The melody, one of the most recognizable Christmas symbols around the world, was composed by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych.
Volodymyr Zelensky reminded everyone that Leontovych lived and worked for several years in Pokrovsk, where he taught music and created a choir. It was in this city, located in the Donetsk region in southeastern Ukraine, that Leontovych composed the piece "which is heard in every corner of the world these days," as noted by Zelensky.
“This is how a Ukrainian gifted the world the musical spirit of Christmas,” the politician said in his speech, urging everyone to remember that as they hear this famous melody, Ukrainians are still fighting for their country. Unlike the Russians, their goal is not death and destruction. Ukrainians seek to create, and their purpose is to find harmony – just like in Leontovych's music.
“All we need is to live peacefully in our own land, to see the sun, our sky, and in it a Christmas star, not Iranian Shaheds and Russian missiles,” Zelensky stressed.
Ukrainians stand together amid war with Russia
Standing in front of the St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery in Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sought to offer comfort to his people enduring the harsh winter, emphasizing solidarity as the country approaches its fourth year of war with Russia.
"For the second time, we celebrate Christmas on the same date as one big family, one country. For the second time in modern history, Christmas unites all Ukrainians. Today, we stand side by side. And we will not be lost. Whether in person or in our minds, we will greet each other, call our parents, kiss our children, hug our loved ones, and remember those we hold dear. In person, from afar, or in our hearts – Ukrainians are together today. And as long as we do this, evil has no chance," Zelensky conveyed.
"This unity and warmth towards one another embody the true spirit of Christmas, the unique atmosphere we will preserve within ourselves and share with those around us. With everyone we love. With everyone who is family to us. And today, that means every Ukrainian. Merry Christmas to all of you!" he continued.
Mykola Leontovych - the man behind 'Carol of the Bells'
Mykola Leontovych (1877–1921) was a Ukrainian composer, conductor, and music teacher, best known for composing the carol Shchedryk in 1914. This piece, which became an international hit as Carol of the Bells, was first introduced to Western audiences in the United States in 1922, where it quickly gained widespread popularity.
Leontovych, the son of an Orthodox priest, also trained as a clergyman and studied theology at a seminary. He was deeply involved in the development of Ukrainian folk and classical music, promoting national cultural identity during difficult political times.
He was murdered in 1921 by an officer of the Bolshevik secret police (Cheka), which was responsible for repression and persecution after the Russian Revolution. He is considered a martyr in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Source: X/@ZelenskyyUa/@officejjsmart/@United24media
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