Milwaukee Ukrainian church hosts bittersweet Easter service as war in Ukraine continues

MILWAUKEE — As dozens of Ukrainians attended St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Milwaukee to have fun the Easter vacation, their hearts have been heavy.

“Earlier Easters it was all happiness, all nice and pleasure, and it is all like an enormous celebration,” stated church member, ​Andriy Ovod

However this years’ Easter celebration is far completely different than the years earlier than as members keep in mind and consider their family members abroad in Ukraine.

“It was a bit emotional in the present day for me and I do know for lots of different people who find themselves praying and desirous about household who’re at risk proper now,” stated the parish council vp for St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church,Joseph Spolowicz.

Andriy Ovod, a junior in highschool, says a few of his household together with his 70-year-old grandparents are at the moment residing in Ukraine. Doing all they’ll to remain alive because the struggle persists.

“It is all the time a thought that I get up with within the morning and the thought I’m going to mattress with is how they’re doing,” stated Ovod.

Which is why he says he is leaning on the message of Easter now greater than ever.

“Jesus defeated loss of life and we’re defeating evil over there. The primary thought proper now’s to maintain the religion as a result of that is the strongest weapon we have now,” stated Ovod.

And that religion is what’s protecting these church members’ hopes alive throughout such a darkish time.

“We simply must consider in our religion that Ukraine will prevail, will survive, and can get by way of this. We have to work on ensuring that Ukraine survives,” stated Spolowicz.

If you would like to donate to the church as they proceed their efforts to supply humanitarian assist and medical provides to Ukraine, click on right here.

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