Perspective

Paska: A recipe for Ukrainian Easter bread

Паска (Paska) means Easter. It’s also the name of this holiday bread. These little cake-like breads are a tradition every Easter in Ukraine. But there won’t be as many Easter cakes on Ukrainian tables this year. More than 4 million people have fled for their lives.

Meanwhile, refugees from Afghanistan, Venezuela, Myanmar, Central African Republic, Syria, Somalia, South Sudan, and others are also living in places that are not home – not by choice, but because of violence against them.

Today, there are more refugees in the world than ever in history – more than 10 million true refugees and 14 million internally displaced (forced from home but still in their own countries). God loves these refugees, and – because he works all things for our good – he often uses these terrible circumstances to show them he is real and that he loves them.

The Bible says we are to be an extension of God’s love to them, treating them as if they were our own (Leviticus 19:34). It also tells us:

  • We should include them in our festivals and celebrations – Deuteronomy 16:14, 26:11
  • We are to use part of our usually collected tithes for them, especially their widows and orphans – Deuteronomy 14:28-29
  • Farmers (read “business owners”) should find a way to provide for them from our excess – Leviticus 23:22

Today, we’re giving you a recipe that takes a few hours to make. It’s not simple, but that’s kind of the point. Make time for slowing down and baking prayerfully, maybe with your family. Consider baking Paska bread this weekend or the next one (which is when Ukrainians celebrate Easter) to remember the world’s refugees and seek God for how you can be a part of extending his love to them – in your community, through giving or prayer, or however God leads.

If God has put another refugee group on your heart, please feel free to make one of their signature dishes and pray for them.

Note: For full recipe and ingredient list, scroll to the bottom of the page below.

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