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.

On Easter Sunday, our celebration will include the traditional Resurrection Procession around the church, Resurrection Matins, the Festive Divine Liturgy, Anointing, and the Blessing of Easter Baskets. 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. This Sunday will mark the final catechism class of the 2024–2025 season. On Sunday, May 4th, at St. John’s we will joyfully celebrate First Confession and First Holy Communion for four children who have been preparing throughout the year. Please keep them and their families in your prayers as they approach this important milestone in their spiritual journey. During the Exposition of the Holy Shroud, there will be a bowl on the side for a collection to support Christians in the Holy Land affected by the conflict. This annual collection is initiated by the Prefect of the Congregation for Eastern Churches, Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti.

On April 12th, 2025 , the warm and welcoming atmosphere of St. John’s Dining Hall  was filled with the vibrant colors of tradition, creativity, and community spirit. A Pysanky Workshop  brought together nearly 30 participants  of all ages, including children and families, eager to take part in one of the most cherished expressions of Ukrainian culture. The event was co-organized by the North Dakota Ukrainian Dance Association , The Ukrainian Dancers Stepovi , and our parish community , working together to offer a hands-on experience of pysanky-making — the traditional Ukrainian art of decorating Easter eggs. More Than Just Art: The Meaning of Pysanky Pysanky are more than just beautiful eggs — they are a deeply symbolic form of folk art, passed down through generations. Each design and color carries meaning: red for love and joy, black for eternity, white for purity, and green for spring and new life. Traditionally created during Lent and blessed at Easter, pysanky are a symbol of hope, renewal, and faith. During the workshop, participants learned about the history and symbolism of pysanky , the tools used (such as the kistka  and beeswax), and the step-by-step process of layering colors with wax-resist techniques. For many attendees, it was their first time  trying this delicate art, and for others, it was a chance to reconnect with family traditions. A Joyful Community Gathering What made the event truly special was the spirit of togetherness . Children focused intently on their designs, parents and grandparents shared stories, and volunteers guided participants with patience and enthusiasm. The room was filled with laughter, curiosity, and the soft glow of candles used to melt the wax — creating a peaceful and meaningful atmosphere. We were reminded that Ukrainian traditions are not only beautiful, but also powerful in uniting people — across generations, cultures, and experiences. Thank You to Everyone Involved We extend our heartfelt thanks to the organizers , volunteers , and participants  who helped make this workshop a success. Your dedication, talent, and love for Ukrainian heritage made this event both meaningful and memorable. We hope that everyone who joined us left with more than just a decorated egg — but with a deeper appreciation for our cultural roots and the joy of sharing them with others. Stay tuned for more community events that celebrate Ukrainian culture and faith. Христос Воскрес! Christ is Risen!