Living Advent Calendar Day 13: Ukrainians say “thank you” to Henley

Money was raised for Ukrainian lunch club and Ukrainian relief at the 13th Living Advent performance in the d:two centre.

Six Ukrainian women took centre stage in a packed room and spoke in Ukrainian, with the words translated in English behind them.

They spoke of their Christmases at home, the traditions on Christmas Eve known as the “Holy Evening” and the carols they would sing.

The group performed a selection of these carols including God’s Son was born this night, New joy is to come and Carol of the Bells.

Between each of these they spoke of the difficulties they have faced this year and how, despite the country becoming divided by war, Ukrainians have become closer in many ways.

One woman said: “This time of year will be sad for many but it is necessary to believe in a miracle, especially in difficult moments of life.

“A sense of wonder is very important, especially in those moments when there is nothing left to hope for.”

Their performance finished with a “thank you” to the British people for their words, actions and support. Their final song ended to a standing ovation, with members of the group and the crowd visibly moved.

Henley Baptist Church minister, Jeremy Bray, then took to the stage, which is home to the church, to ask the audience for a silent reflection, remembering the families in Ukraine without light, heat or company. Two carols were sung in English to finish the evening: Silent Night and O Holy Night.

Minister Bray noted the poignance of some of the words in the latter and said: “Truly he taught us to love one another… And in His name all oppression shall cease.”

The Ukrainian lunch club meets every Tuesday and provides the Ukrainian members of the Henley community somewhere safe and regular to meet. 

d:two continues to raise money for Ukrainian causes, and last night a mixture of Ukrainian biscuits and cakes were provided to Living Advent goers.

One of the members of the lunch club and performer last night, Valerie Mocharska-Liulchyk, has been a regular at Living Advent this year, often seen dancing with her young daughter Varvara. 

She said: “I moved here two months ago from Rivne, near Lviv. We now have a home here and have found Henley a really nice place, with really nice people. Living Advent has been really fun, it’s a great tradition and Vavara has enjoyed it too.”

Tonight’s Living Advent will take place at Henley College.

For a full round-up of this week's events, pick up a copy of the Henley Standard, out on Friday.