First interfaith “Religious borough” opened in Zaporizhzhia
On St. Nicholas Day, December 19, the main Christmas tree was opened at Festivalna square and the second regional New Year and Christmas festival began. A special highlight was the establishment of a religious borough “Christmas crib” for the first time in recent history of the city.
In the festively decorated area there are several thematic dedicated locations, one can have fun at the amusement park, treat oneself to delicious food in trade rows, buy souvenirs and funny gifts from folk artists, and learn about the spiritual content of the Nativity at the religious borough. Its operation was prepared and provided by joint efforts of various religious communities of Zaporizhzhia, combined by the Religious Council of Christian Churches of Zaporizhzhia and supported by the Department of Culture, Tourism, Religions and Nationalities to the Regional State Administration.
“Together we were able to make a beautiful installation,” coordinator of many joint religious activities, representative of the church “Zion” Tetiana Yarmoschuk told to a RISU correspondent. “The bright panels have been mounted, a crib has been made of hay in the folk style, a Nativity scene with figures of baby Jesus, Mary and St. Joseph with lambs that glow have been installed. Representatives of various religious communities are constantly on duty in two wooden houses, a schedule has been made up so all of them could congratulate the residents of Zaporizhzhia. On the first day of the festival treated the residents of Zaporizhzhia to some hot tea with cakes, played thematic games, everyone could get a greeting with a quote from the Bible.”
Regional creative teams will demonstrate on big stage their Christmas program, performing the nativity scenes as it has been done in Zaporizhzhia villages for ages. Religious communities have the opportunity to present their program on the big stage.
So, on December 24 at 15-00, the Christmas program will be presented by the Church of Evangelical Christians “Christ is the Answer.”
On December 25, at 15-00, the Religious Council of Christian Churches will prepare joint greetings from leaders of religious communities of Zaporizhzhia. The Roman Catholic community is preparing for that day festive greetings with Christmas carols for young people, and live animals will visit the den.
On New Year's Day, January 1, a Christmas program will be presented by the charismatic Christian Church “Source of Life.”
On January 7 at 15-00, a joint prayer of the believers will be held, to which representatives of all faiths are invited.
On January 8 at 14-00, a festive program will be presented by the Church "Christ is the Answer."
On January 14 at 15-00 the Evangelical Church "Word of Life" will present its Christmas program with den.
On January 15 at 14-00, the Church “International Center of the Gospel” will present its Christmas program.
“We have managed to prepare the large-scale festivities, which will last for a whole month only through the joint work of the local authorities, creative teams, religious groups,” Director of Culture, Tourism, nationalities and religions Department of Zaporizhzhia Regional State Administration Vladislav Morocco said at a briefing before the Festival. “The Regional New Year and Christmas festival, held for the second time, promotes best national traditions, customs, and rituals, and allows residents and visitors to organize recreational activities, creating a festive atmosphere reminiscent of the spiritual meaning of Christmas.”
