Celebrations of Ukrainian culture are taking place in Waterford this weekend, as Orthodox Christmas is marked.
A mass took place earlier at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity Within in the city, and another will take place tomorrow at 2 o'clock.
That will be followed by a free party that all are welcome to attend.
Natalia Bubenko is one of the organisers and she says it's very important for her displaced countrymen and women to be able to celebrate their traditions.
"It's really important for Ukrainian people," Natalya has been telling WLR News, "I moved to Ireland years ago but you still feel that connection.
"It's important to gather together, to know that you are not lost here, you're not alone, that there is a Ukrainian community and we are always welcome.
"You feel like a family, like you do at home."
Speaking ahead of Sunday's party, Natalya said it will be a display of Ukrainian cultures and traditions as much as anything else.
"People will be wearing costumes of different characters. It will be interesting and something different!
"Even to hear Christmas carols - all Irish people are welcome because it's something new."
Natalya also says a strong community has been formed of Ukrainian people now living in Waterford.
It's estimated approximately 1,600 refugees from Ukraine have made their home in Waterford in the 11 months since Russia invaded their home country on February 24th, 2022.
"I remember one of the first times when we were performing on the streets," says Natalya, remarking on the community that has been created in Waterford, "other people though 'Yeah, it's interesting', but Ukrainian people when they were walking by, they could hear the Ukrainian song.
"Straight away they gasped because it was something of theirs and it gave them this warmth in their chests!
"So, yes it is important for them to see that they have somewhere to go and they are not alone."
Another day of celebrations to mark the end of the Orthodox Christmas period will take place at St Patrick's Gateway Centre in Waterford City next weekend, on Saturday, January 14th.
It will start at 5pm and finish at 7pm and all are welcome.
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