Last year we asked…
Who Took Mary Out of Christmas?
🕊️
THis Year, Join Garden of Even™ in Toronto for
Shchedryk: A reimagining of the Christmas story that brings (Mother) Mary and Olha Kobylianska into conversation across centuries.
From the hills of Nazareth to the Carpathian mountains, their stories reveal a shared truth:
history is changed by those willing to trust their revolutionary visions for a better world.
program highlights
Join us for immersive storytelling to understand how Mary and Olha gave us a new way of stepping into ourselves this holiday season.
Rooted in the spirit of Shchedryk—the Ukrainian composition that travelled the world as the well known Carol of the Bells—the evening also celebrates the beauty and depth of Ukrainian holiday traditions.
Seasonal music, original art, storytelling, and cultural ritual are woven throughout the evening, creating a gathering that feels both ancient and very relevant today.
The evening features a curated Garden of Even™ exhibition, including a newly commissioned portrait of Olha Kobylianska by Ukrainian artist Daria Haltazova.
Together, the art and storytelling invite audiences into a deeper encounter with cultural history and the enduring power of visionary women.
Shchedryk is an invitation to reflect on the stories that shape us, the visions we carry, and the worlds we are capable of bringing into being.
The evening
5:30 – 6:30pm
Arrival Reception
Begin the evening with refreshments and the opportunity to explore a curated selection of Garden of Even™ original artworks.
6:30 – 7:30pm
Programme
A signature Garden of Even™ keynote by founder Kadie Philp, offering a thought-provoking re-telling of the Christmas story through Mary's historical lens.
A conversation that brings Mary and Olha Kobilyanska together across history exploring the enduring relevance of their stories.
Seasonal music and entertainment showcasing rich and colourful holiday traditions.
7:30pm - 8:30pm
Christmas Reception
Continue the conversation over premium wine and seasonal canapés in an intimate holiday inspired setting surrounded by select original Garden of Even™ artwork and holiday themed vendors.
Venue
St. Paul’s on Bloor | 227 Bloor Street East, Toronto.
Nearest Subway:
Yonge & Bloor (Yonge Line)
Sherbourne (Bloor Line)
Your Host
Kadie Philp, created Garden of Even™ as cultural platform to explore how the stories we inherit shape what we believe, and what becomes possible when we re-examine them. She brings over 20 years of experience across economic development, international trade, and media, including five years living and working in Ukraine supporting democratic governance and economic development.
As a multimedia producer and speaker, her work has reached global audiences and been recognized by the Financial Times and The Globe and Mail. Through Garden of Even™, she convenes influential communities across sectors, using art, history, and storytelling to spark reflection and new ways of thinking.
Her signature events are known for their depth, intimacy, and lasting impact shifting how audiences see themselves and the world around them.
Having lived and worked in Ukraine on its economic and democratic transformation, Philp is Fluent in Ukrainian and remains actively engaged in supporting Ukrainian cultural and social initiatives.
What to expect:
On December 2nd, join us for an immersive event with
A reimagining of the Christmas story celebrating the full spectrum of women’s agency, power, curiosity and consent, where Olha Kobylianska and (mother) Mary meet across centuries.
An exploration of Kobylianska’s life and work introducing audiences to the depth of her’s and Ukrainian cultural and intellectual history, placed in dialogue with one of the most familiar stories in the world.
Fireside chat placing Mary’s and Olha’s story in today’s context exploring the themes outlined in keynote.
Seasonal music and entertainment showcasing Ukrainian cultural holiday traditions.
Bespoke Holiday Reception/Celebration in a curated space with the Garden of Even™ Exhibition showcasing the newly commissioned portrait of Olha Kobylianska and Mother Mary.
Premium wine and bites
Garden of Even™ curated marketplace
Presented by
Join Garden of Even™ for a reimagining of the Christmas story—where Olha Kobylianska and Mary meet across centuries, and a revolutionary vision comes to life