Today at 17:05
This is how light sounds. This is how a miracle sounds. This is how life sounds. This is how Christmas sounds. Our “Shchedryk”. Our Leontovych. Our story, which holds particularly symbolic meaning during times of war.
The great Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych lived and worked for several years in the city now known as Pokrovsk. There, he taught music to children, formed a choir, and wrote the second version of “Shchedryk”, which echoes across every corner of the Earth during these days. It was here that a Ukrainian gifted the world the musical spirit of Christmas.
Let everyone who hears it remember Ukraine. Remember how we fight today for the essence of this holiday—for hope and the triumph of life. On our land, in every city and town, including Pokrovsk.
The divine music composed there and the evil brought by Russia starkly contrast us and them.
We aspire to create, while for some, the purpose of life is to sow death. We yearn for peace, justice, and harmony.
All we need is to live peacefully on our land, to see the sun, our skies, and in them a Christmas star—not Iranian drones or Russian missiles. But for some, life without chaos is “boring and lacks excitement.” Such words prove how distant they are from God, Christianity, and genuine faith. And they also prove why their oppression and darkness are destined to fail. We know this. The world knows this.
And God knows this. Evil will lose. Ukrainians believe this and pray for it. That all this calamity and filth will disappear from our land forever. And Ukrainians undoubtedly deserve this.
Dear people,
Today is a very special evening. Christmas Eve.
This is our third Christmas during the war. Our great Ukrainian family cannot fully celebrate it as we wish—as it should be.
Not all of us are at home, unfortunately. Not everyone, sadly, has a home. And not all of us are still with us. Yet, despite all the suffering the enemy has brought, they have failed to seize or destroy what matters most—our hearts, the light within us, our belief in goodness, mercy, and the humanity within each of us.
We have not lost our values, and so today we honor all those who gave their lives to protect us. We pray for all those on the front lines to return alive. For all those in captivity to come home. For all those whom Russia has forced into occupation. For everyone it has driven away. For everyone struggling, yet who has not lost Ukraine within themselves—and so, Ukraine will never lose them.
Therefore, wherever we may be tonight, we are undoubtedly together. For the second time, we celebrate Christmas on the same date as one great family, one united nation. For the second time in our new history, Christmas unites all Ukrainians. Today, we stand shoulder to shoulder. And we will not falter. Whether in person or in thought, we will greet each other, call our parents, kiss our children, embrace our loved ones, and remember those dear to us. In person, from afar, or in spirit—Ukrainians are together today. And as long as we do this, evil stands no chance. This unity and warmth toward one another is the true spirit of Christmas, the unique atmosphere we will preserve within ourselves and share with those around us. With everyone we love. With everyone dear to us.
And today, that means every Ukrainian.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas!
May the light of faith shine in our souls, hope fill our hearts, and love and abundance bless every home. May the Lord protect you, your families, and our Ukraine.
May His guidance dispel all the evil that has entered our home. And in its place, let goodness and justice reign. May peace and prosperity prevail.
May every child be healthy. May they rejoice in gifts, smile, and feel the spirit of this holiday despite everything. And may the most precious sight—the sparkle of happiness in children’s eyes—shine bright.
This is what we fight for.
This is what we pray for.
This is what we deserve.
Happy holidays, dear Ukrainians!
Christ is born! Let us glorify Him!
