Dispatch from the CT Ukrainian Day Festival
A bit over a week ago, I attended the annual CT Ukrainian Day Festival with my mom and two young daughters. The event is held every year at the Ukrainian Greek Catholic seminary in my hometown, but despite my longtime connection with Ukraine, this was just the second time I managed to attend the festival, the first time being several years ago. Much remained the same as I remembered it: the vendors of traditional Ukrainian items, the holubtsi and vareniki, the folk music and dancing. But this year, one thing was markedly different: the knowledge that Ukraine is fighting for its very existence.
Almost everywhere I looked, there were reminders that Ukraine is at war, and the Ukrainians who remain in their homeland are suffering daily. Booths advertised organizations that aid the Ukrainian war effort. Vendors sold mugs with “Putin’s Tears” written on them. Flyers for the event reminded us that all proceeds would be used for aid to Ukraine. None of this is surprising. What I found so remarkable was the joy and pride that was palpable throughout the day. Ukrainian immigrants and people of Ukrainian descent gathered from all over the East Coast to celebrate their culture, despite the pain of knowing that Putin is doing his best to eradicate that culture – and the Ukrainian people who dare to resist. As so many Americans are disowning our heritage, culture, and history, it was truly remarkable to watch this act of joyful defiance. American values and culture are under attack – both at home and abroad - in so many ways, and most Americans don’t even seem aware of it. We could learn from the men and women who set aside one day a year to cherish and preserve the culture and traditions of their homeland, hoping against hope that one year, their celebration will not be mixed with sorrow.
As I gazed up at the pinnacle of the seminary roof, the cross was hidden behind the leaves of a tree. There is something symbolic about that image, I think. Not all Ukrainians are Christians (although many are). Not all see Christian meaning in Ukraine’s struggle for freedom (although many do). Not all are saints in the making (although, again, I’m sure some are.) Yet I agree with Archbishop Borys Gudziak that:
“a normal, self-preserving and self-serving rationale cannot explain…(Ukrainians’) reaction (to Russia’s invasion). It goes against the login of the natural realm. There is something supernatural, even Christ-like, in this sacrificial love.”
Even when it is hidden or unacknowledged, the Cross is there among the Ukrainians who have given their lives for their homeland, those who risk their lives, those who bravely carry on with daily tasks as danger lurks, and, yes, those who live far from Ukraine, but joyfully and defiantly preserve her traditions and culture for future generations.
