SVIATO POKROVY-SVIATO UPA
We gladly accepted an invitation from our friends at CYM Edmonton to join them in this
year's celebrations marking the 65th Anniversary of the formation of UPA, as well as the
100th Anniversary of the birth of General Roman Shukhevych at Sviato Pokrovy.
Seeing as performing at the concert was the purpose of this excursion, we all got busy
learning the words to "Voyaky UPA" that both branches would be singing. After
Ukrainian School on Saturday Oct. 13, we got on a bus and headed north to Edmonton.
Despite having had lunch before leaving Calgary, we all still had room for some yummy
snacks from podruha Marusia.
Our stay in Edmonton started with a visit to the Edmonton Corn Maze. Podruha Irka divided us up into groups of 5-6 before we started the
hunt for clues in the Maze.
It was clear from the start that this was not an easy assignment, and not everyone succeeded in getting through all the stations. Every
group chose where and how they would tackle the various assignments that included getting in-touch with nature and checking out "height".
Everyone worked with great energy.
Many of the groups opted to eat first, as one never knows how long it might take to get out of the Maze!
Well, here is the start of the Maze paths. In the beginning, it wasn't too bad. We easily found the first sign, but where to next?
Initially, the Sumivtsi looked lost as to how to make use of the "passports" and clues they were given. Once it started making sense to
them, even the vast, seemingly endless corn fields, were not a threat. Once the bridge in the Maze was reached, it became clear where the
exit was, and all fears disappeared....
…Such that most of the vykhovnyky were among the last to exit the Maze
Finishing the assignment required team work in the dark
The announcement of the winners was made back at the CYM Domivka, where podruha Irka handed-out awards. She was generous in presenting
each group with certain prizes with the wish of better luck in the future. For the druzhynnyky who helped out, she presented a momento of
the Corn Maze that they would not soon forget. At least for as long as they kept working at eating the popcorn!
The following day started with Father Antin Tarasenko, chaplain of CYM Edmonton, giving Divine Liturgy at St. George Parish. As a keepsake,
we took a photo of us with Father Tarasenko in church.
As for our joint CYM Edmonton-Calgary choir, our performance at the concert was greeted with resounding and lengthy applause.
We arrived home very tired, but full of unforgettable memories of our trip.
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