In Ukraine, the observance of St. Nicholas Day (Sv. Mykolaj) is a cherished and festive tradition deeply rooted in the country’s rich religious and cultural heritage.  The day holds special significance as Ukrainian honor the patron saint of children.

As always, the festivities began in church, where the faithful gathered to attend Divine Liturgy and listened to sermons expressing the need to emulate St. Nicholas and his faith, love, care, and benevolence.

One of the most beloved aspects of Mykolaj Day is the widespread custom of gift-giving, echoing the legendary generosity of St. Nicholas himself.  Families come together to exchange presents, with special emphasis on providing gifts for children.  In many households, children awaken to find small presents, sweets and treats left by the saint, symbolizing his role as protector and benefactor of the young. 

The atmosphere is traditionally one of joy and togetherness, as Ukrainian embrace the spirit of the season and express gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon them.  However, this year is different.  While the people are still grateful for their blessings, the blessings have come in different forms than in previous years.

This year Ukraine continues to battle for its freedom and very existence in the face of the unprovoked invasion by the Russian Federation.  Instead of frivolities, the people wish for necessities.  Many are not able to celebrate with families at home, because they have left their demolished homes far behind as they try to find a safe place to wait out the hostilities.  Others cannot celebrate with their families, because their families have been killed and they find themselves alone. 

Fathers, along with many mothers, are fighting on the front lines, leaving the children in the care of relatives, or in children’s homes, making them temporary orphans.  Sadly, many are true orphans, who will never see their parents again.  Additionally, Ukraine is feeling the pain of lost children.  While hundreds have died, as of July 2023, Russia claims to have taken 700,000 children out of Ukraine.

The background tragedy only made the need to live in faith, and to celebrate life even greater on this Mykolaj Day.  Therefore, with the blessing of Metropolitan Antony, Prime Hierarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and Diaspora, Archbishop Daniel, Ruling Hierarch of the Western Eparchy of the UOC of the USA and Consistory President, working with Metropolitan Serhij of Donetsk and Mariupol, Orthodox Church of Ukraine, were able to bring joy to the children who have known little happiness lately.

Thanks to the generous donations of the faithful and supporters of the UOC of the USA, funds were provided to purchase holiday chocolates, toys, and other supplies that would bring smiles to the young faces of dozens of children who have witnessed the horrors of war, who have survived missile explosions, and bullet wounds.  Many of these children have large scars from the injuries they sustained.  Others are still battling various disabilities that they now must live with, and almost all the children are living with stress and trauma of what they have experienced and the horrors they have witnessed in their young lives.

On this day Metropolitan Serhij visited internally displaced children and their families, as well as orphans, and children who are undergoing various efforts towards rehabilitation.  Each visit began with prayers, as he blessed the children, their families, caretakers, and visitors, which included several Ukrainian military personnel who had stopped by to visit with the youngsters on this happy occasion.

The children squealed as they were sprinkled with holy water, but soon those squeals were shouts as they reached out their hands for proffered chocolates and goodies that His Eminence was handing out.  In addition to traditional sweets, the children received toys, puzzles, craft supplies, books and numerous other goodies.

The observance of St. Nicholas Day in Ukraine is a multifaceted celebration that intertwines religious devotion, family traditions, and cultural expressions. It serves as a time for reflection, generosity, and communal joy, bringing together individuals of all ages to honor the legacy of St. Nicholas and the values he represents. 

It does not take much to bring a smile to little faces which are usually streaked with tears, or to bring a sparkle to eyes which are lately clouded in sorrow.  A show of love and compassion warms the hearts of the children who know only fear and uncertainty these days.

You too can help Saint Nicholas, and be his emissary, bringing smiles and joy to children who are suffering and living in terror, by donating to the Ukrainian Humanitarian Relief Fund of the UOC of the USA.  Won’t you help?