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INSIDE:• Toddler from Ukraine in U.S. for surgery — page 9. •A weekend in the Ukrainian East Village — page 13. • Kazimir Malevich and Ukraine — page 14.

Published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profit association Vol. LXXII HE KRAINIANNo. 15 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2004 EEKLY$1/$2 in Ukraine UkrainianT DaysU in Washington Verkhovna WRada fails, by 6 votes, focus on community’s concerns to pass constitutional amendments by Serhiy Zhykharev Institute (IRI); John Eddy, regional field by Roman Woronowycz consistent support for his candidacy. His Ukrainian National Information Service coordinator for the Republican National Kyiv Press Bureau supporters have said that the whole scheme Committee (RNC); and, Joshua to change the Constitution was orchestrated WASHINGTON – Within a frame- Rosenblum, assistant regional coordinator KYIV – After nearly four years of discus- to make sure that such a shift of political work of programs in preparation for the for the Democratic National Committee sion on the matter, a full day of intensely power did not occur in Ukraine. U.S. presidential and congressional elec- (DNC), made short presentations. heated debate and merely a half-year before The vote effectively canceled any effort tions, the Ukrainian National Information The speakers provided their perspec- national presidential elections, Ukraine’s to take the power to appoint the government Service (UNIS), the Washington public tives on U.S. policy toward Ukraine, in Verkhovna Rada on April 8 could not ratify away from the president and give it to the affairs bureau of the Ukrainian Congress particular regarding the upcoming changes to Ukraine’s Constitution that prime minister. The Verkhovna Rada would Committee of America (UCCA), organ- Ukrainian presidential elections sched- would have transferred much executive have been given constitutional responsibility ized “Ukrainian Days” in Washington on uled for October 31. The RNC and DNC power from the president to the prime minis- for forming a working majority coalition March 24-25. representatives informed the delegates ter. within a given time period and appointing a The intent of Ukrainian Days was to about the pre-election campaign for the The pro-presidential majority coalition in chairman of the Verkhovna Rada to lead it. promote the concerns of the Ukrainian U.S. presidential elections and their the Verkhovna Rada fell six votes shy of the The majority would then have had the right American community, as well as to efforts to involve the various organized required two-thirds majority, or 300-vote to choose a prime minister and a govern- establish better contacts with its elected ethnic communities. A question and minimum, needed to have succeeded in ment. representatives in Washington. The first answer session followed each presenta- changing the Constitution, even though it The president would have retained the annual advocacy program allowed tion, during which delegates had an spent much of the day acting as if the vote right to appoint the foreign affairs minister, Ukrainian community members from opportunity to pose specific inquiries. was a foregone conclusion. the head of the State Security Service, the around the country to visit Washington The informational session continued As the numbers appeared on the tableau – procurator general and the 25 oblast chair- and meet with principal policy-makers in with a working lunch to discuss issues of 294 ayes and two nays from among the 307 men, the latter of which the prime minister the field of U.S.-Ukraine relations. concern that the community representa- lawmakers registered in the session hall – would have had the right to reject. The presi- During two days of meetings and tives would be advocating in their meet- national deputies from the opposition dent would have had the right to dismiss the briefings, the delegates had an opportuni- ings with members of Congress. UCCA jumped to their feet with raised fists in a ty to acquaint themselves with various Parliament if it had failed to fulfill its President Michael Sawkiw Jr. briefed the chorus of cheers and promptly broke into a responsibilities. perspectives on the current U.S.-Ukraine Ukrainian Days participants as to the verse of the Ukrainian national anthem. relationship, as well as meet with mem- On a day of at times quite virulent and core topics of interest: Permanent The celebration continued with chants of also eloquent debate – and while supporters bers of Congress from the House of Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status “Yushchenko, Yushchenko,” as the opposi- Representatives and the Senate. of the opposition waived signs like, “Keep for Ukraine; U.S. foreign assistance to tionist national deputies surrounded the Your Hands Off the Constitution” – Mr. The Ukrainian Days event hosted Ukraine; the work of the U.S. Agency for leader of the Our Ukraine faction, who Ukrainian community members from Yushchenko, who has led the opposition to International Development (USAID); along with Yulia Tymoshenko of the epony- the political reforms throughout the process, New York, California, Pennsylvania, information regarding the upcoming mous political bloc, led the successful effort Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, gave what was undoubtedly his most pas- Ukrainian presidential elections in to kill the amendment legislation. sionate speech on why the country did not Michigan and Virginia. Representatives Ukraine and U.S. engagement in the Mr. Yushchenko is considered the current from the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation and need the Constitutional changes. democratic processes in Ukraine; recog- favorite to take the presidential seat from “My sympathy goes out to the Ukrainian the Ukraine-U.S. Business Council, as nition of the 1932-1933 Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma, with about a well as students from several area univer- Famine-Genocide as an act of genocide quarter of the Ukrainian electorate showing (Continued on page 8) sities in the greater Washington area also and the construction of a memorial in participated in the proceedings. Washington to the Famine-Genocide’s Ukrainian Days opened on Wednesday victims; and the granting of a federal March 24 at 10 a.m. with a briefing at the charter for the Ukrainian American Ukrainian