On Sunday, May 1, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas celebrated a wonderful and beautiful event - the First Solemn Holy Communion of our parochial children and schoolchildren. The ceremonies began on Saturday morning, when the children, their parents, the godparents and relatives gathered at the Cathedral. They came to take part in the Sacrament of Confession, in which they reconciled their hearts with the Heavenly Father and prepared themselves for the reception of the Eucharistic Jesus. On Sunday, the children entered the Church in a solemn procession. The church was filled with
members of the parish community, relatives and guests. At the entrance, they met the Rector, Very Reverend Serhiy Kovalchuk, who lit their candles, as a symbol of Christ, who brightens every person’s life, who believes in Him, as Lord and God. The readings of the epistle were done by the children themselves in Ukrainian, English. At the reading of the Gospel, the children lit their candles, acknowledging their witnessing the presence of Jesus in the Word of God. Before receiving the Eucharist, each child placed a white rose in front of the Icon of the Mother of God of Pochaiv, thanking our Heavenly Mother for Her Son, whom she accepted in her humility and love into her bosom and brought into the world, the Savior of mankind. At the end of the Divine Liturgy the children received the memorials of the First Confession and First Solemn Holy Communion, as well prayer books and memorable icons. We wish to thank all who contributed to the organization of this event, especially Mrs. Phillis Zaparaniuk, their religion teacher at St. Nicholas School, who prepared the children for this event, as well as Mrs. Deana Kozak, Mrs. Lilia Petrovich, who helped in the preparation for some of the children. We would also like to thank Mrs. Marta Fuoco and Mrs. Lidia Matwyshyn for their assistance. May God bless all the children, their parents, the godparents, the families and benefactors!
Photo credit: Marta Fuoco