The Christmas-New Year's holiday is, no doubt, the most beloved and awaited of all holidays in the Ukrainian calendar.
Not only are there three holy days in as many weeks, but they are full of traditions passed on from generation to
generation.
Among these are a vertep (nativity scene), caroling, shchedrivky, the New Year "goat" and Malanka.
With the initiative of our Parent Committee, headed by Svitlana Harahuc, our Calgary branch members and their
families, celebrated a Holy Supper on the Eve of Epiphany (Feast of Jordan) on January 18.
Following an evening mass of celebration and the Blessing of the Waters at the Assumption of the Blessed
Virgin Mary Parish, our sumivtsi gathered at the Ukrainian Youth Centre. Not being deterred by the lack
of snow this winter in Calgary, the head instructor, Maria Shysh, managed to "carve" out an ice cross that
was placed in front of the Youth Centre.
Father Serhiy Harahuc lead us in grace and blessed our Domivka with Holy Water. As is tradition, supper
began with kutia (wheat and poppy seed) followed by borshch and dumplings (ears) served by our hostesses.
From then on, everyone enjoyed the rest of the 12 traditional dishes that were prepared by all who were
present. Given that each woman has her own way of preparing these dishes, there were not only 12 dishes,
but various versions of all twelve!
Following our Holy Supper, we watched a video depicting Christmas celebrations and traditions in Ukraine.
Oksana Kravtchouk gave a short overview of the three feasts: Christmas, New Year's and Epiphany. We even
had a surprise visit from carolers, a tall and bearded Malanka and even a small boy sowing wheat and best
wishes on us all!
On behalf of the Executive and group leaders, a sincere "thank you" to all who contributed to, and took
part in our Feast of Jordan Holy Supper.