soldier killed in Iraq uprisings American Foreign Policy Council Veterans (UAV). (AFPC), during which Herman Pirchner, Armed with briefing papers in their by Roman Woronowycz has occurred in Baghdad and other major AFPC president; Mark Taplin, senior offi- informational folders to be distributed Kyiv Press Bureau Iraqi towns and cities in the last days. cer of the Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova The rebels fighting the international during their congressional meetings, the KYIV – Ukraine’s Parliament regis- Desk at the U.S. Department of State; participants of Ukrainian Days headed for coalition are mostly part of the nation- Stephen Nix, director of Eurasian pro- tered a draft resolution on April 7 calling wide uprising called by Iraqi Shiite grams at the International Republican (Continued on page 8) for the withdrawal of Ukraine’s military leader Moktada al-Sadr. However, many contingent in Iraq, which is there as part Sunni Muslims, especially in the north- of the United States-led international sta- ern and eastern parts of the country also bilization force. The initiative, organized are taking part by the Communist parliamentary faction The battle over the Tigris began in the of the Verkhovna Rada, came after one afternoon after the Ukrainian peacekeep- Ukrainian peacekeeper was killed and ers took control of major government five others were injured during heated centers, including the city administration battles for control of the Iraqi city of Kut and the central television center in the on April 6. morning. The death was the first of a Ukraine’s Defense Ministry reported Ukrainian soldier during combat in Iraq. on April 7 that Pvt. Ruslan Androschuk Three other soldiers have died in non- died from wounds he suffered during a combat operations since the 1,650-mem- mortar rocket attack as he drove with the ber Ukrainian contingent arrived in Iraq five wounded Ukrainian peacekeepers in in September 2003: one in a firearm an armored personnel carrier. The mishap, another in a vehicle accident; the Ukrainian soldiers had been part of a third as a result of suicide. detachment battling for control of a Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense bridge over the Tigris River in the town explained that the Ukrainian peacekeep- of Kut. ing contingent had decided to take con- Rep. Sander Levin (third from left) with Ukrainian community representatives Predominantly Shiite Muslim and trol of key administrative buildings in from Michigan at the Ukrainian Days congressional breakfast. On the right is located northeast of Baghdad, the town UCCA President Michael Sawkiw Jr. was the scene of violence similar to what (Continued on page 8) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2004 No. 15

ANALYSIS NEWSBRIEFSNEWSBRIEFS Yushchenko is changing tactics Opposition threatens street protests natures. Mr. Kuchma also signed a bill by Jan Maksymiuk Recent polls suggest that Yanukovych’s endorsing a memorandum of understand- KYIV – Our Ukraine and the Yulia ing between Ukraine and NATO regard- RFE/RL Belarus and Ukraine Report popularity rating, now at some 12 percent- Tymoshenko Bloc have said they will 13 percent, is constantly growing, while ing Ukraine’s support for NATO opera- Our Ukraine leader Viktor lead demonstrations in Kyiv the day the tions. In particular, the memorandum Mr. Yushchenko’s public support has Verkhovna Rada holds its final vote on Yushchenko has apparently come to the stalled for the past year or so at some 25 grants NATO troops the right to quick conclusion that he will not be able to the hotly contested constitutional-reform access to Ukrainian territory if such a percent. What is more, polls also suggest bill that was preliminarily adopted in block the adoption by Parliament of a than nearly 50 percent of Ukrainians posi- move is warranted by the implementation constitutional reform bill that he does not December and amended in February, of the alliance’s general policies. tively appraise the performance of Prime Interfax reported on April 6. It is unclear like and, therefore, has shifted his politi- Minister Yanukovych’s Cabinet. (RFE/RL Newsline) cal activities to the streets. when the Ukrainian Parliament will vote Therefore, it is no wonder that Mr. on the reforms. “The essence of these Opposition wants to review budget Last week Our Ukraine gathered some Yushchenko has decided to direct his pre- 10,000 people for a protest rally in front constitutional amendments is directed not election political campaign personally toward forming a European model of KYIV – The Our Ukraine and Yulia of the government offices in Kyiv, against Mr. Yanukovych. Tymoshenko Bloc parliamentary caucus- demanding that Prime Minister Viktor democracy but toward passing some But the April 3-9 issue of Zerkalo powers of the next president to the parlia- es demanded on April 6 that the Yanukovych’s Cabinet raise wages and Nedeli, a weekly normally sympathetic Verkhovna Rada immediately consider pensions not, as it promised, in mentary majority,” Our Ukraine lawmak- to Mr. Yushchenko in particular and the er Yurii Kostenko told journalists. “We an “extraordinary situation over the falsi- September, but as of April 1. anti-Kuchma opposition in general, sug- fication of the [2004] budget,” Interfax Leaning on estimates and calculations are trying to respond,” Ms. Tymoshenko gested that such a new tactic by Mr. said. “We will use all possible levers of reported, quoting Our Ukraine lawmaker made by Our Ukraine’s prominent econ- Yushchenko is fraught with the populist influence [to prevent the passage of the Viktor Pynzenyk as saying. Mr. omist Viktor Pynzenyk, Mr. hazard of working up an excessive bill].” Communist Party leader Petro Pynzenyk has accused Prime Minister Yushchenko’s bloc claims that the gov- appetite for wage and pension hikes Symonenko said on April 7 that his par- Viktor Yanukovych’s Cabinet of low- ernment is “hiding” some 10 billion hrv among the electorate. liamentary caucus might demand a vote balling economic-growth estimates and ($1.9 billion) in budget revenues and 5 Our Ukraine has reportedly submitted on the pullout of the Ukrainian contingent thus “hiding” 10 billion hrv ($1.9 billion) billion hrv of pension-fund revenues. to the Verkhovna Rada a draft bill “On from Iraq before voting on the constitu- in budget revenues and 5 billion hrv of Taking into account the current econom- Immediate Measures for