UKELODEON: For The Next Generation (01/08/06)

UKELODEON

For The Next Generation

Children in Hillside, N.J., welcome St. Nicholas ...

HILLSIDE, N.J. - St. Nicholas visited many good children and adults at Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Parish here on Sunday, December 4, 2005. He was especially pleased to sense the great Christmas spirit among the audience.

In honor of St. Nicholas, several children and adults presented a bilingual holiday entertainment program. Children's performances included the sopilka music, recitations of poetry, songs and dances as performed by Nadika Szpyhulsky, Julianna Shatynski, Sophika and Ariadna Stockert, Maria and Sofiyka Soroka, and Sonya Khedr.

The Stockert family added a special spark to the celebration. Tom, Odarka, Sophika and Ariadna sang a special carol called "The Friendly Beasts," accompanied by Odarka performing on the harp. A 12th century French carol that was translated into English by an anonymous translator, "The Friendly Beasts" took the audience back to the day when Jesus was born in the crib surrounded by animals. One by one, the donkey, cow, sheep and dove all came to make their offering to the Baby Jesus.

Ms. Stockert further enhanced the Christmas spirit by playing several international Christmas carols on the harp.

Mike Szpyhulsky served as emcee. Bill Davis served as liaison to St. Nicholas. Julianna and Ariana Shatynski, Maria and Sofiyka Soroka, Sophika and Ariadna Stockert, and Oksana Zaviysky served as angel helpers to St. Nicholas.

St. Nicholas commented that it was a great privilege to have so many helpers and said that he was very pleased to have a very diverse program presented in his honor

Hillside's pastor, Father Joe Szupa, was present to lead the group in prayer and koliady.

... as do their peers in Woonsocket, R.I.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. - The parish hall of St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church here was the venue on December 11, 2005, of a special program hosting St. Nicholas that was organized by Ukrainian National Association Branch 241, led by Janet Bardell, secretary. The Ladies Sodality prepared a delicious luncheon, while Dr. Lydia Klufas-Tkach organized the program of songs and poems, with music provided by John and Marko Tkach. Seen below at the event are children with St. Nicholas, Msgr. Roman Golemba and local activists.

Mishanyna

To solve this month's Mishanyna find the words capitalized in the text hidden within the Mishanyna grid.

One year ago, after the Orange Revolution, Ukraine witnessed a historic INAUGURATION. Sunday, JANUARY 23, marked a turning point in the HISTORY of Ukraine. After many TRIALS and TRIBULATIONS - the man known as "the people's president" - was inaugurated as the THIRD president of Ukraine since the country re-established its independence in 1991.

VIKTOR YUSHCHENKO was well aware that he was making history, and all his actions on inauguration day sent a powerful MESSAGE both to the people of Ukraine and around the globe: a new Ukraine had been BORN.

At the Verkhovna Rada that day, the new president said Ukrainian democracy was "built with MILLIONS of Ukrainian hands," and he explained that "the citizens of Ukraine secured an HONEST election."

Speaking at INDEPENDENCE Square, Mr. Yushchenko said: "Today Ukraine is a free and independent NATION. We have thrown the burdens of the past off our shoulders. No one will ever dare to dictate to us how we are to live and whom to elect."

Finally, at the Mariinskyi Palace, at a state reception for foreign dignitaries, President Yushchenko emphasized: "A new Ukrainian nation has been born in EUROPE at the beginning of the 21st century. We are starting a new EPOCH .. of solidarity, partnership and unification in one European house."

| Home Page |