On 23 December 2024, the Peace Flame of Bethlehem was lit at the residence of St. Nicholas at SumDU.

This is an international scouting event that takes place every year on Christmas Eve. Its goal is to spread the symbolic flame from the birthplace of Jesus Christ to all those who need it.

Representatives of the Plast national scouting organization of Ukraine handed over the Bethlehem Flame to SumDU in a circle of families who are currently displaced by the war.

Inna SHKOLNYK (first vice-rector of SumDU) congratulated the audience on the upcoming Christmas and wished the Peace Flame of Bethlehem would bring harmony to every home across Ukraine.

The holiday created a real Christmas fairy tale atmosphere for young guests. Children had an opportunity to enjoy a Christmas-themed theatrical performance, talk to law enforcement officers who prepared useful gifts for them, and receive sweet packages from St. Nicholas. They were presented by members of charitable organizations.

Particular attention was paid to children from internally displaced families, for whom the gifts were a sign of support and care.

History of the event

The charity initiative was born in Linz in 1986, when the Austrian broadcaster ORF wanted to bring flame to those who celebrated Christmas away from home: in hospitals and orphanages. But the tradition was picked up by scouts and spread worldwide. Every year, the Bethlehem Flame crosses many borders and reaches all those who are waiting for the light of warmth, peace, harmony and hope that travels across borders and unites Christians on Christmas Eve.