Distributing the tional-reform bill. The Ukrainian Defense pension-fund revenues. Mr. Pynzenyk ic-growth trend in the country, Mr. Hidden Revenues of Ukraine’s 2004 Ministry meanwhile announced that an claimed Ukraine’s GDP will total 310 Pynzenyk argues that Ukraine’s GDP Budget.” According to the weekly, the explosion in Iraq killed one Ukrainian billion hrv in 2004, while the govern- will total 310 billion hrv in 2004, while bill provides for increasing the minimum soldier and wounded five others on April ment projected a figure of 283 billion the government projected a figure of 283 wage to 240 hrv and the minimum pen- 6. (RFE/RL Newsline) hrv. Last week, Our Ukraine staged a billion hrv. sion to 254 hrv in Ukraine as of April 1. protest rally demanding that the govern- According to Our Ukraine, the “hid- If passed by the legislature, the measure Rada passes bill on local elections ment raise wages and pensions at the den” 15 billion hrv in cash should imme- would reportedly require the government expense of revenues that it allegedly hid KYIV – The Verkhovna Rada diately be given back to the people in the to pay an additional 22 billion hrv in within the budget. (RFE/RL Newsline) endorsed a bill on April 6 prescribing a form of increased wages and pensions, as 2004 alone. majority system for rural councils and a Kuchma signs proportional elections bill well as student stipends and grants. Such expenses, the weekly concluded, proportional party-list system for all The argument of the “hidden” money, are impossible to be met by any govern- other councils in Ukrainian local elec- KYIV – Verkhovna Rada Chairman if successfully transmitted to the elec- ment in Ukraine, even providing that Mr. tions, the Ukrainska Pravda website Volodymyr Lytvyn forwarded last week’s torate, may become a powerful weapon Yanukovych’s Cabinet has actually low- reported. The bill, which received 266 bill on a fully proportional parliamen- in Mr. Yushchenko’s fight against Mr. balled economic-growth estimates and votes in the 450-member chamber, stipu- tary-election system in Ukraine to Yanukovych, whom many in Ukraine see “hidden” some budget revenues to make lates that deputies to rural councils must President Leonid Kuchma for approval, as Mr. Yushchenko’s crucial rival in the use of them closer to the presidential be elected under a majority system. Interfax reported on April 1. October 31 presidential election. election day. Councilors to all other, higher-tier bodies Simultaneously, Mr. Lytvyn sent a list of of self-government, including the sections of the bill that the legislature’s Parliament of the Autonomous Republic legal staff believes contravene the coun- Rada OKs government plan of Crimea, will be elected under a fully try’s Constitution. The next day the pres- proportional, party-list system with a 3 ident signed the bill into law, stating: “I by Jan Maksymiuk step with cold political calculation, to percent threshold for representation. signed the law on proportional elections RFE/RL Belarus and Ukraine Report secure himself against any nasty surpris- Earlier the same day, the opposition Our today. But parliamentary deputies have es on the part of the legislature. Ukraine and Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc, plenty of time to improve this law before The Verkhovna Rada voted 239-38 on Mr. Yanukovych heads the 67-strong the 2006 election campaign.” Mr. March 16 to approve the government’s along with some deputies from the pro- Regions of Ukraine caucus, whose votes government coalition, made three unsuc- Kuchma said he previously opposed the action plan for 2004, called “Consistency. are crucial for passing constitutional idea of proportional elections, but added Efficiency. Responsibility.” The vote cessful attempts to vote down the bill. reform. Therefore, he seemed to be quite (RFE/RL Newsline) that the situation has changed since the simultaneously acknowledged the per- sure last week that the Verkhovna Rada time when Ukraine “did not really have formance of Prime Minister Viktor could not vote him out of his current Kuchma signs bills on elections, NATO any parties except the one we had inher- Yanukovych’s Cabinet in 2003 as satis- post, since such a step would put the ited from the old times.” The adoption of factory. KYIV – President Leonid Kuchma has entire constitutional reform in jeopardy. a proportional system is a sine qua non Most lawmakers from Our Ukraine, signed into law a bill on presidential Taking an objective look at the per- for the Communist Party and the the Communist Party, the Socialist Party elections that was passed overwhelming- formance of Mr. Yanukovych’s Cabinet, Socialist Party to support constitutional and the Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc did not ly by the Verkhovna Rada last month, the Verkhovna Rada had no reasons to reforms that are being promoted by the participate in the vote. A separate motion Interfax reported on April 5. In particu- oust him. Mr. Yanukovych told lawmak- presidential administration and the pro- by the opposition to rate the govern- lar, the bill reduces the presidential-cam- ers with pride that the gross domestic government parliamentary majority. ment’s performance last year as unsatis- paign period from 180 to 120 days and product (GDP) in 2003 grew by 9.3 per- (RFE/RL Newsline) factory was supported just by 109 law- lowers the threshold for registering a cent, industrial production increased by makers, well below the 226 votes candidate from 1 million to 500,000 sig- (Continued on page 25) 15.8 percent, and the Cabinet implement- required for approval. The vote means that Yanukovych’s ed the 2003 budget with a 3 percent sur- Cabinet, which was formed in November plus in collected revenues. FOUNDED 1933 2002, obtained one more year of life – His action plan for 2004 is equally that is, at least the Verkhovna Rada may ambitious. It envisages, in particular, a THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY not oust a Cabinet within a year follow- 9.5 percent increase in GDP, a rise in for- An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., ing the approval of its action plan. Of eign investments by $1.5 billion, the cre- a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. course, Mr. Yanukovych may be sacked ation of 600,000 new jobs and a 15 per- Yearly subscription rate: $55; for UNA members — $45. by President Leonid Kuchma, but Mr. cent increase