The 2018 Ukrainian Festival at the Ukrainian Homestead of CEC ODWU Inc., which commemorated the 27th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, took place Saturday, August 18, and Sunday, August 19.
Festival MCs Paula Holoviak and Andrij Dobriansky together with Ukrainian American Veterans Post 42 from Bethlehem, Pa., which is named in honor of Jack Palance, opened the festival with the Ukrainian, American and Canadian anthems.
The Kalyna Dance Ensemble from Toronto welcomed the audience with the traditional dance “Pryvit” (Greeting). Throughout its performance, Kalyna performed on a professional level with breathtaking stunts.
The Ensemble Kazka entertained the audience with its song and dance, which was interwoven with the enchanting sounds of violinist Innesa Tymochko-Dekajlo. Father Volodymyr Baran skillfully performed various Ukrainian folk songs on the accordion.
At the end of Saturday’s performance, Kalyna performed the traditional “Hopak.” That evening, everyone enjoyed the “zabava” (dance) to the sounds of the Chary orchestra of Walter Syzonenko.
On Sunday, August 19, at St. Andrew’s Chapel, Bishop Andrij Rabij together with Father Baran, pastor of St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Catholic Church in Palmerton, Pa., celebrated the divine liturgy. Afterwards, baskets of fruits and flowers were blessed and distributed among the faithful.
Violinist Innesa Tymochko-Dekajlo and accordionist Father Volodymyr Baran.
Once again, the festival’s MCs together with UAV Post 42 opened the festival program with the Ukrainian, American and Canadian anthems. Bishop Andrij greeted the festival and wished everyone a good time.
The performers, featuring the dance ensembles Kalyna and Kazka, delighted the audience with new repertoires. At the end of the program, the trio of Ms. Tymochko-Dekajlo (violin), Father Baran (accordion) and Volodymyr Holoviak (violin) enchanted the audience with Ukrainian melodies. The festival program concluded with the traditional Ukrainian “Hopak” by both Kalyna and Kazka.
In a family atmosphere, guests spent time with relatives and friends, and enjoyed delicious homemade Ukrainian food.