St Nicholas Day Celebration - Sun Dec 21, 2025

St. John's will celebrate its Annual St Nicholas Celebration this year on Sunday, December 21. The day will begin with the Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. Following the Liturgy, the traditional visit by St. Nicholas, the Wonderworker, will take place, accompanied by the giving of gifts. After the dismissal, parishioners will gather in the Church Hall where the ancient Carpatho-Rusyn "Bethlehem Play" or "Pastyri" will be performed.

The Bethlehem Play (also known as Jasličkari, Betlehemci, or Gubi) is a cherished Carpatho-Rusyn Christmas tradition involving carolers who perform a short Nativity play while strolling from house to house. This custom was brought to the United States by immigrants and continues to

 

be practiced in various communities in the US and the original homeland. 

Groups of carolers, often including youngsters, teens, and adults, dress in costumes to represent characters from the Nativity story, primarily angels and shepherds. The play is a short presentation that includes carols (koljadky), dialogue, and sometimes dancing, all announcing the birth of Christ. Carolers often carry a miniature church or a star on a pole to lead the procession. A central character is the guba, kuba, dido, or staryj pastyr (the oldest shepherd), who often wears a mask and serves as the comedian. The carolers visit homes after the Christmas Eve church services and may continue throughout the next three days. Families reward the carolers for their performance and long journey with food (nuts, fruits, cakes), drinks, or money, as a mark of friendship and hospitality. 

The Bethlehem Play is deeply integrated into the broader Carpatho-Rusyn Christmas traditions, which center around family, unity, and faith. The Christmas Eve Holy Supper is the critical day of celebration, a meatless and dairyless meal that begins with the appearance of the first star in the sky, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem. 

The play serves to bring the message of the Nativity story directly to the homes of the community, reinforcing the spiritual meaning of Christmas in a vibrant, communal, and dramatic way. This long-standing custom helps preserve the unique cultural heritage of the Carpatho-Rusyn people across generations and geographical locations. 

After the Bethlehem Play, there will be a Kids Program including musical performances by parish youth. Lunch will be served, followed by games of Trivia, Puzzles, and the Find the Ornament game. 

A Sing-A-Long of traditional Christmas Carols led by David Matsinko will take place. The day will conclude with a Gift Basket Raffle.  All-in-all, it will be a great day. If you plan on attending, please let Nancy Kerestus know so we can plan on having more than enough food. Nancy can be reached at 570-778-2664.