The halls of St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary were filled with the joyous sounds of Ukrainian Christmas carols on the afternoon of Saturday, December 21, as clergy, laypeople, alumni, friends, and visitors gathered to celebrate the Nativity of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This festive event highlighted the timeless tradition of caroling, a cherished part of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.

Welcoming all attendees, Very Rev. Fr. Vasyl Pasakas, Dean of Students, called attention to the sacred beauty of Ukrainian Christmas carols, composed and passed down through generations as expressions of faith and devotion. Under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Roman Marchyshak, instructor of sacred music, the seminarians delivered an inspiring performance featuring traditional Ukrainian carols, including Mykola Leontovych’s renowned “Carol of the Bells.”

Throughout the event, seminarians greeted attendees in both Ukrainian and English, intertwining heartfelt messages with their melodious chants. The program offered a beautiful reflection of the Church's mission to honor Christ’s birth while preserving the deep-rooted traditions of Ukrainian liturgical music.

His Eminence Metropolitan Antony (Rector of the Seminary) and His Eminence Archbishop Daniel graced the celebration with their presence, joining in the caroling and offering words of encouragement. Archbishop Daniel, who also serves as Academic Dean of the Seminary, expressed his gratitude to all participants and acknowledged the tireless dedication of seminarians and faculty in preparing this prayerful concert. He also presented attendees with the inaugural edition of the Seminary's quarterly publication, available on the Seminary’s website.

In his remarks, Archbishop Daniel reflected on the theology of Christmas carols, emphasizing their power to unite the faithful and proclaim the mystery of Christ’s Incarnation. He introduced the seminarians by name, thanking them for their efforts and highlighting the critical role they play as future leaders of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Following the concert, attendees enjoyed fellowship with clergy, hierarchs, and seminarians, touring the Seminary’s facilities, including the Three Holy Hierarchs Chapel. This joyful gathering underscored the Seminary’s mission as the spiritual center of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, preparing students for ministry and preserving the Church’s sacred traditions.

As the seminarians embark on their Christmas break and prepare for the upcoming spring semester, the Seminary encourages all faithful to support its vital mission. Donations can be made online through the Seminary’s website.

In the spirit of Christmas, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel offered a prayerful appeal: "The theology of our sacred carols calls us to remember the Nativity not merely as a historical event but as a present reality in our lives. Let us preserve and treasure these timeless traditions of our Ukrainian Orthodox faith, ensuring that they continue to inspire and unite future generations in the light of Christ’s love and salvation."

For more information about St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary, to access the new quarterly publication, or to make a donation, please visit www.stsuots.edu

Contact:
St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary

1950 Easton Ave

South Bound Brook, NJ 08880

E-mail: St.SophiaSeminary@stsuots.edu