At the St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church Easter Bazaar in Oakville, Ontario, vibrant cultural traditions and a poignant sense of community resilience came together. Among the bustling attendees, Irene Chewchuk carefully wrapped one of her intricately decorated eggs, known as pysanky, a craft she learned six decades ago at Ukrainian school. This age-old art, originating from the word “pysaty” meaning “to write,” symbolizes rebirth and renewal and has been embraced by Ukrainians for Easter since pre-Christian times.
Chewchuk’s creations, ranging from quail to ostrich eggs, are a testament to her dedication. When an egg cracks, the fragments are transformed into jewelry by her daughter, reflecting a creative way to cope with loss. Each broken shard resonates with the current situation in Ukraine, where the ongoing conflict has become a persistent concern.
The Easter bazaar was a melting pot of Ukrainian newcomers, earlier immigrant waves, and Canadian-born individuals of Ukrainian descent. While the atmosphere was warm and nostalgic, with attendees sharing stories of past traditions, there was also an underlying anxiety due to the continued struggles in Ukraine. Clothing racks displayed traditional embroidered shirts, and vendors offered an array of cultural items, from beaded necklaces to wooden trident ornaments. The fragrant aroma of Ukrainian cuisine filled the air, as volunteers served dumplings, cabbage rolls, borscht, and doughnuts.
Since the war began, the church has been a sanctuary for Ukrainian refugees, providing essential support such as donation drives, meal vouchers, and guidance on accessing community resources. A psychologist from Ukraine has been assisting those coping with trauma and uncertainty, highlighting the emotional toll the conflict has taken on the community.
Father Michael Loza, the church pastor, noted the significant emotional and psychological impacts felt by parishioners who have lost relatives. He emphasized the importance of Canada’s role as a refuge and the need for continued support amid global tensions. As of 2023, nearly 300,000 Ukrainians arrived in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel program, many now facing uncertain futures regarding residency.
Amidst the bazaar’s activities, choir singers Ross Kudlyk and Iryna Olijnyk were fundraising for Ukrainian brigades on the frontlines, reflecting a grassroots effort to aid those in dire need. They underscored the importance of Canada’s active involvement on the international stage, particularly in light of the United States’ shifting stance under the Trump administration.
For many like Iryna Havryliv, the journey to Canada was fraught with challenges. Fleeing with her family from Lviv to Poland, and then to Canada, she now crafts and sells beeswax candles at the bazaar. Her daughter Anna, adjusting to a new life, expressed hope for a swift end to the conflict.
Laurisa Hrycyna, president of the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch, highlighted the need for preserving Ukrainian heritage amid persistent Russian propaganda efforts. The museum, founded in 1944, remains a vital institution in safeguarding cultural artifacts, especially during these turbulent times.
Liza Tkaczyszyn, a retired nurse, shared her experiences from a medical mission in Poland, where she treated Ukrainian civilians and soldiers affected by the war. Her volunteer work at the bazaar’s frozen food counter is part of her ongoing commitment to the community, where the scars of conflict are evident in the faces of those seeking solace and hope within the church’s walls.