in wages. Periodicals postage paid at Parsippany, NJ 07054 and additional mailing offices. Kuchma is rather unlikely to do so in the “We are confident that the program on (ISSN — 0273-9348) situation where neither the fate of an the whole meets the need of the state and ongoing constitutional reform nor the society, the perspectives of Ukraine’s fur- The Weekly: UNA: issue of who will represent the pro-gov- ther movement along the path of reform, Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 and the ideas of integration into the glob- ernment camp in the upcoming presiden- Postmaster, send address changes to: Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz tial election have been decided. al economy,” the prime minister said in the legislature. The Ukrainian Weekly Editors: Prime Minister Yanukovych presented 2200 Route 10 Roman Woronowycz (Kyiv) his 2004 action plan and demanded a Mr. Yanukovych, whom many see as the most probable candidate of the pro- P.O. Box 280 Andrew Nynka parliamentary vote on it a month ahead Parsippany, NJ 07054 Ika Koznarska Casanova (part time) of his deadline. He apparently took this Kuchma camp in the presidential race, is now also keeping another option open The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com; e-mail: [email protected] for himself: he may remain in the post of Jan Maksymiuk is the Belarus, prime minister, a top political position in The Ukrainian Weekly, April 11, 2004, No. 15, Vol. LXXII Ukraine and Poland specialist on the Copyright © 2004 The Ukrainian Weekly staff of RFE/RL Newsline. (Continued on page 23) No. 15 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2004 3 Survey reveals Ukrainian public’s attitudes, expectations by Jan Maksymiuk The survey found that the overwhelm- marily pointed to human rights (66 per- belong to trade unions. RFE/RL Belarus and Ukraine Report ing majority of Ukrainians are either very cent), “everyone has work” (60 percent), Only 20 percent of Ukrainians are dissatisfied (47 percent) or somewhat dis- “retirees are looked after by the state” (55 aware of the activities of NGOs in their The Washington-based International satisfied (38 percent) with the overall sit- percent), and “no official corruption” (48 communities, but this represents a signif- Foundation for Election Systems (IFES) uation in the country. The current eco- percent). IFES registered a marked icant increase compared with 12 percent (http://www.ifes.org) recently presented a nomic situation in Ukraine is assessed as increase in the percentage of Ukrainians in 2002. very interesting and thought-provoking bad or somewhat bad by 86 percent of who say that Ukraine is not a democracy: For the first time in its surveys in report, “Attitudes and Expectations: respondents, while only 9 percent rate it 47 percent in 2001, 53 percent in 2002, Ukraine, IFES noted that more Public Opinion in Ukraine 2003,” as good. and 64 percent in 2003. Ukrainians say they have a great deal or authored by Rakesh Sharma and Nathan IFES says its surveys since 2000 have One of the survey findings is very fair amount of information on both politi- Van Dusen. shown a consistent preference for a mar- revealing in the context of the ongoing In particular, the report includes find- cal and economic developments (58 per- ket-driven economy over a centrally constitutional reform in Ukraine: 62 per- cent on politics; 48 percent on economy). ings from a survey carried out by IFES in planned one. In 2003, 31 percent said cent of Ukrainians are unaware of the Ukraine among 1,265 respondents on Television, particularly private sta- they prefer a market economy, 21 percent existence of a bill, or bills, mandating tions, is the major source of news and September 10-19, 2003, on a wide range prefer a centrally planned economy, and constitutional amendments that would of issues related to Ukraine’s progress information for most Ukrainians. 30 percent chose a neutral point in change the balance of power between the Respondents listed the following media toward a more democratic state. This as between. However, there are still large presidency and Parliament, while a outlets as their primary information the 12th survey of this kind in Ukraine by objections to privatization of key indus- minority of 38 percent are aware of the sources: Inter (33 percent), 1+1 Channel IFES, which established its on-site pres- tries and sectors in Ukraine. The privati- issue. (23 percent), Ukrainian newspapers (5 ence in Kyiv in 1994. The 2003 survey zation of the electricity sector is opposed The president is the least trusted and report were made possible through a by 65 percent of Ukrainians, the coal among those institutions about which percent), UT-1 (5 percent), UT-2 (3 per- grant from the United States Agency for industry by 59 percent and collective respondents were asked: 70 percent said cent), UR-1 (5 percent), ORT (3 percent), International Development (USAID). farms by 45 percent. they have little or no confidence in New Channel (2 percent) and local tele- The report, which provides a plethora Corruption is perceived as a major President Leonid Kuchma. vision stations (2 percent). of tables with survey findings, examines problem. A considerable majority of Only 23 percent of respondents say The media are mostly rated positively public attitudes and expectations in the Ukrainians believe that corruption is a they support a specific political party, by Ukrainians: 7 percent of respondents following areas: confidence in govern- very serious or somewhat serious prob- down from 31 percent in the 2002 survey. have a great deal of confidence in the ment and judicial institutions, corruption, lem in hospitals (85 percent), the police Of them, 30 percent support the media, 54 percent have a fair amount, 20 political and economic reform, interest in (83 percent), universities (79 percent), Communist Party, 22 percent the Our percent do not have too much confidence politics, attitudes toward political parties courts (74 percent), customs authorities Ukraine bloc, 10 percent the Social and 6 percent have no confidence at all. and non-governmental organizations, (67 percent) and tax authorities (66 per- Democratic Party, 3 percent the Greens Ukrainians also perceive journalism as a contact with local officials, and percep- cent). of Ukraine, 3 percent the Socialist Party, risky profession: 68 percent think it is tion of the media. It also provides a sum- Asked