On 10 December 2025, the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Family in Exile in London hosted a Christmas Carol Concert — a special evening of unity, culture, and hope.
The event was organised by London’s Ukrainian community under the creative and musical direction of Maryana Bodnar, with the participation of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family, Support Ukraine, British Ukrainian Aid, and the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, and held under the patronage of the Embassy of Ukraine to the United Kingdom.
During the concert, donations were collected to support Ukrainian children who have lost their parents as a result of the war.
The event organiser — actress, singer, photographer, soloist of the National Operetta of Ukraine, co-organiser, host, and soloist of the Special Christmas Carol Concert — Maryana Bodnar, shared that the concert continues to grow and develop each year:
“Over the three years of holding this event, I have seen how it continues to improve. Each time, the concert grows larger, more well attended, and more ambitious.
This year, we brought together musicians from different ensembles, yet they performed as one, with incredible sincerity and professionalism. You could genuinely feel their desire to share a part of their talent with the audience.
One of the most emotional moments is when, at the end, the entire audience stands and sings carols together. In those moments, you feel filled with warmth and light. I am also pleased that we were able to combine British and Ukrainian carolling traditions, as the idea of the concert was precisely about fusion — bringing cultures together.”
Guest singer Friederike Krum also shared her impressions of the event. She noted that the annual Christmas Carol Concert has already become a special tradition and encouraged continued support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian community:
“It was wonderful to hear the blend of British and Ukrainian carols and to perform alongside incredible artists who gave their talent and heart in support of Ukraine.”
We invite you to view the photo report by Yuliana Romaniv, a Ukrainian photographer and software engineer.
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