Celebrating Orthodox Christmas in Ottawa as war rages in Ukraine
As hundreds gather for Christmas service inside the Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral Assumption Of The Blessed Virgin, the ongoing war in Ukraine is top of mind for those living in Ottawa.
“It became difficult to celebrate in these circumstances,” said Ottawa resident Daryna Stavniha worried about her family still in the war-torn country. “My mom and my dad in Ukraine, my sister and her family is displaced. Most are struggling or they had to leave and take children to safety.”
Fighting continues in eastern Ukraine, in spite of the temporary ceasefire announced by Moscow for Orthodox Christmas. The pause is due to end Saturday night.
“Everyday we are just worried about the situation in Ukraine, checking how it is and how it feels,” said Inna Hapon, one of hundreds of thousands who fled the violence. Hapon arrived in the nation’s capital on Dec. 21. “My husband is still there, my parents. For now they couldn’t leave country,” she said.
While this is the first Christmas for Hapon without her family, she's finding solace within Ottawa’s Ukrainian community.
“We still feel like we’re in Ukraine, just in Ottawa,” she said.
This year, some are choosing to reject the holiday because of its ties to Russia. Celebrating Christmas instead on Dec. 25.
“I decided to switch it to December 25th to be together with the world and our friends who support Ukraine and its independence,” said Ottawa resident Nataliya Senyuk.
Those at the cathedral say they’re finding ways to enjoy the holiday traditions as the conflict rages.
“I just want all of us to keep strong stand with Ukraine,” said Stavniha.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.