The Panayir festival was held for the first time in Lviv, bringing together representatives of the Greek community, government institutions, civil society organizations, the clergy, and everyone who supports the preservation of Greek heritage in Ukraine.
The event began with a moment of silence in memory of Ukraine’s fallen defenders and the singing of the Ukrainian national anthem. This was followed by a festive prayer service. During the event, military personnel were also honored.
A special highlight was the setting of a Ukrainian record—over 600 years of uninterrupted history of the Greek community living on the territory of our country.
A concert program featuring artistic groups and performers was prepared for the guests. The Anthem of the Greeks of Ukraine was performed by Olena Chebanenko, and the band “Souvenir” from the Lviv Greek Society “Enosis” took the stage, the “Elpida” and “Kalinka” ensembles, as well as Ihor Hrechko, Anastasia Fomenko, Serhiy Abdulaev, Bohdan Tsisinsky, Viktoria Vasilkonova, Aglaia Polikhronidi, and Mykhailo Bohdan. The program also featured the khaitarma, Urum, and Bukovinian dances.
Guests took part in a Greek dance workshop led by the “Elpida” ensemble, as well as in traditional Panayir activities—including the kuresh dance and a tasting of Greek dishes.
As part of the Panayir, a series of lectures was held on the history, memory, language, art, and preservation of the heritage of the Greeks of Ukraine.
We thank the defenders of Ukraine, thanks to whom we can preserve and pass on the traditions of the Greeks of Ukraine to future generations.
Based on materials from the Federation of Greek Societies of Ukraine