In the sacred season of the Nativity Fast, the Consistory Office of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA in South Bound Brook, NJ, radiated with the joy and love of Christ as His Eminence Archbishop Daniel presided over the formal decoration and installment of the annual Nativity of the Lord Christmas tree. This cherished tradition symbolizes the light of Christ, the unity of His Church, and the hope for peace and salvation in the world.

This year’s tree holds profound significance, as it showcases handmade ornaments created by the youth from parishes across the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA. Through the ministry of the Consistory's Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, under the direction of Natalie Kapeluck-Nixon, young people from various communities poured their love and creativity into crafting these decorations. Each ornament, thoughtfully mailed to the Consistory, serves as a prayerful expression of faith, a labor of love, and a token of unity with the Church.

Archbishop Daniel warmly welcomed the children of Consistory employees and friends of the Metropolitan Center, including the Pasakas, Shakh, and Kravchenko families, to assist in decorating the Nativity tree. As each child placed an ornament upon the tree, the Archbishop read aloud the names of the youth and parish communities who contributed to this year’s display, offering prayers of thanksgiving for their efforts and blessings upon their families.

“The light of this tree reflects the light of Christ in each of you,” Archbishop Daniel told the children. “Your hands have decorated not just a tree, but the heart of our Church. Together, you remind us all that faith, love, and service are the ornaments of our lives, and they bring us closer to the Kingdom of God.”

In a touching gesture, the children and attendees remembered their peers in Ukraine, who, due to the ongoing war, cannot partake in such joyous traditions. United in prayer and spirit, the youth of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA stand in solidarity with the children of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and all those enduring the hardships of war. The decorations on the tree became more than festive symbols; they became prayers for peace, resilience, and hope for Ukraine, our ancestral homeland.

Archbishop Daniel presented the children with gifts of coloring books, pencils, and educational materials, encouraging them to deepen their understanding of their faith and sacred traditions. Following the decorating ceremony, Consistory staff treated the children, including Roman, Jacob, Victoria, Tessa, Elizabeth, Amy, and David, to a delightful spread of juices and Dunkin’ Donuts, fostering a spirit of fellowship and celebration.

The tree itself was adorned with ornaments sent by the following parishes and families:

• St. Vladimir Cathedral, Parma, OH
• St. Demetrius Cathedral, Carteret, NJ
• Holy Trinity Parish, Brooklyn, NY
• St. John the Baptist Parish, Johnson City, NY
• Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Youngstown, OH
• St. Panteleimon Parish, Brooklyn, NY
• Assumption of the Virgin Mary Parish, Northampton, PA
• St. Nicholas Parish/The Petroff Family, Troy, NY
• The Dejneka Family, Eagleville, PA
• The Lisnyczyj Family, North Port, FL
• SUM Chapter #57 “Dnipro”, South Bound Brook, NJ
• Youth of Sts. Peter and Parish, Carnegie, PA
• St. John the Baptist Parish, Portland, OR
• Sts Peter and Paul Mission, West Islip, NY

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA expresses its heartfelt gratitude to all clergy, parishioners, youth ministry workers, and families who contributed to this year’s tree, offering their prayers and love for Christ and Ukraine.

As the tree glows in the Consistory’s halls, it serves as a testament to the enduring faith, unity, and hope of the Church and its people. The clergy and faithful extend warm greetings for the blessed Feast of the Nativity of Christ and a joyful, peaceful New Year 2025. May the light of the Lord's Nativity shine in all our hearts, bringing hope, peace, and love to the world.

Христос Народжується! Славімо Його!
Christ is Born! Let us Glorify Him!