January 22, 2013
Nyack, NY: The Annual Nativity Yolka was held at Holy Protection Church

On Sunday January 13, students, teachers, parents, and guests of the parish Russian school at Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY celebrated the traditional Nativity "Yolka." After prayer, the school choir sang several traditional Christmas carols, and the audience sang along. School principal and parish rector Archpriest George Larin then spoke to the parents and guests about the importance of raising children to be Russian Orthodox, and presented the Nyack school as an example of the spiritual and educational benefits of raising children in the Church.

Then the lights dimmed, the music was struck up, the curtain opened, and the show began. The story was based on the Russian fairytale "By the Pike’s Command" ("По щучьему велѣнью" – "Po shchuch’yemu velen’yu") and was presented joyfully and humorously by the school’s students. Audience applause and laughter rewarded the young actors numerous times during the show. The majority of the student body participated in the play. The smallest children populated the fairytale’s underwater world and danced the dance of the chopped firewood, or "дровишки" – "drovishki," who came alive by the command of Emelya, the main character. Preparations for the play began in the summer with the writing of the script. In September, roles were assigned. Rehearsals were scheduled mainly during the school day on Saturday mornings. Teachers, parents, and the school’s upperclassmen prepared the various aspects of the play themselves – music, costumes, stage props, dances, the sound system, and even a video that was incorporated into the script of the play. Some of the costumes and stage decorations were drawn from the school’s own historic supplies, but some were built anew, sewn or drawn, including the traditional Russian stove or "печь" – "pech’," which also came alive for Emelya to ride across the stage on his way to the King. The efforts brought everyone closer together, and the many new memories will be cherished by all – grown-up and child alike – for years to come!

This year, children, parents, and teachers of the parish Russian school in Brooklyn were guests at the Nyack "Yolka," and to everyone’s delight brought along traditional Russian homemade treats for the buffet held after the show. Following the meal, the chairs and tables were moved to the sides and everyone gathered around the large Christmas tree decorated with homemade cookies for the traditional singing of carols around the tree. The final reward for the wonderful play and joyful singing was the arrival of Grandfather Frost ("Дѣдъ Морозъ" – "Ded Moroz"), who brought gifts and treats for all the children. Each child was individually greeted by Ded Moroz, who gave every child a gift, along with a few words of wisdom.

This year, the Nyack Russian school, the oldest of its kind in the Eastern U.S., celebrates its 60th year. It was established by Archpriest Seraphim Slobodskoy, longtime parish rector and author of the world-renowned textbook, "The Law of God," which is used in the parish school to this day. Currently 107 students, 4 to 17 years of age, attend the school, instructed by 25 teachers, who teach on a voluntary basis. Classes are held on Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM. All subjects are taught in Russian – the Law of God, Russian language and grammar, reading, and Russian literature, history, geography, and folk songs.

The Christmas celebration was a joyous one, and everyone left after dark with happy memories of Christ’s Nativity, the "Yolka," and the joyful faces of children.

Republication of materials must include a reference to: 
"Eastern American Diocese www.eadiocese.org."

Photos and story by
Matushka Elizaveta Temidis