Ascension Lutheran kids enact traditional Swedish Santa Lucia Fest procession
Shown in the photos youngsters prepare to enact the story of Santa Lucia during Advent worship at Ascension Lutheran Church, 33 Bay Shore Rd., Deer Park. The Court of Honor includes Masha Schmitt, Brittany Ann Rogers, Jennifer Somma, Jessica and Milan Turnator as Lucia. The Light Bearers are Ashley Rodgers, Rachel Bauer, Kristin DeBaise, Anya Schmitt and Kristin Ponterio.

Shown in the photo, Star Boys are ready to participate in the Santa Lucia Fest at Ascension Lutheran Church, 33 Bay Shore Rd., Deer Park. From left to right, are Sebastian Gunther, Randy Turnator, Steven Rodgers, Joseph Turnator and Ben White.

Youngsters at Ascension Lutheran Church, 33 Bay Shore Rd., Deer Park, enacted the traditional Swedish Santa Lucia Fest procession, an annual Advent presentation at the church. Although the congregation is now ethnically diverse, Ascension's roots are in the former Swedish Lutheran or Augustana Church.

Saint Lucia was a medieval Italian martyr whom the Swedes took to their hearts because she represented light in the darkness of the long Scandinavian winter. Every Dec. 13 in Sweden, daughters of the household dress in white robes, wearing wreaths with candles in their hair, arising before dawn to bring coffee and special cakes to family members in their beds. The tradition continues at Ascension's Second Sunday in Advent family worship service, with the Lucia Queen, ablaze in the glow of lighted candles, escorted into the church by her court of young girls and "Star Boys." The Lucia story is told, and the congregation enjoys fellowship and refreshments afterward.

For information about Ascension Lutheran Church and its program and worship services, call 631-667- 4188, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., weekdays.

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