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INSIDE:• Police quash demonstrations in Belarus — page 2. • Chornobyl anniversary airlift brings aid to Ukraine — page 3. • Debate on Ukraine’s proposed constitution begins — page 4.

Published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profit association Vol. LXIV HE KRAINIANNo. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1996 EEKLY$1.25/$2 in Ukraine UkraineT contemplatesU 10 years of life underW Chornobyl’s cloud by Marta Kolomayets Kyiv Press Bureau KYIV – Memorial services and moments of silence. Telethons and radio shows. Commemorative concerts and museum exhibits. Roundtables and confer- ences. Protests and press conferences. Medals of honor, coins of tribute and memorial monuments. Airlifts and agree- ments. These were just some of the ways Ukraine marked the 10th anniversary of the world’s worst civil nuclear accident, the April 26, 1986, explosion at the Chornobyl nuclear plant, which rocked the planet. In Ukraine, as in Belarus and Russia – the three countries that suffered and con- tinue to suffer most from the radioactive particles which spewed from Chornobyl’s reactor No. 4, contaminated the region and damaged the health of its inhabitants – April 26 was a day of mourning. Blue-and-yellow-flags, adorned with black ribbons of mourning, flew on gov- ernment buildings and private institu- tions, and the bells of Kyiv’s churches tolled solemnly throughout the day, as CHORNOBYL: T H E FIRST DECA DE (SPECIAL REPORTS CONTINUE Ukraine’s citizens remembered the ON PAGE 7.) tragedy of the Chornobyl accident. President Leonid Kuchma addressed A boy lights a candle at a monument erected in Slavutych to the 30 firefighters and workers who died while trying to con- the citizens of Ukraine on national televi- tain the fire at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant 10 years ago. (Photo by Efrem Lukatsky/AP) (Continued on page 3)

Helsinki Commission hears testimony United Nations recalls disaster on Chornobyl from diplomats, experts with conference, concert, exhibit by Khristina Lew with Chornobyl in fiscal year 1997.” by Roman Woronowycz Ambassador Samir Moubarak said he saw Mr. Smith, who is also a member of the tragic irony in that the Lebanese minister of WASHINGTON — Diplomats and International Relations Committee, asked UNITED NATIONS — The United health would give the keynote speech later Chornobyl experts testified before the Ambassadors Martynov and Shcherbak to Nations commemorated 10 years since that day on Lebanese efforts to rebuild its Commission on Security and Cooperation provide the commission with a list of their the Chornobyl disaster with a two-day country after devastation by war and civil in Europe on April 23 that the United States respective countries’ humanitarian needs, conference, held April 25-26, that dealt strife on a day when the country was again could do more to help Ukraine and Belarus and reminded the diplomats that while “the with both toxic waste and the legacy of being torn apart. combat the consequences of the 1986 administration has the foreign policy lead, Chornobyl. The Belarusian and The conflict also unexpectedly changed Chornobyl nuclear power plant explosion. we’re the purse strings.” Rep. Frank R. Ukrainian Missions also observed the the venue for a performance by the “The U.S. role in G-7 decisions is highly Wolf (R-Va.), the other Helsinki commis- anniversary with musical performances Odessa Philharmonic of Ukraine. The appreciated by us [Ukraine]. Furthermore, sioner who attended the hearing, is a high- on April 25 and a photo and art exhibit 100-plus member orchestra with its U.S.- out of $225 million allocated by the U.S. ranking member of the Appropriations sponsored by Ukraine. reared conductor, Hobart Earle, originally government for fiscal year 1996, $50 mil- Committee. The conference titled “Health and the had been scheduled to play in the General lion to $70 million are to be used for energy Dr. Shcherbak, who as a deputy to the Environment: Global Partners for Global Assembly hall that evening, but had to be sector and nuclear safety programs... Still, I USSR Supreme Soviet initiated the first Solutions” was sponsored by World moved to the visitors lobby after an emer- want to say frankly that we consider such parliamentary investigation of the Information Transfer Inc., a non-govern- gency session of the General Assembly assistance for Chornobyl-related programs Chornobyl disaster, explained that Ukraine mental organization associated with the was called earlier in the day. insufficient,” Ukrainian Ambassador Yuri faces four problems with the shutdown of U. N. that promotes environmental litera- IAEA unyielding Shcherbak said. the Chornobyl nuclear power plant: restruc- cy, and the Lebanese Mission to the U.N. The Helsinki Commission hearing, turing its energy sector (the Chornobyl The meeting drew more than 500 scien- At the conference the International scheduled to coincide with the 10th nuclear power plant provides 7 percent of tists, environmentalists and non-govern- Atomic Energy Agency continued to anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster, the country’s electricity); constructing a mental organization activists who were maintain that only 30 people died in the examined testimony from Dr. Shcherbak, new sarcophagus, which is estimated at $2 gathered for the annual meeting of U.N. days immediately after the Chornobyl Belarusian Ambassador Serguei billion; disposing of the 800 radioactive NGOs, and political leaders from Ukraine fires. Berhanykun Andemicael, IAEA Martynov, Georgetown University demog- storage sites located on the territory of the and Lebanon. Also present in the confer- representative to the U.N., reiterated that rapher Murray Feshbach and Alexander 30-kilometer zone; and finding jobs for the ence hall were dozens of high school stu- merely 28 had died of acute radiation Kuzma, director of development at the 6,000 workers at the Chornobyl plant. dents there to observe the proceedings. exposure, two more from other causes, in Children of Chornobyl Relief Fund. The ambassador said Ukraine needs Overshadowing the conference was the the immediate days after the explosion, Rep. Christopher Smith (R-N.J.), chair- international assistance in “making up a Lebanese-Israeli conflict, which caused the and that 14 more have died since, but not man of the Helsinki Commission, told the plan for Ukraine’s energy independence, Lebanese ambassador to cut short his all of radiation poisoning. witnesses that the commission would remarks at the conference’s opening and “energize Congress to be more proactive (Continued on page 18) excuse himself from participation. (Continued on page 19) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1996 No. 18 Police quash anti-Lukashenka demonstrations NEWSBRIEFSNEWSBRIEFS

Kuchma addresses Council of Europe STRASBOURG — Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma, addressing the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly on April 23, said Ukraine aims to become a full- fledged member of the European Union, Reuters reported. Mr. Kuchma also reiter- ated that NATO should not be enlarged without taking Russia’s interests into account, but he added he is not opposed to the alliance’s expansion. He noted that cre- ating a nuclear-free zone in Eastern Europe would have a stabilizing effect on European developments. He called upon the international community to help finance the resettlement of minority groups who were deported by Stalin and now want to return to their former homelands in Ukraine. (OMRI Daily Digest) Court orders “Pisliamova” reinstatement KYIV — The municipal arbitrage court on April 26 ordered the State Television Company of Ukraine to renew broadcasts of the popular weekly news- magazine “Pisliamova” on UT-1. The court said the company had breached a contract with Nova Mova, a private tele- vision producer. Oleksander Tkachenko, president of Nova Mova, said the court’s ruling meant “Pisliamova” should be rein- stated to its regular Sunday, 8 p.m., time- slot. However, according to Mr. Tkachenko, this was unlikely, because the circumstances surrounding the cancella- Associated Press tion of “Pisliamova” last year involved extralegal influences beyond the court’s Demonstrators throw stones at militia during an unauthorized rally in Miensk on April 26 following a march to commemorate enforcement powers. (Respublika) the 10th anniversary of the Chornobyl nuclear accident. Reports of Yandarbiyev’s death were false MIENSK — A protest here on April Natalia Chanhuli was among those held. porters to stay home and away from the 26 in commemoration of the 10th She was freed on April 29 after interven- officially sanctioned May Day rally in the KYIV — Previous reports of the death, anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster tion by the Ukrainian Embassy, city center. At the rally, Communists and in clan fighting, of Chechen President turned ugly as Belarusian riot police Respublika said that day. trade union officials called for a quick reso- Zelimkhan Yandarbiyev, by ITAR-TASS bloodily beat participants, international Commenting on the demonstrations, lution of the economic crisis in Belarus, and other Russian news media, are totally agencies reported on April 26-27. an embassy counselor confirmed that reported Deutsche Presse Agentur that day. untrue and merely propaganda, said Maria The rally, not sanctioned by the gov- Russian OMON riot police took part in Disregarding BPF calls to ignore the Bezeliuk, head of the Ukrainian ernment, quickly turned into an outpour- the beatings and arrests of participants, May Day rally, up to 8,000 nationalists, Committee of the Anti-Bolshevik Bloc of ing of opposition to Belarusian President according to Respublika. The Foreign mostly students and young people who Nations, on April 30. Ms. Bezeliuk told the Alyaksandr Lukashenka’s seeming aban- Ministry of Ukraine indicated that release had joined a march to the demonstration Ukrainian media she spoke with Mr. donment of his state’s national sover- of some UNA-UNSO members held in by the Belarusian Social Democratic Yandarbiyev on April 29 at 7 p.m., well eignty in forging a new union with Miensk was being delayed because those Hramada, reiterated demands that Mr. after Russian media had reported his death. Russia, said OMRI Daily Digest on April arrested were speaking only Ukrainian to Lukashenka resign, said Belapan. “The president of Chechnya is alive and 29. Russian-speaking investigators, Reuters More arrests were made in the vicinity determined to bring the matter of indepen- Protestors called on Mr. Lukashenka reported on April 30. of the May Day rally, although the num- dence to a victorious end,” said Ms. to resign after “betraying the country by Many of those held were subsequently bers were unclear. Belapan reported that Bezeliuk. The Associated Press reported belittling the Chornobyl accident.” The tried and convicted, in jail cell proceed- some persons at both the May 1 and similarly on May 2 that Mr. Yandarbiyev demonstrators clashed with police and ings without benefit of counsel, of April 26 rallies were taken into custody had met with reporters and had given a many were admitted to local hospitals “petty hooliganism” and face 15 days, by Interior Ministry troops for addressing clandestine television broadcast together with injuries. Local reports by the inde- confinement, said Vsieukrayinskiye the authorities in Belarusian. with Aslan Maskhadov, military comman- pendent news agency Belapan indicated Viedomosti on April 30. A large number Official Belarusian Television reports der of Chechen forces. Russian analysts that Russian riot police units took part in were forced to sign blank confessions, from May 1 portrayed the nationalist par- had predicted a power struggle between the the beatings and arrests of civilians dur- after undergoing interrogation and depri- ticipants of the April 26 and May Day two men following Gen. Dzhokhar ing the demonstration. vation of food and water, according to demonstrations as a pack of drunken stu- Dudayev’s death and had seized upon ear- Some 200 persons were arrested. the same report. dents and pensioners with too much time lier reports of Mr. Yandarbiyev’s death in People’s Deputies Pavel Znavets, On May 1, the BPF called on its sup- on their hands, said Belapan that day. an attempt at proving this theory. Like Alyaksandr Dabravolsky, former Gen. Dudayev, Mr. Yandarbiyev has indi- Chairman of the Belarusian Supreme cated the war cannot end as long as Council Stanislau Shushkevich and a FOUNDED 1933 Russian troops remain in Chechnya. number of journalists, including Uladzimir (Respublika/The New York Times) Dzyuba of Belarusian Radio and Radio TAnHE English-languageUKRAINIAN newspaperWEEKL publishedY by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., “Shock therapy” outwitted by crafty felons Liberty correspondent Edward Tarletski, a non-profit association, at 30 Montgomery St., Jersey City, NJ 07302. were taken into custody during the demon- Yearly subscription rate: $60; for UNA members — $40. ODESSA — Local merchants and res- stration, said Respublika on April 28. Also Second-class postage paid at Jersey City, NJ 07302. idents have become so frustrated by a held were Vintsyuk Vyachorka and Yuriy (ISSN — 0273-9348) spate of break-ins that some recently Khadyka, leaders of the Belarusian decided to take matters into their own Popular Front (BPF). Also published by the UNA: Svoboda, a Ukrainian-language daily newspaper hands, local media reported on May 1. The Belarusian authorities not only (annual subscription fee: $100; $75 for UNA members). One workshop posted a sign on its violated the domestic law on parliamen- entrance reading, “Citizen-thieves! The tary immunity, they extended the scope The Weekly and Svoboda: UNA: (201) 434-0237, -0807, -3036 (201) 451-2200 lock is electrified to 220 volts. Utilize of arrests to encompass foreign citizens. every safety precaution, including rubber Seventeen Ukrainians, members of Rukh Postmaster, send address Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz gloves, while breaking in. The manage- and the Ukrainian National Assembly- changes to: Associate editor: Marta Kolomayets (Kyiv) ment will accept no complaints.” This Ukrainian National Self-Defense, were The Ukrainian Weekly Assistant editor: Khristina Lew shocking attempt at deterrence, however, arrested, as was UNA-UNSO People’s P.O. Box 346 Staff editors: Roman Woronowycz was totally neutralized by the fact that Deputy Yuriy Tyma, taken off the Kyiv- Jersey City, NJ 07303 and Andrij Kudla Wynnyckyj (Toronto) power is cut off locally for one hour Miensk train in the southern Belarusian daily, during which time local low-lives town of Baranovychi on April 26 and The Ukrainian Weekly, May 5, 1996, No. 18, Vol. LXIV broke in to the workshop in question and released the following day. Copyright © 1996 The Ukrainian Weekly burglarized it. (Svoboda) Ukrainian Television correspondent No. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1996 3

day telethon to raise money for children Ukraine contemplates... suffering from Chornobyl-related illnesses, (Continued from page 1) showing footage from the reactor right Belarusian, Ukrainian and Russian sion in the evening of April 25, declaring after the explosion and interviews with that the Chornobyl accident was a “disas- leading political, cultural figures as well as ambassadors speak on Chornobyl ter of global proportions” and that “its people involved in the disaster clean-up. by Khristina Lew 3,000 settlements located in contaminated aftermath can only be eliminated by joint The National Bank of Ukraine on territory. More than 400 settlements were efforts of many nations.” April 26 issued two denominations of WASHINGTON — The ambassadors abandoned after the explosion, and 600 He again explained that Ukraine must coins commemorating the 10th anniver- of the three countries most affected by schools and kindergartens were closed. rely on financial aid from the West if it is sary of the Chornobyl disaster, one with radioactive fallout from the Chornobyl The government evacuated 131,000 people to close the nuclear power plant north of a value of 2 million karbovantsi ($10), nuclear power plant explosion held a from the areas most contaminated. Only 1 Kyiv by the end of this century. the other for 200,000 karbovantsi ($1), press conference marking the 10th percent of Belarusian land is considered And, he commended the citizens of respectively. All profit from sales of the anniversary of the disaster at the National “clean” of radioactive contamination. Ukraine who dealt with the consequences 10,000 coins minted will go toward Press Club on April 24. Since the disaster, the economic damage of the accident for “courage, selflessness financing the liquidation of the conse- News of the April 23 brushfires in the incurred by Belarus equals 32 annual bud- and patience.” quences of the accident. abandoned village of Tovsty Lis, located gets of the republic, or $235 billion. On April 26, President Kuchma present- The Chornobyl Museum, located in in the 30-kilometer zone surrounding the In Russia, 60,000 square kilometers of Kyiv’s Podil neighborhood, was awarded ed government medals and awards to those Chornobyl plant in Ukraine, dominated the land, inhabited by 3 million people, 600,000 the status of a national museum by the individuals who helped with the initial proceedings. According to Ukrainian of them children, suffered radioactive cont- Ukrainian government on April 26. Prime clean-up of the accident. Six persons were Ambassador Yuri Shcherbak, five hectares amination. Over 163,000 people were evac- Minister Yevhen Marchuk, attending a honored posthumously. Thirteen persons of forest and five hectares of stubble uated, and the government decommissioned special meeting at the museum, read a were awarded the Cross for Courage, five burned, raising radioactivity in the area 300,000 square kilometers of land. In 1992- presidential decree upgrading the muse- persons the Bohdan Khmelnytsky Order slightly, to 45 microroentgens per hour. In 1995, the Russian government earmarked um, which contains more than 50,000 (third degree) and 18 were given the presi- Kyiv, the normal level of radioactivity is $3 billion to ameliorate the consequences of items and papers relating to Chornobyl. dential badge of honor. Several partici- 16-18 microroentgens per hour. Chornobyl. “This is a unique, historical-cultural pants in the clean-up effort were conferred Ambassador Shcherbak, Belarusian All three countries have registered an and socio-political institution of Ukraine, the title of “merited worker.” Ambassador Serguei Martynov and increase in Chornobyl-related illness. reflecting the global character of the During the Ukrainian Parliament’s Russian Federation Ambassador Yuli According to Ambassador Martynov, Chornobyl disaster and the heroic feat of morning plenary session on this 10th Vorontsov issued a joint statement calling Belarus is experiencing a “negative people who proved to be able to harness anniversary of the accident, the legisla- for expanded international cooperation in growth of population.” He explained, the atom, which had gone out of con- tors bowed their heads in a moment of alleviating the consequences of the 1986 “There are less Belarusians on the earth trol,” said the Ukrainian premier. tribute to the victims of Chornobyl. disaster at Chornobyl, and detailed how the each year, and Chornobyl is the reason.” He told the audience gathered at the Also that day U.S. Ambassador William explosion affected each of their countries. Dr. Shcherbak said that, according to museum that over the last 10 years Green Miller and Yuriy Kostenko, In Ukraine, radioactive fallout contami- Ukrainian Ministry of Health and Chornobyl had claimed 167,653 lives in Ukraine’s minister of environmental protec- nated 50,000 square kilometers of land and Greenpeace statistics, 8,000 to 32,000 peo- Ukraine. He also said that 3.2 million exposed 2.6 million people, 700,000 of ple have died as a result of Chornobyl. He tion and nuclear safety, signed a memoran- people in Ukraine are victims of the acci- them children, to above normal levels of explained the often wide discrepancies in dum on creation of an International dent and suffer from poor health and - Chornobyl Center for Nuclear Safety, Chornobyl-related illnesses. radiation. Over 142,000 people were reset statistics concerning Chornobyl-related tled after the explosion. The Soviet govern- Radioactive Wastes and Radio Ecology. A monument to servicemen who took deaths as “not maliciousness, but a result of ment spent over $10 billion combating the With promises of $3 million of U.S. part in the April 1986 clean-up was the exceptional complexity of the disaster, investment, Mr. Kostenko noted that the unveiled in Kyiv on April 25. Sculpted in consequences of Chornobyl, while indepen- multiple factors and unpredictability.” objectives of the center will be to “out- the form of a granite obelisk under a metal dent Ukraine has spent an additional $3 bil- The three ambassadors said their coun- line absolutely new approaches to the use frame crowned with a cross to symbolize lion, five times the country’s budget tries cooperate closely on joint Chornobyl- of nuclear power engineering, phasing the dome of a church, the monument was expenses for health care, culture and public related projects and hope to expand cooper- out nuclear power units which have run consecrated by hierarchs of the Ukrainian education. ation on an international level, particularly out their service, the future of the sar- Orthodox Church – Kyiv Patriarchate. In Belarus, which received 70 percent in the area of underground water contami- cophagus and the problems involved in Some 100 relatives of the first people of the radioactive fallout from the nation. In mid-April parliamentarians of all the Chornobyl exclusion zone.” Chornobyl explosion, 2 million people, three countries met to discuss strengthening Ukrainian state television aired a two- (Continued on page 17) among them 500,000 children, live in over ties in order to solve Chornobyl problems.

