CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

Our communities' tradition of giving

New York's Gov. George Pataki and Lt. Gov. Mary Donohue extended the following holiday greetings to Ukrainian Americans.

It is always a pleasure for us to extend holiday wishes to all our friends in the Ukrainian American community.

Christmas and the arrival of the New Year give countless New Yorkers a chance to experience the joy of greeting loved ones while looking wth optimism toward a promising future. A tradition of giving gifts that dates back to the celebration of Jesus' birth is vigorously alive in our prosperous, generous society. Nevertheless, when embracing this tradition, New Yorkers often discover that the best gifts carry no price tag and produce the fondest Christmas memories. In his letter to the Corinthians St. Paul teaches us that all gifts - just like all deeds - are meaningful only when the giver or doer is motivated by love. What a wonderful summation of the Christmas spirit!

Religious institutions of various denominations of Christianity play a key role in our celebration of the Nativity. Houses of worship on streets everywhere serve as beacons for the observant and foundations upon which entire communities enjoy the unity and faith prevalent among people of Ukrainian ancestry. So many of these churches and places of assembly have their roots in the aspirations of New York's earliest settlers, men and women who were guided by religious values that are still common here in the Empire State. Religious institutions, especially their clergy and lay leaders, deserve our thanks and admiration for the fine example they set during Christmas and year round.

As the days grow colder, the welcoming environment that is New York grows ever warmer, fueled by the emotions of nostalgia, anticipation and happiness that this joyous season elicits. Let all of our children grow to appreciate the spiritual meaning of Christmas, and may each of us enjoy our holidays to the fullest.

From our families to yours, and on behalf of the state, best wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, December 24, 2000, No. 52, Vol. LXVIII

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