“Every line we draw, every color we choose, every egg we hold in our hands becomes a prayer for peace, a song of hope, and a witness to the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” – His Eminence Archbishop Daniel

As the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA journeys through Great Lent and prepares to greet the radiant feast of Pascha, a profound and sacred tradition has once again found vibrant expression among the faithful. Seminarians from St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary, alongside staff members of the Consistory and their children, gathered for a spiritually enriching, hands-on experience in the art of creating pysanky - the traditional Ukrainian Easter eggs - under the careful guidance and instruction of the Ukrainian History and Education Center (UHEC).

Under the inspired leadership of Director Natalia Honcharenko and Program Coordinator Dobrodiyka Oksana Pasakas, the workshop became more than a cultural exercise; it transformed into a sacred encounter with the heart of Ukrainian Christian tradition. Each participant, young and old, was invited not only to learn the intricate techniques of wax-resist decoration, but also to discover the spiritual and theological meaning behind this ancient folk art.

Archbishop Daniel, spiritual father of the Western Eparchy and President of the Consistory of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, joined the class in prayerful joy. With his characteristic warmth and depth, he reminded all present: “To make a pysanka is to participate in the mystery of our people’s soul - a soul that knows suffering, yet always clings to hope. The egg is a symbol of the empty tomb. When we prepare these eggs, we prepare our hearts to welcome the Risen Christ.”

For centuries, the pysanka has held a special place in Ukrainian Christian life. More than a decorative object, it is a sacred symbol of life, rebirth, and resurrection. The traditional designs - spirals, stars, crosses, wheat sheaves, and fish - tell stories that reach across generations. The choice of color is equally meaningful: red for the sacrificial love of Christ, black for mourning and the mystery of the tomb, white for purity, green for new life, and yellow for the glory of the Resurrection.

For the seminarians of St. Sophia Seminary, this workshop was a living lesson in the integration of theology, tradition, and national identity. Future priests must not only proclaim the Gospel - they must embody and preserve the sacred expressions of their people’s faith. As one seminarian reflected, “We don’t just teach traditions. We live them, we pass them on, and we find Christ in them.”

The Consistory staff, many of whom serve in administrative roles, were also deeply touched by the experience. Participating alongside their children emphasized the family-centered nature of Ukrainian Orthodox spirituality. It is within the home - at the kitchen table, before a candle, with the scent of beeswax and the whisper of prayers - that faith is most often transmitted.

The Ukrainian History and Education Center, located on the grounds of the Metropolia in South Bound Brook, NJ, remains a cornerstone in preserving Ukrainian heritage and sacred tradition. As the only center of its kind in North America dedicated to hands-on educational experiences in Ukrainian history, culture, and spiritual expression, the UHEC continues to be a vital space for intergenerational learning. Its programming connects the past with the present and sows seeds for the future.

In this time of global suffering, as the Ukrainian people endure the genocidal war launched by the Russian Federation, the act of making a pysanka becomes a defiant affirmation of identity and faith. Each egg created in prayer becomes a quiet protest against violence and a humble plea for peace.

Archbishop Daniel emphasized this during the closing prayers: “Our children must know where they come from. They must know how to pray with their hands as well as with their lips. These eggs are sermons without words - proclaiming faith, proclaiming peace, proclaiming Christ.”

The Church offers its heartfelt gratitude to Natalia Honcharenko and Dobrodiyka Oksana Pasakas for their dedication to teaching and preserving this tradition. Their tireless efforts, grounded in love for Ukrainian heritage and Orthodox faith, allow countless faithful to experience the beauty and holiness of their culture.

As we walk toward the empty tomb, may each pysanka remind us that through faith, creativity, and tradition, the Light of Christ continues to shine in the darkness - and the darkness has not overcome it.