How Easter Baskets are Blessed by the Believers of the Moscow and Ukrainian Churches. Video of the Lines in Rivne.

The city of Rivne held a blessing of festive baskets on Easter. Hundreds of people participated in the ceremony, bringing baskets to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), as well as a small group of believers from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC MP). The cathedral became a place where festive events of both congregations are held.

The priest of the OCU during the blessing of the festive baskets wished for victory over the 'Moscow Horde,' which underscores the position of this church in wartime. At the same Time, in the part where the UOC MP was celebrating, Church Slavonic chants were heard, creating a 'traditional atmosphere' characteristic of the Moscow Patriarchate.

The blessing of Easter cakes in Rivne went peacefully, without conflicts. Priests of the OCU and UOC MP conducted festive events in different parts of the church. People were asking who was conducting the ceremony in each part so as not to get confused.

Peaceful Coexistence in Different Confessions

Ukrainians celebrate Easter traditionally, bringing festive baskets to the church. The baskets are decorated with towels and candles, and also contain Easter cake, eggs, meat, bacon, horseradish, and salt. Residents of Kyiv headed to the temples with baskets together with family and friends.

Analysis: The blessing of festive baskets in Rivne went peacefully and without conflicts between the supporters of the OCU and UOC MP. The communities of both confessions held festive events in separate parts of the cathedral, creating their own atmosphere.