SILVER SPRING, Md. – The tradition of a Washington, D.C., area Ukrainian Festival on the grounds of St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral started 17 years ago. Over the years, the festival has provided an opportunity for Ukrainians in the area to come together as part of a big family to enjoy good company, renew ties with our rich musical heritage and our church. As years have gone by, we are sharing our festival with a widening circle of American friends.
About six months prior to the festival, under the excellent and energetic leadership of our parish priest, Father Volodymyr Steliac, and his wife, Panimatka Marta Steliac, we begin preparing for this exciting event. Committees are formed and work begins with many devoted, dedicated members of the parish getting involved.
First is the preparation of traditional Ukrainian dishes: 15,000 varenyky, 3,000 holubtsi, kovbasa, bigos, chicken and pork kebabs, and, of course, delicious cakes and other baked goods. Drinks for the beer garden are ordered.
A concert that encompasses our Ukrainian music and culture is central to the success of the festival, and our cultural committee does a superb job getting a program together.
Finally, a huge open-air tent and several side tents are put up to accommodate the guests.
The official opening ceremony on Saturday, September 14, began with the singing of the American and Ukrainian national anthems. Father Steliac followed with a prayer and gave thanks that we could honor our Ukrainian heritage in America, a land of freedom and democracy, and also prayed for peace in Ukraine. Ukraine’s Ambassador to the U.S. Valeriy Chaly spoke at the official opening.
Our expert program emcee, Anya Dydyk Petrenko, then welcomed the guests, and throughout the two days enthusiastically introduced the performers with help from Zorislav Baydyuk.
The Yunist Ukrainian Dance Ensemble from New York, under director and choreographer Hryhoriy Momot, thrilled the audience with lively dances from different regions of Ukraine. But the absolute favorite was the “Hopak,” which was rewarded with a standing ovation.
Singers in the program were: Iryna Lonchyna and Ihor Bohdan, Merited Artists of Ukraine; the Mosaic duo, Iryna Teneta and Oleh Melnitchouk, Toronto; vocalist Solomia Dutkewych, D.C.; violinist Innesa Tymochko-Dekajlo, New York.
There were also talented musicians from our parish: Gerdan, which includes Solomia Gorokhivska, violin, and Andrei Pidkivka, wooden flutes; and Larisa Pastuchiv-Martin, bandura. Kateryna Slusarenko, age 3 ½, stole everyone’s heart when she recited Volodymyr Sosiura’s poem “Liubit Ukrayinu” (Love Ukraine).
For two full days, the excellent concert presentations showcased our rich Ukrainian musical heritage.
Between performances, a future generation of Ukrainian dancers appeared. As recorded music played, children age 3-10 ran onto the stage and danced happily with abandon. It gave the audience pleasure to see that Ukrainian dancing is instilled in these very young children.
An integral part of the Ukrainian Festival was the 15 or more vendor tables that were laden with ceramics, jewelry, embroidery, and clothing. There were also several displays of Ukrainian organizations that wanted to inform the public about their activities such as the Ukrainian American Veterans, Ukrainian Medical Association of North America and volunteer organizations helping Ukraine.
In the three days of the Ukrainian Festival, September 13-15, about 10,000 people came together to enjoy our cultural heritage at the concerts, eat a variety of Ukrainian food and spend time with family and friends in a friendly atmosphere.