As Ukrainians prepare to celebrate Easter on April 20, 2025, many are considering the timing of the traditional consecration of kulich, the festive Easter cake. This year, the question arises: is it permissible to consecrate kulich on Saturday evening? The team at Fakty ICTV has investigated the timing and locations for the Easter celebrations in 2025.
Traditionally, the rite of consecration occurs after the night service when the priest proclaims: "Christ is Risen!" The service begins on Saturday evening and typically lasts until dawn, which can be around 4 to 5 AM. However, due to the curfew in Ukraine, the night service cannot extend until morning. Consequently, churches will hold two services: one on Saturday evening and another on Easter Sunday morning.
Despite the curfew, it is now possible to consecrate kulich on Saturday evening. Church officials emphasize that it does not matter which day you choose to attend—whether Saturday or Easter Sunday—believers can select a time that suits them best. While previous practices allowed for consecration before dawn, the current restrictions mean that this will occur later, typically after the morning service, starting around 07:00 AM.
For those observing the fast, it is important to note that kulich can only be consumed after the onset of Easter, which means it should be enjoyed with family on Easter Sunday after the consecration.
For those looking to partake in the kulich consecration in Kyiv, the Svyato-Mykhailovsky Zlatoverkhy Monastery will hold ceremonies on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 16:00 to 23:00, and on Easter Sunday, April 20, from 06:00 to 15:00. The Patriarchal Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ (Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church) will also offer consecration on Saturday starting from 15:00 and on Easter Sunday at 08:30 and 11:00 after the Divine Liturgy.
In Lviv, the Archcathedral of St. George (Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church) will hold kulich consecration on Saturday from 12:00 every half hour until 21:30, and on April 20, after 07:00 following the liturgy. Meanwhile, the Svyato-Pokrovsky Cathedral (Orthodox Church of Ukraine) will offer consecration from 11:00 to 23:00 on Saturday, and on Sunday after 08:00. The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the PCU will begin consecration on April 19 from 14:00 and on April 20 after 06:00.
In Dnipro, the schedule for kulich consecration is set for Saturday, April 19, from 14:00 to 20:00, and on Easter Sunday from 05:00 to 16:00. In Zaporizhzhia, Bishop Foty has invited residents to join in prayer online.
As for the weather on Easter Sunday, forecasts predict sunny skies with high temperatures ranging from +19 to +24 degrees Celsius, a welcome change for those celebrating the holiday. The night before, temperatures will drop to between +7 and +12 degrees Celsius, prompting meteorologists to advise participants in the Easter service to dress warmly.
In Chernivtsi, the Cathedral Church of the Reverend Paraskeva will conduct kulich consecration on April 19 from 18:00 to 21:00, and on April 20 from 04:00 to 06:00 and again from 09:00 to 12:00. The Chernivtsi National University has announced that access to the church and university grounds will be available until 23:30, with believers allowed to leave after the curfew ends at 04:00.
This year marks the fourth consecutive Easter that Ukrainians will celebrate amid the ongoing war. Due to safety concerns, many are encouraged to avoid church gatherings and instead watch services online. The Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) will broadcast its service on its YouTube channel and Facebook page, while the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) will also offer its service online from the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ.
The TV channel "Public Culture" will air the solemn service of the OCU on April 19 at 23:00, followed by the UGCC service on April 20 at 07:00. Additionally, Ukrainians can tune in to Ukrainian Radio and Radio Culture for broadcasts of the services.
As the nation comes together to celebrate this significant holiday, the sense of community and faith remains strong, even in the face of adversity. The traditions surrounding Easter, including the consecration of kulich and the joy of family gatherings, continue to provide hope and renewal for many Ukrainians.
In conclusion, as Easter approaches, Ukrainians are reminded of the importance of both tradition and community, whether they gather in person or connect through digital means. The spirit of Easter will undoubtedly shine brightly, bringing warmth and joy to homes across the country.
