UWO Toronto Celebrates Easter Sviachenne

Genya Hunchak

On Sunday, April 15th, 2007, the Ukrainian Women’s Organization of Canada (OYK), Toronto Branch, celebrated Easter with the  annual traditional communal luncheon – Spil’ne Sviachenne – at the UNF Toronto Community Centre.  Our President, Stacey Suessmuth, warmly welcomed our members and guests with the traditional Easter greeting “Khrystos Voskres” followed by our response “Voistynu Voskres” and noted that the Ukrainian Women’s Organization of Canada was celebrating its 76th Anniversary. As our Mistress of Ceremonies, she asked Rev. Father Ostap Chorney to bless the Easter foods.  Everyone enjoyed partaking of the wonderful food prepared by our OYK ladies under the helm of Anne Fedun and served by the lovely young ladies from the Ukrainian National Youth Federation, Toronto Branch. During the luncheon program, we were treated to Easter recitations by students from the UNF Toronto - West Ukrainian School (Ridna Shkola), as well as, Easter and Hailky songs by the Boyan Choir under the direction of Natalia Furchylo.  One of the choir’s renditions was a Spring and Easter medly that was beautifully accompanied on the piano by Natalie Obal.  Someone at our table said “the choir sang like angels” and we could only all agree.  Stacey Suessmuth then asked for greetings from Michael Kalimin, the National President of UNF of Canada, Vera Sidorenko, the National Vice President of UWO of Canada, Olexander Michaletsky, the President of UNYF Toronto Branch, and UNF Toronto’s own President, Zenon Chwaluk.  Fr. Chorney was called upon to offer the closing prayer and conduct the final blessing.  Spilne Sviachenne ended and we all felt that it had been a truly enjoyable afternoon full of friendship and good company.