On January 13, 2024, with the blessing of Metropolitan Symeon of Vinnytsia and Bar, on the initiative of Archpriest Dymytriy Pasichnyk, the Dean of the Zhmerynka District of the Vinnytsia-Bar Diocese of the OCU, a charity carol evening "Christmas Bells" was held in the Holy Ascension Church in the village of Stanislavchyk.
The event began immediately after the solemn Vespers service, which was attended by Metropolitan Symeon of Vinnytsia and Bar. In fact, the Metropolitan himself began the evening with a welcoming speech to the guests and participants of the holiday. His Eminence congratulated everyone on Christmas, which is celebrated in Ukraine in a particularly solemn and joyful way, and the singing of carols, as Metropolitan Symeon emphasized, continues until the Feast of The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple. At this time, caroling festivals and Christmas concerts are traditionally organized.
"In our time, when the aggression of the russian federation against Ukraine continues, we do not refuse to celebrate," said the Hierarch, "because we believe that the Lord who came into the world will not leave Ukraine and will definitely help to drive the enemy out of our land and give us a blessed and just peace."
Metropolitan Symeon also drew attention to the fact that any celebrations, including church ones, begin with gratitude to the soldiers-defenders, and, as a rule, are charitable in nature. The Archpastor thanked the soldiers and invited all those present to take part in the Christmas singing performance and to participate in a fundraiser that will take place during the charity event and will be directed to the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The welcoming speech was followed by a concert of carols, which was attended by 20 choirs (nearly 200 singers) from different towns and villages of Zhmerynka district. Among them were parish choirs and well-known folk groups (folk amateur choir "Nadvechirya" from Zhmerynka, amateur women's ensemble "Kupavonka" from the village of Demydivka, Vinnytsia district), as well as the children's art studio "Diystvo" from Zhmerynka, choirs from Bar, Shargorod and others.
"Today we together glorified the newborn Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and through singing carols asked for His mercy for our suffering Ukraine, and raised funds to purchase the necessary things and equipment for our defenders to bring victory and a just peace to Ukraine," summarized Archpriest Dmytro Pasichnyk, the Dean of Zhmerynka district, at the end of the event. The priest thanked all the participants and guests of the event, and especially Metropolitan Symeon for his blessing and assistance in organizing the charity event.
Metropolitan Symeon also congratulated everyone on the holiday and a good festive event, wished the choir creative inspiration and improvement in church singing and God's help in good deeds. The Archpastor wished peace and God's favor to all those present and distributed sweet gifts to the children who were present in the Church.
The evening of carols ended with a joint performance of the well-known carols "There's a New Joy" and "Good Evening, Master of the House!"
Press service of the Diocese of Vinnytsia and Bar of the UOC (OCU)
