UKRAINIAN CHRISTMAS CAROLS PERFORMED AT PRIME MINISTER'S RESIDENCE 24 SUSSEX DR.
Ottawa, Canada -January 17, 2012. — For the first time, Ukrainian Canadian Carollers performed traditional Ukrainian Christmas carols "Koliady" and "Shchedrivky" at the Prime Minister's residence today.
Weathering a January winter storm in Ottawa, the carollers arrived at 24 Sussex at 5:30 and greeted Mrs. Laureen Harper with the traditional Ukrainian Christmas greeting "Khrystos Narodyvsya", and sang "Dobriy vechir tobi" and asked "do you accept carollers?" The carollers then performed "Boh Predvichni" - God Eternal, performed by the entire group. This was followed by a traditional Ukrainian Christmas greeting, a "vinchvannya" recited in English by Mr. Keith Swinton.
The Youth choir from St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Shrine performed an English language version of "Shchedryk" - the Ukrainian Carol of the Bells. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin choir then concluded the performance with "Boh Narodyvsya" - God is born, followed by "Boh Sya Rozhdaye" - Christ is born angels rejoice.
The carollers concluded by offering Christmas greetings. Mrs. Harper graciously provided hot chocolate and homemade "pampushky" to the carollers.
The carolling was organized by the National office of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress in cooperation with Ottawa UCC.
