On December 28, 2024, a unique festive event took place at the Chernivtsi Regional Museum of Folk Architecture and Life. A total of 1,356 participants from 12 countries around the world came together to perform the carol “Na rizdvyani svyata vsi sia raduymo” (“On Christmas Holidays, Let Everyone Rejoice”). The event was held both offline and online, involving people of all nationalities, religions, and denominations, as well as representatives from business, politics, government, and civil society.
The record was initiated by the Chernivtsi-Bukovina Eparchy of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine with the support of the Chernivtsi Regional Military Administration.
Welcoming speeches were delivered by the First Deputy Head of the Regional Military Administration, Aliona Atamaniuk, and Deputy Head of the Regional Council, Mykola Huitor. Soldiers from the frontlines, including those from Pokrovsk and members of the First Mechanized Company of the “Wolves da Vinci” Battalion of the 53rd Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade, also joined in the greetings.
The carol was performed together with border guards, military personnel undergoing rehabilitation, police officers, and parishioners from across the region.
The record was officially certified by Hanna Krysiuk, CEO of the Book of World Records, Natalia Railian, the Book of World Records representative in Chernivtsi region, and Iryna Isopenko from the Office of the Ombudsman in Chernivtsi region.
The event also had a charitable purpose. All collected donations will be directed to the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including the purchase of rations, drones, and other essential equipment for the First Mechanized Company of the “Wolves da Vinci” Battalion of the 53rd Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade. One week later, organizers and partners will present certificates to the groups that gathered the largest number of participants and donations.
This record is also aiming for worldwide recognition, as a carol of this scale has never been performed in Ukraine before. The event became a vivid example of how traditions can unite Ukrainians across different countries for a common cause – supporting our defenders.