UNF Montreal Hosts Sviata Vecheria

The Ukrainian National Federation (UNF) Montreal Branch held its annual traditional Ukrainian Christmas Eve Holy Supper or “Kutia” with members of the UNF and its affiliated organizations the Ukrainian Women’s Organization of Olha Basarab (OUK), Ukrainian National Youth Federation (MUNO), the Ukrainian War Veterans’ Association “Striletska Hromada”, as well as, fourth wave new immigration members belonging to the organization “Zustrich” and guests.

The official opening, with greetings to everyone present, was given by former UNF Montreal President and current secretary Rev. Dr. Ihor Kutash, parish priest of St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church.  Opening prayer was given by Father Petro Rudnyk of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church.   Interspersed with the singing of traditional Ukrainian carols, greetings were also given by Olena Yemchenko, President of UWO Montreal; Zorianna Hrycenko-Luhova, President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Quebec Provincial Council and Montreal Branch; and Mychailo Wysoczansky, President of “Striletska Hromada”, founded in Montreal in 1928.   As one of the most senior members of UNF, Mr. Wysoczansky reminded those present that the annual tradition of “Kutia” began when early Ukrainian immigrants arrived in Canada in the 1930s, leaving behind their friends and families in Ukraine, feeling homesick, alone and lonely, unable to return, with ongoing political upheavals creating a dangerous situation.  The organization became a home away from home, where friendship, good-will and the continuation of Ukrainian traditions was shared by all.  Following his remarks, entertainment followed, including a performance by the Marunczak Ukrainian Dance Ensemble and a fund-raising raffle organized by UWO-OUK.

Community “Spilna Kutia” is held throughout January in the various Montreal Ukrainian organizations and church parishes.  The current president of UNF Montreal is Adrian Kowryha, and the representative from Montreal on the UNF of Canada Board of Directors is Evhen Osidacz.  The UNF of Canada was founded in 1932 and established the Montreal Branch in 1933, and former branches in Val d’Or and Rouyn-Noranda in 1936 in Northern Quebec.