SAN FRANCISCO: May 6, 2011
The “Pre-Paschal Kulich Fair” is Held at the Cathedral of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” 

On April 9, 2011, with the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and Western America, the parish hall of the Cathedral of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” in that city hosted a successful “Pre-Paschal Kulich Fair,” the proceeds of which are earmarked from “Gift of Life.” One of the sponsors of the event is the Russian American Community Services (RACS), which helps a financially-struggling pre-natal care center and one for abandoned infants, ministered to by St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Novosibirsk, Russia.  

Other organizations participated in the event. In these pre-Paschal days, before the Feast Day of Feast Days, when the Lord Jesus Christ Himself accepted suffering and death, thereby granting us eternal life, when we greet each other with the words “Christ is Risen” and exchange Paschal eggs symbolizing new life, it was delightful to see children eagerly decorating kulichi and eggs. Little did they know that they were also helping preserve the lives of children who were not even born yet.  

For children, the bright holiday of Pascha and springtime, Christmas and the Christmas tree, pussy willows and candles, kulichi and the Paschal midnight service all form a unified whole. Every holiday, tradition and ritual have their own edifying purpose and each embraces the child’s soul with a holy, religious sense, preparing it for the lofty holiday celebration. For this reason it is important that our children, born abroad, are familiarized with the variety of religious traditions.  

Russkaya zhizn.