The priest shared recommendations for products for consecration on Easter and their use after the holiday

Easter 2026, which Orthodox Christians will celebrate on April 12, is a joyful holiday, rich in traditions of the Ukrainian people. One of the most significant traditions is the preparation of Easter baskets, which believers bring to church for consecration.

Priest Myroslav shared recommendations on which products must be consecrated, how to properly deal with the remains of festive food, and what to do for those who cannot visit church.

What dishes are subject to consecration?

The main element of the Easter basket is Easter cake – a symbol of the holiday, personifying the joy of the Resurrection. Along with it, bread, symbolizing life, is mandatory.

Meat products are also included in the basket: sausage, ham, or other delicacies that indicate the end of Lent. Eggs, which are usually painted in different colors, are also an important component, because they symbolize new life and rebirth.

According to Father Myroslav, it is also good to have dairy products such as cheese or butter in the basket. Many housewives prepare a sweet cheese Easter cake or use regular cheese.

We should not forget about horseradish, as it symbolizes health and family ties. Along with traditional dishes, it goes well with meat and eggs, and salt, with its deep symbolic meaning, always occupies an important place in our dishes.

The priest emphasized that there are no strict rules for filling the basket. The main thing is to follow traditions and consecrate what is truly meaningful to the family. It is better to save the surplus of consecrated food for good: to share with others or even feed pets.

Father Myroslav noted that in the village it is customary to dry the remains of Easter cake or feed it to birds, which is quite acceptable. Leftover sausage or meat can also be given to pets, while respecting the consecrated food and avoiding senseless throwing away.

What to do if you can’t consecrate food in the temple?

It is not always possible to visit a church, especially for the elderly or those with health problems. In such cases, you can ask your relatives or neighbors to take your basket to church. Father Myroslav also emphasized that you should try to visit the temple on this bright day. Easter is a time of community unity in joint prayer.

The priest recalled an example during the 2020 quarantine, when some people left their baskets near the temple for consecration to avoid crowds. This once again confirms that believers always find ways to preserve traditions, even in difficult conditions.