On September 14, 2025, St. Basil Seminary in Stamford became the center of Ukrainian celebration – hosting the 56th Annual “Ukrainian Day in Connecticut.” Under the clear autumn sky, hundreds of Ukrainians and friends of Ukraine gathered to share prayer, culture, and community, while also contributing to a noble cause – supporting Ukraine.
The day began with the solemn performance of the American national anthem and a Pontifical Divine Liturgy led by Bishop Paul Chomnycky together with the rector of St. Basil Seminary, Father Bohdan Tymchyshyn. The choir of St. Vladimir’s Cathedral, under the direction of Mykola Maksymiuk, filled the church with song. After the service, the bishop held a memorial prayer and blessed a new monument dedicated to the late Bishop Emeritus Basil Losten, who passed away a year ago. For the community, it was a profound moment of remembrance and gratitude for a man who had strengthened the spiritual and cultural life of Ukrainians in the United States for decades.
Afterward, the festive spirit spread to the seminary grounds, where the festival came alive with the vibrant colors of Ukrainian culture. Guests enjoyed borshch, varenyky, and other traditional dishes, explored the works of folk artisans – from ceramics and jewelry to records and embroidery. Exhibits of the diocesan museum showcased cultural heritage, while the stage shone with songs and dances. In the afternoon, a concert began, and in the evening the traditional Zabava dance brought together all who wished to celebrate.
A special focus of the festival was the youth. The performance of the children’s studio “Smilyvi” became heartfelt evidence that the new generation of Ukrainians in the U.S. is not losing its roots but confidently affirming its identity. “Each performance for them is a step forward – a force that sustains modern Ukrainian culture here in the U.S. They proudly declare their heritage and inspire us all,” noted the studio’s founder, Daryna Sukhetska.
Distinguished guests also joined the celebrations. Among them were U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, and Ukraine’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Andriy Melnyk. They expressed strong support for the Ukrainian community and emphasized the importance of preserving culture and helping Ukraine in a time of war.
The Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (UNWLA) expressed deep gratitude to the organizers and volunteers, highlighting the contribution of everyone – from those who prepared homemade pastries to those who attended the celebration: “Together we make the impossible possible, and in unity and mutual support lies our strength.”
All proceeds collected during the festival are promised to be directed toward aid for Ukraine.
The festival in Connecticut dates back to 1969, when it was founded by Bishop John Stock at St. Michael’s Parish in New Haven. Thanks to the dedication of community leaders such as Roman Hezzey, Myron Dmyterko, Mykhailo Rudy, Lubomyr Chubatyy, and Donald Horbaty, the event grew into a large annual gathering. Today, under the leadership of Festival Chairman Roman Stanislavskyy, the tradition continues to thrive, bringing the community together in prayer, joy, and unity.
Author: Diana Khudko