Lviv lit up the main Christmas tree of the city.

The city Christmas tree was lit up in Lviv

Yesterday, December 5, before St. Nicholas Day, a solemn lighting of the city Christmas tree took place in Lviv near the Opera House. This information was provided by the Lviv City Council.

At the beginning of the event, a moment of silence was held, honoring all those who sacrificed their lives defending Ukraine. Kateryna Kit-Sadova, the first lady of Lviv, expressed gratitude to the Pidvirny family, who donated their tree to the city this year, and presented them with seedlings of a new tree from the Lviv community.

For 10 years we have been shaping a new tradition for our Christmas. Because Christmas is not only about cares, gifts, and excitement, but it is about where we find the strength to endure all the suffering we encounter, all the pain we experience. It is about faith that we have this strength and that God gives us this strength. It is about hope that we have, and despite everything, in the darkest times, we hope. And it is about love. Love for our neighbors, for all those around us, for the boys and girls fighting at the front and for the volunteers who today celebrate their day - a low bow to you - without you, there would be no us,' said Kateryna Kit-Sadova.

As in previous years, the tree was decorated with old lighting that the city purchased in 2018. At the top of the tree is a symbol of the struggle of Ukrainians against the aggressor - an 'anti-tank hedgehog,' created by experts from 'Lviv Electric Transport' in 2022.

This year, the city Christmas tree was gifted by the Pidvirny family from the village of Birky in the Yavoriv district. This is a 20-year-old tree, which they found damaged on the road in 2004 and decided to plant in their yard. It grew and was cared for over 10 years and now delights residents and guests of Lviv with its appearance. Yaroslav Pidvirny, who decided to donate this tree to the city, hopes it will bring joy and uplift the spirits of the soldiers defending us.

I like that Lviv has such a tradition of lighting the tree. Because it shows that we adhere to traditions and nothing can break our spirit,' said Yurii Zhukovets, commander of the reconnaissance company of the 103rd Separate Brigade of Territorial Defense named after Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky, who also participated in lighting the tree.

Then the city Christmas tree was lit together with the Lviv residents who sang carols accompanied by the 'Homin' choir and the music school No. 8 'Gloria' ensemble.

The tree will stand in the square for a month. Although mass entertainment such as fairs or city skating rinks will not be organized in the center of Lviv, several events are planned in the Lviv community to preserve and support Ukrainian traditions.