Carolers and the nativity scene theater of St. Michael’s Parish from the village of Muzhylovychi, Yavoriv district, Lviv region, came to congratulate Polytechnicians on Christmas. The event was part of the Bethlehem Call 2022 initiative, led by Andrii Tsebenko, a lecturer at the Institute of the Humanities and Social Sciences. The Rector and representatives of the rector’s office also attended the theatrical performance.
The participants of vertep (the nativity scene) from Yavoriv district charmed the audience with poems and carols, in which they announced the birth of Jesus and wished every Polytechnician good health, joy and peace. Archpriest Mykhailo Tsebenko is the rector of St. Michael’s Parish. Together with his wife and son, he is the organizer of this event. The priest says that the nativity scene theater is not only a tribute to our traditions or a good performance of actors, but, above all, it is the involvement of people in the good news of the Savior’s birth. Preparations for this event began in December, and today they still have many invitations from parishes and institutions, which they also plan to visit with vertep.
«The Christmas Nativity Theater is an opportunity to join the gospel (the good news) of the appearance of Jesus Christ in the world. The main idea of our theater is to show that the Son of God came to Earth for us. These events are characteristically reflected in our folk art. Therefore, today, congratulating all of you, I wish you to always follow the example of our perfect Teacher, the Lord Jesus».
Vasyl Solovei, a believer of St. Michael’s Parish and Honored Artist of Ukraine, also joined the congratulations of the Polytechnicians.
«Today I want to wish each of you a Happy New Year and a Merry Christmas. May the born Christ send you good health and vitality. May the New Year break into your cozy homes with a blizzard of happiness, goodness and love. And let the long-awaited peace, which every Ukrainian heart longs for now, finally comes to Ukraine».
In conclusion, Yurii Bobalo, the Rector of Lviv Polytechnic, addressed the audience. He thanked the participants for the festive mood and a wonderful performance and presented them with gifts.
«Thank you for this wonderful Christmas event, for taking the time to come to our University today. Vertep and carols are millennial traditions of our people and I am very happy that young people like you continue them, especially in our difficult times».
