During Christmas celebrations, two festive dinners were held in Lviv for individuals in challenging life circumstances. Over 300 people experienced the holiday spirit, enjoyed traditional Christmas dishes, and sang carols.
Festive Dinner at the Church of the Holy Virgin Mary
On January 7, a Christmas dinner took place at the Church of the Holy Virgin Mary (Salesian Congregation), hosting about 150 homeless and low-income individuals. The organizers have been maintaining connections with many of the guests for over 20 years, with about 10 of them being internally displaced persons.
The celebration began with a prayer, blessing, and collective caroling. Guests watched a nativity play and enjoyed traditional dishes like borscht, pampukhy, and pilaf.
The event was organized by the Church, city authorities, and the Sant’Egidio Community.
“Bethlehem Dinner” at UCU
On January 6, the Ukrainian Catholic University hosted its traditional “Bethlehem Dinner” for around 180 people who are homeless or lonely. The event was supported by the Dzherelo Social Services Center.
Comments from Organizers and Participants
Auxiliary Bishop Volodymyr of the Lviv Archdiocese of the UGCC expressed gratitude:
“This dinner is not just about feeding those in need but showing them warmth, love, and support. It’s a true act of solidarity.”
Kateryna Kit-Sadova, the wife of Lviv’s mayor, added:
“Despite the war, we continue to support one another, spreading joy and hope. Christ is born!”
Representatives of city authorities, including Deputy Mayor Andriy Moskalenko and Deputy for Humanitarian Affairs Iryna Kulynych, also attended the events.
About the Sant’Egidio Community
Since 2006, the Sant’Egidio Community has been organizing Christmas dinners in Lviv for those in need. This international Christian lay movement was founded in Rome in 1968. In Ukraine, it operates in Kyiv, Lviv, and Ivano-Frankivsk. Since the full-scale invasion, the Community has helped over 450,000 Ukrainians.