Ukraine gifts the Pope with Easter breads and lamb cakes
Easter cakes with paschal lambs. Photo: Facebook
On April 2, 2026, representatives of Ukraine’s embassy to the Holy See delivered Easter kulichi from Lviv to the Vatican. Ambassador Andrii Yurash and his wife, Diana, congratulated Pope Leo XIV and members of the Holy See staff on the approaching Feast of the Lord’s Resurrection. In 2026, the Catholic world celebrates Easter on April 5.
Diana Yurash, the ambassador’s wife, described the gift as a presentation of Ukraine’s spiritual culture and tradition. The gesture became one of the first Easter greetings offered to Pope Leo XIV after his election to the papal throne in May 2025.
The festive breads were made by artisans according to a classic recipe with candied fruit and vanilla. The kulichi were decorated with baked figures of birds and doves. The diplomats also added Easter lamb figurines to the праздничная basket, describing them as traditional in Western Ukraine. Diana Yurash explained that these symbols of innocence and purity signify the triumph of life over death.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Pope had congratulated the new Archbishopess of England on taking office.
Read also
UOC priest’s home damaged in drone strike on Poltava
The home of Archpriest Kostiantyn Fisun, rector of St. Seraphim Church in Poltava, was damaged in a drone attack.
Kyiv Theological Schools begin enrollment for catechetical courses
The Kyiv Theological Academy has announced enrollment for the St. Peter Mohyla Catechetical Courses for laypeople.
Greek hierarch criticizes new school textbooks containing LGBT propaganda
Metropolitan Seraphim called on parents to monitor school lessons in order to protect their children.
Site blessed for new church construction in Oleksandriia Eparchy
On the feast day of St. Seraphim of Sarov, Metropolitan Boholep laid a foundation capsule for a new church.
World Council of Churches condemns confiscation of Evangelical church in Iran
Secretary General Jerry Pillay demanded the return of the St. Peter's Church compound to believers.
Poland repeals law recognizing same-sex unions concluded in EU
The court ruled that the registration of foreign same-sex unions contradicts the article of the Constitution defining marriage as a union of a man and a woman.