to choose five from a list of 10 2 percent National Rukh, and 2 percent dangerous for journalists to objectively mary of regional and social variations of statements or terms representing the the Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc. The survey report the news, while 20 percent feel political attitudes in Ukraine. meaning of democracy, respondents pri- found that 16 percent of Ukrainians that journalists are safe in doing that. Radical right protesters target Soros in Kyiv Lazarenko among by Roman Woronowycz Mr. Soros, who has committed tens of millions of dol- Kyiv Press Bureau lars through his Open Society Institute to helping Ukraine 10 most corrupt develop democratic institutions, said the reception he had KYIV – Members of a radical right organization in received in Ukraine during this visit was quite unexpect- LONDON – Former President Mohamed Suharto of Indonesia was cited as the most corrupt world leader in Ukraine sprayed United States philanthropist George ed. It was Mr. Soros’s first visit to Ukraine in four years. recent history, heading a “Top 10” corruption list prepared Soros with a liquid element believed to be glue at the The glue-spraying incident came a day after Mr. Soros by Transparency International, based in Great Britain. beginning of a conference on human rights taking place had asked Ukraine’s President Leonid Kuchma to inter- in Kyiv on March 31. According to Transparency International, whose top-10 vene to assure that another conference, this one held in list covers the past 20 years, Mr. Suharto plundered a fami- Screaming, “Soros out of Ukraine, we can do it our- Yalta on the Crimean Peninsula, proceeded as had been selves,” and “Yankee go home,” the two assailants, a man ly fortune estimated at between $15 billion and $35 billion planned. On March 29 fire officials of the Ministry of (U.S.) during his 32-year reign. This list coincides with the and a woman in their early 20s, ran through the confer- Emergency Situation had ordered the Livadia Palace, the ence hall of the Hotel Rus’, where a morning meeting on release of the organization’s annual Global Corruption hall where the conference was to take place, closed for Report, a round-up of government graft worldwide. “Human Rights During Elections” was about to start. code violations. They sprayed a white milky substance at Mr. Soros, who In second place was former Philippine president At that time Mr. Soros blamed Viktor Medvedchuk, Ferdinand Marcos, deposed in 1986, who plundered simply stared at them in amazement. The two, who were the president’s chief of staff, for ordering the historic arrested by state militia moments after the attack, identi- between $5 billion and $10 billion. In third was the late dic- palace – where U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt and tator of Zaire, Mobutu Sese Seko, who acquired around $5 fied themselves as members of the paramilitary group, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill signed the Yalta Bratstvo, an offshoot of the Ukrainian National billion when he ruled the country, today known as the Agreement with Soviet Premier Stalin in 1945 – closed so Democratic Republic of Congo, in 1965-1997. Assembly-Ukrainian National Self-Defense (UNA- that the conference on democracy development did not UNSO). Ukraine’s former Prime Minister Pavlo Lazarenko, who take place. The hall of the building was reopened by is currently standing trial in the United States on charges of Later during a press conference, the well-known inter- order of Mr. Kuchma. money laundering, came in eighth on the top-10 list. national financier and billionaire said it was the first time Besides attending the two conferences, Mr. Soros, the “Political corruption undermines the hopes for prosperity he had been the subject of such an attack. founder of the Ukraine-based International Renaissance and stability of developing countries, and damages the “I find it disturbing that after all that I have done to Foundation, was in Ukraine to review the work of his global economy,” said Transparency International chairman help Ukraine develop a civil society, that certain members organization and get a first hand-look at how the Peter Eigen, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP). of the public give me such a strange reception,” explained “The abuse of political power for private gain deprives Mr. Soros during a press conference that evening. (Continued on page 17) the most needy of vital public services, creating a level of despair that breeds conflict and violence. It also hits the pockets of taxpayers and shareholders worldwide. The problem must be tackled at the national and international level,” AFP quoted him as saying. AFP reported the following as the 10 most corrupt lead- ers around the globe, based on the estimated sums (given in U.S. dollars) they are alleged to have stolen. 1. Mohamed Suharto, Indonesia, 1967-1998, $15 billion to $35 billion. 2. Ferdinand Marcos, Philippines, 1972-1986, $5 billion to $10 billion. 3. Mobutu Sese Seko, Zaire, 1965-1997, $5 billion. 4. Sani Abacha, Nigeria, 1993-1998, $2 billion to $5 billion. 5. Slobodan Milosevic, Serbia/Yugoslavia, 1989-2000, $1 billion. 6. Jean-Claude Duvalier, Haiti, 1971-1986, $300 mil- lion to $800 million. 7. Alberto Fujimori, Peru, 1990-2000, $600 million. 8. Pavlo Lazarenko, Ukraine, 1996-1997, $114 mil- lion to 200 million. 9. Arnoldo Aleman, Nicaragua, 1997-2000, $100 mil- AP/Roman Ratushniy lion. Billionaire and philanthropist George Soros (center) reacts after unidentified men threw water and glue at 10. Joseph Estrada, Philippines, 1998-2001, $78 million him prior to his meeting with Ukrainian human rights activists in Kyiv. to $80 million. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2004 No. 15

