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 Street, Pittston.
The church will once again host the choir of St. Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church, Olyphant, who will present traditional carols from Ukraine and the Carpathian region of Eastern Europe, as directed by Patrick Marcinko, III. In addition, attendees are invited to sing along with a group of parishioners from St. Michael, Pittston, and St. Nicholas, Swoyersville churches, 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. But traditional carols are not limited to those who wish to reminisce. We are making this concert available for all to enjoy, regardless of cultural background, as we learn about each other and value our community diversity.
A light social in the church hall will follow. Father Andrii Dumnych is pastor of St. Michael Church in Pittston and St. Nicholas church in Swoyersville, and wishes a blessed and joyous Christmas season to all.