In Chicago, at the hall of St. Joseph the Betrothed Church, a theatrical performance titled “Century of Christmas” took place, dedicated to the centennial history of celebrating the Nativity of Christ. The organizers united the Ukrainian community in Chicago for a festive evening that became a heartfelt prayer. Funds raised during the event will support wounded Ukrainian soldiers undergoing treatment and prosthetics in the United States.
This was reported on this event.
The charitable event was organized by a talented team including Tetyana Darmohray Kulynych, Roksolana Prokopiv, Liliia Semko, Liubov Lukashevych, Andriy Gambal, and others.
"Century of Christmas" is a story of a special prayer. Watch and share this unique tale of beauty and pain, joy and fear, faith, hope, and love. It’s a story of the triumph of goodness and light. A story of the power of prayer and God’s love. A story about the Ukrainian people—strong, resilient, free, and united!” shared Roksolana Prokopiv, expressing her impressions of the event.
"Century of Christmas" was not merely a concert or a creative evening but a true mystery that brought the history of Christmas to life through the lens of a century of trials and joys experienced by the Ukrainian people. From the early 20th century to the present war, the stage transformed into various scenes—a cozy home where a family prepares for Christmas Eve, the harsh years of the Holodomor and Siberian exiles, and today’s frontline where soldiers defend Ukraine.
The evening's highlights included performances by vocalists such as Tetyana Darmohray and Liubov Lukashevych, the group Trioda, the folk ensemble Svashky, the children’s vocal The Elegy Studio, the Vyshyvanka School of Dance, the MolodPRO nativity play group, and a large cast of actors. Particularly memorable was the display of traditional folk costumes from Roksolana Prokopiv’s collection, modeled by participants of StarKids.
The evening concluded with a prayer for peace and Ukraine’s victory, accompanied by heartfelt scenes of Christmas carols that united the audience in shared hope. Among the attendees were soldiers undergoing rehabilitation, for whom sincere prayers were also offered.
"Century of Christmas" reminded everyone present of the importance of preserving traditions, memory, and faith—our duty to the past and the future.
"Yesterday, I witnessed the incredible mystery of the Century of Christmas. Yesterday, the spirit of Ukrainianness was so tangible you could almost touch it. Thanks to carols and dances, traditions, and, most importantly, the people!... The Century of Christmas was amazing, rich, and perfect. People, you are extraordinary—all the actors, all the children, all the singing and dancing groups. Everything was top-notch. I’m deeply moved—time flew by so quickly that I couldn’t get enough. I want more! No, I demand more! Keep it going,” shared Mariana Gamaniouk.
Additionally, an auction took place during the evening, with part of the proceeds from the sale of rare items going to Ukraine’s Steel Hundred fund, while the rest went to the Heroes’ Protection Fund. This fund, established at St. Joseph the Betrothed Church, provides assistance to wounded Ukrainian soldiers undergoing treatment and prosthetics in the U.S.
Photo: Maksym Prokopiv
Author: Inna Mikhno