As the Year of Our Lord 2025 gently draws to a close, the Consistory Office of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA has once again been transformed by the light, color, and quiet joy of the Nativity season. At the heart of this celebration stands the Consistory Christmas Tree - not merely adorned with ornaments, but clothed in prayer, memory, and love, fashioned by the hands of children from our parishes across the nation.

Each ornament tells a story. Some are simple, others intricate - but all are holy offerings. Crafted through the years, and especially this year, they bear the fingerprints of young hearts who love Christ and His Church. As these ornaments were placed upon the tree, laughter and reverence intertwined, reminding all present that the Church lives and breathes through her children.

During this joyful gathering, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, surrounded by the dedicated staff of the Consistory, welcomed the presence of children who personally helped decorate the tree. Their excitement filled the room as His Eminence Metropolitan Antony observed and joined in the moment - sharing smiles, words of encouragement, and the gentle wisdom of a spiritual father. Together, hierarchs, staff, and children stood side by side, united in a living icon of the Church: elders and youth, tradition and tomorrow, gathered around Christ.

The celebration also became a moment of heartfelt gratitude as the Consistory staff honored those who had marked birthdays in recent weeks. With joy and prayer, the traditional “Mnohaya Lita - God Grant You Many Years” was chanted for Pani Maria Morozovska, Dr. Michael Andrec, Michael Chabrak, Ludmyla Bezsoniv and Anna Krykh, affirming that within the Church, every life is cherished, every person remembered, and every blessing shared.

With sincere thanksgiving, we acknowledge the parishes, families, youth groups, and individuals who contributed ornaments to this year’s Consistory Christmas Tree:

• St. Vladimir Cathedral, Parma, OH
• St. Panteleimon Parish, Brooklyn, NY
• Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Youngstown, OH
• Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Palos Park, IL
• St. Demetrius Cathedral, Carteret, NJ
• St. Andrew Memorial Church, South Bound Brook, NJ
• St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Dixonville, PA
• Assumption of the Virgin Mary Parish, Northampton, PA
• Mommy & Me, Daddy & Me, and All Saints Camp Campers, Emlenton, PA
• Zoryana and Natalka Petroff, St. Nicholas Parish, Troy, NY
• Julia Lisnyczyj, St. Luke’s Parish, Warners, NY
• Protection of the Theotokos Cathedral, Allentown, PA
• St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Parish, Elkins Park, PA
• Youth of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Carnegie, PA
• The Lisnyczyj Family, North Port, FL
• Anna Dushkina, Holy Resurrection Mission, Waynesville, NC
• The Dejneka Family, Eagleville, PA

Each ornament, offered with love, became a prayer suspended upon evergreen branches - branches that proclaim eternal life.

The Christmas tree itself stands as a profound theological symbol. Its evergreen nature proclaims Christ’s victory over death. Its upward-reaching form directs our gaze toward heaven. The lights remind us that “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:5). And the ornaments - especially those made by children - are offerings of the heart, echoing the gifts brought to the Christ Child by the Magi.

As Archbishop Daniel reflected during the celebration: “This tree is more than decoration - it is a living testimony of faith. Each ornament is a prayer, each child’s creation a sermon, reminding us that Christ is born not only in Bethlehem, but in the hearts of those who welcome Him with love and simplicity.”

With hearts filled with gratitude for the blessings of 2025, and with hope set firmly on the New Year of Grace 2026, we look forward trusting that the same Lord who was born in humility will continue to guide, strengthen, and unite our Church.

May the joy of this sacred season dwell in every home. May the light of Christ shine brightly in the year to come.

Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year 2026!

Christ is Born! Glorify Him!