Festival of Ukrainian Christmas Carols held at Cathedral in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA, PA — On Sunday, January 13, 2019 choirs from Ukrainian Catholic churches and organizations joined together in presenting the annual “Festival of Carols” at the Ukrainian Catholic
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Philadelphia. Very Rev. Roman Pitula, Cathedral Rector, was the Master of Ceremony at the Festival of Carols. Groups that performed included the Cathedral Choir in Philadelphia, “Soloveyky” youth and older groups, the Children’s Choir of the Ukrainian Heritage School in Jenkintown, St. Michael’s Choir and Youth Choir in Jenkintown, Quinton Choir under the direction of John Wernega, Andrii and Yuliana Fartachuk playing on the piano and violin, Bandura ensembles “Shabli Kobzariv” and “Berehynia”, the United Baptist Choir in Warminster, PA, male choir “Dzvin,” and the Chamber Choir “Accolade.”

Before the conclusion of the Festival, Bishop Andriy Rabiy offered a welcome and thank you to those who attended and performed at the Festival. He said, “Singing carols is not just singing a song, it’s praising God, it’s worshiping Him. Each and every carol is not just poetry; it’s an expression of what we believe. My wish and prayer is that we will continue on in this tradition of having such a beautiful Festival of Carols at this Cathedral to keep this tradition going and to keep on praising the Lord our God.”

The Festival concluded with a Combined Choir Finale under the direction of Bohdan Henhalo. After the Festival, a reception was held at the Cathedral Hall. (Photos: Siwak and Bilyj Family)