In the Drohobytsk City Council, the organizing committee started work on celebrating the cycle of Christmas and New Year holidays, which will be celebrated this year for the first time according to the new church calendar. Where to arrange the residence of St. Nicholas and install the central Christmas tree, what events to hold in the city and community during December – these and other issues were discussed during the meeting, working out a preliminary plan of events.
The organizing committee was held under the chairmanship of Drohobych Mayor Taras Kuchma, Deputy for Humanitarian and Social Relations Yuriy Kushlyk, Father-Dean Ivan Pankiv, and with the participation of representatives of all structural units of the council.
Taking into account the fact that on September 1 Ukraine approved the transition to the New Julian calendar, all non-transitional Orthodox holidays were shifted by 13 days. Thus, St. Nicholas Day will now be celebrated on December 6, and Christmas will be celebrated exclusively on December 25.
Traditionally, the celebration of the cycle of Christmas and New Year holidays, the opening of the city-wide Christmas tree, and the holding of other festive and charity events began in the Drohobytsk community on St. Nicholas’ Day. This year will not be an exception, everyone will just have to get used to the new calendar rhythm.
Despite the war in the country and directing maximum efforts and resources to support the Ukrainian soldiers and the approach of our victory, we all must live on, because by this we demonstrate the strength of our faith and the indomitability of our nation in the difficult struggle against the enemy.
No grandiose celebrations will be held in the community, but a series of events will be held in Drohobych, Stebnyk and the villages of the community, the purpose of which is to spread the festive atmosphere, revive patriotism and traditions of authentic Ukrainian carols among the population, and also support those who find themselves in difficult life circumstances and in need help
It is important that on December 6, Ukrainians will celebrate not only Saint Nicholas Day, but also the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Therefore, all events will be closely intertwined with the commemoration of our military defenders, support for the children and families of fallen Heroes.
At the same time, a plan is being developed in Drohobych to mark the Festival “Caroling Frankove Pidhirya” and to hold a caroling competition between educational institutions of the Drohobych community. The city council is working on a clear list of families in need, where St. Nicholas must visit the children. After all, St. Nicholas’ Day and Christmas time are a period in which, despite all the difficulties, there should be room for a miracle.
As for the installation of the central Christmas tree, it will most likely be placed again near the People’s House. This will be preceded by electronic consultations, which the Drohobytsk City Council will hold with the residents of the community.
During the organizing committee, the majority of those present agreed that Rynok Square during a full-scale war should remain a space for city-wide commemoration of the fallen Heroes. Only the Christmas Shop with the installation of the main event – the birth of Jesus Christ – will be placed here.
All activities and events that will take place during the celebration of the Christmas and New Year holidays will be announced in advance on the Internet portal of the Drohobych City Council.
