The big event on June 27th is, of course, the celebration of the Ukrainian Catholic Martyrs declared as "Blessed" by Pope St. John Paul II at Lviv in Ukraine on... June 27th, 2001. However, there are other celebrations that may be of interest to the Ukrainian Catholic Community of Canada...
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress has sent out a reminder that Canadians from coast to coast to coast also celebrate Canadian Multiculturalism Day. For over 125 years, Canada has been home to many Ukrainians - here we have found freedom and fostered our language, culture and traditions - enriching the mosaic of our society.
"This year, the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the way our communities interact and relate. We haven't been able to gather with family and friends and have had to find innovative ways to celebrate our culture and observe our traditions," stated Alexandra Chyczij, National President of the UCC. "We are inspired by the inventiveness, boundless energy and spirit with which our organizations and our community have responded to these challenges. We know that many of our cultural and arts groups are going through challenging times brought on by the pandemic. The UCC will continue to be a strong advocate for robust government support of these wonderful organizations and causes."
Multiculturalism is one of the fundamental values that define our great country, and Ukrainian Canadians are very proud to have been at the forefront of the development of Canada's policy of multiculturalism. Ukrainian Canadian leaders such as the late Senator Paul Yuzyk - widely acknowledged as the "father of multiculturalism" - and many Ukrainian Canadian organizations and individuals played a key role in the development and implementation of the policy of multiculturalism.
DANCE CHALLENGE: A FUN BREAK FROM COVID-19
Along with the reminder, the UCC sent along a link to a Ukrainian dance "Kolomeyka Challenge" that was posted last month. [But, there is a string call for a second challenge, so stay posted] Among the dancers, you will see representatives of dance groups from within the Archeparchy - in particular: Vesna (Winnipeg) Vitretz (St. Andrews/Stonewall), Sopilka (Winnipeg).
The Canadian government notice of Multiculturalism Day [HERE]
