The Blessing of the Easter Basket

Khrystos Voskres!"(Christ is Risen!),
"Voistyno Voskres!"(He is Truly Risen!)
The traditional greetings and replies spoken by Ukrainian Christians around the world 
during Easter.The celebration of Easter is welcomed with great enthusiasm not only for 
its spiritual enlightenment but also for its deep rooted cultural traditions. Since the introduction of Christianity to Ukraine by Prince Volodymyr in 988 AD, Ukrainians have become devout and faithful followers of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is why the church is at the core of being one of the founding corner stones in the building of Ukrainian communties.The lively, beautiful and colourful traditions of Ukraine, whether religious or cultural, have been passed down from generation to generation. Together, young and old are seen hand in hand experiencing these joyous times, sharing the wonderous gifts that were once celebrated by their forefathers. One of these cherished gifts is the Traditional Blessing of the Easter Basket.On the eve of Easter Sunday, baskets filled with brightly coloured Easter Eggs ("Pysanky") and the traditional Easter Bread ("Paska"), along with other foods, are brought into church for blessing by the priest. There is a deep religious and cultural signifigance in the Blessing of the Easter Basket. When Ukrainian Christians from around the globe arrive home after attending the celebration of Easter Mass, family and friends gather around the table with bowed heads in prayer to thank God for all of His Graces and praise the Lord in singing "Khrysos Voskres". At this point in time there is a sense of brotherly unity among all Ukrainian Christians, even though they may be far apart, they are celebrating the Ressurection of Christ and dinning on the prepared meal of blessed foods in unison.

HOLY FRIDAY - PROCESSION WITH THE HOLY SHROUD
ST MICHAEL'S UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
Friday, April 17, 2009 @ 5:00 p.m.
2388 Iberville Street,
Montreal, Quebec
Very Rev. Ihor Oshchipko (514) 521 - 2234

The Easter Basket
There is no set formula in preparing the "Easter Basket". The key words are "simplicity" and "immagination". Traditionally the baskets were filled with foods that were readily accessable and quite easy to prepare. The contents of the baskets included the following foods such as: the Easter Bread (Paska), hard boiled eggs, freshly grated horseradish, beet and horseradish relish (Khrin), salt, butter, cheeses of all sorts including cream cheese, ham, sussages ( kilbassa ) and a variety of cold cuts.All of these foods were placed into a basket lined with a beautifully hand embroidered cloth ( Vyshyvka ). Placed in the center of the basket was the Easter Bread ( Paska ) and ontop of the bread was a lighted candle. The rest of the foods were placed into the basket encirculing the Easter Bread topped off with brightly decorated Ukrainian Easter Eggs ( Pysanky ).The prepared baskets of food were then brought to church for blessing. On Easter Sunday after mass services the families would gather around their table ready to begin the celebration. They began with prayers thanking God and sing "Khrystos Voskres" (Christ is Risen). Then the eldest person or head of the household would devide one of the blessed eggs into several portions (one per person) and greet them with "Khrystos Voskres!" (Christ is Risen!) and they would reply "Voistyno Voskres!" ( He is Truly Risen!). The offering of the blessed egg sybolizes family and Christian unity with a wish for prosperity for the year.
 

Paska
3 pkgs. active dry yeast
1 tsp. salt
3/4 c. warm water 1lb.
(2c.) butter
3 c. milk,
scalded 12 eggs, beaten
2 c. sugar
5lbs. sifted flour
3 c. raisins ( or to flavour )
 

First you must prepare the yeast by softening it in warm water. While the yeast is softening prepare another bowl of scalded milk, to it add the sugar, salt and butter; cool to lukewarm.When the yeast is softened add the eggs, blend well. Slowly add the flour and raisins, mix thoroughly. Knead the dough until it no longer sticks to your hands, it should be soft and smooth ( this process takes about 1/2 hr.). Cover the dough with a towel and place it in a warm area. Let the dough rise (until it doubles in size), punch it down and let it rise again to double its size.When the dough is ready, turn it onto a well floured board. Devide the dough and knead. Place each section into a greased pan ( a large empty coffee can will do ). Fill the can half way. Let the dough rise until it doubles. Save some dough to prepare for decoration. You may braid the dough into a circle or make a braided cross. When both dough and braid have risen, secure the braided dough with toothpicks onto the dough. Glaze the top with beaten eggs and bake in the oven at 350 degrees for an hour.
 

Khrin
10 medium beets
2 c. vinegar
1/2 cup finely grated horseradish*
1/2 c. sugar*
2 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. mixed pickling spices*

the amounts of sugar and horseradish are added according to taste. For a hotter tasting Khrin add more horseradish.To prepare this delightful dish, you need to cut the stems off the beets and wash thoroughly in cold water. Cook the beets in boiling water until they are tender. Drain and submerge them in cold water. Let them cool off before attempting to peel off the skin. Grate the beets on a coarse grater and add the horseradish mix. In a seperate pot bring to boil the combination of salt, vinegar, sugar and spices. Strain over beet mixture and mix thoroughly. Fill sterilized jars with the khrin and place in a cool place. Let stand for at least 24 hrs. to let the flavours to settle in, and enjoy!