From December 5 through Sunday, the parishes of our Archeparchy filled with children’s laughter as, one after another, they welcomed St. Nicholas as their guest—nurturing mercy together and passing on to the children the heritage of tradition and faith.
St. Nicholas visited St. Vladimir Ukrainian Catholic Church in Scranton, where he was greeted by the pastor, the students of the catechetical school, and their teacher. The children had been preparing for the celebration for a long time, learning poems and a song about St. Nicholas, and they also participated in a charitable collection for children and soldiers in Ukraine.
At St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church in Philadelphia, the encounter with the saint became an opportunity for deeper spiritual reflection. The celebration began with meditations on the icon and the symbolism of the white omophorion—the sign of the one who takes upon himself the care of those entrusted to him. After the Divine Liturgy, St. Nicholas greeted each parishioner with a personal gift, strengthening the unity of families and the Church.
At St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Northampton, PA, on Saturday, December 6, 2026, a parish breakfast was held, organized by Nadine Harbove for children and their parents. Sharing breakfast with St. Nicholas is a long-standing parish tradition: children learn about the saint and afterward receive gifts directly from him. Mr. Petro Kyywczuk has delighted children in the role of St. Nicholas for nearly 40 years, becoming the Saint for them on this special day.
At St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church in Trenton, the children prepared a festive performance in the parish hall, after which St. Nicholas arrived to greet everyone—reminding adults of the power of mutual support and encouraging the children in their good deeds.
At St. Stephen Ukrainian Catholic Church in Toms River, the celebration took place on December 7 and became, for many families, a reminder that the Church is a place where not only children grow, but hope as well.
At Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church in West Easton, St. Nicholas arrived on Friday, December 5. After the Divine Liturgy, the children had the chance to show the saint their talents, and afterward each received a gift and words of praise.
St. Nicholas also visited the children and parishioners of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in Manassas. Those gathered rejoiced in his visit and once more reflected on the example of his life.
At Saint Nicholas Parish in Great Meadows, New Jersey, the parishioners celebrated a parish feast, during which there was a wonderful performance by the children and a special visit from Saint Nicholas.
The Ukrainian Catholic Church of St. Nicholas in St. Clair began the celebration with an Akathist to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, followed by the Divine Liturgy, and the next day, a festive banquet was held.
This year’s celebrations of St. Nicholas throughout our Archeparchy became a shared testimony to a living tradition—one passed on through prayer, service, and good works.
