Ukrainian Institute of America celebrates a Ukrainian Christmas

by Mary E. Pressey

NEW YORK - Some 170 members and friends gathered on January 5 at the Ukrainian Institute of America to celebrate Ukrainian Christmas. Enjoying the festivities, food and a splendid young choir from Brooklyn were members of the Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center from Philadelphia, Self Reliance of New York, Senior Citizens from Lower Manhattan (both groups arriving by the busload) and members and friends from various locales.

Honoring the celebration with their presence also were Ukraine's ambassador to the United Nations, Valeriy Kuchinsky and his wife, Alla, and Consul General of Ukraine Serhiy Pohoreltzev and his wife, Svitlana.

Walter Nazarewicz, UIA president, and Marta Jacuszko warmly greeted each guest attending the celebration.

At the helm of the activities was Martha Kokolskyj, who donated some Ukrainian holiday delicacies and the traditional kolach, and presented an eye-catching Didukh draped in exquisitely embroidered ritual towel and an accompanying Ukrainian candelabra, which were prominently displayed on a table on the second level next to the Ukrainian Christmas tree. The tree, artfully decorated by Mary Pressey, a board member, bore the Ukrainian colors of blue and gold.

The choir, known as the Ukrainian Family Ensemble, hails from Brooklyn, where it was founded at the Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church in 1997 by the Pradivus family of four and two more enthusiasts under the directorship of composer Oksana Lykhovyd.

It now has grown to approximately 25 members, including 6- and 7-year-olds. The most recent to join the ensemble is Galyna Remezova, a violinist, whose performance adds a substantial depth to the choir's musical repertoire.

Following the concert and throughout the afternoon, Mrs. Kokolskyj led the audience in singing traditional carols, an activity that was enthusiastically enjoyed by all.

But Christmas would not be Christmas without delectable food: the owners and employees of Tania's Restaurant in Jersey City, N.J., spared no effort in their preparation of a variety of hot dishes, assorted salads and tasty pastries.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, January 20, 2002, No. 3, Vol. LXX

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