Ukrainian refugees gathered together to celebrate Orthodox Christmas in Dumfries at the weekend.
More than 30 Ukrainians along with their Scottish hosts gathered at Maxwelltown West Church on Friday for the traditional 12-course meal which represents the 12 Apostles.
Oleksandra Novatska, 49, who fled her home town Lviv by car with her 13-year-old daughter Anna Romanyuk, organised the event which made her “feel at home.”
She told the Standard: “Ukrainian Christmas dinner isn’t an event for me, it is a tradition that is a part of my life.
“It feels like I am getting my previous life back.
“Ukrainian Christmas is about keeping the tradition in the first place. During the preparation elder ones pass on knowledge and traditions to the younger ones.
“It is about Ukrainian carols, decorations, food and family memories. Usually, we start preparations two days before Christmas, it is very important for communication between the generations. It is about a Christmas spirit which we can feel sitting together at the same table.”
The dinner was celebrated on the eve of Ukraine’s Christmas Day.
Women who fled the war earlier last year followed their home traditions and prepared a meal at Maxwelltown West Church kitchen.
David Johnson, joint session Clerk at Maxwelltown West Church, provided facilities for the celebrations and helped with the organisation.
He said: “Our contact with our Ukrainian friends began through one of our church members who volunteers at Dumfries Multi-cultural Centre and invited them to a Scots’ Night that we organised.
“They enjoyed an evening of dancing, singing, piping and recitations along with a traditional Scottish supper. Some of our Ukrainian friends then attended a Sunday service in our church, followed by our Christmas brunch.
“When we were approached by Oleksandra about the possibility of holding their traditional Christmas Dinner we were delighted to have been asked, and subsequently we have worked together in the spirit of friendship, fellowship and sharing to make the dinner a reality.”
Barbara Lewis, conductor for Border Strathspey and Reel Society, also contributed to the dinner by raising money for Ukrainians at The Bridge on the evening of Guid Nychburris last June.
She said: “We are really happy that the displaced persons were able to enjoy a little happiness and fellowship from our fundraising and wish them all the best.
“Sadly I was not able to attend but hope they had a good night.”
Oleksandra added: “We got a lot of help from the local community and we are grateful for this.”