U.S. government-sponsoredby Marta Kolomayets ment’s contact airlift in Ukraine. lands in KyivA. Vena, with as well as$11.1 Monsanto Co. M representative in aid Robert Kyiv Press Bureau “President Clinton’s words, which we just heard, this Noels were also on hand for this historic occasion, as was airlift and various other actions exemplify the solidarity Valerie Burachinsky, CCRF cargo coordinator, who BORYSPIL, Ukraine – An Antonov -124 cargo plane between the American and Ukrainian people, and arrived on what Ambassador Morningstar called the (Ruslan) laden with humanitarian aid – including phar- underscores how deeply and sincerely our pain is felt by “biggest plane I’ve ever seen in my life.” maceutical products and medical supplies – arrived at Americans. Today’s mission offers very important “This assistance that is being provided is given by the Kyiv’s International Airport at noon on April 25. political, moral and financial support, especially for Sponsored by the U.S. government, this relief mis- United States government as well as private individuals those who have suffered because of Chornobyl,” and the private sector; $11.1 million of medical sup- sion to help victims who suffer from the consequences explained Mr. Durdynets, during a brief press confer- of the April 1986 explosion at the Chornobyl nuclear plies, drugs and pharmaceuticals are being delivered ence on the airfield. today to the victims of Chornobyl. I would like to thank power plant was planned in observance of the 10th Children of Chornobyl Relief Fund President Dr. anniversary of the world’s worst civil nuclear accident. Zenon Matkiwsky and the chairman of the board, Joseph (Continued on page 20) Similar aid missions to Belarus and Moldova on April 23 and April 27, respectively, were also conduct- ed to help Chornobyl victims. The mission – which included the participation of such private organizations as the Short Hills, N.J.-based Children of Chornobyl Relief Fund and various private companies – combined the efforts of the government and private sectors to provide donations to those who continue to need medical care. Greeting the airlift earmarked for Ukraine on the sunny Thursday afternoon, Ambassador Richard Morningstar, special adviser to President Bill Clinton and the secretary of state for assistance to the NIS, read Mr. Clinton’s letter to President Leonid Kuchma: “I would like to take this opportunity to express my condolences to the individuals and families who are still suffering from the devastating effects of Chornobyl. You and your fellow Ukrainians who are working to prevent the occurrence of such a disaster have my deep respect, admiration and support. The United States fully supports your efforts to prevent another tragedy like Chornobyl. This is a goal of the highest order. Our endeavors today will benefit, not only current, but future generations of Ukrainians and people every- where,” President Clinton noted. Also greeting the airlift were U.S. Ambassador William Green Miller, who helped cut the ribbon at the Efrem Lukatsky/AP unloading ceremonies, and Ukrainian Deputy Prime U.S. and Ukrainian officials cut the ribbon during the unloading of a humanitarian aid shipment sponsored Minister Vasyl Durdynets, who was the U.S. govern- by the U.S. government to mark the 10th anniversary of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1996 No. 18 ANALYSIS: Constitutional debate THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY begins in Ukraine’s Parliament Healing Chornobyl’s wound by Markian Bilynskyj sultation with the president over the word- ing, go to a national referendum. However, “Chornobyl is an intolerably painful and unhealed wound of the Ukrainian peo- On April 17 the Supreme Council final- it is not at all clear yet how many readings ple, a symbol of the global disaster that knows no border... a long-standing and ly began to debate in plenary session the the draft will require to win the universal tragedy.” — President Leonid Kuchma of Ukraine, in his message on the draft constitution of Ukraine approved by Parliament’s approval. That President 10th anniversary of the accident at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine. the Constitutional Committee. The ran- Leonid Kuchma is preparing for such an corous debate on what is essentially a mod- eventuality became clear three weeks ago Last week, Ukrainian communities, joined by their neighbors, as well as such ified presidential draft begged comparison when he instructed the Regional Council, institutions as the United Nations and the U.S. Congress, marked the 10th anniver- with the futile military campaigns of World consisting of the powerful oblast council sary of the Chornobyl nuclear accident. There were speeches, prayer services, vig- War I: heavy barrages of rhetoric and chairmen, to intensify public awareness ils, concerts, exhibits, etc. — all in an effort to tell the world that Chornobyl’s frontal verbal assaults against the opposi- efforts. Two weeks ago the president also aftereffects will continue for decades to come. Now, when all is said and done, tion’s well-established positions and con- issued a decree creating a committee when all the sad statistics have been recited and studied, it’s time to look at the victions – with little or no progress. A gen- charged with explaining the draft’s content individuals affected, the liquidators, the evacuees and, above all, the children. uine compromise continues to lie some- to the population. Government sources In this issue of The Weekly, Dr. David Marples, author of three books on the where out there in political no-man’s-land. claim that hundreds of citizens’ groups Chornobyl disaster, notes that, “It is among children that the main medical impact The week ended with the Parliament have already formed spontaneously and of Chornobyl has been revealed.” He notes that Prof. Dilwyn Williams, professor voting to create a compromise, or accord, are actively debating the official draft of histopathology at Cambridge University, recently commented on CBC Radio committee – no easy task in itself – that (despite the fact that the final version of that, in his view, all children living in contaminated regions today (Belarus, will attempt to resolve the outstanding that draft has not yet been agreed to). Ukraine and Russia) are at high risk of contracting thyroid gland cancer. differences when the session resumes. Under the scenario currently taking Writing in The Nation on April 29, Harvey Wasserman, senior adviser to A temporary, unofficial initiative group shape, any draft constitution will require Greenpeace USA, also cited Dr. Williams’ work. The British specialist, who is consisting of 10 Parliament factions – 209 votes to progress beyond the Parlia- also president of the European Thyroid Association, predicts that thyroid cancer minus the Agrarians and Communists but ment. While more attainable than the 301 will strike 40 percent of the children downwind from Chornobyl who were less with the Socialists participating as observers votes that a constitutional majority would than a year old when exposed to radiation. “I have done some sums: on future – had in fact already gone a long way to- have required, this total might still prove cancer deaths, and “the answers terrify me,” Prof. Williams told Mr. Wasserman. ward reconciling the majority of the draft’s difficult to reach. The working compro- And the incidence of thyroid cancer is just one measure of the deadly fallout. provisions. But a highly charged meeting of mise reached by 10 factions within the Thus, the future appears to offer no respite from Chornobyl’s tragic effects. the Supreme Council’s presidium on the unofficial initiative group should transfer With our anniversary events largely over, it is time to move on and help those eve of the session focusing on the procedure more or less intact to the compromise who are suffering, to act to ease their pain. for reviewing the draft confirmed that the committee. But it will still require an How can we do this? By donating money, time and effort to the various organi- floor debate would be far from temperate. unprecedented show of discipline on their zations involved in Chornobyl relief. Whether that is the best known group, the Convinced that developments in the part to deliver the necessary vote, particu- Children of Chornobyl Relief Fund, or a lesser known effort, like the Ukrainian Russian presidential campaign can only larly with some of the center/left-center American Veterans’ Adopt-a-Hospital Program, doesn’t matter. And, don’t forget bolster their domestic position, the factions, such as the Interregional Group groups the like the very powerful Ukrainian National Women’s League of Communists tried to delay the proceed- and the Independents, wavering. America and its UNWLA Chornobyl Fund, or the Ukrainian Fraternal Associa- ings. On the morning of the constitution- The nature of the coalition supporting tion’s program to outfit a hospital in Pushcha Vodytsia, just outside of Kyiv, which al debate, they refused to register – thus the official draft is, as has always been the treats children affected by Chornobyl. Then there is the Canadian Children of preventing a plenary quorum – unless the case on important issues, very conditional. Chornobyl Fund and its affiliate, Help Us Help the Children. The choice is yours. approximately 60 deputies simultaneous- Many center-right deputies appear to be Let us not forget to help the suffering children of Chornobyl: all of ly holding positions in the executive siding with the president principally branch (and sure to vote for the official Ukraine’s children. We can help heal Ukraine’s wound, and we can help its because – although they believe his draft is draft) were stripped of their parliamen- young generations secure a better tomorrow. far from ideal – it is, as the work of the tary mandates. (This step had originally Or, as another president, Bill Clinton, said in his message on the occasion of Parliament initiative group has shown, been used by the center-right just after the somber anniversary we are observing this year: “Let us renew our solemn open to revision. Moreover, even given the this Parliament was elected in 1994 to pledge to promote healing, ensure prevention and offer hope.” weaknesses of the provisions on human block the then more monolithic left. The rights, the judiciary and, most strikingly, tactic had then been referred to as “con- local government, the official draft is much structive destruction.”). They were per- more palatable than the left’s alternative. suaded to register only when Parliament Coalition politics make the potential role Chairman Oleksander Moroz proposed a A notice to our correspondents of Chairman Moroz significant. He recently Due to Chornobyl anniversary commemorations and the sheer volume of materi- compromise in the form of a letter to President Kuchma asking him to explain spent a week in the hospital, reportedly als we expect to receive from communities throughout the United States and Ca- recovering from acute hypertension. Some nada, and beyond, we ask your cooperation in submitting concise news stories and his stance on the matter by May 20. (The Communist argument, which draws commentators argued that Mr. Moroz’s good-quality photos as soon as possible. In order to expedite placement of news sto- indisposition had more to do with politics ries, we ask that all materials relating to Chornobyl anniversary observances mate- upon the Constitutional Agreement, is not without merit. Their opponents counter that than with his health. Interestingly in this rials be submitted to The Ukrainian Weekly’s editorial offices no later than May 20. regard, at the end of that week the Socialists Materials will be published as space allows. Thank you for your cooperation. the sanction should also apply to the left, many of whom double as enterprise direc- became observers in the initiative group, tors and heads of collective farms. Neither thus signaling that perhaps a sufficient num- side has been willing to concede anything ber of them might, at Mr. Moroz’s prompt- on the matter. And with the constitutional ing, eventually throw their weight behind May debate raising the stakes, a compromise the official draft. That this might happen TTurningurning the pagespages back... back... seems even further away.) was suggested very strongly by the events Essentially, the Parliament decided to on April 20 when the more radical 6 treat the draft constitution as an ordinary Socialists split away from Mr. Moroz’s piece of legislation. Procedure, therefore, wing to form the Progressive Socialist Party 1840 required that it first examine the four alter- of Ukraine. Mykola Petrov, one of the first scholars in the Russian native draft constitutions, including one It is difficult at present to see the empire to write about Ukrainian literature, was born in from the Communists as well as the 1993 Communists and Agrarians conceding Voznesenskoye, Kostroma gubernia, in Russia on May 6, draft constitution (re)introduced by a anything. In fact, there appears to be a 1840. Having graduated from the Kyiv Theological Academy in 1865, he taught at the social-democratic deputy. But the official growing opinion among the left that the Volhynian Theological Seminary (until 1870) and then at his alma mater (until 1911), draft was always the principal point of ref- ideal option would be for the constitutional where he established and directed its Church History and Archaeological Museum. erence. Among the major points of con- process to become bogged down to the He became a full professor there in 1876, with doctorates in theology (1875) and tention were: the form and function of the point where the president might be pro- Russian language and literature (1907). Parliament, particularly whether it should voked into dismissing the Parliament; the Initially, Petrov focused on the literary scholarship and writing at the Kyiv-Mohyla be a uni- or bicameral body; the role of argument being that should parliamentary Academy, then broadened his purview to studies of Ukrainian literature as a whole in the presidency; the correct legal definition elections be held later this year – or early the 17th and 18th centuries. for the population of Ukraine; the status of next – the left would make considerable Petrov wrote a pioneering work on the history of Ukrainian literature as a “self-suf- the Russian language; and whether the gains. But it is unlikely that the Kuchma ficient branch.” Individual writers whose works he analyzed included Hryhoriy constitution should contain references to administration would swallow such bait. Skovoroda, Ivan Kotliarevsky and Nikolai Gogol (Mykola Hohol). rights versus guarantees in, for example, Moreover, the administration realizes that As an ethnographer, he devoted articles to the folkloric elements in Gogol’s early health, education and employment. given current social and political realities, works, Ukrainian songs and legends, Ukrainian folk celebrations, old theater and At present, the most likely scenario for the Parliament must be seen to be an inte- vertep traditions. the constitution’s adoption is that follow- gral part of the formalities in order to enhance the legitimacy of the constitution- He was a full member of the Ukrainian Scientific Society (1907), the Shevchenko ing approval by the Supreme Council (by a al process, and, hence, of whatever draft is Scientific Society (1911) and the All-Ukrainian Academy of Sciences (1918), and a straight majority vote) it will then, in con- eventually adopted. Thus, if the constitu- corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences (from 1916). Mykola tional debate becomes deadlocked and the Petrov died in Kyiv on June 20, 1921. Markian Bilynskyj is director of the needed vote proves impossible to achieve, Source: “Petrov, Mykola,” Encyclopedia of Ukraine, Vol. 3 (Toronto: University of Toronto Pylyp Orlyk Institute for Democracy Press, 1993). based in Kyiv. (Continued on page 16) No. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1996 5 FOR THE RECORD: CEEC on Russian Duma resolution CCAANNADAADA CCOOURIERURIER by Christopher Guly Following is the full text of the Central cation aimed directly against the sover- and East European Coalition’s statement eignty of the states of the former Soviet opposing the Russian Duma resolution Union. The vote reflects the platform of on restoration of the USSR. It was the Russian Communist Party, which released on March 31. received a strong backing in the December elections, and is presently favored in the Newly named bishop reflects youth The Central and East European presidential elections in June. A year ago, the Rev. Stephen Soroka rarity in recent decades. Two of the its Coalition (CEEC), composed of 18 nation- The vote further raises fears that the experienced some of the clerical stresses seven octogenarian bishops, in fact, were al organizations representing over 22 mil- lower parliament resolution may direct a he studied 11 years ago during his doc- appointed at even younger ages: lion Americans of Central and East more forceful Russian foreign policy toral program in social work at Catholic Toronto’s Isidore Borecky, when he was European heritage, strongly objects to the aimed at the Central and East European University of America in Washington. 36 in 1948, and Metropolitan-emeritus resolution adopted by the State Duma of countries. Rising nationalism in Russia While serving as chancellor and Maxim Hermaniuk – who ordained the the Russian Federation, “On extending the could once again lead the state to exert its ‘’econome’’ (financial administrator) of Rev. Soroka in 1982 – in 1951 when he integration that constituted the USSR...” hegemony over the entire region, there- the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of was 39. As representatives of national organiza- fore, unilateral attempts to change the Winnipeg, the 44-year-old priest also Looking at it another way, Bishop- tions concerned with the plight of the new political status of the NIS countries under- doubled as pastor of St. Anne’s Church designate Soroka will have 31 years democracies within that region of the mine their sovereignty and independence. in Winnipeg’s North Kildonan district. before he will have to resign at the world, the Russian Resolution further The dissolution of the Soviet Union and ‘’My blood pressure started going up mandatory age of 75. (But even that’s not propagates a pattern of rhetoric that disre- the former Soviet Bloc came as a result of and that was a good warning for me to a sure thing, as evidenced by Bishop gards generally recognized principles and the political will of the countries, as slow down,’’ he recently said over the Borecky’s unwavering control of the norms of international law. demonstrated through peaceful demonstra- telephone from his archeparchial office. Toronto eparchy at the age of 84.) Yet, Russia’s hope to revive the former tions, national referendums, and free par- His boss, Archbishop-Metropolitan having a younger bishop in Winnipeg unified “union” state does not have any liamentary and presidential elections. Michael Bzdel, helped by appointing the will undoubtedly lead to change – at the legal grounds and does not meet the real- Though the resolution has no legal con- burly, six-foot-two-inch Rev. Soroka as very least, in attitudes. And the Rev. ities of the political situation which has sequences for the Central and East his full-time chancellor. Soroka is already making progress on evolved, both in the independent coun- European countries, it must be under- ‘’I guess it became a matter of practic- that front. tries which previously comprised the for- scored that the legislative body of Russia ing what I preach,’’ laughed the Rev. During our conversation, he said that mer USSR, and in the world community has shown its vision for the future. Any Soroka in recalling the stress his work- he will revert to the birth-spelling of his as a whole. Arguments from the West deliberate intention to re-institute the load offered him. ‘’But then I had to first name to Stefan. When he is conse- perceive this matter as an entirely USSR would pose a threat to the entire adjust to leaving the 360 families in my crated in Ss. Vladimir and Olga Russian “internal affair” that holds no world. The CEEC is not content in accept- parish.’’ Cathedral on Thursday, June 13, the ser- extra-territorial jurisdiction, though its ing Russian President Yeltsin’s assertions In 1985, the Winnipeg-born priest vice will be held in the evening. intentions hold a high quality of intimi- that “this resolution is nonsense and noth- completed a thesis that examined organi- Despite the tradition of having week- dation for Russia’s neighbors. ing will come of it.” The issue remains to zational stress in the ministry. Of 15 con- day consecrations, the ceremony has typ- Words of condemnation from leaders of be the threat of totalitarianism, which tributing factors to stress, the Rev. ically been held in the afternoon to allow the world express the international conse- affects the national security interests of Soroka identified five major ones. for an evening banquet. Not this time. quences of this decision as an act of provo- the United States and the world. Among them: the pressures of often hav- ‘’I think people have been banqueted ing to make life-changing decisions; role to death,’’ said Bishop-designate Soroka. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ambiguity and the lack of clarity in ‘’Besides, people can’t afford to pay to knowing what’s expected of a cleric; attend a dinner.’’ So, he will host a post- work overload from both quantitative consecration wine-and-cheese in the and qualitative factors (fulfilling a role I have tried my bit to popularize the cathedral basement to facilitate guest one may not be especially qualified for); mingling. The Weekly is much Ukrainian cause here in Oman, both at the absence of social support; and a lack work and in government circles. When The soon-to-be-bishop has also of affirmation and acceptance from one’s thought about handling some of the Leonid Kuchma, who was then the prime church. appreciated in Oman minister, came here on an official tour in social effects his office may create. ‘’I Dear Editor: On April 17, Metropolitan Bzdel, who have good friends who will kick me in the spring of 1993, the local news media has recently suffered a more physical the derriere if I let it get to my head,’’ he I have been one of your “on and off” gave the event unusually broad publicity, kind of stress resulting from recent quin- explained. subscribers for a number of years, having with many people first becoming aware tuple bypass heart surgery, received a bit The Rev. Soroka’s twin brother, moved between several Middle East of Ukraine. This applies primarily to the of a respite on the overload front himself. Joseph, who works as a Winnipeg police countries since 1980. It is always a treat various expats living here, mainly the That day, his bearded social worker- officer, said he is not entirely surprised to get The Weekly, though it does come British. Unfortunately, the Ukrainians chancellor was named his auxiliary bishop. in quite irregularly – often in bunches. by his brother’s promotion. ‘’He was did not follow up with the great contacts When the Rev. Soroka received the always inclined toward the Church, but I All in all, I am quite happy with your they had made and later also fumbled the news from the apostolic pro-nuncio’s product and always look forward to get- think he will do fine, since he’s done various expected diplomatic protocols, office in Ottawa a week earlier, he was pretty good so far.’’ ting the latest news about Ukrainian life, thus showing themselves to be a very more surprised than stressed. both in Ukraine and in the diaspora. Becoming bishop means the Rev. inexperienced, “third world” country. ‘’I never would have guessed this would Soroka will also have to assume new It may come as a bit of a surprise to you For the time being, best wishes in your happen at my age,’’ he said. ‘’Maybe when that here, in the Sultanate of Oman, we do duties. The financial administration side very important work. I hope nobody I would be in my mid-60s.’’ will likely become the responsibility of a get fairly good coverage of things Uk- Naming a man as young as the Rev. thinks of stopping publication of The layperson in the archeparchy, while the rainian, together with excellent worldwide Weekly, similar to the closing of the Soroka to the episcopacy in the Canadian news coverage by the two daily (English- new prelate becomes vicar-general. UNA Washington Office. Ukrainian Catholic Church has been a language) newspapers and the local Arabic Again, he will have to balance his TV, as well as satellite TV coverage, both Bohdan Trylowsky obligations and avoid stress. the BBC World Service and CNN. Al Khod, Sultanate of Oman But with the average age of the 73 priests in the Manitoba Archparchy hov- ering in the 60s, there isn’t much flexibil- cases, somebody (a master) gives or ity in handling the task of ministering to withholds such “permissions.” A bird in 130 parishes and missions. There could A relevant question a gilded cage is still a bird in captivity. be some hope, however, Bishop-desig- I have only one question for those nate Soroka supports the idea of married regarding Ukraine who so strongly objected to my and Dear Editor: priests. He stopped at commenting on Prof. Struk’s opinions, namely: If women priests. (‘’I want to be consecrat- Although I did not intend to write Ukraine were permitted by Russia to do ed,’’ he joked.) again on this subject, the many com- all the things that Quebec is permitted to The Rev. Soroka explained that his pas- ments that were made as a result of my do within Canada, would they then logi- tor at Ss. Vladimir and Olga, now-retired initial letter obviously show that I cally agree that, under such circum- and married Rev. Roman Kysilewski, had touched a raw nerve within the stances, Ukraine should be reunited with a major influence on his opinion. Ukrainian Canadian community. I am Russia? ‘’He told me there were limitations to grateful for the support of Prof. D.H. This question is quite relevant today, his priesthood,’’ said the bishop-desig- Struk, who clearly understands the situa- since Belarus has just concluded a close nate. ‘’I understand that, because I tion. union with Russia and, as is the case of looked after my dad before he died a few Many readers subsequently comment- Quebecers within Canada, the majority years ago. I still feel guilty that I didn’t ed that there is a significant difference of Ukrainians would probably have a bet- spend enough time with him. between Quebec and Halychyna under ter standard of living in such a union “So, I know it would be difficult for Poland or Quebec and Ukraine under with Russia than they have in indepen- me to balance the demands of serving Russia, because Quebec “is permitted” dent Ukraine. to do a lot of things that Ukraine “was people in my parish with meeting the not permitted” to do. However, in both George Primak needs of family. But it can be done, and Pierrefonds, Quebec The Rev. Stephen Soroka others have been successful.’’ 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1996 No. 18

