Hundreds gather in Winnipeg's North End for Ukrainian Christmas

The sound of carolling filledUkrainian Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral in Winnipeg's North End on Wednesday morning as hundreds sat in rows of pews, celebratingUkrainian Christmas.

"The carols that we sing, each one tells a story.It's atheological presentation. Really in-depth words about creation, aboutpeace, about the solidarity, about love," said Rev. MichaelBuyachok.

Traditions such as carolling are important to Winnipeg's Ukrainian community, especially amid the Ukraine crisis, asTomDudychnotedat Wednesday morning's service.

"Especially with everything that's going on in Ukraine today, it's important to keepour heritage and Ukrainian beliefs alive," Dudych said, adding that the community relies on its youthful members to carry oncultural customs.

"The young people need to keep it up."

Ukrainian Christmas began on Jan. 6, and a holy meal of 12 dishes is typically served to mark the commencement of the holiday.

According to Buyachok, nearly 1,000 people were at the cathedral on Tuesday night and between 500 and 600 came out on Wednesday morning.

The celebrations will continue untilUkrainian New Year on Jan. 14.