The Ukrainian community in Argentina held the ancient Easter Shared Blessing tradition. The event was organized by the Women’s Association “Prosvita” under the leadership of Mrs. Natalia Hutsaliuk and the Board of Directors of the Ukrainian Cultural Society “PROSVITA” in the Argentine Republic, headed by Jorge Danylyshyn, the UWC Vice President for South and Central America. The Ukrainian Youth Association also participated, represented by its chairperson, Mariana Lesyk.
“Honored guests included the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Argentine Republic Yurii Klymenko with his wife Zoya, Bishop Daniel Kozelinski – Eparchy of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in the Argentine Republic, together with the parish priest of the cathedral church of the Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Father Nazariy Kashchak, the rector of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church, Father Vadym Drobnitsa, and Mrs. Tetiana Matka, as well as the president of the Argentine Federation of Groups Dr. Gaston Juan. Ukrainian Plast was represented by its head, engineer Maria Eugenia Wasylyk, and Larisa Sasyk,” the organizers said.
The community gathered on April 28 at the central building of the Ukrainian Cultural Society “PROSVITA” in Buenos Aires. The event began with treating the honored guests with bread and salt, followed by prayer and a moment of silence for those who fell during the Russian invasion.
“After that, the food was blessed, and lunch began. During the lunch, the bandura ensemble named after Taras Shevchenko and students of the Ukrainian school performed Ukrainian folk ritual songs called ‘hayivky.’ At the end, a new Conference/Multimedia Room-project, implemented with the support of the UWC’s Community Development Fund, was blessed. On the occasion of this significant step, the honored guests left their greetings and wishes in the golden book of our society,” the organizers wrote.
The Shared Blessing tradition is an important part of preserving the identity and cultural heritage of the global Ukrainian community – a way for the community to unite and maintain a connection with Ukraine.
Photos: Asociación Ucrania de Cultura PROSVITA on Facebook
