not because it is their first time receiving the Eucharist, but because it is the first time they receive it with full awareness and personal responsibility. From this point forward, having reached the use of reason, they are also responsible for preparing themselves through the sacrament of Confession, since they can now discern right from wrong and understand the need for repentance.

On Thomas Sunday, our Parish of St. John the Baptist came together for a truly joyful and blessed celebration. After the Festive Easter Liturgy and a Panakhyda offered for the repose of the Holy Father, our community gathered in the parish dining hall to continue the celebration with a shared Easter meal. A highlight of the event was the blessing and sharing of the traditional Artos  bread — a beautiful symbol of the Risen Christ present among us. We sincerely thank everyone who joined us for this special day. Your presence, your smiles, and your prayers made the celebration truly memorable and filled our hearts with Easter joy. May the Risen Lord continue to bless our parish family with peace, love, and unity!

Father Stepan Ivanchyk and Solomiia invite all parishioners of St. John’s and St. Demetrius to the Baptism of their son Franko, this Tuesday, April 29th, at 11:00 AM. Due to the live broadcast of the Sacrament to Ukraine, the Baptism will be held in Ukrainian. Festive Lunch will follow the Baptism in the Dining Hall. Everyone who is able to participate is warmly welcome! On Sunday, May 4, at St. John’s, we will joyfully celebrate First Confession/First Holy Communion for four children, followed by a meal after the Liturgy. If you’d like, bring a side dish to share with everyone.  On Sunday, May 4th, the liturgy will be held at 8:00 AM at St. Demetrius Church, and at 10:30 AM at St. John’s. On Sunday, May 11th, the liturgy will be held at 8:00 AM at St. John’s, and at 10:00 AM at St. Demetrius Church.  A Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis will be offered for the Dickinson Deanery on Saturday, May 3, at 8:00 a.m. at Queen of Peace Church. Father Stepan Ivanchyk will be concelebrating this Mass together with the priests of the deanery. All parishioners are invited to attend and join in prayer for the repose of Pope Francis’ soul.

On Thomas Sunday, April 27th, following the 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy, we will join together with St. Demetrius Parish for a Blessed Easter Dinner, which will be held in our Parish Dining Hall. All are warmly invited to share in this joyful meal. On Sunday, May 4th, at St. John’s we will joyfully celebrate First Confession and First Holy Communion for four children with a meal following liturgy. If you would like, bring a side to share with all. Also please keep our children and their families in your prayers as they approach this important milestone in their spiritual journey. Attention Students in 7th-12th Grade: McKenzie County Right to Life invites you to enter its sixth annual speech contest, to be held on May 17th in Watford City. Cash prizes and trophies are awarded to those who place first through eighth place, with the top prize for first place of $1,500, second place $1,000 and third place $750, fourth place $500, fifth place $250, sixth place $150, seventh place $100 and eighth place $50. Contestants must write and deliver a 5-7 minute original persuasive pro-life speech. Complete details and registration can be found at McKenzieCRTL.org/speech-contest .

Christ is Risen! Христос воскрес! On Easter Sunday 2025, following the Divine Liturgy, our parish family gathered outside the church for the traditional blessing of Easter baskets  — a beloved ritual deeply rooted in Ukrainian faith and culture. The baskets, beautifully prepared and filled with symbolic foods such as paska  (Easter bread), eggs, meats, cheese, and more, reflect the joy of the Resurrection and our gratitude for God’s many blessings. This tradition unites generations and serves as a visible expression of our hope, renewal, and faith in the Risen Christ. Thank you to everyone who joined in this joyful celebration! 📸 See the photos below from this blessed event.

We warmly invite all parishioners and guests to a festive Easter Dinner  following the 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy on Thomas Sunday, April 27 , at St. John’s Parish Dining Hall . Let us come together as one parish family to share in the joy of the Resurrection, enjoy delicious food, and celebrate the blessings of Easter in fellowship and love. Christ is Risen! Христос воскрес!

On Good Friday , our parish gathered for a deeply moving and solemn tradition — the Exposition of the Holy Shroud , commemorating the burial of our Lord Jesus Christ. This year’s service was especially meaningful, as we had the blessing of using our newly purchased Holy Shroud (Plashchanitsa)  for the very first time. Lovingly crafted and rich with symbolism, this sacred cloth now holds a special place in our parish’s spiritual life and will continue to serve as a powerful focus for reflection during future Holy Week celebrations. The atmosphere was reverent and prayerful as we venerated the image of Christ in the tomb, entering more fully into the mystery of His Passion, Death, and Resurrection. Moments like these remind us of the depth of God’s love and the sacred beauty of our liturgical heritage. We thank all who joined us and helped make this service a meaningful experience of faith and devotion. Christ is Risen! Христос Воскрес! 📸 Scroll down to view photos from the Exposition.

Join us this Friday, April 11th, at 5:00 PM for a special Children’s Way of the Cross at our parish. This event is designed especially for children to help them understand and participate in this meaningful Lenten tradition. All families are warmly invited to join us as we journey through the Stations of the Cross together. Come and be a part of this special time of reflection and prayer!

