Voice of America featured St. Nicholas church in Passaic

April 10, 2021

The past year has been challenging for the whole Church. The lack of physical presence at liturgies and various restrictions have been a trial for both the faithful and clergy. However, priests hope that as the US quarantine restrictions are eased, people will return to churches, and parishes will fully resume their activities.

Ukrainian churches in the United States began to return to the pre-quarantine system. Father Andriy Dudkevych, the pastor of St. Nicholas church in Passaic, New Jersey, told the Voice of America about the process of the recovery of parish’s life in nowadays realities and about celebrating Easter.

“With God’s blessing, we return to our everyday spiritual parish life. This year we will celebrate Easter as usual. We will also bless Easter meals here in our church hall,” he said.

The pastor noted that people follow the quarantine rules and wear masks and also make sure that children are also in masks.

The St. Nicholas parish also has a Catholic school. Just before Easter, this school began to function fully, gathering students in classrooms. Father Andriy Dudkevych considers this a special blessing, especially after the uncertain and challenging year of 2020.

Father Andriy shared another important and joyful piece of news, which gives hope for a quick return to the usual life for the St. Nicholas parish – many parishioners have already been vaccinated against the coronavirus: “A big number of our parishioners have already received the vaccine. Especially elderly people who want to go back to the normal life and not to worry, not to be afraid for themselves and their loved ones”.

The pastor is convinced that the people’s care and prayer will help overcome the pandemic that has paralyzed their spiritual life for a whole year.

Kylyna Kurochka

Based on the Voice of America story