THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM

School of Ukrainian Studies welcomes St. Nicholas to Buffalo

by Oksana Berezhnytska

BUFFALO, N.Y. - There isn't a saint that Ukrainian children more eagerly await than St. Nicholas. Each one of us remembers our childhood when, sometimes bearing only a frugal gift, this saint came in the silent night and laid it under our pillows. His visit to the School of Ukrainian Studies this year fell on his feast day, December 19.

From early morning, students had eagerly awaited the arrival of their heavenly guest. They had started the day by attending holy liturgy celebrated by the Revs. Marijan Procyk and Wasyl Hrynkiw. Liturgy had begun with the song "O, Khto, Khto Mykolaia Liubyt" (Who loves St. Nicholas). In his sermon Father Marijan explained how important it is to help those in need.

It had been foretold that St. Nicholas would arrive at noon. All children in the Ukrainian community were invited to attend his visit, and one hour prior to the start of the program they began arriving with their parents. St. Nicholas' chancery was set in motion, as children anxiously awaited the special hour. Exactly at the appointed time, the story of St. Nicholas was told.

Students then enacted the drama "St. Nicholas is Coming," penned by V. Melnyk. In a wooded field, a group of girls pulling their sleighs lost their way home. As they endured windblown snow, angels appeared and comforted them: "It is St. Nicholas Day, and he will surely come to you." Of course, evil spirits took the opportunity to try to weigh the children's hearts down with depressing thoughts.

In the final scene the children, under the direction of teacher Olha Czmola, sang several songs.

Finally, bells were heard and the children knew that St. Nicholas was near. They greeted him with the song "St. Nicholas is Coming." All - especially the youngest - watched the saint's every move. He advised the youngsters how they should behave, promising gifts that angels were already bringing down from his heavenly chancery. The children gleefully opened their packages.

At the close of the program school director Oksana Bereznytska thanked St. Nicholas and asked him to return to the children of Buffalo next year. She also greeted all present and invited them to enjoy the food prepared by the parents committee under the direction of Christine Chuchman.

Most deserving of praise and thanks were the teachers of "Ridna Shkola," Ms. Czmola, Christine Konowka, Natalie Chartoniak and Irene Waszczak, who produced the program.

Special thanks also went to the Ukrainian National Association Buffalo District, and its chairman, Zenon Bodnarskyj, for financial assistance that made this program possible.

(Translated by Yuri Hreshchyshyn)

Branch 180 helps Zakarpattia

UNA Branch 180 in Ohio sent 52 boxes of assorted items, clothing and vitamins to flood victims in Transcarpathia. The emergency relief was provided thanks to the efforts of parishioners from two Ukrainian Catholic churches: Holy Ghost in Akron and St. Nicholas in Canton. Aid for the victims was organized by Natalie Miahky, branch secretary. UNA member Christina Malanij-Kambrick coordinated the project in Canton. Seen above: Zenon Miahky, Peter Kulyk and Dr. Vladimir Shkilnyk sort and pack boxes for delivery to Ohio Export in Parma, Ohio.

- Natalie Miahky, branch secretary

Branch 161 sponsors Christmas party for children

UNA Branch 161 in Ambridge, Pa., held its annual Children's Christmas Party on Sunday, December 20, 1998. Over 30 young members and children of branch members were treated to movies, refreshments and a visit from Santa Claus who brought them candy and toys. This event is a longstanding tradition for Branch 161; some of the children in attendance were third- and fourth-generation UNA members.

- Nick Diakiwsky, UNA advisor

Seniors schedule anniversary conference

KERHONKSON, N.Y. - The 25th anniversary conference of the Ukrainian National Association Seniors will take place at Soyuzivka on June 13-18.

The executive committee is planning a special program for the occasion. UNA Seniors President Anna Chopek invites everyone who has ever held office with the UNA Seniors Association, and hopes that all will attend and help the UNA Seniors celebrate.

As this is expected to be a very well attended event, it is important that reservations be made as soon as possible. Call Soyuzivka, (914) 626-5641, or write to: Ukrainian National Association Estate, Foordmore Road, Kerhonkson, NY 12446.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, January 24, 1999, No. 4, Vol. LXVII

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