OBITUARIES Auxiliary bishop named for Winnipeg by Christopher Guly ordained to the priesthood there on June 13, 1982. OTTAWA – Winnipeg diocesan priest Metropolitan Bzdel set June 13 – also Ivan Teslia, geographer/demographer the Rev. Stephen Soroka was named auxil- TORONTO — Dr. Ivan Teslia, noted demography of the Ukrainian population in the Feast of the Eucharist – as the tenta- iary bishop for the Ukrainian Archeparchy tive date for the Rev. Soroka’s episcopal geographer and demographer, died here Canada, printing a number of monographs of Winnipeg on April 17. ordination in Winnipeg’s Ss. Vladimir on April 10. He was 93. on the subject, including “The Ukrainian At 44, Bishop-designate Soroka is 21 and Olga Cathedral, where he was Born on August 19, 1902, in Nastasiv, Population in Canada: Settlement and years junior to the next-youngest ordained to the priesthood. Ternopil county, in Galicia, Dr. Teslia Demographic Characteristics” (1957), Ukrainian Catholic bishop in Canada, His three consecrators will include obtained his Ph.D. from Lviv University in “Ukrainske Naselennia Kanady” (The Roman Danylak, 65, who serves as apos- Metropolitan Bzdel, Metropolitan-emeri- 1939, where he served as a research associ- Ukrainian Population of Canada, 1968), tolic administrator of the Toronto tus Maxim Hermaniuk and newly conse- ate in the Institute of Geophysics and “The Ukrainian Canadians in 1971” (1976). Eparchy. crated Saskatoon Bishop Cornelius Meteorology in 1932-1939, and published a He also assisted in the compilation of the There are now seven active and retired basic text on Ukrainian geography in 1938. Pasichny, a Ukrainian-rite Basilian who official Canadian census of 1971. Ukrainian Catholic bishops in Canada, recently served as pastor of St. Nicholas During the second world war, Dr. Teslia As well, he was co-author of including Toronto’s Bishop Isidore served as one of the heads of the Krakow- Church in Winnipeg. “Istorychnyi Atlas Ukrainy” (A Historical Borecky, 84. The Rev. Soroka was once a parish- based Ukrainian Central Committee’s Edu- Atlas of Ukraine, 1980). When Bishop Borecky was ordained to cation Department emphasizing the revival ioner at St. Nick’s. Funeral services were conducted at St. the episcopacy in 1948, he was only 36. of local Ukrainian schools in Galicia, and ‘’He wanted Metropolitan Maxim to Demetrius Ukrainian Catholic Church on Recovering from quintuple bypass the provision of vocational courses. be there because he ordained him to the April 12, with burial at the Park Lawn surgery he underwent last year, Dr. Teslia also lectured on climatology priesthood,’’ said Archbishop- Cemetery. Dr. Teslia is survived by his Winnipeg’s Archbishop-Metropolitan and meteorology at the Ukrainian Free Metropolitan Bzdel. ‘’Having the metro- wife, Yulia; son, Yuriy, with his wife and Michael Bzdel told The Weekly he’s politan there would complete the circle.’’ University in Prague and, after the Soviet “deliriously happy” and relieved the occupation of the city in 1945, in Munich. children; son, Bohdan, and daughter, Maria. Metropolitan Hermaniuk is recovering Holy See has given him some help. “I’ve from a broken hip he suffered last year. He emigrated to Canada in 1948. been living on borrowed time,” he said. In 1949, Dr. Teslia acted as one of the Though he holds a bachelor’s degree “I will be turning 66 in July and will in sacred theology from the Catholic co-founders of the Shevchenko Scientific Correction have nine years before my retirement Society’s Canadian chapter, and served In last week’s obituary of Dokia University of America, Bishop-elect during which Bishop-designate Soroka Soroka carved his academic niche in the as its president in the 1960s. Humenna, the writer’s age was incorrect- will be able to learn the ropes.” Dr. Teslia became a specialist in the ly given as 88. She was 92. area of human behavior. Since the Rev. Soroka was not named Studying the effects of stress on the coadjutor archbishop with the right of clergy, he earned his master’s degree in succession, he could be assigned to any social work from the University of Ukrainian Catholic eparchy in the world. Manitoba in 1978 and received his doc- The Rev. William Wojciechowski, Recently, the Rev. Soroka has served torate in social work in 1985 from the as chancellor and financial administrator Catholic University of America. of the Ukrainian Archeparchy of The Rev. Soroka has served in parish- Orthodox pastor in Woonsocket Winnipeg, which includes the province es in Manitoba. As well he served as a WOONSOCKET, R.I. — The Rev. Island State Council for the Arts, the of Manitoba and also serves as the William M. Wojciechowski, pastor of St. Rhode Island Fellowship of Orthodox judge of the archdiocesan tribunal and Metropolitanate for Ukrainian Catholics director of vocations since 1984; he has Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Churches and the State Council of in Canada. As auxiliary bishop, he will been chancellor for the past two years. Woonsocket for the past six years, died Churches. A conservatory trained musi- become vicar-general, a post now held by on March 4 in Massachusetts General The Ukrainian Archeparchy of cian, he played the French horn and the Rev. Jaropolk Radkewycz. Winnipeg has 33,500 members in 130 Hospital in Boston of cancer. He was 42 viola, performing with the Cincinnati The Rev. Soroka was born in parishes and missions served by 42 years old. Civic Orchestra, the Akron University Winnipeg on November 13, 1951, and priests, 19 deacons and 31 religious. An active member of the local com- Orchestra and the Rhode Island College attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Archbishop-Metropolitan Bzdel, a munity, the Rev. Wojciechowski Symphony Orchestra. School (formerly St. Nicholas School) Ukrainian-rite Redemptorist, has led the belonged to the Connecting for Children run by the Ukrainian Catholic Sisters and Families organization, the Rhode (Continued on page 18) Servants of Mary Immaculate. He was (Continued on page 18)

Boston charitable foundation ships 3,000 pounds of aid to Ukraine BOSTON – The Rev. John stamps are unaffordable for recipients. The foundation’s packages give the and shoes. Letters say children have for- Danylevich Foundation Inc. at St. The coupon enables them to write to the needy hope to carry on. The recipients gotten what sweets are. Milk, meat, fruit Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Church of foudation and let it know that their pack- write that they cannot believe that total and vitamins are unaffordable. Boston shipped 3,000 pounds of much- age arrived safely. strangers care for their well-being, that Contributions are humbly accepted needed aid to Ukraine on February 27. Foundation delegates regularly travel the parcels change their lives and that and may be mailed to: The Father Father Danylevich had built the St. to Ukraine, at no expense to the founda- they have faith for a better world. Danylevich Foundation Inc., 68 Pine Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Church in tion, delivering much-needed aid to the Lately the foundation has received Ridge Road, Reading, MA. 01867-3735. Boston in 1958, as well as the Ukrainian orphans, clinics, families and individuals. many requests for milk, meat products All contributions are tax deductible. Orthodox churches in Millville, N.J., Syracuse, N.Y., and Cleveland, and served parishes in Bakerton, Pa., Herkimer, N.Y., and St. Volodymyr Cathedral in New York City. The Rev. Danylevich had a great love for the Ukrainian people, but due to ill- ness, he was physically unable to contin- ue serving the Ukrainian community. In the autumn of 1990, while at a convales- cent home, the Rev. Danylevich gave his children, Irene, Angelina, the Rev. Volodymir and Alec, his blessing to establish an organization to provide food, shelter, clothing and other appro- priate relief directly to Ukrainians living anywhere in the world. And so the non- profit charitable organization was formed. All personnel are volunteers with no compensation, wages or bene- fits. The records are open for public review. Since its inception, the Rev. John Danylevich Foundation has shipped food, clothing, shoes, fabric, toys, school sup- plies, books, computers and medical sup- plies to Ukraine. All the parcels are shipped by guaran- teed delivery directly to the addressee. Each parcel contains a postal coupon redeemable for postage, as postage Volunteers of the Rev. John Danylevich Foundation at Boston’s Ukrainian Orthodox parish prepare shipment of aid to Ukraine. No. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1996 7

CHORNOBYL: THE FIRST DECADE Chornobyl’s impact on health, the environment and the economy by David R. Marples The following was delivered as the 31st annual Shevchenko Lecture on April 2, at the University of Alberta, David R. Marples is professor of history and director of the Stasiuk Program on Contemporary Ukraine (CIUS), University of Alberta, Canada. The Shevchenko Lecture was organized by the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies and sponsored by the Ukrainian Professional and Business Club of Edmonton. PART I The Chornobyl disaster is a political event. It began in secrecy and today remains shrouded in controversy. There is no consensus over the results. Moreover, the situation has been made more complex by international studies and reports. There have been distortions of fact both by the “international scientific community” – as epitomized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) – and the general public, Ukrainian and Belarusian min- istries, former clean-up crews and indeed the majority of people actively involved in assessment of or affected by radiation fallout from Chornobyl. As the 10th anniversary approaches, one can see how the political aspects of Chornobyl have served to obscure truth. On the one hand, the Ukrainian Ministry of Health issued a statement last year that there had been 125,000 deaths to date from Chornobyl. It took me several weeks of investigation before it became evident how Efrem Lukatsky/AP such a figure was derived. In fact, it includes all the Environmental activists stage a demonstration on April 22 in front of the presidential residence in Kyiv. They deaths in the areas of Ukraine contaminated by the acci- are holding crosses inscribed with the names of villages abandoned after the April 26, 1986, accident at the dent regardless of cause, i.e., it encompasses so-called Chornobyl nuclear power plant. natural deaths. On the other hand, the recent conference of scientists in St. Petersburg and the report of the European Community (EC) on Chornobyl gave rise to Marples address kicks off Toronto commemorations several publicized statements, none of which in my view were accurate: by Andrij Wynnyckyj Dr. Marples rejoined. • 1. The only serious health repercussion from Toronto Press Bureau The Chornobyl specialist called the Ukrainian gov- Chornobyl today that can be attributed to radiation is ernment’s request to the G-7 countries for $4.4 billion TORONTO — In even tones that masked the passion thyroid gland cancer among children; (U.S.), to pay for the complete decommissioning and of his arguments, on April 20 in the University of • 2. Radioactive cesium has no impact on the human closure of the crippled CAES and replacement of it with Toronto’s Convocation Hall, Dr. David R. Marples organism; a non-nuclear power plant, “entirely justified.” pulled no punches in his outline of the growing cata- • 3. Chornobyl has demonstrated that low-level radia- He also said the $3.1 billion offered at the recent G-7 tion is harmless to the population; logue of ills that beset humanity living in the shadow of summit in Moscow was an improvement of the previous • 4. The illnesses that have developed in the “Chornobyl: Ten Years Later.” offer, but “quite clearly, still inadequate.” Chornobyl fallout regions of Ukraine, Belarus and He charged the International Atomic Energy Agency Dr. Marples commented on the EBRD’s offer to Russia are the result of radiation fears, stress and ten- (IAEA), the World Health Organization (WHO) and finance the completion of nuclear power stations in sion, and that the significant rise in incidence of various agencies of the European Union with “conscious distor- Rivne and Khmelnytsky to compensate for the shut- diseases cannot be attributed to radiation. tions of fact” in their reports on the immediate after- down of Chornobyl. “This, in my view, is irresponsi- In turn, the situation has been complicated by the math and long-term health consequences of the acci- ble,” he said, contending that such a policy “exacerbates demands of the world and the Ukrainian nuclear indus- dent, and he assailed the decision by the European Bank the problem of the already dangerous condition of try, the fate of the Chornobyl plant itself, and the energy for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to pro- Ukraine’s reactors.” needs of independent Ukraine, which over four years vide funding for the completion of additional nuclear He faulted the G-7 countries and Russia for persist- has run up huge debts for imports of oil and gas from reactors in Ukraine as “irresponsible.” ing to view nuclear power as the “only conceivable Russia and Turkmenistan. We will look at each of these This was the address that kicked off the Toronto option” in confronting Ukraine’s future energy needs. questions in turn. area’s 10th anniversary commemorations of the cata- Dr. Marples claimed this was a noxious side-effect of strophe at the Chornobyl Atomic Energy Station the U.S. government’s practice of “pouring 60 percent Radiation fallout (CAES), sponsored by the Children of Chornobyl of its energy research budget over the past two decades Canadian Fund and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress’s Over 450 different types of radionuclides were only into nuclear power.” He said Ukraine suffers from Toronto branch. released by the Chornobyl disaster in the period past “Soviet decisions to do likewise.” In introductory remarks, Serhiy Borovyk, Ukraine’s between the early hours of April 26 and May 10, 1986, Turning to the question of the human toll of the Consul general in Toronto recalled bitterly that because when the reactor was capped. Fallout occurred first over CAES meltdown, Dr. Marples asserted: “The single of the Soviet leadership’s silence about the lingering Belarus, the Baltic republics, Eastern Poland and most persistent lie that must be dispensed with, if there Scandinavia, in addition to the Kyiv Oblast of Ukraine. danger, he had taken his children to the May Day is to be any truth told about the Chornobyl disaster, is After April 30 a change of wind direction brought con- Parade on Kyiv’s Khreshchatyk. that there were 31 dead. This figure has no validity.” siderable fallout into Ukraine and Russia. Affected He also paid homage to those “who have dedicated “The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), especially in the former country were the Kyiv, their careers to bring the truth to the world” about the World Health Organization, various levels of the Zhytomyr and Chernihiv oblasts, then the radiation Chornobyl, including the University of Alberta historian Soviet government have all repeated the total ad nause- spread south of Kyiv particularly into Kirovohrad and Dr. Marples, whose most recent contribution to the field am.” westward toward and beyond the Polish border. include an entry on Chornobyl in the Encyclopedia In closing, the historian noted that the principal dan- The chief initial danger came from radioactive Brittanica’s 1996 Annual Yearbook, and an article in ger lies in that, particularly in the West, people will for- iodine, but this radionuclide has a very short half-life of the April 1996 issue of the Bulletin of Atomic get that Chornobyl’s aftereffects are a continuous and eight days. The long-term impact comes from cesium- Scientists. growing problem, not a single cataclysmic event to be 137 and strontium-90, which have 29- and 30-year half- Dr. Marples led off with a bold charge against the commemorated with bowed heads and cautionary tales. lives, respectively, and from plutonium-239, which has officials of the IAEA, the WHO and the former Soviet “It’s not something that happened and is over,” Dr. a half-life of 24,390 years. government for “conscious distortion of fact,” asserting Marples said, “The more time goes by, the more the If measured by cesium contamination of the soil – several statements were demonstrably inaccurate — problem develops.” and after the summer of 1986 the ground became more including the contention that the only observable health “It is much worse now than it was five years ago,” dangerous than the air – with a level of 1 curie per effects were thyroid abnormalities, and that most other the Alberta-based professor added, “and in five years it square kilometer and above, then 43,000 square kilome- ailments were psychosomatic, due to stress and fears will be much worse than it is now.” ters of Ukraine were affected, including 3,200 towns, resulting from the circulation of an excess of information The forcefulness of Dr. Marples’s presentation was villages and hamlets. In this region lived 4 million peo- about the “incident,” as the nuclear industry called it. somewhat blunted by a depressingly low turnout of about ple, including 1.5 million children. Eighteen Ukrainian He denounced those officials who claimed that thy- 65 people, emphasized by the cavernous dimensions of oblasts were contaminated to some degree. roid cancer, a form of tumor that spreads rapidly the 1,500-seat Convocation Hall. Not only did it lend The fallout of radioactive particles into the Dnipro through the body if untreated or not excised, as “a rela- damning credence to Dr. Marples’ anxiety that Chornobyl tively harmless form of cancer.” will be remembered only on anniversaries, it raised the (Continued on page 12) “I didn’t know there was a harmless form of cancer,” possibility that it might not be remembered at all. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1996 No. 18

