This is Easter weekend for those of the Orthodox faith.

Adherents of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, have been marking the most important occasion on the Christian calendar with services at St. Mark’s Anglican Church, but a local member of the Eastern Orthodox clergy says an Orthodox church has existed in the metro region for two decades.

Father John Palmer of the Holy Lady of Vladimir Orthodox Mission in Portugal Cove-St. Philips says their church is part of the Orthodox Church in America and ministers to a variety of Orthodox cultural traditions.

He says their congregation has been largely transitional over the years as various members move through the area, but they’ve seen a recent increase in members since the arrival of Ukrainians to the province about a year ago.

He calls that “a lovely thing for the parish.” He says it’s great for people coming from the various mother countries where Orthodoxy is usually practiced to join them.

While clergy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church have travelled to Newfoundland and Labrador to conduct special services, Father John says Orthodox church members are welcome to attend their services which are held regularly.