All-Ukrainian Festival of Verteps (Nativity Scenes) “Christmas Birds”

UGCC priests: Fr. Roman Hrom and Fr. Ivan Halio, chaplain of the 80^th Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

From October 2025 to February 2026

1) Any community group united as a Nativity scene (Vertep) or caroling group can participate in the campaign.

2) To join, simply register for the all-Ukrainian initiative.

3) New participants will receive a traditional Christmas star —a symbol of our unity — free of charge.

4) During the holiday season, you will use this star while caroling in your towns and villages.

5) You then donate part or all of the proceeds (at your discretion) to the campaign’s shared bank account.

6) These funds are used to purchase military equipment requested by soldiers, primarily drones and electronic warfare systems.

7) Check the public registry to confirm your donation and then come to the village of Mshanets to participate in the world’s largest festival of Verteps.

1. Conduct a promotional campaign to attract participants to the All-Ukrainian Vertep Festival “Christmas Birds 2025–2026”.

2. Produce Christmas stars for the new participants of the campaign.

3. Hold and officially record the world’s largest gathering of verteps.

4. Prepare the site for conducting the largest-scale procession of verteps.

5. Improve the infrastructure to accommodate up to 10,000 participants.

6. Install sound equipment along the route of the Vertep procession (1.2 km).

7. Prepare and decorate mobile platforms for the Vertep procession.

8. Equip the central festival square (stage, sound system, heating/warming areas).

9. Organize interactive events and masterclasses for participants of all ages.

10. Invite artists to hold a festive thank-you concert for the event participants.

11. To create a friendly environment for spreading Christmas traditions, making connections, and sharing experiences among active Christian youth.

2023–2024

• The “Christmas Birds” campaign was held for the first time.
  
  
• The initiative united 260 participants including Verteps, caroling groups (Kolyadas), organizations, and private donors.
  
  
• 5.6 million UAH was raised through caroling and used to purchase drones.
  
  
• The largest-ever gathering of Verteps was held as a Christmas festival in the village of Mshanets, featuring 106 Verteps and Kolyadas.
  
  
• An official Record of Ukraine was set for caroling performed by the largest number of Verteps simultaneously.

2024–2025

• The “Christmas Birds” campaign was continued.
  
  
• 159 participants were united, including Verteps, carolers, organizations, and private donors.
  
  
• 3.7 million UAH was raised through caroling, and an electronic warfare (EW) system was purchased for this amount.
  
  
• A large-scale gathering of Verteps was held in the format of a Christmas festival in the village of Mshanets, which was attended by over 3,000 participants and guests.

To develop the concept of the “Christmas Birds” campaign into the format of an All-Ukrainian Vertep Festival with carnival elements.

To secure funding from the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation (UCF) for the creation of exemplary Vertep costumes, the implementation of a media campaign, and the popularization of Vertep volunteerism in Ukraine and abroad (UCF support constitutes 50 % of the required budget).

1. Youth and Children

• Learn their own culture and traditions through active participation in Vertep.
• Learn self-sacrifice, patriotism, and teamwork.
• Develop creativity, stage skills, and self-confidence.

2. AFU (Armed Forces of Ukraine) Servicemen

• Receive tangible assistance (drones, EW/REB systems, equipment).
• Feel moral support from the youth and the community.
• Their lives are saved thanks to the volunteer efforts of the campaign.

3. Church and Religious Communities

• Preach Christ through the art of Vertep.
• Educate youth in spiritual and national values.
• Strengthen the connection between parishes, families, and the community.

4. Parents of Children and Youth

• Children gain independence, creative, and organizational skills.
• Families are involved in creating costumes and caroling (koliada).
• Character, diligence, and team spirit are nurtured.

5. Teachers, Youth Leaders, Catechists, Priests

• Have an effective tool for youth education and motivation.
• Get the opportunity to organize their own Vertep performances or groups.
• Are provided with a Christmas Star — the symbol of participation — free of charge.

6. Local Residents and Communities

• Cultural activity and unity are enhanced.
• Local tourism and the positive image of the region are developed.
• Mshanets becomes the “Carpathian Bethlehem” — the capital of Vertep performances.

7. Cultural Figures, Artists, Researchers

• Receive a platform for creative cooperation and research.
• Popularize the Ukrainian Vertep in a modern form.
• Join international cultural initiatives.

8. Ukrainian Diaspora and the International Community

• Become familiar with authentic Ukrainian Christmas culture.
• Support Ukraine through cultural and volunteer actions.
• Form a positive image of Ukraine in the world.

9. The State and Local Government Bodies

• Strengthen cultural diplomacy and citizen unity.
• Receive a new format of the national cultural tradition.
• Contribute to the development of creative tourism and local initiatives.

Charity Fund “Christmas Birds”, Parish of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the village of Mshanets, Commission for Youth Affairs of the Sambir-Drohobych Eparchy of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.

Patriarchal Foundation “Mudra Sprava”, Sambir-Drohobych Eparchy of the UGCC, “Zhyve. TV”, Strilky Territorial Community, Museum of Folk Architecture and Life named after Klymentiy Sheptytsky.