CHORNOBYL: THE FIRST DECADE INTERVIEW: Alla Yaroshinska, revealer of Chornobyl’s “Forbidden Truths” Alla Yaroshinska is a member of Russian President the Chornobyl disaster? Boris Yeltsin’s Council of Advisors (to which she was Those individuals who were guilty of withholding appointed in 1993) and the president of the Association information are guilty of [jeopardizing] the health of 8 of Russian Journalists. She also heads a Moscow-based million people who were living in the affected area, and charitable foundation, the Ecological Private Fund, their health could have been much better. which provides assistance to children affected by the In terms of individuals, let’s begin with Ukraine. Chornobyl disaster in Ukraine, Belarus and Russia and Ukraine’s Procuracy officially charged with suppressing the issues publications concerning the environment. truth [Ukrainian Communist Party Secretary Volodymyr] Born in Zhytomyr, about 130 kilometers from Kyiv, Shcherbytsky; Valentyna Semenivna Shevchenko, chair- Ms. Yaroshinska is a journalist by training. At the time man of the Ukrainian SSR’s Supreme Soviet; the minister of the Chornobyl disaster, she contributed the “Industry of health Anatoliy Yevdokymovych Romanenko — they and Construction” column to the oblast center’s Party were charged with suppressing the truth. newspaper, Radianska Zhytomyrshchyna. The case was initiated, but then closed. There should In her book, “Chernobyl: The Forbidden Truth,” have been a formal trial. But there wasn’t, the charges (Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1995), Ms. were simply dropped, because somebody declared the Yaroshinska describes how, in the summer of 1987, act- statute of limitations on these crimes had run out. ing on a “hunch,” she first traveled to the exclusion zone’s vicinity to investigate why housing for evacuees When had they run out? was being built so close to the site of the recent disaster. Who knows when? The procuracy finished its inves- Her trip to Rudnia-Ososhnia, now a “dead” village in tigation about two years ago. It was simply decided to the notorious Narodychi district, Zhytomyr region, set her have them formally declared guilty of this and that, and on a path, at “whatever the cost, to publish the truth.” the case was closed without a court hearing because the “I have kept the notebooks I filled at the time,” Ms. statute of limitations had run out. Yaroshinska wrote, “and they sweat blood, like the It will take about 24,000 years for the plutonium par- memories of people who have reached a great age and ticles scattered by the accident to decay, but we’ll be who no longer expect anything from life.” stuck with the effects of Chornobyl for ages, for ages — Faced with her newspaper’s refusal to print her but for them, the statute of limitations has run out. reports, in 1987 she circulated them throughout the Even in Bulgaria, there was a trial and officials found affected zones of the Zhytomyr and Polissia region by guilty of suppressing the facts concerning the accident have way of the samvydav (samizdat) network, in order to already served their time in prison, they’re back on the out- inform the local population of the dangers they faced. side. But in Ukraine, they haven’t spent a day in jail, and In 1988, she tried to have her articles on the region now the statute of limitations has run out. It’s further evi- published in Ogonyok, the Moscow-based purported dence that it’s the same system, under a different name. beacon of glasnost, but even personal meetings with then-editor-in-chief Vitaliy Korotych, (“After all, he’s One person who was a health official before and Ukrainian, like myself”) failed to prompt their appear- after independence was Dr. Yuriy Spizhenko, origi- Natalia Feduschak ance on the magazine’s pages. nally Mr. Romanenko’s deputy and then himself the Elected to the newly established USSR’s Congress of Protester at the May 5, 1986, demonstration in New health minister under President Leonid Kravchuk. People’s Deputies in May 1989, Ms. Yaroshinska stepped York City. Should he be held responsible? up her crusade. After she presented a videotape of condi- I certainly think so. When I was a correspondent for tions in the Narodychi district to then Communist Party Please describe how you were able to obtain the Radianska Zhytomyrshchyna, Yuriy Spizhenko was the General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev, she was able to Politburo’s secret protocols [minutes] on Chornobyl. head of the Zhytomyr Oblast Executive Committee. I went publish her materials in the Moscow press. to the oblast administration, that is, not to him personally, The first mainstream Soviet periodical to print an The last days of the Soviet Union, November- but dealt with officials, who assured me that things were exposé by Ms. Yaroshinska was Moskovskiye Novosti, December 1991, coincided with the last days of the fine. followed by a series of articles that appeared in Supreme Soviet’s session. Through the committee we And this much I wrote in my book, about Spizhenko. Izvestia, throughout the summer and fall of 1989. established to investigate the role of government offi- At the second session in the spring of 1990, she spear- cials in the accident at Chornobyl, we were able to get a Do any of the officials of the former regime hold headed a movement to form a commission of the Supreme series of protocols to examine. any positions of responsibility today? Soviet responsible for dealing with the consequences of Since the session was drawing to a close, I sensed that the documents could probably be taken away from Spizhenko is one of them. It’s a disgrace, he’s a dis- the Chornobyl disaster, and served as its chair. graceful character. This Romanenko, who was officially As an official of the government, she, at least on us, and then sealed in the Russian archives. I took this material, about 600 pages of text, to the indicted and officially declared guilty of suppressing paper, had access to all of its archives and managed to information about Chornobyl is now the head of the insti- collect damning material from the Soviet central min- Supreme Soviet’s official photocopy office, where I was told that there were specific orders not to allow me to copy tute dedicated to researching the aftermath of the disaster. istries of environmental protection, health, and defense, Can you imagine what this research is going to be and other agencies. them. I then went to the security officials who issued this order to demand an explanation. They told me: “Well look, like? This man lied, and now he’ll be forced to continue Following Mr. Yeltsin’s edict banning the Communist lying, because otherwise he’d have to sit in the dock. Party in September 1991, she finally got access to the the documents are marked ‘top secret.’ You have to ask the Communist Party to waive the restriction.” The same thing in Russia. Before the first session of the secret protocols (minutes) of the Central Committee of Just think how absurd that was — the Communist Party Soviet of People’s Deputies [in the summer of 1989], I the Communist Party’s Politburo. had already been banned by that time, its leaders were sit- took my documents from the Zhytomyr region to the min- In April 1992, the Moscow daily Izvestiya began pub- ting in jail. What was I supposed to do, go and ask a bunch ister devoted to Chornobyl-related affairs, and showed lishing the documents Ms. Yaroshinska unearthed, of convicts like [Chairman of the USSR Supreme Soviet him. This man told me: “You have your documentation, implicating almost every major Communist Party offi- Anatoliy] Lukyanov for permission? It was ridiculous. we have ours.” cial, from Mr. Gorbachev on down, in one of the most The party was banned, and yet the KGB was still pro- But after my presentation before the first session of repugnant cover-ups of the 20th century. tecting them. So I phoned Vadim Vakatin, whom the Supreme Soviet, 12 villages in the region were Later that year, Ms. Yaroshinska was awarded the [Russian President Boris] Yeltsin had just appointed as immediately evacuated, because it was finally recog- Right Livelihood Award in Stockholm, known as the head of the KGB, and asked him what was going on, nized that my information was accurate. “alternative Nobel Prize.” why there was still censorship on this subject. But this man, Vozniak, I can’t remember his given Her book, “Chernobyl: Sovershenno Sekretno” To make a long story short, in the end I decided to sim- name, headed this Chornobyl ministry until recently, (Chornobyl: Top Secret; Moscow: Drugie Berega, ply make the copies myself. I took the bundle of papers when it was disbanded and absorbed by a committee 1992) was published in Russian, based on her early over to [the Moscow daily] Izvestiya’s offices, where they dealing with emergencies and extraordinary situations. reporting and her work as a commissioner. It includes a had one of the few photocopying bureaus in the city. My blood boiled when I first found out he was staggering 225 pages of documents drawn from the They agreed to make copies for me on the condition appointed, and he headed this department until recent- archives of the Soviet Politburo, and various levels of that I would publish the documents only through them. ly... I had to write a memorandum to Yeltsin saying this government of the USSR and the Ukrainian SSR. It was sensational stuff, and they knew it. was a disgrace. Yeltsin fired him in the end; I won’t say “Chernobyl: The Forbidden Truth,” is an abridged So I copied all of these minutes, then put them back only because of my note, I’m sure many others investi- English translation (by Michele Kahn and Julia Sallabank) in the safe where I’d taken them. I kept the first set of gated his performance. of this book, minus the appended documentation. minutes for myself, the originals. I knew that if the orig- This Vozniak wrote his Ph.D. thesis on Chornobyl, It has yet to be published in Ukraine or in Ukrainian. defended it. Can you imagine that? Ms. Yaroshinska was recently in the U.S. to participate inals somehow disappeared, I would be accused of hav- in a series of conferences in connection with the 10th ing written all of this myself. What is your opinion of the IAEA’s reports over anniversary accident at the Chornobyl atomic energy sta- So one set of minutes, with the official seal, with the years, and those tabled at the recent conference tion, in particular the April 8-9 conference at Yale and [USSR Council of Ministers President Nikolai] Ryzhkov’s in Vienna? signature, head of the former Soviet government, I kept for Columbia universities. She also met with the Ukrainian I haven’t seen any information about the most recent American community in Chicago, and delivered a lecture myself, may God forgive me. The copy I put back in the safe, with the other originals. conference, but I can tell you this. When we, the at Michigan State University on the upcoming elections in deputies, began saying that Chornobyl was a crime [per- Russia. In terms of the documentation you gathered, petrated by the Soviet government] against its own peo- Part I of the interview was conducted by Andrij which individual or individuals would you consider Wynnyckyj The Weekly’s Toronto Press Bureau follows. most guilty of compounding the harmful effects of (Continued on page 9) No. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1996 9

CHORNOBYL: THE FIRST DECADE Alla Yaroshinska... On the front lines: the first six heroes of Chornobyl (Continued from page 8) ple, when my articles began appearing in the press, the Soviet government decided to hide behind international experts, and so they invited experts from the IAEA. This IAEA delegation was headed by a Japanese offi- cial, Shihimatsu. I spoke to Mr. Shihimatsu again in 1992, on a recent trip to Japan with eight other journal- ists (including two from Ukraine). I met with Shihimatsu and forced him to acknowl- edge – this was a private discussion, not a public one – that the IAEA commission’s conclusions, the report of the group he headed were inaccurate and false. I asked him how he could write that there were no changes in people’s health, that everything was normal, if they didn’t have any precise data on people’s health. “You didn’t conduct any research,” I told him, “You just took the data given to you by the mendacious Russian med- ical officials, the material given to you by Academician Ilyin, director of the former Soviet and now Russian Radiobiology Institute. These data were simply fabricated, and based on these falsified pseudo-scientific data, you issued conclusions? You mentioned a few thousand people, but about 8 million people were living in the affected areas. Can this report can have been considered accurate?” He was forced to admit, in private, that this had been improper. Has the IAEA ever publicly admitted its error in this regard? The IAEA has only admitted to one of my findings, and only partially. About two years ago, they issued a very brief statement saying that the explosion in Chornobyl, the tragedy, was caused not, as previously stated, simply by the unprofessionalism of the workers and specialists on site, but also by design faults of the Chornobyl reactor itself. In itself this was a considerable accomplishment. Prior to that, they’d always said that these [Soviet RBMK] reac- tors were very nice, safe and everything was normal. The six firemen above — (beginning with top row, from left) Mykola Tytenok, 24; Mykola Vashchuk, 27; Vasyl But I published a series of articles, backed up by con- Ihnatenko, 25; Volodymyr Pravyk, 24; Viktor Kibenok, 23; and Volodymyr Tyshura, 27 — took the most active part clusions given to me by experts from Russia and in extinguishing the fire in reactor No. 4 of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant. Wearing only their everyday uni- Ukraine, suggesting that these reactors were inadequate, forms, they were not equipped to do battle with the nuclear inferno. They were exposed to radiation levels of 30,000 and that they could not be improved to the point where roentgens an hour and received doses of 1,500 roentgens. Dr. Yuri Shcherbak, in his book “Chornobyl: A they continue to be safely used. Documentary Story” wrote of these six members of the Chornobyl Fire Station: “They saved the nuclear power sta- So about two years ago, the IAEA made this barely tion, they saved Prypiat, Chornobyl, Kyiv, all of us.” All six died within two weeks after heroically performing their perceptible announcement, that I picked up, that the duties; their bodies were buried in special lead coffins to protect the environment from the radiation of their corpses. accident was caused not only by the unprofessionalism of the specialists who worked in Chornobyl, but also by These and other Chornobyl firemen were honored in special ceremonies on April 26 in Slavutych, the city built after faults in its construction and design.... I believe the the accident to house the still-functioning Chornobyl plant’s employees. (Photos by Efrem Lukatsky/AP.) IAEA is in part responsible for the fact that the truth about what happened in Chornobyl did not come out immediately. Absolutely. Austrian postal issue honors heroic fire brigade Is there any documentation of correspondence between the IAEA and the Soviet authorities impli- cating the former in a cover-up? This appears in my book. When the Soviet specialists prepared their report to the IAEA on the Chornobyl tragedy, they had one for the IAEA and one for their internal use. The IAEA was given a report that blamed only people for the explosion. They omitted the phrase concerning design and construction faults. Can any other government, international or nation- al agency be so implicated, in the U.S. or elsewhere? I don’t really have any information about that.... The U.S. might have known more about what happened and earlier than we are aware... and perhaps its government could have applied greater pressure on the Soviet gov- ernment to clearly inform its people. But as the minutes I published show, the [Soviet] dis- information campaign was massive, so maybe [the U.S. government] truly didn’t know 100 percent what hap- pened. I can’t accuse any other government [of mis- deeds] other than the former Soviet government. The people in the Soviet government who concealed this accident are simply criminals. When the Russian constitutional court examined the question of banning the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, I appeared as a material witness on the Chornobyl question... A political trial is still in order, as far as I’m con- cerned. The role of, for instance, of Mikhail Gorbachev has not been sufficiently brought to light. More recently I found an additional set of minutes, not The Austrian-Ukrainian Association based in Vienna arranged for the issuance of the first day cover above to mark the part of the original group of 40 documents I published, and 10th anniversary of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster and to honor the members of the Ukrainian fire brigade who were published them about a year and a half ago in a full-page the first to risk their lives in attempting to protect the public from the effects of this horrific accident. As noted on the Izvestiya article. They demonstrate that Gorbachev definite- trilingual envelope released on the occasion, on April 12 the Austrian-Ukrainian Association, Austrian postal authorities ly knew the parameters of the accident, and he referred to and the Vienna Fire Brigade organized a special postal transport using a fire brigade car to honor the heroic Chornobyl its effects as the same as those that would follow a small- firemen. Proceeds from the sale of the first day cover will be used to aid Ukrainian children of Chornobyl. The special scale nuclear war in central Europe. Those are his words. ... postmark and the illustration on the cover were designed by artist Ivan Turetsky of Lviv. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1996 No. 18

