St. Sergius Learning Center Presents “Finist the Bright Falcon”

On January 21, 2024, the performance of the play “Finist the Bright Falcon”, based on the film of the same name, was presented by the Tolstoy Foundation St. Sergius of Radonezh Russian Orthodox Learning Center, in memory of Alexander Rou.      

 It told of the heroic victories of Kievan Russia over its enemies, who wanted to conquer the freedom-loving people, and were defeated.

The symbol of these victories was the Bright Falcon. Soaring high above, he spotted the approaching enemy hordes, and quickly informed the main hero, Finist.

The enemies were dissatisfied with the arrival of the Bogatyr (hero) – the protector – and with witchcraft turned him into a terrible Monster so that the people would turn away from him, but Alyonushka’s love overcomes the spell and returns her protector to the people.       

After the performance, the children, together with their parents and holiday organizers, danced around the Christmas tree, waiting for St. Nick and the Snow Maiden to arrive. (Vyacheslav Nikitin and Anisiya Zudenko)

And when they appeared, to the delight of all, they were received with joyous laughter and cheers. During St. Nick’s visit the lights on the Christmas tree lit up, as if by magic.

Everyone sang Christmas songs with St. Nick and the Snow Maiden. They all danced in a circle, and rejoiced in the Nativity of Christ, and of course, all the children rushed to St. Nick with joyful squeals when he opened his huge bag and began handing out gifts.

Afterwards a wonderful lunch was prepared by Elena Vakka and George Hetchinoff with help from all the parents. The Christmas celebration took place thanks to the painstaking and creative work of the school administration, teachers and assistants.