Ukrainian tradition has lead way to some of the most beautiful Easter eggs in the world! So as Easter approaches, I wanted to introduce my littles to these beautiful art pieces, as well as the Ukrainian culture as a whole. Through the month of April we will be learning about and praying for the country of Ukraine.. Below, you will find books and resources for learning about and praying for Ukraine with your littles both during Easter and year-round.
Books
Easter Eggs for Anya: A Ukrainian Celebration of New Life in Christ by Virginia Kroll
With Papa away at war, and Mama struggling to make ends meet, Anya’s family is too poor to buy Easter eggs this year. However, when Anya stumbles upon a nest of abandoned goose eggs, she starts planning a surprise. Little does she know, God has another surprise in store, teaching Anya the true meaning of Easter: New Life in Christ!
The Birds’ Gift: A Ukrainian Easter Story by Eric Kimmel
Villagers take in a flock of golden birds nearly frozen by an early snow and are rewarded with beautifully decorated eggs the next spring.
My Ukrainian American Story by Adrianna Bamber
Join Oksana as she shares her Ukrainian American experience. This beautiful book is filled with colorful illustrations of customs, dance, food, craft, music and holiday traditions passed down from generations of Ukrainians.
Food
We are fortunate enough to have a fantastic Eastern European Market right here in the Twin Cities. Visting the Minsk Market is a fantastic way to support small business, as well as introduce littles to Ukrainian treats.
Another great option is to try a recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen. Her syrniki and borscht recipes are definitely on my list.
Easy Pysanky
Ukrainian Easter Eggs (Pysanky) are known world-round. Give your littles a glimpse of what it takes to make these beautiful designs by trying this ‘Simple Pysanky Craft’ from The Educator’s Spin On It.
Music
YouTube can be a fantastic way to introduce littles to traditional Ukrainian dance and music:
- Ukrainian Folk Song
- Traditional Ukrainian Children’s Dance
- Learn a traditional Ukrainian Hopak dance
Language Exposure
I found a fantastic playlist on Spotify filled with bilingual Ukrainian/English songs:
Ukrainian Kids Music on Spotify
Prayer
While praying for different countries, I love turning on some worship music from the country we’re praying for to help our hearts and minds focus. I found this beautiful Ukrainian Christian Music playlist on Spotify that we have really enjoyed, and I hope your family will as well.
This month we are using Prayer Cast as a guide for praying for Ukraine. Pray with us:
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Ukraine is apart of the former Soviet Union. Pray for peace and reconciliation to prevail above war and conflict.
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Pray for followers of Jesus to arise as messengers of His hope to the hopeless and the oppressed.
- Pray for repentance, forgiveness, and unity in the Church, across denominations and traditions.
- Pray for repentance, forgiveness, and unity in the Church, across denominations and traditions.
