Stepan Hiha laid to rest in Lviv

This was reported by the Lviv City Council, according to Ukrinform.

“Lviv has bid farewell to the renowned Ukrainian pop singer, composer, and People’s Artist of Ukraine Stepan Hiha. Yesterday and today, thousands of people came to pay their respects to the artist: family members, colleagues, friends, and admirers from various cities across Ukraine,” the statement reads.

It is noted that the funeral service took place today at the Garrison Church of Saints Peter and Paul. As the coffin was carried out of the church, trembitas were played—the sound of the Carpathian instrument traditionally accompanying Hutsul rites, including funerals.

Stepan Hiha was laid to rest in Lviv / Photo: Press Service of the Lviv City Council

Afterward, a citywide farewell ceremony was held at Rynok Square. The city trumpeter performed the song U raiskim sadu (Yavoryna), including its refrain: “Na mohyli moii posadit molodu yavorinu…” (“On my grave, plant a young sycamore tree…”). The procession then proceeded on foot to Lychakiv Cemetery.

Stepan Hiha was buried in Lychakiv Cemetery, Lviv.

The farewell to the People’s Artist began yesterday, December 14.

As reported by Ukrinform, on Friday, December 12, singer and composer, People’s Artist of Ukraine Stepan Hiha, passed away following a serious illness.

He was 66 years old.

Among his most well-known songs are Vulytsia Natali, Tsei Son, Yavoryna, and Zoloto Karpat.

Photo: Lviv City Council