During this past Lenten season, the youth of St. Basil’s Parish had the wonderful opportunity to present a deeply moving performance of the Stations of the Cross. This unique devotion, performed entirely in shadow by the youth themselves, was presented not only at our home parish of St. Basil’s but also at the Cathedral of Sts. Volodymyr and Olha.
By using their own bodies to create stark and poignant silhouettes, the youth invited all in attendance into a profound spiritual reflection. Acting out this shadow play allowed both the performers and the congregation to focus intently on the raw reality of Christ’s Passion, experiencing the fourteen Stations in a different and powerful way. Through this creative presentation, we were all able to reflect more deeply on the true suffering and supreme sacrifice that Jesus endured for our salvation.
The spoken reflections accompanying these Stations were thoughtfully adapted to resonate with the struggles of our time. Specifically, they helped us bridge the gap between Christ’s journey to Calvary and the modern-day hardships our motherland of Ukraine has experienced over these past four years of war. It was a sobering reminder that the weight of the Cross is still very present in the suffering of innocent people in our world today, and that Christ continues to walk with them in their pain.
Preparing for and performing this unique presentation taught the youth of St. Basil’s a vital lesson: true love inherently involves sacrifice. It reassured us that no matter what trials we may face, Jesus is always walking right alongside us. As we physically portrayed the Stations, we were able to reflect deeply on the profound impact of small acts of courage and kindness. Figures like Simon of Cyrene and Veronica, who stepped forward to help Jesus in His time of immense suffering despite being surrounded by a hostile and jeering crowd, serve as timeless examples. Their bravery reminds us that we, too, are called to step out of the crowd to recognize and serve Christ in others—especially in the homeless, the sick, the displaced, and the lonely.
Most importantly, creating these Stations illuminated a foundational truth of our faith for the youth of St. Basil’s. They taught us that even in the depths of unimaginable suffering, there is always an enduring light. We are called to place our hope in the Cross, knowing that sorrow is never the end of the story; it is the path that ultimately leads to the glory of the Resurrection.
As we near the close of this Lenten season and enter into the solemnity of Holy Week, may we continue to carry these profound lessons in our hearts. Let us strive to walk more closely with Christ, to show fearless compassion to those hurting around us, and to remain steadfast in our hope as we prepare to celebrate the triumphant joy of His Resurrection.
Department of Communications at the Archeparchy of Winnipeg
