Riham Alkousaa, Michael Kahn, and Pawel Florkiewicz

WARSAW/PRAGUE/BERLIN – Ukrainians poured into churches throughout central Europe for Orthodox Easter Sunday. The bittersweet celebrations included thanksgiving for their freedom from a Russian invasion, as well as a wish to return home with loved ones.

In Warsaw, the Orthodox Cathedral Saint Mary Magdalene is where holiday services are busier. Children were seen carrying Easter baskets decorated with Ukrainian flags.

Anna Janushevich (35) fled Lviv and said, “This is the first Easter holiday I’m not spending in Ukraine…”

“When the war ends, I will travel back to Ukraine. It is my dream to be able return home so I can have Easter with my family and my daughter.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, more than 5,000,000 Ukrainians fled. The majority sought safety within the European Union by crossing borders in Poland, Slovakia and Hungary to seek refuge.

Many refugees chose to remain in Poland, where they could wait with family members and friends. The region had a large pre-war Ukrainian community that was approximately 1.5 million strong.

Bohdana, 27, snapped photos like many churchgoers to send to her family. This included her two brothers, who are still in Ukraine.

Dudka stated, “I wish the next Easter holiday is at home in Ukraine.” I would like to express my gratitude for the help given by Poles to Ukrainians. Here, people share their help and we came from nothing.”

Ukrainians observed Orthodox Easter Sunday. The war, which has claimed the lives of thousands and decimated millions of cities, was not ending.

Moscow describes the actions it took in Ukraine as “special military operations” meant to protect its neighbor. It denies that civilians were targeted and dismisses evidence from Ukraine that suggests atrocities.

Ukraine saw subdued Easter celebrations as President Volodymyr Zilenskiy, an Orthodox Easter message, promised that Ukraine wouldn’t be destroyed by wickedness.

A REMINDER ON HOME

Prague had a Ukrainian community of over 200,000 prewar. Nataliya Krskoia of Prague stated she attended services every Sunday at the Cathedral Church of Sts Cyril and Methodius ever since her arrival from Odesa in March 6.

She said, “I only travel to Ukraine for holidays. But in Prague, I try to visit the church every Sunday.” This was referring to Prague’s church where World War Two resistance fighters were hiding after Reinhard Heydrich was assassinated.

“I pray this terror in Ukraine is over soon so that we can go home.”

Ukrainian community leaders in Berlin said their congregation, which was approximately 500 people, would grow to more than 2,500 at the Nathanael Church celebrations. Refugees said they were reminded of home by the tradition and songs. After fleeing war, more than 360,000 Ukrainians are now registered in Germany.

Inside, people walked around the church singing songs and crossing their arms. Others lit candles silently while others sang along. A long line of children sat on the grass holding their Easter eggs baskets, while a priest sprinkled water over them.

Diana Shyndak (23), originally from Kyiv, said, “Everything is like Ukraine today with so many people. “It is nice to see so many people who can celebrate Easter.”

“It’s my first Easter celebration not in Ukraine. It’s sad and my heart hurts because so many people have died. We pray everyday for our people and our children.”