Orthodox Easter celebrations in the Royal Chapel for Ukrainian refugees

Following a decision by HM The King, the Royal Chapel at the Royal Palace was made available to Ukrainian refugees so that they could celebrate Orthodox Easter.

Father Cyril Hovorun during the orthodox Easter service in the Royal Chapel at the Royal Palace.

Father Cyril Hovorun during the orthodox Easter service in the Royal Chapel at the Royal Palace. Photo: Vladimir Pavelko

More than 400 Ukrainians attended the service, which opened with Princess Sofia and Paster Michael Bjerkhagen welcoming them. Ukrainian Orthodox priest Cyril Hovorun then led the service, which was sung in Church Slavonic.

Michael Bjerkhagen concluded by reading from psalter 31, a bible text that has been read daily in Ukraine and in churches around the world since the outbreak of the war. The congregation then sang the peace prayer Tebje Pajom ('Give us peace') together.

After the service, the attendees were offered Ukrainian paska Easter bread and the children were given Easter eggs.

The Red Cross also attended to offer counselling.

The Royal Chapel

The Royal Chapel at the Royal Palace during the service. Photo: Vladimir Pavelko

Ukraine's ambassador Andrii Plakhotniuk during the Easter service. Photo: Vladimir Pavelko

Princess Sofia welcomes the attendees to the Royal Chapel.

Princess Sofia welcomed the attendees to the Royal Chapel. Photo: Photo: Vladimir Pavelko

Pastor of the Royal Court Parish Michael Bjerkhagen read from the psalter. Photo: Jonas Borg/The Royal Court of Sweden

After the service, the children were given Easter eggs. Photo: Vladimir Pavelko

Photo: Jonas Borg/The Royal Court of Sweden

Ukrainian paska Easter bread.

Ukrainian paska Easter bread. Photo: Vladimir Pavelko

Staff from the Red Cross.

The Red Cross attended to offer counselling. Photo: Jonas Borg/The Royal Court of Sweden

The reading during the service.

The reading during the service. Photo: Vladimir Pavelko

To top