March 1, 2019

46th annual Shchedryi Vechir continues tradition in Edmonton

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Lidia M. Wasylyn

The Verkhovyna Choir performs Ukrainian carols.

EDMONTON, Alberta – The 46th annual Shchedryi Vechir Celebration hosted by the board of directors of Edmonton’s Ukrainian Youth Unity Complex was held on Friday, January 18. This year’s event brought out over 300 guests who braved cold and snowy winter weather to partake in one of the last traditional holy feasts of the Ukrainian Christmas cycle. 

The ceremonial entrance of the “Didukh” (sheaf of wheat) began the program. The current president of the board of directors, Irene Kolomijchuk, carried in the didukh and positioned it in a place of honor on a traditionally adorned table. In her brief remarks, she noted that this event is a solid tradition in our community and unites several generations in celebrating as one large family and one community. 

She used the opportunity to acknowledge the presence of some special guests, including the newly arrived Consul General of Ukraine in Edmonton Oleksandr Danyleiko and his wife; Olesia Luciw-Andryjowycz, president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Alberta Provincial Council; Orysia Boychuk, president of the Edmonton Chapter of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress; Bill Shostak, president of Ukrainian-Canadian Social Services, Edmonton; and Yuri Broda, secretary of the National Executive of the Ukrainian Youth Association (UYA) of Canada. 

The evening’s program was led by master of ceremonies Ivanka Soletsky of the Edmonton branch of the UYA. She spoke eloquently about the significance of Ukrainian customs in the preservation of the Ukrainian identity. She briefly explained some Ukrainian traditions and focused on the relationship between the Ukrainian culture and Ukrainians’ deeply rooted Christian faith.

The young members of the Edmonton branch of the UYA presented a charming “vertep” (Nativity play) and performed several favorite Ukrainian carols accompanied on the accordion by Ivan Soletsky. 

Bishop David Motiuk, eparch of Edmonton, along with the Rev. Anton Tarasenko, pastor of St. George Ukrainian Catholic Parish and chaplain of UYA Edmonton, offered the opening prayer and singing of “Boh Predvichnyi.” 

In keeping with tradition, the “prosfora” was distributed by presidents of organizations affiliated with the Ukrainian Youth Unity Complex: For the League of Ukrainian Canadians, Taras Podilsky; for UYA Edmonton, Laryssa Szmihelsky; for the League of Ukrainian Canadian Women, Ivanna Szewczuk; for the Marko Boyeslav Seniors’ Association, Petro Dackiw and Olya Hereychak; and for the board of directors of the Ukrainian Youth Unity Complex, Irene Kolomijchuk. 

The Verkhovyna Choir, an ensemble of UYA Edmonton, under the direction of Orest Soltykevych, performed several more koliady.

Following a traditional meatless dinner, various individuals delivered greetings, and Bishop David also presented a brief pastoral message in Ukrainian. 

The new consul general of Ukraine, Mr. Danyleiko, delivered enthusiastic greetings. This was his first visit to the Ukrainian Youth Unity Complex and his first Shchedryi Vechir celebration in Edmonton. He expressed his admiration upon seeing that the complex is dedicated to youth. He noted that a nation that cares for its youth will live and thrive. Mr. Danyleiko acknowledged that Edmonton is the cradle of Ukrainian life and culture in Canada as the first Ukrainian immigrants to Canada came to Edmonton, where they worked hard to preserve the Ukrainian identity in their new home. 

Ukrainian Youth Association children perform a traditional “vertep” and carol.

Mr. Danyleiko explained that the responsibilities of the consul go beyond assisting citizens of Ukraine to exercise their rights and helping the community to maintain its ties to Ukraine. He stated that he will work to develop and facilitate business and bilateral relations on various levels between Canada and Ukraine. 

Bringing greetings from the city of Edmonton was the councillor for Ward 3, John Dziadyk, who is a good friend of the Ukrainian community. He expressed how pleased he was to be able to attend this traditional family-oriented event and said he looks forward to attending more events at the Complex in the future.

The organizing committee for this event included representatives of organizations that call the Ukrainian Youth Unity Complex home and included Irene Kolomijchuk, Ivanna Szewczuk, Iryna Hryniw, Yaroslav Broda and Andriy Lytvynets. The program concluded with thank you’s and a closing prayer by Bishop David. 

Guests dispersed slowly, taking advantage of the festive atmosphere to mingle with friends and neighbors. 

Lidia M. Wasylyn is a board member of the Edmonton branch of the League of Ukrainian Canadian Women.

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