UOC parishes in Europe hold charity events for St. Nicholas Day

Celebration in honor of St. Nicholas at one of the UOC parishes in Europe. Photo: vzcz.church.ua

In honor of St. Nicholas Day, overseas parishes of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) organized a series of events to support Ukrainian children living abroad.

Children were able to feel the warmth of traditions and the joy of the holiday through creative performances, workshops, and gifts.

The UOC parish in Vienna held a children’s holiday on December 15 titled "Oh Who Loves Nicholas?" Children and youth prepared performances and games, and a charity lottery was organized, with proceeds going to medical aid for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. All participants received gifts from St. Nicholas.

In Hamburg, on December 15, a theatrical performance titled "St. Nicholas, Come Visit Us" was held. After the performance, children were given sweet treats as gifts.

In Budapest, on December 21, a gingerbread decorating workshop was organized for 20 Ukrainian children. At the end of the event, the priest distributed sweet gifts and Nativity icons to the children. Additionally, after the liturgy on December 22, gifts were distributed to children.

In Leipzig, on December 22, an event called "Candle of Kindness" was held, during which children also received gifts.

Some overseas UOC parishes not only organized celebrations for children but also provided charitable assistance to children in Ukraine.

The UOC parish in Nuremberg participated in a humanitarian initiative organized by German residents. Boxes containing food, gifts, and postcards from young parishioners were sent to Odesa, Kherson, and Nikopol.

The UOC parish in Hamburg collected, packed, and sent 77 gifts for the students of the Mykhailivka Boarding School in the Cherkasy region. With the funds raised, a holiday event featuring animators, games, and entertainment was also organized for the children.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that more than 70 UOC communities operate outside Ukraine.

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