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Our Life | Наше життя February | Лютий 2021 16 On January 10, North Port’s Branch 56 began 2021 with a traditional Christmas get-together, in a non-traditional way. Members of Branch 56 and the remaining Florida branches were invited to attend a “virtual” event on Zoom. Branch 56 usually meets for a celebratory Christmas dinner at this time of year, to express appreciation for members of the UNWLA and its supporters throughout the year. But this year’s Christmas celebration was shaped by larger considerations, such as a global pandemic. It was nonetheless more celebratory because we could reunite online. We were perhaps happier than before to see old friends, reconnect, and enjoy incredible entertainment, thanks to our host. The event was produced and organized by the Branch 56 cultural and social events organizer, Ksenia Rakowsky. Thanks to her extraordinary production and directorial skills, we were treated to a safe and cheerful event with more than 60 guests attending from around Florida. Branch President Alexandra Popel opened the celebration by welcoming guests and thanking members for their continued work and dedication on behalf of the UNWLA. A moment of silence was observed to honor the memory of departed members, and then Ms. Rakowsky welcomed guests, acting as the master of ceremonies. First, there was a rousing video presentation of the traditional Ukrainian carol, “Good Evening to You, Host,” performed by the folk ensemble Vyshnya. Christmas greetings and a blessing followed, delivered by the North Port pastor of St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, Fr. Vasyl Petriv, who was joined by his wife, Luba. Branch 56 member Olya Babchuk recited Lina Kostenko’s poem Christmas Eve . Three seminarians from the Theological Seminary in Ternopil, Ukraine, provided an outstanding vocal performance for the gathering. Branch 56 member Lidia Mychalowych recounted her “Childhood Memories of Christmas Eve in Ukraine” during the Soviet era, and member Slava Maluk described her “Memories of Christmas in a Displaced Persons Camp in Stuttgart.” These reminiscences moved many hearts and brought a few tears as the two remembered the days when they could not celebrate Christmas Eve in Soviet-era Ukraine for fear of recrimination, or in a post-war DP camp because of food shortages. The Men’s Vocal Quartet of Lviv performed “Mary Did You Know,” an American carol composed by Buddy Greene with lyrics by Mark Lowry, which had been translated into Ukrainian by Leon Voci. Ihor Rakowsky read an ancient Ukrainian Christmas poem in his impeccable Ukrainian. Ivanka Olesnycky, with her husband, Nestor, extended Christmas greetings. Led by Sofia Fedyna, guests caroled together, singing “Heaven and Earth” and “In Bethlehem,” both ancient Ukrainian carols. Halyna Lisnyczyj, a dedicated Branch 56 member known for her willingness to volunteer, recited a Ukrainian poem, Christmas Eve , by Roman Zavadowych. A dramatic bandura performance by Terenia and Alina Kuzma of the Ukrainian carol “Wondrous Miracle in the World,” shared by The Ukrainian Museum of New York, rounded out the performances. Rev. Father Oleh Saciuk, pastor of St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church, and his wife, Roxolana, offered blessings and their prayers for a healthy New Year. Ms. Rakowsky and Branch President Lesia Popel closed the program with final remarks. The branch members and guests ended the event with the Ukrainian carol “God Eternal” in a videotaped performance by seminarians from the Theological Seminary in Ternopil, praying for a good New Year. Patricia H. Zalisko English-Language Press Secretary, Branch 56, North Port, FL A Christmas “ strich” in Florida BRANCH NEWS
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