UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE USA
CONSISTORY OFFICE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
PRESS RELEASE

Festival of Ukrainian Nativity/Christmas Carols in Philadelphia, PA!

Every year we celebrate the biggest event of all times – the Nativity of Christ!

It unites heaven and earth, it gives us God’s grace that heals the sin and unites human with God and the dear ones. It is the source of joy and peace.

On Sunday, January 8, the 5th annual Festival of Christmas Carols was held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia.

14 choirs representing different Ukrainian churches and organizations from the Philadelphia area, New Jersey, New York, Washington D.C. and Baltimore, MD gathered to sing carols glorifying the Birth of Jesus Christ. With over 700 people present, the Cathedral was filled with beautiful sounds and a majestic atmosphere.

Choirs performed carols from different regions of Ukraine. From east to west, south to north, sounds from Kyiv, Polissya, Halychyna, Volyn filled the Cathedral. Each choir mastered traditional and forgotten ancient carols, some with a Celtic twist and contemporary instrumental accompaniment. As the choirs sang, people joined in. At the end of the program, all 14 choirs gathered on the Solea of the Cathedral and sang God Eternal – Boh Predvichnyy. Following the concert, a warm reception was held at the Cathedral hall for all present.

Pictured: Alexander Koshetz choir of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Philadelphia and its director Karen Ferraro at the annual Festival of Carols.