A festive evening dedicated to the anniversary of the birth of Taras Shevchenko took place at the Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Chicago’s Ukrainian neighborhood. The event brought the community together around the poetry of the Kobzar, his spiritual legacy, and the contemporary resonance of his words.
This was reported by Radio UA Chicago.
Organizers emphasized that Shevchenko’s words remain relevant today, as their power lies not in loudness but in the depth of meaning, prophetic insight, and spiritual strength that has endured through centuries.
His words, written more than a century ago, today sound like a call to reflect on one’s own responsibility for the fate of Ukraine. In Shevchenko’s poetry there is both warning and faith in the future: “Dnipro, my brother, is drying up, leaving me. And my dear graves the Muscovite is destroying…,” “Fall in love, dark-eyed maidens, but not with the Muscovites. For the Muscovites are strangers who bring misfortune upon you…”.
These ideas shaped the concert program prepared by Olha Karabinovych, head of the cultural and educational department at the parish, and Iryna Dychii, a teacher at St. Nicholas Cathedral School.
It was especially symbolic that children and young people actively participated in the concert — both on stage and among the audience.
The well-known works “Zapovit” and “Reve ta stohne Dnipro shyrokyi” were powerfully performed by the Blahovist Choir under the direction of Olena Balaban. A children’s violin ensemble led by Olha Karabinovych performed a medley of songs based on Shevchenko’s poetry.
Students of St. Nicholas School and children of the parish recited the poet’s verses and performed songs based on his poetry, including “Zatsvila v dolyni chervona kalyna.”
The concert program also featured the trio of Oksana Oleksyn, Olena Balaban, and Natalia Taylor performing “Taka yii dolia” and “Letyt halka cherez balku.” Oksana Daniv and Bohdan Heryavenko performed the duet “Po dibrovi viter vyie,” while young soloist Oksana Dychka sang “Zore moia vechirniaia.” Oksana Oleksyn also performed “Sontse zakhodyt, hory chorniut.”
Special applause from the audience went to opera singer Halyna Heryavenko, who performed “Nashcho meni chorni brovy” and “Oi try shliakhy shyrokii.”
Another emotional moment of the evening was the performance by Iryna Turchyn, who sang a traditional duma about Cossack graves accompanied by the bandura.
Accompanists for several performances included Oksana Pidruchna and Olha Karabinovych. Sound design was provided by Rostyslav Rybak, while the event was hosted by Uliana Rybak and Matvii Manhela.
Expressions of gratitude to the organizers and participants were offered by Bishop Venedykt Aleksiychuk, Father Roman Artymovych, and Deacon Rostyslav Smyk.
During the event, participants also honored Mariia Yavorska — the mother of Hero of Ukraine Mykhailo Yavorskyi, who was present in the audience. Attendees had the opportunity to purchase a memorial book about the fallen defender and donate to support his fellow soldiers.
The evening concluded with words that continue to resonate as a call for struggle and faith: “Fight — and you shall overcome! God helps you! For truth, glory, and holy freedom are on your side.”
Photo: Radio UA Chicago
Author: Danylo Pievchev