“The enemy seeks to make children cry, but we will do everything to make them happy”: UGCC Head at the opening of St. Nicholas Residence in Lviv
On Sunday, December 1, 2024, the Residence of St. Nicholas was solemnly opened at the Patriarchal House in Lviv. His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the UGCC, attended the event.
The children were thrilled to meet St. Nicholas, who arrived in the morning in a fairy-tale carriage harnessed by horses featured in the movie Dovbush. At the Patriarchal House, he took his seat of honor to welcome the little guests. The festive atmosphere was enriched by carols sung by the orchestra of the Lviv Theological Seminary of the Holy Spirit.
The grand opening featured concert performances by children’s groups, Ukrainian musicians, and distinguished cultural figures. A highlight of the day was the appearance of the beloved Ukrainian dog, Patron, along with his owners.
The creative aspect of the Residence is overseen by Honored Artist of Ukraine Natalka Karpa, who also co-authored the play.
“St. Nicholas Day is a holiday of kindness”
On the occasion of the opening of the St. Nicholas Residence in Lviv, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Head of the UGCC, who arrived at the Patriarchal House in the late afternoon, expressed gratitude to the organizers and benefactors who contributed to this meaningful project.
“St. Nicholas Day is a holiday of kindness and charity. We know St. Nicholas as an icon of God’s mercy and love. On this day, we especially feel that there is someone who loves us. Everyone who performs acts of kindness these days, especially for children, becomes the hands of St. Nicholas. I am delighted that so many good people have gathered in our house today to bring warmth and comfort to our children. Thanks to them, our children will always receive something nice. Together, we can all contribute to this holiday,” said the Primate.
The Head of the UGCC emphasized that war robs children of their childhood, but by working together, we can restore their joy.
“We celebrate this Christmas season and the presence of St. Nicholas among us during difficult times, as war steals children’s childhoods, takes away their joy, and diminishes beautiful holidays. The enemy seeks to make children cry, but we, here in our home, will do everything possible to make them happy. No one can take the Christmas holiday from our children when we are united. We are grateful that St. Nicholas heard the call of the children and came to his residence,” the Patriarch said.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav expressed special gratitude to Yuriy Napora, a young volunteer who raised more than 6 million hryvnias for the Armed Forces of Ukraine through singing. “Thank you for your initiative, which has helped many people and may have saved more than one life among our defenders.”
Fundraising for the Armed Forces and the City of Kindness
Myroslava Poletz, co-organizer of the event, announced that all proceeds from ticket sales would go to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the City of Kindness charity project in Chernivtsi.
“The City of Kindness is a center for mothers and children where approximately 295 people, including 100 adults, live. It provides assistance to internally displaced persons, orphans, and mothers in difficult life circumstances. A special part of the center is the Butterfly House hospice unit, which cares for seriously ill children abandoned by state hospitals,” said Ms. Myroslava.
Last year, the organizers of the Residence raised over one million hryvnias to purchase medical equipment for the Butterfly House and transport for medical units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Gifts and holiday crafts
This year, guests of the St. Nicholas Residence will receive a variety of gifts, including:
· Sweet treats
· Medallions of St. Nicholas and rosaries blessed by His Beatitude Sviatoslav
· An interactive carol book from the publishing house Svichado
· Discount certificates for children’s products
· Children can also enjoy the festive performance The Secret Pillar, inspired by the cartoon Inside Out, or take part in master classes such as:
· Gingerbread painting
· Christmas star decoration
· Designing an icon of the Holy Family
· Cooking burgers
The Residence features specially designed photo zones. The organizers are grateful to the sustainable businesses that have supported this project for the second year in a row.
The Residence of St. Nicholas at the Patriarchal House in Lviv will be open from December 1 to 15, 2024. This year, the organizers aim to host approximately 4,500 children.
The UGCC Department for Information
