A gala banquet on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Ukrainian Youth Association was held on Saturday evening, May 3, in the beautifully decorated Youth Centre, home of the CYM Montreal Branch, with over 300 guests. The program began with a short dramatization and the entrance of the youth of the Branch to the CYM anthem “V horu prapory”.

Masters of ceremony Daria and Orest Humenny welcomed all guests, clergy, representatives and heads of Ukrainian organizations and particularly, the delegates and participants of the Leadership Seminar from across Canada who had gathered in connection with the XXXIV Triennial Congress of CYM. President of the National Executive Tamara Tataryn delivered welcoming remarks, highlighting the bright prospects for the organization as it embarks on a new century of activity.

The opening prayer was led by CYM Canada’s chaplain Fr. Andrij Figol and was followed by greetings from the Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Montreal and former Chair of the CYM World and National Executives, Eugene Czolij, the Executive Director of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Ihor Michalchyshyn, and the Vice-President of CYM’s World Executive, Harry Nesmasznyj.

During the dinner guests viewed a short film about the 100-year history of the Ukrainian Youth Association.

The evening’s keynote speaker, Ukrainian World Congress President and long-standing CYM member Paul Grod, emphasized in his address the importance of the Association’s educational work with youth, particularly in light of today’s events.

Representatives of BCU Foundation announced a $25,000 grant during the gala evening in support of the many planned projects on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Ukrainian Youth Association, for which the National Executive expresses its sincere gratitude.

The cultural highlights of the evening included performances by the mixed choir “Vidlunnia” and youth of the Montreal Branch who performed the song “Blessed is the Earth” which was greeted with loud applause.

The program ended with a short video of CYM members, currently on the frontlines of the war against Ukraine, sharing their perspectives on the meaning of this year’s motto: “Ukraine’s Honour – Ready to Defend.” Pastor of the UOCC Cathedral, Fr. Volodymyr Kushnir, led the guests in a closing prayer.

At the conclusion of the gala program, the evening’s hosts thanked all those present for their wishes and participation in the celebration, and the numerous sponsors for their financial support. The evening concluded with the singing of the Ukrainian national anthem.

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