Caroling – 01/2013

“God is With Us”

“God Eternal”, “In Bethlehem”, “New Joy has Arisen!” – Oh! How many beautiful “koliady” (Ukrainian Christmas Carols) Ukrainians have created to glorify Our Savior. According to Ukrainian tradition, “koliadnyky” (Ukrainian Christmas Carolers) carry the news of the birth of Christ to every home, bringing light, warmth and happiness to all. They are the heralds of new life and hope, and are always welcome guests.

As in years before, the Taras Chuprynka New York Chapter of the Ukrainian Youth Association (SUM) celebrated the birth of Christ with the Ukrainian community. The “yunatstvo” (youth) and their parents attended mass on January 7, and after, bearing the symbolic “Star of Bethlehem”, embarked on “koliaduvannia” (Caroling) – visiting Ukrainian homes with songs of glory to the “Miracle of Bethlehem”. For many of the youngest children, known as “sumeniata”, this was their first experience with “koliaduvannia”, and at first they seemed a bit shy. But, the shyness dissipated with the harmony of the chorus of the “koliady”, opening the mystery of the birth of Our Savior. The young “sumivtsi” quickly embraced the joy and generosity of this Ukrainian tradition, particularly when rewarded for their singing with sweets and candy, as in the home of Mrs. Maria Wasylyk!

It is true though – every “koliada” sung and “vinshuvannia” (Ukrainian Christmas and New Year Greeting) said bring new energy to each individual involved, carolers and hosts alike. The tradition of “koliaduvannia” is a unique aspect of the Ukrainian culture, and truly distinguishes Ukrainians from other nationalities who celebrate Christmas in the United States. It unites Ukrainians with their ancestors in Ukraine, who believed that with the birth of Christ, mankind receives hope and spiritual re-birth.

“God is With Us!” – are the words sung in one “koliada” – which truly relates the sense of our being. How often we forget this truth! We must remember that a “koliada” is a prayer that unites all Christians, and the birth of Christ is our eternal unity with God.

Victor Kurylyk
Translated by Chris Vitovych