Edmundsbury Cathedral is inviting all Ukrainians in Suffolk to celebrate Orthodox Easter with them.
The church is hosting a special service with Ukrainian Easter songs, a candlelit vigil, a short guide to Ukrainian Easter traditions and a prayer for Ukraine on Saturday.
For millions of Christians around the world, Easter takes place on 16th April as they follow the Orthodox tradition.
Having hosted various Ukrainian events including Christmas celebrations and a candlelit vigil on the anniversary of the Russian invasion, the cathedral’s leadership wanted to give them the opportunity to worship following their tradition.
“The thing that I found so moving about the vigil and the celebrations we've done before, is the way in which we're able to allow, if that's the right word, Ukrainians to worship in their own language, in, in a church because, of course, they haven't got, those that are living here, “Rev Canon Philip Banks told Premier Christian News.
The service will feature Ukrainian Easter traditions, such as egg painting and the traditional robes. The Easter story will be translated into Ukrainian and English while the Ukrainian young people will be leading prayers in Ukrainian and English.
According to Rev Banks, the support from the local community has been overwhelming, with many English people coming to support the Ukrainians, demonstrating their solidarity with them.
The High Sheriff, local councillors, and the chair of the district will be attending the service.
The celebration will start at 5.00 pm on Saturday, 15th April following 3.30 pm Choral Evensong.