CHORNOBYL: THE FIRST DECADE Over 1,000 attend ecumenical service at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan by Roman Woronowycz NEW YORK — More than 1,000 people gathered at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on April 26 with religious leaders and politicians to commemorate the Chornobyl disaster that has affected hundreds of thou- sands in Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. On hand were leaders of the Ukrainian Catholic, the Ukrainian Orthodox and the Roman Catholic Churches, as well as representatives from the United Nations, the governments of the United States and Ukraine. Cardinal John O’Connor, archbishop of New York, greeted the attendees after a brief ecumenical prayer service led by Ukrainian Catholic Bishop Basil Losten of the Stamford Eparchy, Ukrainian Orthodox Bishop Vsevolod and their respective clergy. He also intro- duced Archbishop Renato R. Martino, permanent repre- sentative of the Holy See to the United Nations. A procession of dignitaries then proceeded to the microphone introduced by Alex Kuzma, coordinator for “Chornobyl Challenge96.” Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United Nations Anatoliy Zlenko read a statement from Ukraine’s Leonid Kuchma. The president emphasized that the Chornobyl catastrophe is a global disaster not from the past, but an ongoing calamity. “It is a longstanding and universal tragedy,” he stated. He paid tribute to those who gave their lives, who “stepped into the nuclear hell, protecting us with their bodies from the unpredictable, saving the Earth.” Mention was made of the $3 billion that Ukraine has Roman Woronowycz (Continued on page 12) Cardinal John O’Connor of the New York Archdiocese speaking at St. Patrick’s Cathedral prayer service. Odessa Philharmonic concert at D.C.’s Kennedy Center marks tragic anniversary by Khristina Lew United States, Dr. Yuri Shcherbak, hosted a private recep- has brought us the spirit of Ukraine,” and then Mr. tion for the performance’s sponsors, representatives of the Earle, “a Ukrainian Yankee and an Odessa cowboy,” WASHINGTON — The Odessa Philharmonic U.S. government and members of the Washington Ms. Chopivsky, Ms. Verveer, Ambassador at Large for Orchestra, under the baton of American conductor Performing Arts Society at the Watergate Hotel. the NIS James Collins and Victoria Resnick of the Hobart Earle, made its Washington debut in a concert Laryssa Chopivsky, member of the WPAS board of National Security Council. commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Chornobyl directors and the driving force behind the Odessa The ambassador noted that the 10th anniversary of nuclear disaster at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Philharmonic’s Washington debut, noted that the Chornobyl marked a day of introspection and mourning, Performing Arts on April 28. orchestra’s performance was “both a solemn and uplift- and thanked the U.S. government for its continued sup- Presented by the Washington Performing Arts ing testament to what can be achieved when talents of port of Ukraine in ameliorating the consequences of the Society, the two-hour concert showcased both solemn the East and West are combined,” and praised Mr. Earle disaster. and tranquil orchestral works by Ukrainian, American for his “Western know-how and Yankee ingenuity in He then relayed a personal epiphany that occurred and Austrian composers, with the exception of acquainting people around the world with Ukraine and during a vigil at the Chornobyl tree in Lafayette Park on Myroslav Skoryk’s rousing “Carpathian Concerto.” Ukrainians.” April 25. Lafayette Park has many green trees, he said, The presence of Mykola Kolessa, composer of one of She also expressed her gratitude to Hillary Rodham and among them stands the Chornobyl tree, which was the selections performed by the orchestra, in the audito- Clinton for serving as honorary chair of Chornobyl planted five years ago. “The tree is dry and stands as a rium added a poignant air to the historic performance. Challenge ‘96 and thanked Melanne Verveer, the symbol of the fires of Chornobyl, but as we prayed, I Following the able execution of his “Orchards Ukrainian American deputy chief of staff to the first noticed that the tree, indeed, had a few green leaves. I Blooming in the Carpathians,” the 92-year-old maestro lady, for representing Mrs. Clinton at the concert. realized that life is everlasting, that Ukraine was, is and ascended the stage, embracing Mr. Earle and greeting The ebullient Mr. Earle said he was pleased that the will be — and that we can meet that challenge.” the concertmasters. He received a standing ovation. Odessa Philharmonic could serve not only as Ukraine’s The Odessa Philharmonic’s 1996 tour included per- Under Mr. Earle’s musical direction, the Odessa cultural ambassadors, but its environmental ambassadors formances in Toronto, Princeton, N.J., Philadelphia and Philharmonic has expanded its repertoire, blending clas- as well, and thanked the Ukrainian government for spon- at the United Nations, and was sponsored by Eli Lilly sic works with lesser-known Ukrainian compositions. In soring the orchestra’s airfare to the United States. and Co., Holt Enterprises, INOVA Health System, 1995 the orchestra released a compact disc of previous- Ambassador Shcherbak, acknowledging that he Odessa Foods International Inc., Republic National ly unrecorded Ukrainian works by Kolessa and Skoryk on the ASV label. would forsake protocol, first greeted “the music, which Bank of New York and Chornobyl Challenge ‘96. The Kennedy Center performance began with Charles Ives’ haunting “The Unanswered Question” (1906), during which a quartet of flutes and a sole trum- pet in the upper tiers of the concert hall answered the full orchestra on the stage. Kostiantyn Dankevych’s symphonic poem “Taras Shevchenko” (1939) followed, and the first half of the performance concluded with the sonorous Adagio from Gustav Mahler’s 10th Symphony. The second half of the concert began with “Orchards Blooming in the Carpathians” (1950) and culminated with the “Carpathian Concerto” (1972). Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring” (1944) provided a soothing coun- terbalance to the colorful concerto, and concluded the pro- gram. Following a standing ovation, Mr. Earle returned to the stage for an encore: Mykola Lysenko’s lively “Overture to Taras Bulba,” a Washington premiere. The conductor acknowledged that while the concert was pre- sented to commemorate the solemn occasion of the 10th anniversary of Chornobyl, he wanted to end on a posi- tive note. “Chornobyl is very real to us... We have a challenge to make the world better for future genera- tions, so we’d like to end on an up note,” he said. Khristina Lew Sponsor’s reception Maestro Mykola Kolessa, Conductor Hobart Earle, Ambassador Yuri Shcherbak and Laryssa Chopivsky at Following the concert, Ukraine’s ambassador to the a reception following the Odessa Philharmonic Orchestra performance at the Kennedy Center. No. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1996 11

CHORNOBYL: THE FIRST DECADE Chornobyl: a chronology 1986 April 26: At 1:23 a.m., an experiment goes catastrophi- cally awry at the V.I. Lenin Atomic Electrical Station near Chornobyl, some 60 miles north of Kyiv. Reactor No. 4 explodes and catches fire, spewing a vast cloud of radioactive fallout throughout Belarus, Ukraine and most of Europe. April 27: A full 36 hours after the explosion, evacua- tions begin at Prypiat, a town built to house Chornobyl workers. Residents are given time only to pack enough belongings for a “short trip” and are told they will return in a matter of days. April 28: A terse, four-sentence announcement by TASS, the official Soviet news agency, that an accident has occurred at Chornobyl is the first acknowledgment by the USSR government of the disaster. The TASS report makes no mention of the nature of the accident, nor of the enormous amount of radiation released. May 1: Ignoring internal and Western reports confirm- ing the severity of the radiation release, Soviet officials stage the annual May Day parade; hundreds of Kyiv schoolchildren march down the city’s contaminated streets as the Communist elite sends its offspring to safe havens. Several days later, panic-stricken parents swamp Moscow-bound trains with their children.

August 25: The International Atomic Energy Agency Associated Press convenes a special conference on Chornobyl in Vienna. Soviet authorities present a 382- page report in an A Ukrainian woman watches as flames race through a field in the village of Krasny Horodok, some 10 kilometers attempt at mollifying Western allegations of a cover-up from the Chornobyl plant, on April 23. of the accident’s magnitude and the scope of its conse- quences. aircraft. Numerous shipments follow and continue to 1994 this day. September 1: Chornobyl Reactor No.1 is restarted. July 8-10: The G-7 summit in Naples pledges $200 July 13: The United Nations Economic, Social and million in grant aid to strengthen Ukraine’s energy sec- November 5: Reactor No. 2 resumes operation amid Cultural Organization (ECOSOC) adopts a resolution tor and close down Chornobyl. concern that operational safety precautions are once appealing for worldwide cooperation on aid to mitigate 1995 again not being observed. the consequences of Chornobyl. The action comes after November 17: Construction of a 195-foot-high steel the USSR, the Ukrainian SSR and the Byelorussian SSR July: A G-7 summit in Halifax, Nova Scotia, at the sug- and concrete “sarcophagus” is completed at reactor No. formally request help from the international community. gestion of Russian President Boris Yeltsin, agrees to 4. Pravda reports the containment vessel will last “for 1991 hold a summit in Moscow on nuclear issues, including centuries,” but the hastily built structure starts sinking the shutdown of the Chornobyl plant. and develops cracks almost immediately following its February 7: The Procurator-General of the USSR initi- November 17: A worker at the Chornobyl plant completion. ates a criminal investigation into the handling of the Chornobyl accident. receives the equivalent of a year’s worth of radiation. 1987 The incident, Ukraine’s most serious in 1995, rates May 21: An IAEA report attributes all medical condi- January 29: United States government rescinds travel three on the international scale; its severity is covered tions from the Chornobyl disaster to psychological up by plant personnel for several months. advisory and says it is now once again safe for U.S. citi- problems among an ignorant and misinformed popula- zens to visit Kyiv. tion. December 13: The U.N. General Assembly designates 1988 April 26, 1996, International Day in Memory of October 11: The machine room at Chornobyl reactor Chornobyl and seeks improved international coopera- April 26: More than 500 people march along the No. 2 catches fire and the reactor is permanently shut tion on providing aid to Chornobyl’s victims and study- Khreshchatyk. They hold a demonstration protesting the down. ing its aftermath. cover-up of the Chornobyl disaster and advocating the October 29: The Ukrainian Parliament votes to shut discontinuation of nuclear power generation and the December 20: Ukraine’s Minister of the Environment down the Chornobyl plant completely by the end of Yuriy Kostenko signs a Memorandum of Understanding transformation of Ukraine into a nuclear-free zone. 1993. Sponsored by the Ukrainian Culturological Club with Shiela Copps, Canada’s vice-premier and secretary (UCC), the protest is the first ecologically oriented December 11: The Ukrainian Parliament passes a reso- of the environment, acting on behalf of the G-7. demonstration in Kyiv. lution demanding the prosecution of Soviet leaders for Members of the G-7 are to provide $2.3 billion to close the Chornobyl cover-up. Among those named are Soviet down Chornobyl by 2000. No funds are allocated for November 13: An officially sanctioned ecological President Mikhail Gorbachev, Prime Minister Nikolai the second sarcophagus. demonstration attended by 10,000 people in Kyiv calls Ryzhkov, former Ukrainian Communist Party First 1996 on the Soviet government to tell “All the Truth about Secretary Volodymyr Shcherbytsky and Ukrainian Chornobyl.” The rally is cut short by authorities after Health Minister Anatoliy Romanenko. April 21: At the Moscow G-7 summit, Ukrainian speakers start addressing questions of political freedom. 1992 President Leonid Kuchma reaffirms the decision to shut Twenty demonstrators are detained; Oles Shevchenko Chornobyl down. G-7 countries promise to study ways of the Ukrainian Helsinki Union (UHU) is arrested. February: The government announces that a second to replace the cracking sarcophagus, but make no new December 4: Over 10,000 people demonstrate in Kyiv sarcophagus would have to be built over the first; work commitments of financial assistance. against the Soviet nuclear power program. Speakers, is to be completed within three years by a French com- April 22: Brush and forest fires, possibly accidentally among them Yuri Shcherbak, head of the newly formed pany. ignited by evacuees visiting their former homes in the Zelenyi Svit (Green World) environmental association, April 22: The Ministry of Chornobyl releases a state- zone of exclusion, result in the destruction of five aban- call for a halt to new atomic energy station construction ment estimating deaths attributable to the Chornobyl doned villages and a release of significant amounts of and a full disclosure of Chornobyl-related information disaster at 6,000-8,000; Ukraine’s government appeals soil and ground-based radioactive dust. by the Soviet government. for more aid from the international community. 1989 April 26: This day Ukrainian communities worldwide May 2-4: Wildfires in contaminated regions of Belarus commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Chornobyl April 16: 20,000 pray for victims of Chornobyl at a raise local radiation levels and force new evacuations. nuclear disaster. Vigils are held in Ukraine; church bells toll throughout Europe in remembrance of the disaster’s memorial moleben celebrated by Ukrainian Catholic October 16: Reactor No. 3 is restarted, against wishes clergy in Lviv outside the Cathedral of the Assumption. victims. An ecumenical service is held in St. Patrick’s of the European Community. By year’s end, reactor No. Cathedral in New York and the Empire State Building April 26: 15,000 attend another Lviv rally, this time 1 is again restarted, due to an energy crisis caused by glows blue and yeliow with the word “Chornobyl” voicing political demands related to the Chornobyl acci- Russian cutoffs of oil and gas supplies. spelled out. In Miensk, 50,000 demonstrators at a dent. 1993 Chornobyl commemoration are violently dispersed by 1990 Belarusian riot police after demanding President October 21: In the midst of a severe energy shortage, Alyaksandr Lukashenka resign for, among other things, February 10: First shipment of humanitarian aid by the with widespread, daily brownouts common, Parliament making light of the disaster’s consequences. Children of Chornobyl Relief Fund arrives at Kyiv- votes to keep Chornobyl open and to lift the moratorium Boryspil aboard the “Ruslan” Antonov-124 transport on construction of new nuclear plants. — compiled by Yarema A. Bachynsky 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1996 No. 18

CHORNOBYL: THE FIRST DECADE

nuclear settlement, very traditional in its ways, and processes in the 30-kilometer zone. Initially it Chornobyl’s impact... some families had lived there for several genera- involved volunteers from all parts of the Soviet Union (Continued from page 7) tions. who subsequently dispersed and were not monitored River affects the water supply of 28 million of The Soviet government decided to evacuate 116,000 thereafter. Ukraine’s 52 million inhabitants. people in 1986, including 91,000 from the Ukrainian After the end of May 1986, the campaign was based side of the 30-kilometer exclusion zone. Thereafter no Moreover a zone of 30-kilometer radius around the on military reservists and an estimated 660,000 people information was provided on the radiation situation out- Chornobyl nuclear power station was completely evacu- took part. The casualties have been high. By last year, side this zone until early 1989 when, thanks partly to ated, leaving a dead zone in northern Ukraine and according to official Ukrainian statistics, 5,700 had glasnost, maps were published in Pravda that indicated southern Belarus. This area is known as the Polissian died, many from heart attacks. One report stated that a considerably wider area had been contaminated. Ecological Zone. Its largest town was Prypiat, built in this a normal death rate considering the size of the Once the republican press followed suit, then further the 1970s for workers of the nuclear plant which housed group. That comment ignores the fact that these were evacuations were ordered. By 1991, the number of 45,000 people at the time of the accident. young men in their 20s and early 30s, rather than a sam- Ukrainian evacuees numbered 160,000, but the process The areas affected by Chornobyl have several dis- ple population. Many died of stress, others from radia- was a slow and complex one. Initially the evacuation tion sickness. tinctive characteristics: was based on a radiation limit to the individual of 5 mil- • 1. Aside from Prypiat, they are mainly small rural, lisieverts (mSv) per year, calculated through the natural Their work involved full body count radiation levels agricultural, settlements, in which the locals grew their background radiation in the air and the amount con- well above the norm for workers in the nuclear industry. own food, picked mushrooms and berries in the sum- sumed through food and milk in any given region. It Emergency levels of 7.5 mSv were also exceeded many mer, and lived off the land. was calculated that any area with over 15 curies per times by those who were forced to rush across the reac- • 2. It was a mainly elderly population outside the square kilometer in the soil must be evacuated immedi- tor roof in a space suit and throw a handful of graphite ately; those with 5-15 curies per square kilometer were designated areas of secondary evacuation; and 1-5 Over 1,000 attend... curies required constant surveillance of the area. As the 10th anniversary (Continued from page 10) By 1991, new tolerance levels were introduced by the Ukrainian government after strong local protests that approaches, one can see spent on Chornobyl, five times more than the total allo- the 5 mSv criterion posed danger for a population how the political aspects of cations for education, health and culture. already affected by high radiation fallout. The level was New York Gov. George Pataki, who had proclaimed accordingly reduced to 1 mSv per year, hence greatly Chornobyl have served to April 22-26 Chornobyl Remembrance Week, also spoke. expanding the area under control. One calculation obscure truth. He said that Chornobyl was another example of the funda- offered this year is that the zone residents have already mental flaw of communism. “At Chornobyl, that reckless accumulated 70 percent of their acceptable lifetime dose and irresponsible use became a killing force. Eventually it of radiation. helped to kill communism.” Today in Ukraine, according to one study, 12 oblasts into the gaping hole in the fourth reactor. Their time He called April 26, 1996 “a day of rebirth and renew- with 77 raions remain contaminated, encompassing limit lay in seconds. al” for the Chornobyl survivors. 3,000 rural villages in north, west and central Ukraine. In addition, liquidators today suffer from a variety of U.S. President Bill Clinton, in a statement read by Evacuations are still taking place, but they are often medical and psychological illnesses. Of the 660,000, Karl Frederick Inderfurth, assistant U.S. ambassador to long delayed – 5,000 settlements in the Poliske region over 50 percent are currently under medical care of the United Nations, commended the work of humanitar- of Kyiv, one of the most heavily contaminated zones of some kind, including for incurable skin diseases, diges- ian relief organizations and “the courageous individuals Ukraine, for example, have been awaiting evacuation tive and respiratory problems. Even larger is the figure who have cared for the innocent victims of this calami- since 1991. for those suffering from stress and psychological ten- ty.” He reasserted the U.S. commitment to “help One problem is that the fallout was uneven. Areas sion which itself can bring on illness. Ukraine develop a more vibrant, self-sustaining energy with low levels often contained some hotspots. And, it • 3. Evacuees and Zone Residents: The two groups sector that will advance its prosperity as a sovereign did not depend on the distance from reactor. Today, can be treated together since their problems seem to be nation in the new Europe.” though the situation is somewhat improved in the imme- similar. A statement also was read on behalf of United diate vicinity of the reactor, where topsoil has been It is fair to say that the evacuation has been a disaster Nations Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali by removed and various probes taken, it is the same or from every respect, to wit: Under Secretary General Samir Sanbar expressing con- worse in areas up to 300 miles distant, as radiation lev- 1) It was carried out in piecemeal fashion and in tinued U.N. concern for the crisis. els in the soil have not decreased at all, while levels in many cases delayed for years so that when it did occur, The Dumka Choir of New York ended the commem- the river system, especially of strontium, have risen it was virtually useless unless contamination levels were oration with a mellifluous rendering of “Bozhe Velykiy markedly. extremely high. It did not make sense to evacuate peo- Yedynyj,” filling the expanses of the cavernous cathe- In Ukraine such fallout has damaged 4.5 million ple in areas with borderline radiation content in the soil. dral with singular voice. hectares of agricultural land. In the underground waters A move to a polluted industrial city like Kyiv, for of the Kyiv Oblast in the recent period, probes have example, might raise rather than lower their radiation revealed that the content of radioactive cesium exceeds intake. the permissible level by more than 100 times. b) Moving elderly people out of their native villages The penetration of the food chain by radionuclides – caused a great increase in the amount of stress. especially cesium – is severe. Because of the nature of Often evacuees were moved to settlements badly the soil, radionuclides do not descend more than a cen- constructed, lacking heating and water, adequate timeter or so each year. They are taken up by livestock sewage facilities, and with little employment for and have found their way into milk especially. Based on younger evacuees. In cases when people were moved to an acceptable dose load of radiation to the body of existing settlements, evacuees were sometimes treated 1mSv per year, the radiation content of milk should not virtually as lepers by the local population who feared exceed 185 becquerels per liter. Of 27,000 tests on milk contamination simply through contact with them. conducted at the Kyiv-based Center of Radiation d) A recent study in Miensk shows that the 25,000 Medicine and the Ukrainian Ministry of Health, 11.8 Chornobyl evacuees have levels of lung cancer four percent contained more than double that amount of radi- times that of the city average, in addition to a variety of ation. The chief danger today lies with people growing other ailments. In short, it appears that only an immedi- their own food on private plots. ate evacuation, hours after the disaster, would have served much purpose in less contaminated zones. Human toll e) Since the population was predominately elderly, it The human costs of Chornobyl can be divided into would not have made an appreciable difference to their several categories: normal lifespan had they consumed some radioactive • Firefighters and first-aid workers: They arrived on products. Surely the best plan in the event of the nuclear the scene in the first moments after the explosion blew accident would have been to remove children instantly the roof off Chornobyl’s fourth reactor and had to fight in addition to providing them with potassium iodide a graphite fire in conditions when radiation levels tables. Unfortunately this was not done. reached thousands of rads per hour. There are 31 report- It is among children that the main medical impact of ed deaths in this category from over 5,000 who con- Chornobyl has been revealed. In 1990-1991, however, tracted severe radiation sickness, though this figure an IAEA-sponored study was carried out which exam- remained static over the summer of 1986. ined 28 villages of Ukraine and Belarus, and conclud- Many radiation-induced deaths that occurred there- ed that no discernible health effects from Chornobyl after were attributed to other causes. My favorite desig- were found, but that others could not be discounted in nation from the Soviet period was “vegeto-vascular dys- future. tonia.” In one hospital, 53 clean-up workers went on a This study, which ran to 600 pages, did not examine hunger strike because they felt they were being misdiag- evacuees or liquidators. It was also very much resented nosed this way. The result, surely intended, was the sta- by scientists in both Ukraine and Belarus for underesti- bilization of the death toll at 31. That figure has no mating the various sources that comprised the radiation validity. dose load of the population, such as hot spots, and for Roman Woronowycz • 2. Liquidators. This is the term used for those the fact that it was conducted for most part when chil- New York Gov. George Pataki speaks with Cardinal involved in halting radiation releases from the reactor dren were on summer vacation, outside the irradiated John O’Connor of New York. and for those who worked in various decontamination zone. No. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1996 13

