In the town of Palatine, Illinois, pre-Christmas gatherings were held for students of the School of Ukrainian Studies, where children attended a theatrical performance titled "Little Angels for Dad." The play was presented by actors from the "Dyvo" children's theater studio and the "Homin" theater under the direction of director Vasyl Mytnychuk and assistant director Olha Oliinyk. The dramatized production transported the audience to a Holy Evening in a family missing a father because he is away at war, and through the performance of young actors, it revealed a story where good triumphs over evil.
This was reported by Radio UA Chicago / Surma Newspaper.
The youngest students from the "Elehia" vocal studio, led by Svitlana Polyak, also joined the performance, complementing the overall atmosphere with their songs. During the event, motifs of children's prayers and dreams of peace, shared by both adults and children, were heard. The theatrical performance featured stage costumes from Roksolana Prokopiv's collection of folk attire, and the event was documented by photographer Petro Kovtun.
Moving celebrations took place on the same day at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, where the Christian community gathered for the consecration of the painted Sanctuary. The consecration ceremony was led by Bishop Benedict, with the participation of parish priests, clergy from neighboring parishes, parishioners, and guests of the church. Funds for the murals were raised during the annual church Gala banquet, as well as through donations from people of goodwill. The painting was carried out by Father Mykhailo Ozorovych, curator of the school of iconography at the Cathedral of the Holy Eucharist in Winnipeg, Serhiy Kolodka, director of the school of iconography, and iconographer Vitaliy Goncharuk.
On the same day, Bishop Benedict blessed the St. Anne Parish Sisterhood, which was founded a month ago and already has about 50 members. Mariia Hudnyk was elected as the head of the sisterhood.
A special part of the life of the School of Ukrainian Studies in Palatine has been meetings with Ukrainian defenders undergoing treatment and prosthetics in America. Among them is Ivan, a Ukrainian defender who lost an arm in the war. Thanks to the Protez Foundation and the financial support of Ukrainians, he received a prosthesis and is currently undergoing rehabilitation. While in the USA, Ivan actively participated in the school's life: he helped at the facility, worked as a security guard, and greeted teachers, students, and their parents every Saturday.
Ivan shared that he went to war voluntarily, considering it his duty:
"If I cannot defend my land, will I be able to defend my wife and children in the future?"
Following his successful prosthetics, he is returning to Ukraine. The school staff congratulated the warrior and presented him with gifts. Parents of the students and all those interested joined in the well-wishes.
Photo: Radio UA Chicago / Surma Newspaper.
Author: Danylo Pievchev