As locals celebrate Orthodox Easter in Allegheny County, thoughts remain with war-torn Ukraine

MCKEES ROCKS, Pa. — Despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, joy and hope were still celebrated on Orthodox Easter.

Millions of people around the world celebrate Orthodox Easter. Some of them gathered at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church in McKees Rocks.

Father Tim Tomson has served at the church for more than two decades. This is the second year that the Easter holiday has been blemished by a bitter and bloody war in Ukraine. Tomson is confident goodness will one day prevail.

“By the resurrection of Christ, we too will be resurrected. He defeated evil, and evil will be defeated again,” said Tomson.

Since the war began, the church has been doing what it can to help. They have collected food and sent clothing and medical supplies to Ukraine. They send their donations to Ukraine every other week.

Tomson says people in the area have been generous.

“Just like my little parish here, we sent thousands of packages there, to help the people. It’s just this church. All around the country, all around the world, people of goodwill are supporting it, because they know what’s happening there,” said Tomson.

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