DATELINE NEW YORK: Springtime brings pysanky, ballet and opera by Helen Smindak Exquisite and radiant as jewels, Ms. Zielyk, wearing a stunning always a delight to behold, Ukrainian embroidered blouse with a multi-strand Easter eggs appeared in New York’s coral necklace, explained the batik (wax- annual pageant of spring exhibits, work- resist) method used by Ukrainians to dec- shops and demonstrations, and gained orate eggs with meaningful symbols such appropriate attention from the media. as deer, birds, the tree of life and the end- As part of its spring program of egg- less line. She told Ms. Civiello (and decorating workshops and demonstra- viewers) that pysanky could be pur- tions, The Ukrainian Museum mounted a chased at The Ukrainian Museum’s gift resplendent display of pysanky from all shop, the Surma shop on East Seventh regions of Ukraine. This was teamed Street, and a Second Avenue gift store with an exhibit of Yaroslava Surmach called Rescued Estates. Mills’ vivid reverse paintings on glass During Easter week, Ms. Zielyk depicting Easter scenes in old Ukraine. appeared on Channel 9’s Eyewitness Colorful textile designs by Nina Lapchyk News, where she was shown demonstrat- of Kyiv also were on view. ing her art to reporter Art McFarlane and Newsday and The New York Times a group of 50 kindergartners. She was gave coverage of the museum’s Easter also a focal point of a show about The exhibit in pre-Easter issues. Ukrainian Museum filmed by a Russian A three-hour demonstration at the cable station and gave a demonstration at museum on April 6 featuring three the popular Queens restaurant, Water’s pysanka experts – the mother-daughter Edge, in Long Island City. team of Laryssa and Sofia Zielyk, and A program that combined a lecture Anna Gbur – attracted scores of visitors, and a visual presentation on the art of who lingered to watch Slavko pysanky, featuring Ms. Zielyk, was Carol Rosegg Nowytski’s prize-winning film offered for members of the Ukrainian Oksana Krovytsky (left) as Violetta and Cory Miller as Flora in the New York “Pysanka.” Most viewers took time to Museum Circle and the Museum of City Opera’s production of “La Traviata.” inspect the exhibits, and stopped in at the Natural History’s Junior Council. Held at museum’s spring bazaar to purchase the Ukrainian Institute of America on maps of Ukraine shown on overhead pro- mater, Cornell University, and during her Ukrainian gift items, breads and pastries. March 29, the Easter season event jectors. After she demonstrated the tech- student exchange year in Scotland. Last Museum officials reported one of the brought together a group of young nique of applying melted beeswax to an year, she participated in an art show at busiest spring seasons on record; tours Ukrainian professionals and their coun- egg and dipping it in various dyes, partic- the Tweed Court House in Manhattan were booked for a large number of terparts from the Natural History ipants were given an opportunity to try with an entry of close-up photographs of school groups, and three decorating Museum. the method for themselves. pysanky. classes were scheduled for Parsons Some 25 employees of New York Ms. Robbins, the great-granddaughter Myron Surmach of the Surma shop School of Design students. City’s Department of General Services of Metropolitan John Theodorovich informed this writer that his store’s sup- Sofia Zielyk, who teaches classes each learned all about Ukrainian Easter eggs (1887-1971), who headed the Ukrainian ply of Easter eggs was sold out before year at the museum, was interviewed on from an associate, Emily Robbins, the Orthodox Church in the U.S.A., has been Easter. He also spoke about an unusual March 29 by TV Newschannel 4 anchor- editor of The Green Book (the official an ardent egg decorator since the age of demand for egg-decorating supplies, woman Mary Civiello, who said she directory of the New York City govern- 7, when she first attended classes at The apparently prompted by a recent Putnam planned to tell her adopted Ukrainian ment). During a lunch-hour seminar on Ukrainian Museum with her mother, the publication, a children’s book by Patricia baby how to decorate eggs when the March 27, Ms. Robbins gave a half-hour late Nina Prosen Robbins. She has taught child is old enough to understand. talk on pysanky, supplemented with Ukrainian egg decorating at her alma (Continued on page 17)

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Join the UNA! 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1996 No. 18

SELF RELIANCE NEW YORK FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Ukrainian pro hockey update In celebration of its 45th Anniversary is proud to sponsor by Ihor Stelmach THE UKRAINIAN STAGE ENSEMBLE Several Ukrainian stars agers and coaches do last- second evalua- in surprisingly swapped tions of their rosters and draff want-lists, The Forest Song which hopefully push their squads into by Lesia Ukrainka In actuality, the active movement of the playoffs or solidify their positions for Ukrainian professional hockey stars began an actual Stanley Cup run. A veritable during the past off-season. Five Ukes relo- plethora of trading activity burned almost Director Lydia Krushelnytsky cated last summer: Dimitri Khristich was all team telephone and league fax wires Scenery, costumes and projection design Vladyslav Klekh acquired by the Los Angeles Kings in a right up to the March 20, 3 p.m. trading Music Ihor Sonevytsky trade with Washington; while four others deadline. were signed by new clubs as free agents – Choreography Olha Kovalchuk-Iwasiwka Among those moved were three more St. Louis eagerly bid on Dale Hawerchuk, Ukrainians, including the Blues’ Lights George Grechylo Winnipeg re-opened its arms to Eddie “Ducky” Hawerchuk, who was still set- Stage Manager Christine Karatnycky Olczyk, Tampa Bay added veteran Brian tling into his new St. Louis home. Blues’ Bellows and Vancouver gave Jim Sandlak czar Mike Keenan rationalized Saturday, June 1, 1996 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 2, 1996 at 3 p.m. a second chance. A sixth Ukrainian star, Hawerchuk was not really worth the $2.6 Keith Tkachuk, actually signed a restrict- million/year contract he gave him last THE SYLVIA AND DANNY KAYE PLAYHOUSE ed free-agent contract with Chicago. summer. With Gretzky’s $6.5+ million HUNTER COLLEGE Tkachuk did not have to change his contract coming aboard, cuts had to be address, as Winnipeg matched the 68th Street, between Lexington and Park Avenues, New York City made. “Ducky” goes to Philadelphia, in Blackhawks’ offer. an attempt to create a second scoring line Early on in the 1995-1996 NHL sea- for the Flyers, thus taking undue pressure son another Ukrainian, winger Brent off the “Legion of Doom” line. Fedyk, was moved by the Flyers to the Just one in a series of coaching and Dallas Stars. Aside from the normal player moves saw veteran Ukrainian goal Well-established dental office seeking partner number of minor league call-ups and scorer Dave Andreychuk shuffled out of Office: (201) 762-3100; Home: (201) 731-1050 demotions, the Ukrainian transaction Toronto and into a new home in New wire was quiet almost right through to Jersey. With long-time Leafs’ captain the all-star break. Then it started... Wendel Clark returning to Toronto, anoth- Anaheim’s Mighty Ducks decided the er high-salaried winger had to go. The future is now and the playoffs attainable Devils, languishing in a season-long goal PHTHALMIC URGICAL SSOCIATES P C this year, only their third in the league. scoring drought, grabbed Andreychuk, a O S A , . . Wanted: one proven NHL sniper (Teemu two-time 50-goal scorer, for a package of D. Benedetto, M.D. M. Lopatynsky, M.D. Selanne, from Winnipeg). In exchange: conditional draft picks. top draft picks Chad Kilger and And Andreychuk had no problem leav- Ukrainian Oleg Tverdovsky. Tverdovsky ing Toronto. “Obviously there are a lot of Marta Lopatynsky, MD joins fellow Ukes Keith Tkachuk and talented players there, but the key is chem- • Medical, laser and surgical treatment of eye diseases Eddie Olczyk in Winnipeg for a few • Comprehensive eye examinations istry,” he said. “A lot of nights, hard work scant months. Next year the trio is is going to beat talent...There was a lot of • Specialty interests Phoenix-bound. - Small incision cataract surgery media and the guys had a lot of pressure on - Nearsighted surgery (Excimer laser and radial kearatotomy surgery) After many weeks of procrastinating them. When you are in the hockey capital - Corneal surgery and external eye disease and listening to offers, Los Angeles of Canada, all eyes are on you and when Kings’ management finally decided to Evening and Saturday hours. Free transportation information available. the snowball gets going, it’s hard to stop.” unload Wayne Gretzky, his huge contract Rangers’ right wing Joey Kocur was 261 James Street, Suite 2D 124 Avenue B and his demands for future years. The one of three players picked up by the Morristown, New Jersey 07960 Bayonne, New Jersey 07002 Great One lands in his wife’s hometown Vancouver Canucks, hours before the 201-984-3937 201-436-1150 of St. Louis. Mike Keenan, meet Wayne trading deadline. The Canucks wanted to Full participation with all major insurance companies including Medicare, Gretzky. Brett Hull, meet the play-mak- beef up with Kocur, who was not getting Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Oxford, USHealth Care. ing center you’ve always dreamed of hav- much ice time in New York. ing on your line. Hey, St. Louis: your “We needed solid players who work Stanley Cup is on its way. Well, maybe. and know how to play,” Vancouver Just a scant few weeks later the NHL trading deadline beckons. General man- (Continued on page 15)

Salaries of Ukrainian hockey stars Player Team Salary W. Gretzky L.A.-St. Louis $6,545,400 K. Tkachuk Winnipeg $6,000,000 D. Hawerchuk St. Louis-Philadelphia $2,600,000 D. Andreychuk Toronto-New Jersey $2,100,000 O. Tverdovsky Anaheim-Winnipeg $2,100,000 K. Hrudey L.A. $1,690,000 P. Bondra Washington $1,178,200 K. Daneyko New Jersey $1,047,600 B. Bellows Thunder Bay $1,000,000 D. Khristich L.A. $1,000,000 C. Leschyshyn Colorado $800,000 D. Babych Vancouver $690,000 R. Matvichuk Dallas $607,000 E. Olczyk Winnipeg $550,000 D. Wakaluk Dallas $550,000 A. Nikolishin Hartford $550,000 S. Konowalchuk Washington $500,000 B. Fedyk Philadelphia-Dallas $450,000 A. Zhitnik Buffalo $450,000 D. Nemirovsky Florida $360,000 D. Berehowsky Pittsburgh $325,000 J. Kocur N.Y. Rangers-Vancouver $300,000 P. Elyniuk Ottawa unknown G. Shuchuk L.A. unknown These are 1995-1996 salaries as of December 1995. Figures were obtained from a Players’ Association compensation report released to player agents and subsequently published by The Hockey News. Individual player compensation includes base salary, signing or reporting bonus payable this season, deferred income allocated to 1995-1996, marketing bonus and agent fees. All above salaries are in U.S. dollars. No. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1996 15

on his left thumb on January 15. He wasn’t Pro hockey... available for the Leafs’ first game after the (Continued from page 14) all-star break...Goalie Darcy Wakaluk A Great Gift Idea coach/GM Pat Quinn explained, “Our returned from a hamstring injury and even- problem hasn’t been individual skills, but tually reclaimed back-up status to starter team skill,” Quinn admitted. “We have to Andy Moog...Even more Tkachuk: his learn to play together.” goal-scoring run of 12 goals in 10 games With the special occasion season (Communion, After all of these recent moves and spurted him to over 30 back in early February...Fort Wayne Comets acquired countermoves, every National Hockey Baptism, Graduation etc.) fast approaching, it would nine-year NHL right-winger Pat Elynuik on League team which joined in the trading loan from the Ottawa Senators back in frenzy (almost each one did) is now hop- be a great idea to give your loved ones the gift that November. For Elynuik, 28, a veteran of ing for better team chemistry and more of almost 500 NHL games with Washington, will last a lifetime — membership in a Self the guys playing together as a team. Those Winnipeg, Tampa Bay and Ottawa, it was who achieve this goal are destined to go his first minor league stint since playing Reliance New York Credit Union, the largest far in this year’s Stanley Cup playoffs. seven AHL games in Moncton in 1988- and oldest Ukrainian credit union in the world. UKRAINIAN UTTERINGS: Washing- 1989. It lasted but a few months, as ton’s Peter Bondra scored three consecutive Elynuik’s been back in Ottawa the past two goals in a four-minute-21-second span in months...Milwaukee Admirals’ center Mike the third period as the Caps defeated the Tomlak notched his 300th pro point in a 5-4 Open a Share Savings Account, between May 1 Islanders in a game on March 26...The shootout win against the San Francisco same night, Winnipeg’s Keith Tkachuk had Spiders...Cleveland Lumberjacks’ winger and June 30, 1996, on behalf of your loved ones the first four-goal game of his career as the Dave Michayluk had a three-point game to Jets moved into the eighth spot in the pass Chick Chalmers and move into third (under age 18)*, deposit $50.00, the Credit Union Western Conference with a victory in on the all-time point list with 1,237. will match this deposit.** Dallas. Tkachuk scored his first goal just 26 Minnesota Moose traded for defenseman seconds into the game and added three Alexander Godynyuk. Godynyuk had been goals in the third period...Devil Ken assigned by the Hartford Whalers to the Daneyko was furious at Washington’s Detroit Vipers (IHL)...Albany goalie Peter Make this the beginning of a life long set of val- Kelly Miller after a knee-to-knee hit to the Sidorkiewicz was arrested in the early ues that will serve your loved young ones well. In the same leg that kept the defenseman out for morning hours of February 8 and charged 23 games last season...Vancouver’s Dave with driving under the influence of alcohol. long run, membership is one of the greatest gifts you Babych returned to the line-up after missing A court date hadn’t been set and coach 23 games with a broken foot. He returned to Robbie Ftorek indicated the matter was can give. the Canucks in February...More Bondra: the being handled internally...Syracuse Crunch right winger celebrated his 28th birthday netminder Sergei Tkachenko faced an with a game-winning goal against onslaught of 63 shots by the Binghamton SELF RELIANCE NEW YORK FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Edmonton. He also had a six-point night Rangers in a February AHL matchup. An against the Islanders in early February, a overtime goal won it for the Rangers in a 5- New York: 108 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10003 career high...More Tkachuk: the NHL sus- 4 final...Veteran NHL-er Greg Paslawski pended the Jets’ left wing for two games had a three-point night in Peoria’s victory New York: Tel: 212-473-7310 Fax: 212-473-3251 and fined him $1,000 for high-sticking over Las Vegas (IHL)...Speaking of Vegas, Kerhonkson: 23 Main Street, Kerhonkson, NY 12446 Dave Ellett of Toronto in a March ex-goalie Clint Malarchuk is an assistant 8636 encounter...Ottawa’s Michel Picard was coach/assistant GM with the Las Vegas Kerhonkson: Tel: 914-626-2938 Fax: 914-626- also suspended and fined for cross-checking Thunder. He’s also raising emus on the side * New members only, who qualify for membership, born 1979 or later. Ukrainian Richard Matvichuk of the Dallas (no kidding). In a March 5 ceremony, the ** A balance of at least $100 dollars must be maintained in the new account for 3 years. Stars...Right winger Dave Andreychuk Thunder retired Malarchuk’s No. 30 jersey. spent five days in a hard cast after surgery Go Clint! ! !

The Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus announces Summer Bandura Camps Kobzarska Sich Bandura Camp “Ukraina” ATTENTION August 4th-18th July 21st-August 3rd All Saints Ukr. “Ukraina” Coutry Club ALL MEMBERS OF BRANCH 442 Orthodox Camp London, Ontario, Canada Emlenton, PA Please be advised that Branch 442 will merge with Branch 401 as of May 1, 1996. All inquries, monthly payments and requests of changes should be sent to Musical Director Musical Director Julian Kytasty Victor Mishalow Mr. Stephan Chorney, Branch Secretary:

For more information contact: Mr. Stephan Chorney Kobzarska Sich Bandura Camp “Ukraina” 22 Arrowsmith Avenue c/o Anatoli Murha c/o Nick Schidowka Toronto, Ont. 15356 Ellen Dr. #1 Dundee Drive Livonia, MI 48154 North York, ON M3J 1H5 M6M 2W7 Canada USA (313) 935-0305 Canada (416) 633-4196 (416) 247-9618 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1996 No. 18

practice by Stalinist political culture fur- Constitutional debate... ther supports this argument. (Continued from page 4) The major shortcoming of post-Soviet the administration may resort to the expe- Ukrainian political culture is a persistent, dient that eventually forced passage of the pervasive and often willful lack of respect Constitutional Agreement: painstakingly, for the rule of law. Now surprisingly there- individually, cajoling enough deputies into fore, politics are still more reflective of putting their signatures to the draft consti- byzantine Soviet practices than the tution for the vote to become a formality. “Rechtstaat” practices most Ukrainians Soyuzivka Springfest ‘96 Even allowing for the fact that time- would like to see their polity develop. Cov- enants are generally observed only in the horizons can be very compressed in the breach. The major flaw of the Constitution- Memorial Day Weekend often seemingly four-dimensional world of al Agree-ment, for example, has been that it Ukrainian politics, a draft constitution May 24-27 lacks a mechanism for imposing and offered jointly by the president and the enforcing sanctions against violations in the Supreme Council would undoubtedly, for We invite everyone to join us for a fun-filled celebration of spring! shape of a truly independent, respected judi- the foreseeable future – defined in this case ciary. Such an environment cannot but by the Russian presidential elections and a Standard Rooms Deluxe Rooms hamper the effectiveness of the constitution, little beyond – receive the overwhelming either. Under such circumstances the char- Friday 5/24/96 $30 per person double occupancy $35 p.p. double occupancy support of the population. (The Crimea $40 single occupancy $45 single occupancy acter and commitment of the presidency – being the obvious candidate should there the strong-est political entity in contempo- Saturday 5/25/96 $80 p.p. double occupancy $85 p.p. double occupancy be any regional exceptions.) rary Ukraine and one that should soon $90 single occupancy $95 single occupancy The adoption of a constitution will be an become stronger still – will be the crucial Sunday 5/26/96 $75 p.p. double occupancy $80 p.p. double occupancy important landmark in Ukraine’s search for factors in determining the success of $85 single occupancy $90 single occupancy a post-Soviet identity. Nevertheless, its sig- Ukrainian reforms. nificance should not be overstated. The con- Again, none of this is to imply that a WOW!!! 3 Nights $170 p.p. double occupancy $185 p.p. double occupancy stitution cannot and will not in and of itself $200 single occupancy $215 single occupancy rule of law environment cannot eventually resolve satisfactorily the very deep, persis- evolve; it is simply to point out that the The above prices include the following: Tax and Gratuities PLUS... tent differences within the Ukrainian politi- development of post-Soviet Ukrainian cal elite(s) and society in general. Friday: Welcome party in the Trembita Lounge from 9 till ?? Free hors d’oeuvres political culture has not yet reached the Springfest Happy Hour 11 p.m. - Midnight Paradoxically, historical precedent suggests point where legal covenants play the same *all drinks half price, FREE tap beer, wine and soda * that it could even exacerbate some of these dominant role they do in mature Western Party continues all evening ... yippee!!! tensions. The American Constitution, for democracies, superficial similarities Enjoy breakfast Saturday morning served from 8-10 a.m. example, did not resolve the arguments notwithstanding. Saturday: Check in early to relax before starting out on the planned activities over states’ rights – probably the most divi- One of the more unfortunate aspects of First ever Verandah Ball Tourney, volleyball, tennis, swimming etc. sive issue confronting the young republic. If the constitutional episode so far has been Enjoy the BBQ at the Veselka patio between 11:30-3 p.m. (not included in price) anything, the Constitution focused, consoli- the absence of mature political parties and Then get ready for... dated, and even sharpened the seemingly the lack of an underlying consensus about 60’s Theme Dress – buffet dinner and dance intractable differences by allowing each where Ukraine should be going. This has 6 p.m. – Cocktails followed by dinner side to frame its arguments with reference meant the debate has all too often resem- 9 p.m. – Dance featuring Burlaky from Montreal to the Constitution. This argument was only Make sure to dress up for the evening – prizes to be awarded bled little more than a dispute over what On Sunday morning enjoy coffee and danish in the Mainhouse lobby from 8-10 a.m. eventually resolved through force of arms. kind of institutional arrangements will best Brunch in the Mainhouse Dining Room from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The point here, of course, is not that the serve the interests of those elites currently Sunday: Beach Party at the pool 3-7 p.m. political differences in contemporary wielding the levers of state power. There is Karoke and DJ – Krazy Kontests – all-over FUN day Ukraine can eventually only be resolved an almost obsessive jostling for advantage. Clambake-BBQ 5-7 p.m. – soft shell crabs, chicken, burgers, hot dogs, etc. through armed conflict, but simply that a This quest to consolidate the status quo has 9 p.m. – Dance to the tunes of FATA MORGANA constitution is a covenant whose effective- led, for example, to an inordinate amount On Monday morning enjoy coffee and danish in the Mainhouse lobby from 8-10 a.m. ness – or lack thereof – is crucially depen- of time (and space) being spent on argu- Brunch in the Mainhouse Dining Room from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. dent on the broader political culture’s con- ments about who has the right to appoint For families...we plan to have children’s supervised activities and baby-sitters available upon request. temporary characteristics. The fact that the and dismiss whom and under what circum- Don’t wait, don’t delay, make your reservation TODAY – call (914) 626-5641 ext. 141 enlightened – on paper at least – Soviet stances – important issues, but surely not Constitution of 1937 was emasculated in central to the long-term general welfare.

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SERVINGMONUMENTS NY/NJ/CT REGION CEMETERIES OBLAST MEMORIALS P.O. BOX 746 Chester, NY 10918 914-469-4247 BILINGUAL HOME APPOINTMENTS No. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1996 17

chamber, she employs that slightly edgy promising guarantee for today’s and Springtime brings... tone for dramatic purposes.” Ukraine contemplates... future generations that our planet Earth (Continued from page 13) The soprano has delighted audiences (Continued from page 3) will never again experience a similar Polacco titled “Chicken Sunday,” which with her expressive, lyric voice in City killed by the radiation took a special tragedy,” added President Kuchma. describes Ukrainian pysanky. Opera productions of “Prince Igor,” “La “Morning Train” from Kyiv to Moscow “The program is dedicated to the vic- Lily Bochonko of Woodside, Queens, Boheme,” “La Rondine” and “Don to visit the graves of their loved ones, tims of the Chornobyl disaster, in partic- who has been decorating pysanky and Giovanni,” as well as in performances buried in lead coffins to protect the earth ular the liquidators who lost their lives teaching the craft in New York since during the company’s national tours. She from the contaminated corpses. and the children of Chornobyl for whom 1976, took her expertise out of the big also has won excellent notices for her In Slavutych, the town built for the entire future has been jeopardized,” city this year to Ridgefield, Conn., where appearances at the Saratoga and Wolf Chornobyl workers after the 1986 acci- said Nadia Matkiwsky, the executive Trap performing arts festivals and in she and her daughter, Paula Lockfort, dent, a memorial service was held to director of the Children of Chornobyl engagements with symphonies through- Relief Fund, who produced the program shared the history, legends and method mourn the victims of the accident. Exactly out the U.S. for the commemorative evening. of pysanka-decorating with members of 10 years later, at 1:24 a.m. on April 26, A recipient of Puccini Foundation and Directed by Valentyn Kozmenko- St. Mary’s Sewing Guild. people gathered at the Slavutych monu- Sullivan Foundation grants, Ms. Delinde, the commemorative evening A true coloratura ment for a minute of silence, placing burn- Krovytska was in Florida at the begin- featured actor Bohdan Stupka, folk ing candles and bouquets of carnations at ning of April to take part in two concerts vocalist Nina Matvienko and the Virsky the base of the monument, which is The New York State Theater at sponsored by the Ukrainian Music Dance Ensemble. etched with photographs of the first 30 Lincoln Center serves as home base for Institute of America. She and pianist “The commemorative evening is envi- people killed by Chornobyl’s radiation. two illustrious companies – the New Mykola Suk performed works by the dis- sioned as a theatrical concert based on a Throughout the week of April 22-28, York City Ballet and the New York City tinguished composer and conductor, central theme – the three phases through scores of roundtables and conferences Opera, their seasons following each other Mykola Kolessa of Lviv, in Port which the life of a child of Chornobyl through the year, thus keeping a constant Charlotte and Hollywood. were sponsored by international organiza- will pass: birth, tragedy and, ultimately, rotation of Ukrainian artists before the Upcoming engagements include tions, institutions, environmental groups salvation. Progress through these phases public. Verdi’s “Requiem” in Wichita, Kansas, and private foundations, covering just is motivated by faith, love and hope,” A recent changing of the guard (April 12 and 13), Verdi’s “Falstaff” in about every issued relating to Chornobyl: explained artistic director Mr. occurred at the end of February, when Charleston, W. Va., (May 4), a recital at health, environment, energy, social conse- Kozmenko-Delinde, talking about the the City Ballet finished its winter season the Ukrainian Museum of Modern Art in quences, political aspects, etc. concert. and ballet soloist Roma Sosenko pirouet- Chicago (May 12), the Berkshire Music Various world leaders, including U.S. It also featured rock musician and ted off into the wings. Taking over the Festival (July 13) and a recital at the President Bill Clinton and Canadian vocalist Jon Anderson of the group Yes theater, the City Opera marched out its Ukrainian Cultural Center in Hunter, Prime Minister Jean Chretien, delivered and the Westminster Boys Choir. [British forces, which include Ukrainian soprano N.Y., (August 3). Ms. Krovytska will messages of condolences to the people of vocalist Sarah Brightman did not come to Oksana Krovytska and baritone George also appear with the NYCO company’s Ukraine on the 10th anniversary of the Ukraine because of the recent brushfires Bohachevsky, a chorus veteran. “La Boheme” cast at the Saratoga Chornobyl tragedy, and both leaders in Chornobyl, and Oscar-winning actor Dancer Stephanie Godino, who Performing Arts Center during the week promised that their countries will work to Jack Palance, who is the national appears in various City Opera produc- of June 7. help Ukraine overcome the lingering spokesman for the CCRF, who was in the tions, including “Rigoletto,” “The Magic Ms. Krovytska’s voice can be heard in impact of Chornobyl and to improve the audience, also did not perform as origi- Flute” and “The Dreyfus Affair,” per- a recording of the Mahler VIII quality of life of Ukraine’s population. nally scheduled.] formed the can-can in Francz Lehar’s Symphony, performed at the Colorado In the evening on April 26, President “Chornobyl is a global problem, not dazzling operetta, “The Merry Widow.” Mahlerfest in 1995. Kuchma and his wife, Lyudmilla, Prime simply a local misfortune,” said the actor A live performance of this sumptuous Minister Marchuk, Parliament Chairman during a press conference in Kyiv on show, with its ravishing costumes and A lyric soprano Oleksander Moroz, as well as numerous April 24. “The CCRF was determined to luxuriant decore, was carried by New government officials and Parliament bring international artists to Ukraine for York’s PBS station Channel 13. The name of lyric soprano Svitlana members, attended a commemorative the commemorative activities in order to Choreographer Helena Andreyko is (Lana) Tonkoschkur was inadvertently concert at the Taras Shevchenko Opera broaden international awareness,” said credited with restaging the choreography omitted in a previous story about New and Ballet Theater. the actor, who spent a week in the home- for this season’s production of the York City Opera artists. “Bowing our heads before the memory land of his parents. Gilbert and Sullivan operetta “The Ms. Tonkoschkur, who received her of those who gave their lives to save us But, it was not the international talent Mikado.” first professional engagement with from this atomic disaster, thanking those that captured the heart of the audience at The New York City Opera Orchestra NYCO, sang with the City Opera chorus who risked their health in order to clean the theater that evening, but a 12-year-old counts among its members violinist for three years (1963-1966) and toured up after the accident, we also take this girl from Lviv, Solomiya Urbanovych, Helen Strilec, a longtime member of the with the NYCO national company. She is opportunity to express our gratitude and (step-daughter of Yaroslav Dutkewych, orchestra and the American Symphony the daughter of Ukrainian writer and our respect to state and international Peace Corps director in Ukraine). Orchestra. composer Simon Woshakiwsky. organizations that have supported Concluding the concert with a moving Ms. Krovytska, in her third consecu- In her first season, Ms. Tonkoschkur Ukraine since the early days of the delivery of a prayer to St. Volodymyr, tive season as a leading City Opera appeared in Alberto Ginastera’s “Don Chornobyl tragedy and continue to help she brought the audience to tears and soprano, appeared a few weeks ago in Rodrigo,” which starred Placio Domingo us to this day. Among those which do several performances of Verdi’s “La in the title role, “Lady Macbeth of once again underscored that Ukraine’s such charity work is the American Traviata.” She sang the role of Violetta Mtensk” and “Love for Three Oranges.” future is its children. Children of Chornobyl Relief Fund,” said in the heart-wrenching story of a woman The singer was often selected for spe- Solomiya later performed at the out- President Kuchma in his opening redeemed, which Verdi set amidst the cial scenes, for example, the Polish scene door evening concert in Kyiv, attended remarks at the concert. glamour and frivolity of 19th century in “Boris Godunov,” or a performance by thousands of residents of the city on Parisian society. with the children’s choir in “Carmen.” In “I believe that with mutual support, Independence Square, which ended with Associated Press writer Mary 1964-1965, she sang in the City Opera mutual aid and cooperation, by uniting a powerful musical requiem delivered by Campbell gave the singer high praise. production of “Cavalleria Rusticana.” forces, our mutual wisdom will serve as a Kyiv choirs. “Oksana Krovytska, as Violetta, has a Born in Ukraine, Ms. Tonkoschkur gleaming voice in the top register. Her received her musical education at New coloratura was true, glittering and warm, York music institutions, including the and her lyric singing flowed.” Brooklyn Academy of Music, and at HURYN MEMORIALS Ms. Krovytska, a native of Lviv, has Rockland Community College. She has For the finest in custom made memorials installed in all cemeteries in the received equally glowing tributes from toured in the U.S. and Canada with the New York Metropolitan area including Holy Spirit in Hamptonburgh, N.Y., other critics since her 1993 debut at the Ukrainian Opera Company and the City Opera as Liu in Puccini’s Dumka Chorus, and has appeared with St. Andrew’s in South Bound Brook, N.J., Pine Bush in Kerhonkson and “Turandot” and Micaela in Bizet’s opera companies and in concert regularly Glen Spey Cemetery, Glen Spey. “Carmen.” in the New York area, using her maiden We offer personal service and guidance in your home. For a bilingual rep- Her work in “Traviata” last year name, Vasilaki, in solo recitals. resentative call: brought this testimonial from Opera Ms. Tonkoschkur served for 10 years magazine: “Krovytska’s first act would as choir director at Virgin Mary the HURYN MEMORIALS have been of star quality in any theater in Protectress and Holy Ascension churches P.O. Box 121 the world. She is pretty, she moved in Clifton, N.J. She now resides with her Hamptonburgh, N.Y. 10916 gracefully and expressively, and while husband, Alexander Tonkoschkur, in Tel. (914) 427-2684 the voice in the Slavonic manner gets a Tappan, N.Y., where she teaches elemen- Fax. (914) 427-5443 little too much resonance in the sinus tary piano and voice privately.

TO ALL UNA MEMBERS: Kindly be reminded that your dues (premiums) for insurance coverage are payable on the first day of the month, and not at the end, as some assume. By paying promptly to your Branch Secretary, you will help him/her remit the monthly collection to the Home Office in a timely fashion.

