How Easter holidays were celebrated in Lviv colonies

The celebration of Easter holidays in Lviv colonies is, by tradition, not carried out without the support of state authorities, churches of various religious denominations, and concerned citizens.

Thus, more than 5,000 Easter cakes, 1,600 eggs, meat products (about 135 kg), as well as butter, buns, chocolate, tea, and other items were donated to the prisoners in the colonies. Clergymen performed the blessing of the convicts’ Easter baskets.

Radio networks broadcast lectures on religious themes, and a video lecture series featuring the films “Golgotha” and “Resurrection” was organised.
During the Easter holidays, convicts in the Lviv colonies had the opportunity to compete in chess and table tennis tournaments.

The Head of the Department of the State Penitentiary Service of Ukraine in Lviv Region, Vasyl Ilnytskyi, commented on the Easter celebrations in the Lviv colonies as follows: “Celebrating Easter holidays in colonies is a normal thing that is carried out every year. We have a developed scheme according to which they (the celebrations) are conducted. I want to thank everyone who brought or donated food for the convicts; this year there was enough, and it was enough for everyone.
Many convicts who are in the Lviv colonies from other regions have often not even heard of such a holiday and do not know anything about Easter. Therefore, the colony staff do everything possible so that people who are unfamiliar with our traditions can learn everything about them.”