Not just spring songs, but the unity of Ukrainian hearts
On a sunny Saturday near the Church of St. Michael the Archangel in Palatine, an incredible gathering of Ukrainian families took place during the celebration of haivky. In the churchyard, enveloped by the power of prayer that had just resonated in the silence of the temple, surrounded by the echo of bells that stirred the transparent air, this special event was born. It arrives with the warm sun, the scent of fresh grass, and the sincere laughter of children. Although haivky are not just games and songs, they are the living memory of our people, its soul, its tradition, passed down from generation to generation. In every melody, there is the joy of Resurrection, in every movement, the harmony of unity, in every word, faith that does not fade.
Such was our celebration, which sincerely and soulfully began with a prayer and blessing from the parish priest, Father Petro Steblina. Because prayer to God is the wings of hope. These are the wings we always need, especially today, in a difficult time for our Motherland. Yes, we are far from it. But we are here to bring light, and it crosses the ocean. We are here to help our native land cope with misfortune, and this help is never too much. We are here to keep Ukraine in our souls, so it continues in the fate of our children—through a return to traditions, through a return to customs with language, song, and prayer. And Easter haivky hold a special place in this, which is why our celebration was so colorful, joyful, and filled with happiness.
A great interest was sparked by the children's play "The Chick That Lost Its Mother" (theater studio "Dyvo," director Vasyl Mytnychuk, assistant director Olga Oliynyk), as it was a warm, touching story that combined a children's plot with important life meanings. And the honored artist of Ukrainian pop art, Tetiana Baryliak, along with her students from the vocal studio "Barvystok," truly opened the magic of haivky, involving everyone present. Believe me: when adults and children form a circle, hold hands, and start singing, it seems as if time stops to listen to this grandeur and beauty. The beauty brought by all who came, generously shared by the organizers of the celebration. For example, the famous collector of antique clothing and designer of the brand "Spadok," Roksolana Prokopiv, along with the modeling school "StarKids" (led by Kateryna Hrod), complemented the haivky with their original performance.
The atmosphere was created by Father Petro Steblina, talented artists Halyna Holovko, Liubov Lukashevych, Tetiana Darmograi, incredible charismatic hosts Nataliia Hladyn and Yaroslav Pylypiuk, the church choir (led by Volodymyr Maksymliuk), Olga Oliynyk, the vocal studio "Elegia" (led by Svitlana Polyak), soloist Angelina Sovych, the trio of girls—Viktoria, Melania, and Zlata (led by Liubov Lukashevych), students of the "Creative kids" studio, the ensemble "Diamantyky" (led by Khrystyna Ruda), Bozhena, Liana Rzhym, the vocal studio "Feel the voice" (led by Olga Hutsul), participants of the "Smart minds" studio (led by Marta-Sofiia Freizer), the vocal studio "Barvystok" (led by Tetiana Baryliak)—Denys Baryliak, Kateryna Boiko, Angelina Sovych, Mila Vlasova, Polina Zbryk, Yustyn Sovych), as well as the vocal studio "LIKA Music" (led by Kseniia Kondratova), Khrystyna Hrytsenko, Vita Kotyk, the Malhivski sisters, and the band "Prosto Band."
Thus, everyone united together and created unforgettable emotions, shared the Easter joy, because this holiday—Christ's Resurrection—is special in our lives. It calls for love, calls for mercy. Therefore, today every smile, every contribution, every good deed had special significance, and the charitable funds collected at the Easter haivky near the Church of St. Michael the Archangel will also be directed to help Ukraine.
We must be like this—united and sacrificial. We want to be like this. In this lies our strength, our mutual support, a testament to our love for our native land. And if we have it in our hearts, we will never be far from home! Let the Ukrainian song continue to resound. Let our traditions live on. Let the red rue bloom, about which all the participants of the festive meeting sang so touchingly and heartily. We will find it, we will definitely find that miracle flower that gives pure and bright human feelings. And love. Because with this love, Christ blesses us.
Photos by Tetiana Drozhzhyna
