Christina And George Gamota SPONSOR THE LEXINGTON SYMPHONY’S “The Fight for Freedom” to Honor the Spirit Of Ukraine

George and Christina Gamota are longtime supporters of the Lexington Symphony. The symphony’s January performance was sponsored by the family to honor the upcoming 250th celebration, their Ukrainian roots, and the amazing courage of the Ukranian people in the face of a hostile invasion and confounding circumstances here at home.

“We honor their soldiers—men and women alike, including over 50,000 women serving with remarkable strength,” said Cristina as she addressed the crowd on behalf of her family before the show. “We honor the wives and children who have returned to be near their loved ones despite the risks, the clergy providing spiritual solace, the doctors and medical teams tirelessly tending to the wounded, and the musicians and composers who create beauty amid chaos because they know the healing power of music.”

Christina and George have family still living in Ukraine during these very stressful times. It is the kind of circumstance that they, unfortunately have experienced firsthand.

She said, “For me, standing here as an immigrant, a refugee, and now an American citizen, is an honor. My family’s journey to freedom was not an easy one, because my parents risked everything to escape oppression, Living in this country, I am free to speak, to dream, and to honor those who continue to fight for their freedom—both here and in Ukraine.”

The privilege of living, working and worshiping in freedom is not something they take for granted. They have been active, generous members of the Lexington community for years. They have volunteered their time and expertise whenever possible, and contributed financially to many causes and organizations in the community.

Christina said, “Living in a historic town like Lexington is a privilege I hold dear. Passing by the Green, I reflect on the courage of those few brave individuals who fought for their beliefs against insurmountable odds. Their sacrifices resonate deeply with my own history and the struggles of my ancestors.”

At the close of her comments she read from a poem written by her relative Oleh. He is an Evangelical pastor with a large flock of parishioners who lives in Kharkiv. He wrote this on Christmas Eve:

Christmas holidays 2024 – Christmas Eve
My town is covered with turbulence
airy and soulful, parental monologues,
with sirens and fires, in free range.
…My town is covered with iron-concrete wounds,
the cries of children in their sleep will be drowned out the construction crane,
Window wounds are tightened by yellow OSB plates,
Sun-colored buildings are stitched on gray cement.
The city is covered with the sounds of explosions from far and near,
a lot will be thrown under the sky, plus will arrive or minus …
Limping veterans dream of returning to the past,
How beautiful it is, just as impossible.
…My city is covered by grace and blood of Christ’s wounds,
Kharkiv, as the winner, became holy for the Lord.