В неділю 18.12.2011 Ліга Українських Католицьких жінок, Парафіяльний хор, жіночий ансамбль Cуцвіття, Ігор Клайберт, Марта Менцінська, Тереса Бутилевич i я, прийшли до парафії з колядою, щедрівкою і вінчуванням та розповіддю про події в Україні. A Cв. Миколай то взагалі про нас всіх все знав, хто був чемний і нечемний. Він шукав Aндрійка і Маркіяна (Стефанишина) в Канбері. Aндрійко питався чи Миколай живе в північних просторах світу (Норт Пол - North Pole) чи в середній Aзії? Розповіла я, що Миколай має постійну хату в Києві. Присутні в залі "ахнули" - невже. Aга! Я не жартую: Миколай має постійну хату в Козацькій Мамєвій Cлободівці - невірили мені діти й я обіцяла зібрати знимки і подати до газет! Так, що згадали черговий раз рідну Україну в віршах Богдана Лепкого, згадали всіх і вся кого треба - чуть, чуть і була би заспівала миколаївську пісню по флямандськи, бо співали кілька по англійськи - та забула слова. (Марічка Галабурда)

Due to a cool and windy evening, with the possible chance of showers developing, the UCWLA ‘Carols in the Park’ became the ‘Carols in the Father Diachyshyn Centre’. Nevertheless, this did not deter the atmosphere of the evening because the fully packed room was abuzz with cheerful and friendly voices as all waited in expectation for the evening of carols to commence.

It was a pleasure to see four generations of Ukrainians come together for this happy event which is growing in number and popularity each year. The ages ranged from four months to 90 years. It is our faith, love of Ukrainian music and of course колядa which keeps us united during this time of year.

Daughters brought their mothers, grandmothers brought their grandchildren and husbands and wives came with their families and friends to spend a couple of peaceful and relaxing hours recalling the true meaning of Christmas and to

enjoy each other’s company.

At the start of the evening, Olya Chochula warmly welcomed all our guests and introduced Marichka Halaburda who was to be the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. We listened with interest as Marichka informed us of the latest developments in Ukraine and amused us with her sense of humour and quick wit, adding to the already jubilant and cozy atmosphere of the evening. The voices of St Andrew’s Parish choir (Vasyl Opryshko/conductor) and Sutsvittya choir (Olya Jakubowska/conductor, Ihor Kleibert/accordion) resonated throughout the room as each beautiful carol was sung with praise and love for baby Jesus.

Marta Mencinsky captivated us with her lovely voice as she led the congregation’s carol singing. Teresa Butylewicz dedicated

a much loved carol to her parents and organised and assisted the children in their caroling. With so many good voices in the

room, all praising Jesus, the harmony was delightful and stirring. A tired Fr Simon, who had just flown in from Brisbane and

then experienced heavy traffic delays on the way home, arrived a little late, but not too late to welcome all who came along.

The arrival of St Nicholas was very exciting for the young and young at heart. He spoke with wisdom and humour and we listened

intently to his inspirational words. UCWLA Executive thank everyone who made this evening a time of rejoicing at the anticipated

birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ and what that birth has meant to humanity. It was indeed a fitting finale to the end of a fruitful 2011.

(Editor)