The Resilience of Pokrovsk: A City Defends its Cultural Legacy Amidst War

As Russian forces close in, the city of Pokrovsk, the birthplace of the beloved carol "Carol of the Bells," fights to preserve its cultural identity against looming destruction.

Pokrovsk, once bustling with the festive spirit of Christmas, now feels the grim weight of war as it endures heavy shelling just two miles from its center. With the city's population largely evacuated, the streets echo with the sounds of destruction. The enduring spirit of the city, however, finds expression through the famous piece "Shchedryk," also known globally as the “Carol of the Bells,” composed by Mykola Leontovych.

Beneath a light dusting of snow, the skeletal remains of buildings paint a stark image of loss. The gas supply has been cut, and many homes are stripped of electricity and water. Local residents, like 59-year-old Ihor, venture out only at great risk to gather necessities amidst the constant drone of artillery. Others, like Oksana, are too terrified to leave but brave the dangerous surroundings to gather fuel to keep warm.

Cultural identity is under siege alongside the physical destruction, as Ukraine accuses Russia of seeking to erase significant aspects of its heritage, including the legacy of Leontovych and the melody that resonates with pride and historical importance. The statue of Leontovych has been relocated for safekeeping, while the music school that once honored his name now stands lifeless and boarded up.

In a city that has served as a cultural epicenter, the impact of war extends far beyond physical conflict; it threatens to erase its musical history too. Yet the human spirit endures. Viktoria Ametova, a former music teacher in Pokrovsk, has sought refuge in Dnipro, where she continues to nurture the memory of her home and its music.

In a heartwarming display of resilience, 13-year-old Anna Hasych, who fled with her family, now plays "Shchedryk" on a piano, reminding her family and friends of their shared past. For Anna, the song has taken on a bittersweet resonance, evoking memories of home that she longs to reclaim.

Among those who have stayed to defend their city, a Ukrainian military band has made "Shchedryk" a rallying cry, transforming the carol into a song of resistance. Their commander, Colonel Bohdan Zadorozhnyy, affirms the song’s significance in lifting morale among troops on the frontline. Soldiers repurpose war materials, such as rocket casing, as instruments, bringing a vibrant twist to the battlefield in a bid to unite and embolden their spirits.

Cultural preservation unites those left in Pokrovsk. Angelina Rozhkova, the director of Pokrovsk’s History Museum, has taken proactive measures to safeguard precious artifacts from Leontovych's life, recognizing that the conflict extends beyond land disputes—it aims to eradicate national culture.

Despite overwhelming odds, the citizens of Pokrovsk maintain an unyielding resolve to uphold their cultural history. "Keeping and saving equals winning," declares Rozhkova, encapsulating their struggle. Even as the threat of Russian occupation looms large, the heart of Pokrovsk beats on through its cherished melodies, echoing resilience in the face of adversity as its people cling to their cultural identity—a testament to their enduring spirit.