Pascha 2026 - Services & Basket Blessing
Pascha 2026 - The Resurrection of Our Lord
Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!
Христос Воскрес! Воістину Воскрес!
Pascha (Easter) is the greatest and most joyful celebration of the Orthodox Church year - the feast of feasts and the triumph of triumphs. This year, Pascha falls on Sunday, April 12, 2026. We warmly invite everyone to join us as we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Whether you are a lifelong parishioner or visiting us for the first time, you are welcome to share in the beauty and joy of this holy celebration.
Holy Week & Pascha Services
The road to Pascha leads through Holy Week - the most solemn and beautiful week of the Church year. Each service draws us deeper into the saving events of Christ’s Passion and Resurrection.
Palm Sunday - April 5
| Service | Time |
|---|---|
| Divine Liturgy | 10:00 AM |
We celebrate the Lord’s triumphant Entry into Jerusalem. Bring your pussy willows (verba) to be blessed - a beloved Ukrainian tradition.
Great Wednesday - April 8
| Service | Time |
|---|---|
| Holy Unction (Soboruvannia) | 6:00 PM |
The sacrament of Holy Unction for the healing of soul and body. All are welcome to receive this anointing.
Great Thursday - April 9
| Service | Time |
|---|---|
| Vespers with Divine Liturgy | 6:00 PM |
We remember the Last Supper and Christ’s institution of the Holy Eucharist. The Twelve Passion Gospels are read, recounting the suffering of our Lord.
Great Friday - April 10
| Service | Time |
|---|---|
| Royal Hours | 10:00 AM |
| Vespers with Burial Procession | 6:00 PM |
The most solemn day of the year. At the evening service, the Plashchanytsia (burial shroud of Christ) is carried in procession around the church. We stand at the foot of the Cross and mourn with the Mother of God.
Great Saturday - April 11
| Service | Time |
|---|---|
| Divine Liturgy | 10:00 AM |
A day of watchful waiting. The Liturgy readings foretell the Resurrection. The church begins to shift from mourning to anticipation.
Pascha - The Resurrection - April 11-12
| Service | Time |
|---|---|
| Paschal Vigil begins | 11:30 PM (Saturday night) |
| Paschal Procession | 11:30 PM |
| Paschal Matins & Divine Liturgy | Midnight |
| Blessing of Easter Baskets | After the Liturgy (approx. 2:00 AM) |
Please arrive by 11:15 PM on Saturday evening so we can begin together. We process around the church with candles and singing, and the doors open to the glorious proclamation: Christ is Risen!
The Paschal Matins and Divine Liturgy follow. The entire service is filled with light, joy, and the triumphant hymns of the Resurrection. There is no fasting on Pascha - this is a day of pure celebration!
Blessing of Easter Baskets (Sviachene)
One of the most beloved Ukrainian Orthodox traditions is the blessing of the Easter basket (освячення кошиків / Sviachene). After the Paschal Liturgy, parishioners bring beautifully prepared baskets of food to be blessed by the priest.
What to Include in Your Basket
The basket represents our offering of thanks and the breaking of the Great Lenten fast. Traditional items include:
- Paska (Паска) - the rich, sweet Easter bread, often decorated with a cross or braided dough. Paska is the centerpiece of every basket and symbolizes Christ, the Bread of Life.
- Kovbasa (Ковбаса) - smoked sausage or kielbasa, representing the abundance of God’s provision.
- Hard-boiled eggs / Krashanky (Крашанки) - dyed eggs, usually red, symbolizing the Resurrection and new life. Pysanky (decorated eggs) may also be placed in the basket.
- Horseradish / Khrin (Хрін) - a reminder of the bitterness of Christ’s suffering and the sharp flavor of life renewed.
- Butter (Масло) - often shaped into a lamb, representing the Lamb of God.
- Cheese / Syr (Сир) - symbolizing the moderation and self-control of the Christian life.
- Salt (Сіль) - recalling Christ’s words: “You are the salt of the earth.”
- Candle - placed in the center of the basket and lit during the blessing, symbolizing Christ as the Light of the World.
How to Prepare Your Basket
- Line a wicker basket with a beautiful embroidered cloth (rushnyk) or a clean white linen
- Arrange the food items neatly inside
- Place a candle in the center (a small taper or votive candle)
- Cover with another cloth or the edges of the rushnyk
- Bring it to church for the blessing after the Paschal Liturgy
The priest blesses the baskets with holy water and a prayer of thanksgiving. After the blessing, families traditionally go home to break the fast together, enjoying the blessed foods at a festive Paschal meal.
A Note for Newcomers
If this is your first time, do not worry about getting everything perfect. Even a simple basket with bread, eggs, and a candle is a beautiful offering. The most important thing is to be present for this joyful celebration. If you need a basket or supplies, please reach out to our parish community - we are happy to help.
Bright Week
The celebration of Pascha does not end on Sunday! The entire week following Pascha is called Bright Week - a week of continued rejoicing with no fasting.
Bright Monday - April 13
| Service | Time |
|---|---|
| Divine Liturgy | 10:00 AM |
Thomas Sunday - April 19
| Service | Time |
|---|---|
| Divine Liturgy | 10:00 AM |
The Sunday after Pascha, when we remember the Apostle Thomas and Christ’s words: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What time should I arrive for the Paschal service? Please arrive by 11:15 PM on Saturday, April 11. The procession begins at 11:30 PM.
Is the service in English or Ukrainian? Services are in both Ukrainian and English.
Can I bring children? Absolutely! Children are always welcome. The Paschal procession with candles is a magical experience for young ones.
Do I need to be Orthodox to attend? Everyone is welcome to attend Pascha services. Non-Orthodox guests may observe and participate in the procession. Holy Communion is reserved for baptized and chrismated Orthodox Christians.
What should I wear? Dress nicely but comfortably. Many people wear festive clothing - Ukrainian embroidered shirts (vyshyvanky) are especially welcome!
Is there parking? Yes, our parish has a parking lot. Please arrive early as it fills up on Pascha night.
Contact Us
For questions about Pascha services, basket blessing, or anything else, please contact:
Fr. Stephen Siniari, Parish Priest Phone: 727-503-5207 Email: fathersiniari@gmail.com
St. Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church 9201 60th St, Pinellas Park, FL 33782
We look forward to celebrating the joy of the Resurrection with you!