Ukrainian Community Prepares for Traditional Christmas Eve Dinner

Preparations are in full swing for the annual Ukrainian Christmas Eve dinner, set to take place on January 3, 2025, at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Victoria, Canada. The event, organized by the Ukrainian Studies Society of Vancouver Island, will start at 6:30 p.m. and serves as a significant fundraiser for the society.

Pati-Ann Lawe, treasurer of the Ukrainian Studies Society, emphasized the importance of this event, stating, “It’s our major fundraiser of the year.” Although Ukraine has shifted from the Julian calendar to the New Julian calendar, aligning Christmas celebrations with the December 25 date, the community will continue to honor its rich traditions during the dinner.

The shift in calendar observance was made official in September 2023 when both the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church of Ukraine switched from the Julian calendar. Traditionally, Christmas was celebrated on January 7, but now it falls on the same date as many Western celebrations.

Attendees can look forward to a rich experience filled with various Ukrainian customs. Lawe described the evening’s flow: “We go through all the different parts of the evening, starting with the youngest child watching for the first star, and having the carollers come and greet the host and hostess, and we have 12 meatless dishes.” The emphasis on meatless dishes is a symbolic gesture honoring the animals present at the nativity.

Lawe invites everyone to join in the celebration, saying, “Please feel welcome to come and enjoy the journey through the Ukrainian Christmas Eve traditions with us.”

Tickets for the dinner can be purchased online or by calling 250-475-2585. The pricing is structured to accommodate different attendees: adult tickets are available for $75, student tickets for $30, and children under the age of 12 can attend for just $10.

This event not only provides a festive gathering for the community but also reinforces cultural heritage and traditions that are significant to Ukrainian identity.