There in Bakhmut, where gunfire sounded,

Where the flower of our nation fell —

All grew silent… then we heard it:

Christ is born! Let us glorify Him well!

(Oleh Vitvitskyi, 2022)

The Ukrainian Vertep has always been a living chronicle of its time – a mirror in which the biblical story takes on national meaning. And today, as Ukraine once again fights for its very life, a new hero naturally steps into the scene – the soldier of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

He is the heir to all who stood for freedom: the Cossack, the Sich Rifleman, the UPA insurgent. His presence in the Vertep is not a theatrical adaptation – it is the organic continuation of our historical tradition.

The soldier of the Armed Forces of Ukraine does not wear sharovary. His clothing is today’s battle uniform: pixel or multicam camouflage, body armor, Kevlar helmet, combat boots, rifle over the shoulder. This is not a costume – it is the image of a living defender, standing between light and darkness. His posture – upright; his gaze – calm and firm, like the faith he carries.

In modern Vertep performances, the Ukrainian soldier often appears at the moment of climax. He speaks briefly – yet profoundly. His words sound like both prayer and oath.

In the Ukrainian Vertep it is written clearly: eras change, but the struggle for freedom remains.

All Ukraine is our family —

Its Armed Forces and TDF belong.

Under God’s banner we march for triumph —

Christ is born! Let us glorify Him strong!