З Різдвом Христовим! Merry Christmas!

Ukraine and the Orthodox world celebrate Christmas on January 7.

On Christmas Eve (Sviaty Vechir), Ukrainians gather for Sviata Vecherya (Holy Supper), traditionally served with twelve dishes symbolizing the twelve apostles. (Learn more about the Ukrainian Christmas tradition here and here.)

Enjoy more Ukrainian carols! (Click here, here and here, for previous editions.)


Vertep in Kyiv








The incredible Veryovka Choir








Connecticut's Chorale Ensemble "Yevshan" at St Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church, Hartford, Connecticut, January 13, 2008 Directed by Alexander Kuzma


















Pikardiyska Tertsia performs "Malanka"


Pikardiyska Tertsia performs "Oi, Raduysya, Zemle" ("Rejoice, O Earth")

Z Rizdvom Khrystovym! Merry Christmas!

Another Monster to Dwarf Kyiv Landscape for $100 M Profit

Get a glimpse of yet another Godzilla with which local developers plan to decorate the picturesque hills overlooking the Dnipro, in place of a cathedral destroyed by the Bolsheviks. (See below.)



Adding to a similarly designed riverfront edifice built there a few years ago, the 18-storied upscale high-rise about to be erected will further degrade the architectural makeup of Kyiv. The project, which promises a profit of $100 million, has already kicked off, scrapping the local children’s playground.



The brainchild of the greedy developers will cast a permanent blight on nearby landmarks, including Askold’s Tomb, Kalynovy Hai (Holodomor Memorial Park), the Kruty Monument (the latter two founded by President Yushchenko), and the Orthodox shrine of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.




At a time when the city prepares to celebrate the 1020th anniversary of Christianity’s introduction into Kyivan Rus, the hills from which Christianity spread throughout the eastern Slavic region will be bowing down to the God of Money for all the world to see. (Good morning, Mr. President!)

Apparently some home builders are relying on their hard-earned stacks of money and urban planners to build themselves a stairway to heaven.

Sources:
http://life.pravda.com.ua/problem/47e379a81c06d/