Easter 2026: Tips for a Festive Table from the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church

Easter is a significant occasion for believers, as families come together to commemorate one of the most important holidays in Christianity. In 2026, the faithful of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) will celebrate Easter on April 12, while Catholics will observe it a week earlier on April 5. This holiday is always accompanied by traditional dishes that take center stage on the Easter table. In this article, we will explore how to prepare a lavish Easter table for a large family, ensuring that the celebration becomes even more memorable.

To avoid stress during the preparations, especially if you are working throughout the week, it is advisable to purchase the essential ingredients in advance. The best time to do this is on the weekend, one week before Easter. Of course, this refers to food items that have a long shelf life, such as flour, sugar, canned goods, and other products that can be stored without compromising their quality.

This year, we suggest experimenting with traditional Easter baking. Instead of the classic Easter bread, try making it with an unusual aromatic matcha cream. This cream will not only add a new flavor to the dish but also make it more sophisticated. You can spread the finished Easter bread with the cream or use it to decorate the top. This will be not only delicious but also visually appealing.

When baking your favorite festive pastries, do not hesitate to experiment with flavors, textures, and fillings. For instance, colomba is an Italian Easter pastry made from rich dough based on butter, sugar, and eggs. For colomba, it is recommended to use Manitoba flour, which has a high protein content and forms a strong gluten. This allows the dough to retain moisture without collapsing, remaining fluffy and elastic. If you substitute it with regular flour, the texture will be denser and less airy.

Colomba is shaped like a dove, symbolizing peace and renewal. It is as airy and fragrant as our traditional Easter breads but has its own character: a delicate citrus aroma, a soft fibrous texture, and a crunchy almond crust on top. This is a true find for the Easter table.

Don’t forget about meat dishes. We recommend one of the best Easter recipes from pre-war times, which can be prepared with young lamb and the first fresh greens. If your family does not have a traditional main dish for Easter, you can consider that you have already found it. Cook and enjoy the unique flavor.

Chef David Chang serves a dish known by the Korean name bo ssam at his Momofuku restaurant in the East Village. He shared the recipe with the New York Times, where the pork is marinated in salt and sugar and then slow-roasted. This slow-roasted pork shoulder is served with lettuce leaves, rice, and a variety of seasonings, making it perfect for the festive table.

We also suggest preparing a delicious sausage from tender pork meat. This sausage has every chance of becoming the highlight of the festive table. It can be served hot or cold and will appeal to both adults and children, as it is made with natural ingredients.

As for side dishes, a wonderful combination of red fish, peas, and mashed potatoes will make an excellent addition to your table. Fish in a thick creamy sauce topped with hot mashed potatoes—what could be tastier? If you love hearty homemade meals, this casserole should definitely be on your menu.

Ready in less than 20 minutes, this bright and delicious dish is easy to prepare and keeps well in the refrigerator. A vibrant vegan potato salad with creamy potatoes, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon-mustard dressing will make a great side dish for your festive table.

Finally, don’t forget about salads. One option is a salad with salmon and boiled potatoes. This festive dish combines simplicity and elegance, adding a touch of luxury to the Easter table thanks to the delicate lightly salted salmon. The salad turns out tender, fragrant, and very appetizing, making it a centerpiece on Easter.

We hope these tips will help you prepare a delicious and diverse Easter table that will leave pleasant memories for you and your family. May this holiday bring joy, peace, and blessings to your home!