Nativity Orthodox Church's Christmas Festival Unites Diverse Community Amidst Global Tensions
The Nativity of the Holy Virgin Orthodox Church recently hosted its annual Christmas Festival, drawing parishioners and community members for a day of music, food, and cultural festivities. The event, organized by the church and its sisterhood, has been a community staple for over 50 years. This year's festival was particularly significant as it brought together a diverse congregation, including Russian, Ukrainian, Kazakh, and Mexican nationals, amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Attendees enjoyed traditional Russian foods like piroshki and golubtsi, participated in folk dancing, and engaged in various family-friendly activities such as a puppet show and a petting zoo. The festival also featured local vendors selling handmade crafts, further fostering community spirit. 
