Easter Celebration Unites the Community in Busk
Today, April 27, an Easter event with the expressive title \”Christ is Risen – Ukraine Shall Rise\” took place in the courtyard of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in the city of Busk, supported by the city council.
Festive Program and Traditions
The event began with Easter bells, birds singing, and the gentle play of the sopilka, which created a special festive atmosphere. A highlight was the performance of the ‘Easter Magnification’ by the Exemplary Dance Ensemble ‘New Stars’ led by Mariyana Tsyupka. The final touch of the composition was the presentation of the Easter bread on an embroidered towel.
All participants ascended the church steps and magnificently sang ‘Christ is Risen,’ uniting attendees in shared prayer and joy. The program continued with storytelling about the tradition of Haivky and their performance. Attendees had the opportunity to see and hear ancient spring ritual songs and games performed by the vocal ensemble of the Bolokhyniv branch of the People’s House and the vocal group ‘Merezhyvo’ of the Busk People’s House. Dance compositions were prepared by students of the Exemplary Dance Ensemble ‘New Stars’ (led by Mariyana Tsyupka).
Haivky and Ritual Songs
In the churchyard, joyful haivky echoed: ‘Stand Up, Girls, in a Circle,’ ‘Come to Us, Young Men,’ ‘Podolianka,’ ‘Ogirochyky,’ ‘Oh, I’ll Go to the Pond,’ ‘Yellow Flower,’ ‘There Two Brothers Mowed the Grass,’ ‘Weaving the Wreath,’ ‘Crooked Dance.’ During the performances, children formed circles, sang, played with pysanky and floral arches, preserving and recreating ancient rites present in our community (Busk, Kupche, Volytsia, Bolokhyniv).
The Haivky became not just entertainment but a heartfelt expression of spiritual unity, a symbol of the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people, and love for their history. Particular attention was drawn to the collective amusement ‘Millstone,’ eagerly participated in by the event’s guests.
Finally, all participants sang ‘Christ is Risen’ once more, forming a solemn composition with the festive Easter towel and wreaths. Afterwards, members of the ‘New Stars’ ensemble treated guests and the church pastor Fr. Petro Salabay with Easter bread.
The Easter event in Busk once again confirmed: our traditions are alive, passed down from generation to generation, and are a guarantee of our resilience. We thank God and the Armed Forces of Ukraine for the opportunity to celebrate one of the greatest Christian holidays – the Resurrection of the Lord.