OBITUARY: Mykola Rudenko, writer and human rights activist, 83 PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Mykola watchman in a factory. Nonetheless, he imprisonment in a labor camp for women Rudenko, prolific Ukrainian writer, continued his activity in defense of and five years’ exile beyond the borders member of the Ukrainian Helsinki Group human and national rights. of Ukraine. and former Soviet political prisoner, died Mr. Rudenko became active in Emigrated to the West in Kyiv on April 1 at the age of 83. Amnesty International. This led to his Mr. Rudenko was born in the village ouster from the Communist Party (1974), In 1987, following pressure from the of Yuriivka, Luhansk region of Ukraine, as well as the official Writers’ Union democratic forces in the West, the on December 19, 1920. He was only 6 (1975). Undeterred, he became a found- Rudenkos were allowed to emigrate from years old when his father died at work in ing member on November 9, 1976, of the the Soviet Union. They arrived in West a mine. He began writing poetry as a boy Ukrainian Public Group to Promote Germany in December, where they and at age 15 won a republic-wide poetry Implementation of the Helsinki Accords, received medical treatment, and later contest in Ukraine. After completing high known as the Ukrainian Helsinki Group, moved to the United States, where they school he entered Kyiv State University, and became its chairman. immediately became active in the but was soon drafted into the Soviet Ukrainian community. Mr. Rudenko was Sentenced for “anti-Soviet” activity army. He was seriously wounded in bat- for many years a regular contributor to tle during World War II, when a bullet In February 1977 Mr. Rudenko was the Ukrainian-language daily Svoboda, entered his spine. arrested on charges of “anti-Soviet agita- and his wife joined the editorial staff. He Following the war he resumed his cre- tion and propaganda” and in July was was active also with the External ative work. Soon thereafter his first col- sentenced to the most severe term: seven Representation of the Ukrainian Helsinki lection of poetry was published. He years of imprisonment and five years of Group. became editor of the Kyiv-based journal internal exile. He was sent to the notori- Returned to Ukraine Dnipro and secretary of the Kyiv chapter ous Perm labor camp 36-1 in the of the Ukrainian Writers’ Union. He was Mordovian Autonomous Soviet Socialist In 1990 Mr. Rudenko returned to also a leading member of the Communist Republic, known as a death camp for dis- Ukraine, where continued his literary Party organization within the Writers’ sidents, and served his exile in the Altai activity. On the occasion of the UNA’s Union. region of Soviet Central Asia. 100th anniversary in 1994 Mr. Rudenko Ten collections of Mr. Rudenko’s During that period 10 of his works was commissioned to write the lyrics to poetry, as well as several prose works were smuggled to the West. Among them “Jubilee Cantata” by Ukrainian composer were published between 1947 and the were the narrative poem “Khrest” (The Ivan Karabyts. The work’s premiere was Mykola Rudenko early 1970s. He also wrote science fic- Cross,” 1977), the book “Ekonomichni on February 19, 1994, at Carnegie Hall. tion works. His works evolved from Monolohy” (Economic Monologues, Upon her retirement several years be with us and for leaving us a legacy of socialist realism to writings that were 1978), the poetry collection “Za later, Mrs. Rudenko joined her husband undying love for the truth.” increasingly contrary to Soviet ideology. Gratamy” (Behind Bars, 1980), the play in Kyiv. Ailing and his vision failing, Mr. Memorial donations to benefit the In the early 1970s Mr. Rudenko “Na Dni Morskomu” (On the Sea Floor, Rudenko continued to write with the Museum of the Shestydesiatnyky (the became involved in the human rights 1981), and the novel “Orlova Balka” assistance of his devoted wife. generation of writers of the 1960s) in movement in the USSR. As a result, his (The Eagle’s Ravine, 1982). Mr. Rudenko’s colleagues at the Kyiv may be sent to: Twentieth Century literary works were no longer published. In 1981 his wife, Raisa, also was sen- Svoboda wrote that “his name will be Human Rights (formerly known as the Soviet authorities deprived him of the tenced for her human rights activity, forever written into the new history of External Representation of the Ukrainian means to earn a living as a writer, and he specifically the “dissemination of anti- Ukraine, in the spiritual Ukrainian cul- Helsinki Group), 29 Sanford Terrace, was forced to find employment as a night Soviet materials,” to a term of five years’ ture. We thank fate for allowing him to Irvington, NJ 07111.

Highlights from the UNA’s 110-year history A special yearlong feature focusing on the history of the Ukrainian National Association. One hundred twenty-one delegates attended the UNA’s 10th con- vention held on July 7-10, 1908, in Philadelphia – quite an increase from the 72 that attended the previous convention two years earlier. Assets nearly doubled during that time period, from $23,705.34 in 1906 to $46,071.26 in 1908. Membership for the first time surpassed 10,000 members, reaching a total of 10,266. One of the most notable decisions of this convention was that (Continued on page 19) No. 15 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2004 5 Tarasyuk addresses meeting of Action Ukraine Coalition THE UNA FORUM by Natalka Gawdiak of the leadership of my country which led to this situation of ‘no interest’ on the WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, part of the U.S. administration toward March 30, participants in the third of a Ukraine. Because I think that due to the On our 110th anniversary series of meetings held here by the deeds and misdeeds of our leadership in Action Ukraine Coalition (AUC) heard Ukraine, we may consider the recent from two members of the Verkhovna three to four years as lost years in the Spotlight on UNA branches Rada of Ukraine, Borys Tarasyuk, the Ukraine-U.S. relationship.” BRANCH 9, ST. CLAIR, PA. After the war I came home and, as featured speaker, and his colleague, The beginning of Ukraine’s “deep my father was getting on in age, he Roman Zvarych. internal crisis,” Mr. Tarasyuk avowed, UNA Branch 9 was founded in asked me to take over as secretary of While the AUC’s previous meeting started immediately after the re-election 1985. In the late 1930s, my father, Branch 9. I held this position from featured remarks about Ukraine-U.S. of Leonid Kuchma as president for his Nicholas Salak, was secretary of 1947, when my father and mother relations from various representatives of second term in 1999 and the beginning Branch 9. Metro Yankosky was presi- passed away. I still am secretary/treas- the U.S. executive branch, the latest of 2000, when he made his first attempt dent, and Wassil Bednar was treasurer. urer of the branch and Paul Naradko is meeting explored the same subject from to undermine Ukraine’s Constitution by My father got involved because all of president. the viewpoint of two men from the ranks initiating a referendum to change it. our family belonged to UNA Branch Following are the names of the of the democratic opposition faction Our “Ukraine lost its position as a leader 9. With the help of members and fami- baseball and basketball team members: Ukraine. in the region in the late 1990s when it ly we organized a picnic and two Joseph Salak (deceased), manager; The AUC, which is composed of the entered the current period of internation- dances to raise money to get Branch 9 Walter Salak, business manager; Frank Ukrainian American Coordinating al isolation. The murder of Heorhii back in good standing. Lessick, Michael Lessick, Wassil Council (UACC), the Ukrainian Gongadze, the Melnychenko tapes scan- Then in 1938 my father went to the Lessick (deceased), Wassil Yaroshak Federation of America and the U.S.