Ukrainian Pysanka Workshop – April 12 at 11:00 AM at St. John’s Church Hall We are excited to invite you to a special Pysanka Workshop on Saturday, April 12, at 11:00 AM at St. John’s Church Hall! This event is open to all, and whether you’re an experienced artist or just curious about Ukrainian traditions, we welcome you to join us for a fun and informative session. What is a Pysanka? A pysanka is a traditional Ukrainian Easter egg, intricately decorated using wax-resist techniques. The word “pysanka” comes from the Ukrainian verb “pysaty,” meaning “to write.” Each egg is hand-painted with elaborate patterns and symbols that have deep cultural and spiritual meaning. The colors and designs are not only beautiful but also carry significance. For example, red symbolizes life and resurrection, while gold represents eternity and the divine. The tradition of making pysanky dates back thousands of years, and it is deeply embedded in Ukrainian culture, especially in the lead-up to Easter. Pysanky were traditionally made to bring good fortune and protect against evil, and their intricate designs often tell stories of nature, family, and faith. Why is Pysanka Important? The art of making pysanky is not just about decorating eggs—it is about preserving a piece of Ukrainian heritage. It connects us to our ancestors, to the cycles of nature, and to the rhythm of the seasons. Today, pysanky remain an important symbol of Ukrainian identity, especially in Ukrainian communities around the world. At the workshop, you will have the opportunity to learn the fascinating techniques behind this beautiful art form. Our instructor will guide you step-by-step in creating your very own pysanka. Whether you’re looking to make a meaningful gift for someone special or simply want to explore a new cultural tradition, this workshop is a great way to dive into the beauty of Ukrainian culture. Join Us! The workshop is open to all ages and skill levels. All materials will be provided, and we will ensure that everyone leaves with a decorated pysanka to take home. Come and immerse yourself in the rich history and artistry of Ukrainian Easter traditions. Don’t miss this chance to create something truly unique while learning more about Ukrainian culture! We look forward to seeing you there on Saturday, April 12, at 11:00 AM at St. John’s Church Hall. Let’s celebrate the beauty of Ukrainian heritage together!

We sincerely thank everyone who dedicated their time and effort to General Parish Cleaning, which occurred yesterday, Saturday, April 5th, after 8 AM Liturgy. Your commitment to maintaining our church space creates a welcoming and comfortable space for prayer. Youth Group Meeting and Mafia Game at St. Demetrius Parish today, April 6th, at noon.  This week at our church, we have two important events , and we encourage everyone to participate. The first is the Station of the Cross for Children  on Friday, April 11th,  at 5:00 PM. The second is an Pysanky Workshop  on Saturday, April 12th, at 11:00 AM. We look forward to seeing you there! Next Sunday will be the final catechism class  of the 2024/2025 season.  On May 4th , we will celebrate First Confession / First Holy Communion  with the group of four children who have been preparing throughout the year. This Sunday, we are holding a special collection in support of the “Ticket of Hope”  campaign, following the invitation of Bishop Venedykt. This initiative aims to help Ukrainian catholic youth travel to Rome during the Jubilee Year. Thank you for your generosity and for making a difference in the lives of young people seeking hope and healing.

Photo by Emily Klym Palm Sunday, for Ukrainians, Pussy Willow Sunday or Verbna Nedila. Palm trees don’t grow in Ukraine so in the Ukrainian Christian tradition, it was replaced by a willow, a plant, which blooms in early spring and symbolizes the beginning of a new life. It is likely that origins of this custom are ancient, and probably precede the acceptance of Christianity in Ukraine. On this day pussy-willow branches are blessed in church. After Palm Sunday services, it was customary for Ukrainians to tap each other with the blessed pussy willow branches. In pagan times, it is said that this tapping transferred living energy from the willow plant (which was a goddess totem) to the person being tapped. Children, particularly, would be tapped, so they would grow big, strong and healthy. Tapping of friends with the pussy willow branches was actually a wish for good health, wealth and happiness. The people tap one another with these branches repeating the wish below. The blessed willow branches were then taken home. Some of the blessed pussy willow branches were placed above the holy pictures in the home, to protect the household from evil spirits. These branches would replace the branches that had been placed the previous year. The branches which were taken down were carefully burned; a few would be used to light the stove to bake this year’s pasky. Some of the branches were planted by the father or oldest son. If they took root, it meant a marriage for the daughter of son of the family. Often they would be planted near the family’s well, to keep evils spirits away from it, and to make the water healthy and good tasting. Blessed branches were used to drive the cattle to pasture for the first time on St. George’s Day, and then the father or eldest son would lightly tap the cattle with them to ensure good health and fecundity. Branches would be used to ward off storms, and thrown into fires to help put them out. A branch or two would be placed in the coffin with the deceased, to protect them from demons. So Dear friends I virtually hit you with Pussy Willows and say: "It is not I tapping It is the willow. Easter is in a week! Be as tall as the willow, as healthy as the water and as rich as the Earth." "Не я б’ю, Верба б’є, За тиждень Великдень Будь великий, як верба, А здоровий, як вода, А багатий, як земля!" Source https://ucymb.wordpress.com/palm-sunday/

This Friday evening, April 11, the sacred silence of Lent was filled with youthful voices and heartfelt prayer, as children and youth from St. John’s  and St. Demetrius came together to lead the Stations of the Cross  in a moving and prayerful gathering. With reverence and sincerity, our young parishioners read specially adapted meditations at each station — reflections thoughtfully crafted to resonate with younger hearts and minds. As they journeyed with Christ through His Passion, their voices echoed not only the solemnity of the moment but also a deep desire to walk in His footsteps with faith and love. Parents, grandparents, and parishioners joined in silent reflection, united in prayer as a community. It was a beautiful witness to the power of shared faith across generations and a reminder of the spiritual maturity that lives even in our youngest believers. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the children and youth who participated, and to the families who came in support. Your presence transformed this evening into something truly special — a moment of faith passed on , hope lived , and love shared . Let us continue to journey through this Lenten season with open hearts, guided by the example of our youth and the enduring message of the Cross.