It’s that time of year when we come together to enjoy singing carols and listening to readings that take us up to Christmas. This year a sense of normality has returned as “social distancing” is something we talk about as opposed to having to practice it. No doubt people are thinking about what is happening in Ukraine where a sense of normality does not even slightly exist. There are Ukrainian refugees in and around Lower Sapey and many of us “locals” have been able to experience a little of their culture and customs. At a recent Nativity Play one of the Ukrainian refugees spoke of her thoughts at this time of year. The following is what she said.
Hello, my name is Nadia and I am from Ukraine.
The whole world is now preparing to celebrate the New Year and Christmas, but my country now is fighting – for its existence, its language, its culture, and its religion. When I was asked to speak in front of you today, I thought for a long time how I could talk about the culture and traditions of my country in two or three minutes. It is impossible. But still, I decided that I will try to convey to you what we are feeling now. Usually at Christmas we gather as a whole family, prepare traditional dishes, sing carols, visit friends. But now in my country there is no light, water, heating, internet because of the terrible constant shelling, because the neighbouring country has decided that we do not have the right to live, we do not have the right to be ourselves, to live in our own homes, to sing lullabies to children in our own language. Because of the war, we cannot be with our family at the same table for Christmas, we are now scattered around the world and do not know if we will ever be able to hug each other again. Imagine that someone has decided that he has the right to come into your home and start killing you just for being you. War is the scariest thing that can happen. Therefore, I would really like to tell you – appreciate the peace in your home! Appreciate the simplest things around you! Because in fact they are the most important! This is an opportunity to hug your relatives and loved ones, just to enjoy the sunset, drink coffee; an opportunity to breathe and live. Be happy here and now and do not postpone the fulfilment of your dreams until tomorrow! And I also want to sincerely thank the whole of Great Britain for your great support and hospitality towards all Ukrainian families. It’s just incredible! Merry Christmas everyone! but the most important wish – peace to your home. And no matter what, we will continue to value our traditions – because Culture is the identity of people, and it must not be destroyed; thank you.
Suitable decorated, St Bartholomew’s was the place to be for some of that carol singing mentioned above. The were also a selection of readings to enable the choir and congregation to get their breath back.
As ever we’ve left the best for the last video clip. About a year ago Ukrainian families were singing their carols just before Christmas. A part of one Ukrainian family was able to share some of that distant experience with us. Enjoy the singing, we certainly did.
This being a carol service there had to be refreshments afterwards. The “bakers” in the parish had gone to town so to speak, and not surprisingly there were mince pies in all shapes and sizes together with a selection of sausage rolls. What was a surprise to everyone there was the Ukrainian dessert. Don’t ask for the recipe and pronouncing its name was also a challenge. Very tasty indeed! Below is the photographic evidence of considerable finger licking….
Then we come to Christmas Day. The church had been beautifully decorated, the advent ring lit and coloured lights glimmering on the tree. We gladly welcomed visitors from near and far and after an animated sermon from Rev. Jen Denniston (to the delight of the younger members of the congregation) Holy Communion was celebrated. A truly wonderful way to start celebrating Jesus’ birthday.
There’s just one thing left; a spot of community singing with a verse of “O Come, All Ye Faithful”