- dal, the deviation from a strategic for- UNA convention. At that convention (deceased), Peter Yaroshak, John Ukraine Foundation, hosted some 50 eign policy course, the mass falsification Gregory Herman was elected as athlet- Bednar (deceased), Nick Bednar, attendees, in a conference room donated of the 2002 election results, the attack ic director and decided that the UNA Charles Krysock, John Krysak by the Citizens Network for Foreign against the opposition and against every- would sponsor baseball and basketball. (deceased), Paul Naradko, John Affairs. Program arrangements were thing affiliated with it – all have created My father told me to write to Mr. Naradko (deceased) and Michael made by Morgan Williams, editor of an atmosphere which in Ukraine has the Herman about starting a baseball Drabuschak (deceased). Action Ukraine Report. tendency of creating an authoritarian In his introduction, moderator Ihor league. Mr. Herman then called a More recently Branch 9 has spon- regime,” Mr. Tarasyuk said. meeting at Centralia and we formed a sored a Christmas play given by the Gawdiak, UACC president, reminded “Now, it seems to me,” Mr. Tarasyuk listeners that Mr. Tarasyuk is not only a baseball league consisting of youth of our church under the direction continued, “the situation is becoming Centralia, Berwick, McAdoo, Wilkes- of the Rev. Dan Tryan with St. Nick member of the Verkhovna Rada, head of better in our bilateral relationship. This Rukh and one of prominent leaders of Barre, Olyphant and St. Clair giving out gifts to the children. A UNA is not because the United States has Branches 9 and 31. donation of $200 made this possible. Our Ukraine, but also a former Minister reconsidered its position to my mind [or] of Foreign Affairs in Ukraine. Mr. I was elected business manager, and In the summer this same group had a because Kuchma and the clans surround- my brother was team manager. Each weeklong camp on our church grounds Gawdiak noted that throughout his ing him have changed their attitudes. It career Mr. Tarasyuk has promoted demo- team played two games, one home and and a trip to Hershey Park, Pa. Again is not because they started to respect one away. Branch 9 didn’t win a game the UNA came through with a donation cratic policies in Ukraine, closer ties human rights, to respect democratic val- with the United States, and membership because we were only kids and were of $150. Thanks to these donations, I ues and standards, but this is because of playing against professionals, but we have organized a few new members. in NATO and the European Union. a very pragmatic reason. After the Mr. Tarasyuk thanked all those who had a lot of fun, traveling on weekends – Walter Salak United States started its operation in and having a good time after the have worked in Ukraine and in the Iraq, you will remember that Ukraine United States for better relations games. My father as secretary enrolled UNA Branch 9 merged with UNA agreed to join this operation by sending new members by organizing baseball Branch 242 of Frackville, Pa., in between the two countries. He noted that a battalion to neighboring Kuwait and the activities of the Action Ukraine and basketball teams. The sports pro- 2003. The current officers of later sending 1,600 military to Iraq. gram didn’t last long, however, Branch 242 are: Andrea Chabon, Coalition are of “great importance to all Ukraine has the fourth largest military of us in Ukraine,” but, he continued, “I because World War II began and all president; Joseph Chabon, secre- contingent in Iraq. Certainly this gesture our team members went to war. tary; and Andrea Chabon, treasurer. must say that in spite of ... our combined was noticed by the U.S. administration, efforts, both in Ukraine and the United and this led to the improvement of our States, unfortunately we cannot be bilateral relationship.” pleased about the development of events Mr. Tarasyuk described the dismay Dmytriw’s pioneering 1897 short story in Ukraine. The generations of Ukrainian felt by Ukraine’s opposition forces who freedom fighters were not dreaming are concerned that this somewhat about the Ukraine we have right now.” improved relationship may be interpret- set in Canada now available in English Mr. Tarasyuk nevertheless expressed ed by the Ukrainian regime as a license his sincere gratitude to all representa- for the Kuchma regime to continue its EDMONTON – The oldest work of online at www.albertaviews.ab.ca. tives of the Ukrainian community in the oppression of democratic forces, of the Ukrainian prose fiction written and set in The Rev. Dmytriw (1863-1925) was a United States for their “tireless efforts to opposition, of its attack against democra- Canada is now available in an English Greek-Catholic priest who was the first help us in Ukraine, especially in helping cy and civil society in Ukraine. He noted translation by Jars Balan of the Canadian Ukrainian clergyman to travel to Canada. to develop Ukrainian-U.S. relations.” that the American side protested against Institute of Ukrainian Studies. Titled According to “Ukrainian American Citadel: Mr. Tarasyuk noted that few Americans this viewpoint during the recent visit by “Ruthenian Easter – and a French The First 100 Years of the Ukrainian – despite all their efforts – had the Deputy Secretary of State Richard Catholic Priest,” the short story was National Association,” by Dr. Myron B. degree of commitment displayed by his Armitage to Kyiv and during Mr. authored on May 8, 1897, by the Rev. Kuropas, the Rev. Dmytriw celebrated the colleague at the table, Mr. Zvarych, who Tarasyuk’s own meeting the