Everyone is invited to a free Christmas Concert at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, at St. Michael the Archangel Byzantine Catholic Church, 205 N. Main St., Pittston.
The church will once again host the choir of St. Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church, Olyphant. They will be presenting traditional carols from Ukraine and the Carpathian region of Eastern Europe, as directed by Patrick Marcinko III.
Attendees are also invited to sing along with a group of parishioners from St. Michael the Archangel Byzantine Catholic Church, Pittston, and St. Nicholas of Myra Byzantine Catholic Church, Swoyersville, directed by Brian Bankovitch, of St. Nicholas Church. The parishioner group will be singing selected traditional carols in English and Slavonic versions.
There are hundreds of Christmas carols that developed in Eastern Europe. And while languages may differ, the melodies are similar, shared across national boundaries. Music is what unites all who have ancestral roots in these regions. These unique carols are also a way to feel connected to previous generations.
However, traditional carols are not limited to those who wish to reminisce. This concert is available for all to enjoy, regardless of cultural background, as we learn about each other and value community diversity.
A light social in the church hall will follow for those in attendance.
The Rev. Andrii Dumnych is pastor of St. Michael Church in Pittston and St. Nicholas Church in Swoyersville.
Members of the choir from St. Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church, Olyphant, perform in the 2024 Christmas Concert at St. Michael’s. The 2025 concert will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28. SUBMITTED