COMMUNITY CHRONICLE (02/29/04)

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE

Ukrainian St. Nicholas a hit in Scranton

SCRANTON, Pa. - A crowd of 200 people gathered at the Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum in Scranton, Pa., on November 30, 2003, to meet St. Nicholas and to learn more about Ukrainian customs and culture. The event, co-sponsored annually by the museum and the Ukrainian Heritage Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania for some 15 years, attracted audiences of many ages and traditions.

A performance by Kazka, a Ukrainian Folk Ensemble from Allentown, Pa., included traditional Ukrainian carols sung in both English and Ukrainian and a skit, before St. Nicholas entered, dressed in his impressive vestments amid much bell-ringing. Accompanied by angels, the kindly bishop greeted everyone as he proceeded through the assembly and briefly told the story of the historical person. Children were then invited to meet him personally and receive a bag of gifts St. Nicholas is know to have given, such as gold coins, coal, fruit and a small toy, as well as have their photos taken.

An exhibit depicted the customs surrounding caroling in the Ukrainian celebration of the Christmas season and mounds of pastry on the refreshment tables demonstrated the hospitality so characteristic of the Ukrainian people.

A school group from Weatherly, Pa., an hour's drive from Scranton, attended the event in conjunction with their study unit on Ukrainian culture. A Ukrainian mother attended, bringing her adult children who she felt had missed some of their heritage.

The long-standing relationship between the museum and the Ukrainian Heritage Council works to the benefit of both organizations in fulfilling their mission in the region.

Vera Krewsun, council member, stated that "There is genuine interest in the community and sharing our traditions enables us to enlighten those who may not be familiar with our customs."

Chester Kulesa, the museum's administrator, said he sees the partnership as a model after which he would like to develop educational partnerships with other ethnic groups. He noted: "This museum exists to celebrate the experience of the diverse ethnic groups in the Anthracite Region and the partnership with Ukrainian Heritage Council enables us to do that with authenticity."

The longstanding annual program was featured in Happenings Magazine, a local publication that spotlights events in the area. Titled "Meet the Santa of the [sic] Ukraine," the article was illustrated with a photo of St. Nicholas in his traditional vestments.

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