Diverse churches mark Christmas

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This article was published 28/12/2023 (1008 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Christmas in Brandon is a tapestry of traditions woven together by the various churches in the city, with each congregation adding its unique thread to the vibrant cultural fabric.

The season is marked not just by the lights adorning the streets, but also by the spiritual illuminations found within the walls of the churches, including those deeply rooted in newcomer communities. From the observance of Advent to the lighting of candles, each church fosters its distinct customs, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

At the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, located at 933 Assiniboine Ave., the celebration of Christmas resonates deeply with the Greek Orthodox tradition.

“Our Christmas service is a reflection of our deep Ukrainian roots, combining Byzantine traditions with joyous carols sung in Ukrainian and English,” Rev. Yaroslav Strukhlyak told the Sun. “It’s a beautiful amalgamation of cultures, welcoming everyone to witness our rich heritage.”

Strukhlyak said there are many immigrants in their church, constituting about 50 per cent of the congregation. According to their religious perspective, they affirm the inclusion of carolling in their practices. Describing a scene involving angels, wise men, and astrologists, he narrated an ancient Ukrainian story that used to be passed from house to house during the celebration.

The parish welcomes about 100 congregants for the Christmas Eve service at 8 p.m. and around the same number for the Christmas morning service at 10 a.m. Strukhlyak said the church fosters community engagement through its Ukrainian cultural events, welcoming individuals to participate in their Jan. 6 concert, complete with carolling and traditional Ukrainian food.

On the other hand, Winners Chapel International at 1417 Rosser Ave., under the guidance of pastor Olusola Akintola, unifies its multicultural congregation through a shared celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The church emphasizes the Biblical essence of Christmas, focusing on restoring individuals to God.

“We have people from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Congo, Ghana, Cameroon, India and Canada,” he said. “We have a mixed multitude, and we only communicate in English because we don’t speak the same language.”

The church’s approach to Christmas events, he said, centres on biblical teachings, exemplified by children’s and adult Christmas carol services and a visit from “Santa Claus,” emphasizing the essence of giving within the congregation. Additionally, the church will ring in the new year with a service connecting with its headquarters in Nigeria, reinforcing their spiritual bond and communal sharing through a potluck.

Beyond the festive celebrations, Akintola said, the church extends outreach to the broader Brandon community, engaging in various community service initiatives with a keen emphasis on spiritual transformation through the Word of God. “This includes reaching out to the less privileged with messages of hope and occasionally distributing food items,” he said.

McDiarmid Drive Alliance Church at 635 McDiarmid Dr. has a tradition of conducting a yearly sermon series, exploring diverse perspectives on Christ’s birth.

“We begin our Advent Sundays early in December,” executive pastor Kevin Holmes told the Sun. “During the services at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve, we gather, light candles, sing Christmas carols, and share messages.”

Before the pandemic, its Sunday morning service witnessed around 600 attendees, which made it introduce two services.

“Post-pandemic, we’ve been averaging approximately 500 attendees split across these two Sunday services,” Holmes said. “On Christmas Eve, we usually see about 1,000 individuals attending, creating a crowded yet celebratory atmosphere.”

He highlighted the congregation’s diversity, as the church has seen an increase in international attendees, including individuals from Nigeria, the Philippines, and Korea. It strives to ensure newcomers feel embraced by displaying information on screens upon entry and offering coffee for a warm reception.

St. Augustine of Canterbury Roman Catholic Church at 327 4th St. conducts various activities during the Christmas season, including children-oriented events, carolling, Christmas concerts, and numerous masses on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Parish priest (Rev. Father) John Okosun said the church, built 120 years ago, has a multicultural congregation, with representation from nearly 100 countries, and is involved in community support initiatives such as running a food bank and aiding immigrants with settlement.

“Our choir represents the diversity, incorporating songs from various cultures into their celebrations,” he said. “The Festival of Joy, an annual multicultural event, highlights the cultural richness within the parish, featuring music and traditions from Nigeria and other countries.”

Redeemed Christian Church of God Restoration Parish at 1037 Lorne Ave. uses the celebration to emphasize the belief that Jesus can alleviate burdens, heal the sick, relieve oppression, address seemingly incurable medical conditions and organize a Christmas carol party, intending to uplift spirits and combat depression among attendees.

“The church engages in various outreach efforts, including door-to-door visits, social media platforms, and organizing outdoor crusades and events,” pastor Festus Eretan said. “These activities aim to spread the message of Jesus’s love and offer hope, especially during difficult times like depression.”

The church, he said, has a predominantly immigrant congregation, with approximately 70 per cent or more being African nationals from countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and various non-African countries.

The church hopes to incorporate cultural celebrations during Christmas, particularly through the women’s ministry, showcasing diverse ways of celebrating the season from various cultures.

Eretans said there’s been an increase in the number of immigrants attending the church, adding it offers support programs for newcomers, aiding them in settling down, accessing resources, providing appropriate clothing, transportation assistance, and orientation for adjusting to life in Canada.

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