How servicemen and their families learn Easter songs (Hayivkas) during rehabilitation

A man with a shrapnel wound who was held in captivity in February 2022, a man with a severe traumatic brain injury causing limited movement of the right arm and difficulty speaking, a participant of the ATO (2015–2016) and hostilities (2022–2023) with a head contusion and war-related disability, a man with a bullet wound to the lower extremities, released from captivity with a shrapnel wound to the back, a person with a combined trauma — a spinal fracture, a fracture of the sternum, a head wound, a person with contusion as a result of being surrounded for 20 days, a civilian who was captured and suffered significant injuries, including a broken finger, broken ribs, stomach and kidney problems, a father with a group 3 disability and his son with an autism disability… This seems to be a potential list of the consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine. However, this is the reality that is happening around us. This is the reality of servicemen and their families who met each other at the Marian Spiritual Centre of Zarvanytsia as part of a rehabilitation and psychological and spiritual recovery program organised by the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.

The second round involves 14 families of servicemen, a total of about 50 participants. They are accompanied by professional psychologists and psychotherapists, as well as a confessor, Fr Vasyl Kinakh, and members of the VIKHA community of Christian animators. The project is coordinated by Albina Brilliantova, deputy director of the Patriarchal Pilgrimage Center.

This meeting of military families took place during the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ, which was preceded by the Holy Week, marked by memories and reflections on the suffering of the Son of God.

“Four days before the Resurrection, I began preparing for the Divine Liturgy, gradually explaining its parts. After getting to know them [the rehabilitation participants], I realised that most of them were baptised, although they did not attend church and worship very often. During the war, they met with military chaplains and talked to them. From them, they learned about the Son of God, about His suffering and crucifixion, about why God came into this world and gave His life in this way,” says Fr Vasyl Kinakh, the project’s clergyman.

Later, the participants of the rehabilitation course had the opportunity to take part in the Cross Procession. “Jesus walked ahead of us with the cross, and then we followed, reflecting on his suffering at each station,” the priest says.

Psychologists also joined the preparations for the bright Easter holiday. On Good Friday, together with family members of the servicemen, they made an Easter candle as a symbol of peace and light. A masterclass in Easter egg painting was also held. On Holy Saturday, everyone had the opportunity to try their hand at making Easter eggs, trying out different techniques and patterns for framing Easter eggs.

“On Sunday, we had a joint Divine Liturgy with the rehabilitation participants, during which we solemnly celebrated this bright holiday of the Resurrection of Christ. Together we sang ‘Christ is risen’ and blessed the Easter dishes. Father Igor Zasiybida, administrator of the Pilgrimage House in Zarvanytsia, prepared a large Easter basket with all the dishes. In addition, each family had a handmade candle, Easter egg and donated Easter bread. We joyfully blessed all this. Those who wished to do so also had the opportunity to visit a local pool,” Fr Vasyl continues.

In the evening, the participants of the rehabilitation course enjoyed an Easter celebration with singing and dancing Hayivkas, guitar songs, competitions, games for children and sharing around the campfire. “Many of the participants learnt for the first time what a Hayivka is and how to lead it. Many of them liked it. In the end, we had a festive meal, after which we prayed and thanked God,” said Father Vasyl Kinakh, the rehabilitation programme’s spiritual director.

This is the second training of the families of servicemen, wounded or released from captivity, who are seeking rehabilitation and restore their family relationships. And this program will continue. The first course took place in Maidan, near Zhovkva, from April 1 to 10 this year.