HOME OFFICE OF UNA. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1996 No. 18

echoed the Ukrainian ambassador’s call for on Chornobyl held in Vienna in April, to experts. Today in Belarus we see four times Helsinki Commission... expanded international assistance. Belarus ameliorate the consequences of the disas- as many cases of thyroid cancer in children (Continued from page 1) received 70 percent of the radioactive fall- ter: set up a joint scientific interstate center as we did seven years before the accident,” energy saving and efficiency, creating our out from the Chornobyl explosion, and on the problems of Chornobyl; establish a he said, adding that another peak in thyroid own nuclear fuel cycle and enhanced coop- today, only 1 percent of its territory can be Fund for Planet Protection that would cancer is expected in the 2005-2010 period. eration in the sphere of radiation safety.” considered “clean” of radioactive contami- finance Chornobyl-related projects; and The number of leukemia cases, Dr. Dr. Shcherbak also testified that while nation. Twenty-five percent of the create an enforceable international frame- Feshbach testified, also will increase. “In Ukraine applauds the December 1995 Belarusian budget is allocated for work that would charge states responsible the immediate post-Chornobyl period, it signing of the Memorandum of Chornobyl-related consequences. for causing nuclear damage to other coun- was the practice to not report cases of Understanding between Ukraine, the “The scale of the catastrophe and its tries to offer compensation. chronic radiation sickness, or leukemia. I Group of Seven industrial states and the consequences defies the capabilities of any Mr. Martynov explained that because believe we will see large increases” of European Commission to close down single country. The 10 years since the Belarus has no nuclear reactors on its ter- the disease. Chornobyl by the year 2000, the docu- explosion at the Chornobyl nuclear power ritory, Belarusians “feel we are hostages These statistics, according to Mr. ment does not “envisage clear financial station showed, however, that the interna- to the reactors on our perimeter.” The Kuzma, “need to be considered as the obligations on the Western side.” The G- tional community is not quite up to the Belarusian position, he said, is that the ‘tip of the iceberg.’ ” The director of 7 had promised Ukraine $2.6 billion in Chornobyl test,” he said. Ambassador international community should make an development at CCRF testified that “the credit lines and $512 million in grants. Martynov testified that Belarus needs assis- effort to increase safety at nuclear power peak of the crisis is ahead of us,” and in Ukraine, which allocates 12 percent of tance in “creating technologies for rehabili- plants in Ukraine, Lithuania and Russia, anticipation of that, CCRF has launched its budget to combat the consequences of tation of contaminated lands and the pro- and close the most dangerous reactors in hospital partnerships and physicians’ Chornobyl, cannot take on the decommis- duction of safe foods” (20 percent of those countries. training programs designed to upgrade sioning of the plant by itself, he said, and Belarus’ arable land was contaminated by When asked by Rep. Smith to assess prenatal and pediatric care in Ukraine. reiterated Ukrainian President Leonid radioactive fallout), providing Belarusian international assistance to Belarus, Mr. Kuzma said that anecdotal informa- Kuchma’s proposal to the G-7 to conclude doctors with high-quality equipment and Ambassador Martynov replied, “Frankly, tion indicates that Chornobyl-related ill- a legally binding document that would modern and effective medicines, and con- we do not perceive international assis- nesses are on the rise and cautioned the define the conditions and time framework ducting scientific research. tance as adequate.” He said that bilateral scientific community to be more open to for disbursement of the promised funds. He reiterated his country’s proposals, assistance from the United States con- evidence from local Ukrainian doctors Ambassador Martynov, in his testimony, submitted to an international conference sisted mostly of private, rather than gov- and scientists. ernmental, humanitarian aid. CCRF is the leading private organization Rep. Wolf commented that Ukraine providing medical aid to Ukraine. It has gious educator, and served as assistant and Belarus carry a great burden in alle- launched 16 airlifts to Ukraine worth $38 The Rev. Wojciechowski... director of the Eastern Orthodox viating the consequences of Chornobyl. million. To date, the U.S. government has (Continued from page 6) Foundation in Indiana, Pa. The Rev. Before leaving the hearing for another provided Ukraine with $10 million in Born to Stanley and Donna Ann Wojciechowski also served as a Navy appointment, the congressman turned to Chornobyl-related assistance. Wojciechowski in Springfield, Ohio, on chaplain, attaining the rank of lieutenant. Ambassador Martynov and said, “You September 9, 1953, the Rev. Wojciec- He is survived by his wife, Sue Ellen; are rejoining Russia. You should be care- howski studied at Mount St. Mary sons, Nikolai, Kyprian and Joseph; and a ful in regard to what direction you look.” Seminary of Cincinnati, Ss. Cyril and sister, Kathleen Baringer of Canton, In their testimonies Dr. Feshbach and Auxiliary bishop... (Continued from page 6) Methodius Seminary of Pittsburgh, Duns Ohio. Mr. Kuzma argued against proposed cut- Scotus College Seminary of Southfield, A memorial service officiated by backs in United States Agency for archeparchy since 1993. His predecessor, Mich., and the University of Akron in Archbishop Antony of the Ukrainian International Development (USAID) Metropolitan-emeritus Hermaniuk, 84, Ohio, earning a master of divinity degree. Orthodox Church of America took place at humanitarian assistance projects. Dr. also a Redemptorist, continues to reside He was ordained a priest on May 17, St. Michael Church on March 6. A funeral Feshbach, author of “Ecocide in the in Winnipeg. 1981, in Parma, Ohio, and served parishes service at Holy Resurrection Orthodox USSR: Health and Nature Under Siege” The Ukrainian Archeparchy of in Cleveland, Detroit and Bakerton, Pa., Church in Belle Vernon, Pa., and intern- and “Ecological Disaster: Cleaning Up Winnipeg has not been served by an aux- before arriving in Woonsocket in 1990. He ment at Belle Vernon Cemetery followed the Hidden Legacy of the Soviet iliary bishop since 1992, when Bishop was active as a pastoral counselor and reli- on March 9. Regime,” cited recent evidence that lung Myron Daciuk, a Ukrainian-rite Basilian, cancer is on the rise among Chornobyl was appointed to the Edmonton Eparchy. clean-up workers due to inhalation of Bishop Daciuk was named auxiliary plutonium aerosols, as is thyroid cancer to then-Metropolitan Hermaniuk in 1982. among children. He died on January 14 at the age of 76. “People thought the consequences of So far no successor has been named for Chornobyl were exaggerated by local the Edmonton vacancy. No. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1996 19

gestions for future Chornobyl-related pro- United Nations... jects, including expanded research on the (Continued from page 1) effects of Chornobyl on the Dnipro River, An interesting point in the conference which supports 30 million people, and the occurred when Mr. Andemicael was Black Sea into which it flows. He also sug- asked by a conference attendee why the gested the development of a technical cen- IAEA continues to stick to these old fig- ter for research on Chornobyl problems. ures when new evidence suggests that The Belarusian Ambassador to the Chornobyl-related deaths are much high- U.N. Alyasander Sychow (pronounced er. After supportive applause from the Say-shu) also spoke. He asserted that the crowd for the question, Mr. Andemicael Belarusian people overwhelmingly have staunchly defended the figures as ones borne the brunt of the consequences of developed after exhaustive research by Chornobyl. Among the statistics he cited: the scientific community. 23 percent of Belarus is contaminated as Mr. Andemicael at another point said a result of the Chornobyl accident; that no statistically significant increase of 130,000 people have been resettled from cancers has been noted by scientists, more than 400 settlements; Chornobyl although he explained he foresees a drastic accounts for half the thyroid cancers in increase (into the thousands) in the future. Belarus, which is today 100 times the He said the true legacy of Chornobyl expected rate; every fifth Belarusian has been affected by Chornobyl. may be the psychosomatic disorders that Roman Woronowycz continue to plague the survivors, includ- Mr. Sychou suggested that a Fund for ing chronic fatigue, stomach disorders Planet Protection and an international Ukraine’s Ambassador to the U.S. Yuri Shcherbak speaks at conference. Sitting next and depressed immune systems. Scientific Interstate Center on Chornobyl to him, Dr. Christine Durbak, founder and chair of World Information Transfer Inc. He ended his talk on a positive note, be established, which would help those stating that he feels health problems such affected defray the costs of the tragedy. Information. Pianist Marina Mojoukhova more discussion on Chornobyl and toxic as thyroid cancer can eventually be over- “The world may have lost its interest in from Miensk moved the audience with waste in general, but of a more technical come and that even the soil can be reha- Chornobyl, but not the people of Belarus, her stunning piano work in a short recital nature. Dr. Allison Keyes gave a detailed bilitated, if properly turned using new Russia and Ukraine,” he said. “Today we that featured the works of Glebov and account of the chemical processes that technology. Then fast-growing plants have more questions and fewer answers.” Rachmaninoff. take place when strontium-90 enters the could be utilized to make products not Speaking from the floor at the end of Afterwards three films on Chornobyl body, and Dr. Arthur Upton, professor at for human ingestion. the morning session, Margaret McCaffery, were presented: the Ukrainian-produced Robert Wood Johnson Medical School The person receiving the warmest economic affairs officer for the Regional “Years Past and Lives Shattered,” the and formerly director of the National greeting was Nobel Peace Prize laureate Commisssions’ New York office, sought Russian “Chornobyl Postscript” and an Cancer Institute, spoke of how radiation of 1995, physicist Joseph Rotblat. After to make people aware of a major cause of Irish documentary on Belarus in the post- affects the body. receiving a standing ovation, Prof. the re-release of radiation when she men- Chornobyl era titled “Black Wind White Then Dr. Yuri Shcherbak, Ukraine’s Rotblat pursued a theme that the world tioned the brushfires that raged in Ukraine Land.” ambassador to the United States, began destroying five villages in the contaminat- his talk by stating, “It is exactly 10 years must rid itself of nuclear weapons and “A requiem for the victims” the philosophy of “mutually assured ed zone only days before the conference to the day since Chornobyl reactor No. 4 destruction.” He explained that the world convened. In the evening hundreds assembled in blew,” requesting that the audience stand has for a millennium followed the old She said the key to containing and pre- the U.N.’s visitors lobby to listen to one for a minute of silence. Roman dictum, “if you want peace pre- venting fires is adequate forest mainte- of the emerging world-class symphonies, After, Dr. Shcherbak, founder of pare for war,” to no avail. nance. At one time approximately 1,800 the Odessa Philharmonic Orchestra. Green World in Ukraine and an expert on “We have followed it for centuries and fires annually raged on average in the zone, In opening remarks, Ambassador the Chornobyl accident, said the disaster the result is that we have had war.” He pro- the number of which have been reduced to Zlenko called the performance “a is a new phenomenon of the modern posed that the new dictum should be: “If 800 due to limited access by people. requiem for the victims.” More than 500 technological age. “No one planned a you want peace, then prepare for peace.” But if forests are not adequately main- showed, among them the renowned military operation under the code name “War must cease to be an acceptable tained and cleared of underthicket, dead- Ukrainian composer Mykola Kolessa, to ‘Chornobyl,’ ” he said, and explained social institution,” said the professor. wood and mosses, the threat of fires is listen in an area of the U.N. complex less that Chornobyl is a signal, an alarm that Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United ever present as is the associated release suited for such a performance. But after man must better harness control over the Nations Anatoliy Zlenko guided the con- of radiation that remains in the soil and minor audio adjustments and a brief modern technology it looses on the envi- ference back to the theme of Chornobyl. in the vegetation. “Plumes can reach 800- reminder by Maestro Earle to the audi- ronment. As he put it, “the road to hell is He spoke of the large cost of resettle- 1000 meters [in a forest fire] and disperse ence to maintain silence, the show went paved with good intentions.” ment, decontamination and medical treat- radiation for hundreds of miles,” said off without a further hitch. At United Nations other commemora- ment for the victims. “Twelve percent of Ms. McCaffery. Featured were works by Maestro tions included a two-day exhibit of art Kolessa, Myroslav Skoryk, Gustav the national budget is dedicated to reduce Belarusian Mission hosts concert and photos by Ukrainians titled the aftereffects,” said Ambassador Mahler, Aaron Copeland, Charles Ives “Chernobyl: Ten Years After” (sic) and a Zlenko. He explained that at one time the Immediately after lunch the Belarusian and Kostiantyn Dankevych. The concert charity bazaar of goods jointly sponsored figures were sustainable, but today, with Mission hosted an informal concert in was simulcast by WNYC across the by the women of the missions of the continued decline in productivity, association with the Ukrainian and country via National Public Radio. Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. “finances available under the state budget Russian Missions, as well as the U.N. Conference day two Both the city of New York and the have fallen.” Department of Humanitarian Affairs and United Nations had proclaimed April 26 The ambassador put forth several sug- the U.N. Department of Public The conference’s second day featured Chornobyl commemoration day.

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SEND THE WEEKLY TO UKRAINE To order an air mail subscription to The Ukrainian Weekly for addressees in Ukraine, send $160 for subscription fee and postage costs to: Subscription Department, The Ukrainian Weekly, 30 Montgomery St., Jersey City, NJ 07302. 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1996 No. 18

PREVIEW OF EVENTS 20th annual St. George Festival coming up NEW YORK — St. George Ukrainian and the like, as well as a complete artistic Tuesday, May 7 - Friday, June 7 244-8836 (evenings). Catholic Church invites everyone to their program with dancers, singers and the NEW YORK: Soho Photo Gallery invites Friday - Saturday, May 17 - 18 20th annual Ukrainian Festival on Seventh renowned Dumka Ukrainian Chorus all interested to “Studies in Black and Street, Friday - Sunday, May 17-19. await the visitor. YORKTON/SASKATOON, Sask.: The White,” an exhibit by Petro Hrytsyk. The The street, closed to vehicular traffic The festivities start on Friday at 4 Black Sea Ukrainian Dance Ensemble brings opening reception is at 6-8 p.m. Gallery between Second and Third avenues, will be p.m., with an evening program at 7 p.m.; its fiery and vibrant style of folk dance to the hours: Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m.; Fridays- lined with booths offering every conceiv- Saturday, at 11 a.m. with both an after- prairie with two performances. Friday, the Sundays, 1-6 p.m.; and by appointment. program starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Ann able type of Ukrainian food, from varenyky noon and evening program; and Sunday, The gallery is located at 15 White St. For Portenuff Theater, Yorkton Regional High to pechyvo (pastries), as well as standard at 1 p.m., with a special afternoon pro- further information call (212) 226-8571. School, 150 Gladstone Ave. Tickets: adults, fare such as hamburgers, hot dogs, etc. gram, including a concert by Dumka at Thursday, May 9-Sunday, May 19 $20; seniors, $18; children, $10. Saturday, Numerous kiosks featuring traditional 1:30 p.m. in the church. the lights go down at 7:30 p.m. at the and modern Ukrainian arts and crafts, For more information call (212) 674- NEW YORK: The La MaMa Experimental Centennial Auditorium in Saskatoon. Theater will present a workshop production embroideries, wood carvings, ceramics 1615. Tickets: $25, $23 and $10. For further infor- of “Wayward Wind” by Yara Arts Group, mation call Jeffrey, (306) 865-3308. directed by Virlana Tkacz, designed by quality pharmaceuticals collected by this Watoku Ueno, with music by Obie-Award Saturday, May 18 humanitarian aid charity fund. winning composer Genji Ito and the fore- U.S. government-sponsored... CLEVELAND: The Ukrainian American (Continued from page 3) Currently, the CCRF has engaged the most Buryat composer, Vladilen Pantaev. Museum-Archives cordially invites all to a Monsanto Company and its two sub- The piece employs Buryat Mongolian myth the private sector, organizations and wine tasting fund-raiser at The Club at sidiaries – Searle and NutraSweetKelco – and music to illuminate a Ukrainian poem, companies that have helped to contribute Society Center, 127 Public Square. Hors Oleh Lysheha’s “Swan,” written in Kyiv in to provide medicines and initiate projects d’oeuvres and wine will be served from to this effort. They include Project Hope, 1994. La MaMa E.T.C. located at 74A E. that will help those affected by the acci- 5:30-8:30 p.m. Donation: $50 ($25 is tax- Americares, Eli Lilly, the Children of Fourth St., presents “Wayward Wind” as a dent. deductible). Reservations must be made by Chornobyl Relief Fund, Monsanto, work-in-progress. Performances are “In the decade since the disaster, it has May 15. For more information call (216) Pharmacia Upjohn, Biotechnologia, Thursdays through Sundays at 7 p.m. become clear that there is a continuing 356-2584. Medfarm and City Hope International. Tickets are $12; the box office number is need for aid. We cannot forget that tens And we also commend the efforts of the (212) 475-7710. ADVANCE NOTICE of thousands of people’s lives continue to government of Ukraine and the be affected by this tragedy,” said Mr. Friday, May 10 Friday - Sunday, June 28 - 30 Counterpart Foundation for their efforts Noels, the general manager of Monsanto- WASHINGTON: CAMBRIDGE, Mass.: in making this event possible today,” The Washington Group The Harvard Central Europe/CIS. invites the public to a slide show presenta- Ukrainian Summer Institute holds its annu- added Ambassador Morningstar. tion on “Ancient Kyiv and its Relics,” by al reunion. Alumni from the classes of Monsanto has donated – through the “Ten years ago, a tragic event CCRF – the antibiotic Flagyl, a Searle prod- Ljudmila Pekarska. The presentation will 1971-1995 are invited to participate. occurred affecting not only Ukraine, but deal with archeological finds in the city. Reunion activities will include a buffet sup- uct, and the drug Algisorb (which can all of mankind,” observed Ambassador reduce the effects of food contaminated Ms. Pekarska is a special assistant at the per at the Harvard Faculty Club on Friday, Miller. “Americans are very honored to Department of Medieval and Later followed by a film. Saturday, a roundtable with strontium-90), a product of Nutra- Antiquities at the British Museum. The pre- discussion on Ukraine and Ukrainian stud- be able to work with Ukrainians because Sweet Kelco and the Russian company sentation, in Ukrainian, will culminate in a ies will be followed by a cook-out, art American blood has Ukrainian blood Biotechnologia, to the citizens of Ukraine. reception. The program starts at 7 p.m. at exhibit, banquet and dance in the evening. flowing through its veins. So I am very It also plans to sponsor a mobile med- the Holy Family Ukrainian National Shrine, Sunday, participants may attend church ser- honored as ambassador to this great ical aid project, which will bring much- 4250 Harewood Road, NE. Donations are vices or rest up in a leisurely fashion. For country of Ukraine to receive this gift needed access to basic health check-ups welcome. For more information call Marta more information call Patricia Coatsworth, from the American government, from and referrals to people in rural communi- Zielyk, (202) 647-2197 (daytime) or (202) (617) 496-5651. American business to the people of ties of the Dnipropetrovske, Luhanske Ukraine,” he concluded. and Vinnytsia regions, offering early The airlift, part of the medical assistance pregnancy testing and ultrasound screen- promised by U.S. Secretary of State Warren ings for expectant mothers. Christopher during his visit to Ukraine in “Monsanto hopes that this assistance, March, comprised donations from the U.S. while offering immediate relief to people government (including U.S. Department of who may be suffering as a result of the Defense excess medical stockpiles), Project explosion, will also bring long-term Hope and Americares. improvements in the quality of life in But the Children of Chornobyl Relief Ukraine,” said Mr. Noels. Fund continues to lead the list of organiza- “The medical consequences of this dis- tions that consistently provide assistance to aster will become more, not less evident in the victims of the Chornobyl tragedy. the next 10 years,” said Nadia Matkiwsky, Since 1989, the CCRF has participated the executive director of the CCRF, who in 16 airlifts and five sea shipments of spoke at a press conference on April 24. medical aid to Ukraine, valued at more “And our commitment to the most vul- than $36 million. This U.S. government nerable victims of this disaster, the airlift on April 25 was the 17th such mis- infants, the children, adolescents, young sion that the CCRF has taken part in and adults – the next generation – will included more than $1.3 million of high- become even stronger.”