MONTROSE, NY: East and West united during the 40 days of Lent, as parishioners and friends of the Reformed Church of Cortlandtown and the Descent of the Holy Spirit Ukrainian Orthodox Parish worked together on a weekly "spiritual art project." The event aimed at putting theology into color and bringing people closer together to prepare for the Great feast of Pascha - the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The program, entitled "Announcing Hope Through Sign and Symbol" featured the creation of Ukrainian style decorated eggs (Ukrainian=Pysanky). Using the age-old technique of writing on the eggs with beeswax and dying them in a sequence of colors, participants created their own unique designs, both traditional and contemporary. They used goose as well as chicken eggs.

The five consecutive Wednesday evenings, began with a Lenten supper of soup and bread accompanied by prayer and reflection. The Reverend Douglas Leonard and Archbishop Michael J. Champion offered short talks on the meaning and symbolism of the designs in relation Christ's resurrection. Deacon Roger Medina shared his artistic talent, as he guided the group through the various stages of the creation of the eggs.

About 25 people of all ages took part in the project. The completed eggs are on display in the sanctuary of the Reformed Church of Cortlandtown from Palm Sunday to Easter (according to the Gregorian Calendar), April 5-12. Orthodox Christians celebrate Pascha (from the Greek word meaning Passover) according to the Julian Calendar, which falls this year on Sunday, April 19.