previous Nestor Dmytriw, editor of Svoboda, dur- first Ukrainian liturgy in Canada in gave up his U.S. citizenship and moved day (March 29) in the State Department. ing his historic tour of Ukrainian pioneer Terebowla, now Valley Spring, Manitoba. to Ukraine to take up Ukrainian citizen- “But at the same time,” he continued. settlements in western Canada. Dr. Kuropas notes also that the priest was a ship. “I would like to urge all of you who are Published 12 days later at Mount pioneer of Ukrainian Canadian literature. Addressing the question of “how we trying to help Ukraine, please do not let Carmel, Pa., in the newspaper Svoboda, In addition to writing a detailed account see the development of Ukrainian- these steps of the Ukrainian authorities the story depicts an attempt by immigrants of his spring 1897 fact-finding trip to American relations under the current be interpreted as an honest activity. They to celebrate a traditional Easter in Calgary Ukrainian settlements in Manitoba and [Bush] administration,” Mr. Tarasyuk are just trying to break [through] the while making their way to homesteads in Alberta, he also wrote several short stories began by observing that, “to my mind international isolationism in which they the Kalyna Country region of east central and anecdotal sketches that appeared in an the atmosphere in which Ukraine and the have found themselves.” Alberta. Probably inspired by an actual irregular series called “Scenes from United States [has been] developing has “This is a similar story to [Ukraine’s] event, “Ruthenian Easter” ends on a Canada,” of which “Ruthenian Easter” was been rather unfavorable.” On the one announcing NATO membership as their comic note of linguistic and cultural mis- the first installment. hand, he noted, the U.S. administration objective. They are not behaving like understanding, with the Ukrainians strug- Svoboda published the Rev. was busy from the very beginning with any other democratic country which has gling unsuccessfully to communicate to a Dmytriw’s reports from Canada in a vol- the process of establishing itself. At the joined or is in the process of joining Roman Catholic priest that they wanted ume titled “Kanadiyska Rus’: same time, the U.S. administration was NATO,” he observed. him to bless their pasky and baskets. Podorozhni Spomyny (Canadian Rus’: very busy with fighting terrorism and Having witnessed the previous day’s The translation can be found in the Memoirs Along the Road). fighting in Afghanistan, in Iraq, and cer- installation of seven new member-coun- March-April issue of Alberta Views, a The Rev. Dmytriw was also an officer tainly Ukraine “was not a priority for tries into NATO, Mr. Tarasyuk said, “ I Calgary-based magazine devoted to of the Ukrainian National Association, this administration and is not [now] a had a dream that Ukraine would join provincial affairs and the arts. The maga- known until 1914 as the Rusyn National priority for this administration, unlike these nations as soon as possible but, zine is available at better bookstores and Association. He served as secretary of the case, if one wants to compare, with unfortunately, while this regime is still in newsstands in Alberta, while a summary the fraternal benefit society in 1895-1896 the previous Democratic administra- power, it is useless to talk about of the issue’s contents can be accessed and was editor of Svoboda in 1895-1897. tion.” Ukraine’s membership. But we have to At the same time, Mr. Tarasyuk THE UNA: 110 YEARS OF SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY expressed his regret that “it was the fault (Continued on page 21) 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2004 No. 15

NEWS AND VIEWS THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY Community milestone in New Jersey An appeal to the community Sunday, April 25, will mark yet another milestone in the development and growth of the Ukrainian community of northern New Jersey as the site of the Ukrainian from Ukraine’s Mission to the U.N. Cultural Center of New Jersey and St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in On April 27, the Permanent Mission of various books, crafts, arts, gift items, food, Whippany, N.J., will be blessed, paving the way for the project’s groundbreaking. Ukraine to the United Nations, with the beverages and other items, which will be Located a mile from major exits off Interstate 287 and just north of Route 10 (in support of the Consulate General of exhibited for sale during the bazaar, as fact less that a half mile north of the current St. John’s Church and parish hall at the Ukraine in New York, the Ukrainian World well as donation checks for any amount. intersection of Route 10 and Jefferson Road), the site is well-positioned to serve as a Congress and the World Federation of Those who wish to take part in the hub of community activity for all of northern New Jersey, plus eastern Pennsylvania, Ukrainian Women’s Organizations, is Chornobyl Charity Bazaar, may send southeastern New York state and southwestern Connecticut. Indeed, some of the organizing at the United Nations donations to the Permanent Mission of folks who participate in Ukrainian community activities in Morris County, N.J., Headquarters the Chornobyl Charity Bazaar Ukraine (220 E. 51st St., New York, NY, already travel from these areas to take advantage of diverse activities for our youths, to commemorate the 18th anniversary of 10022); if you send a check, please indi- be it Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization and the Ukrainian American Youth the Chornobyl tragedy – the largest in scope cate that the payment is made to the Association (SUM), the School of Ukrainian Studies or the local folk dance groups and the gravest in consequences technologi- Permanent Mission of Ukraine for the that function under the aegis of the renowned Roma Pryma Bohachevsky. cal catastrophe of the 20th century. Chornobyl Bazaar. We would also like to The dream of a new community center in these parts (after all, we’re neighbors The purpose of this endeavor is not only invite donors to provide brief information since we are located just a few miles west on Route 10) is one of long standing. to mobilize additional funds to support med- about themselves, so that the list of bene- The community has experienced dynamic growth in recent years, outgrowing the ical institutions in Ukraine, which provide factors is properly presented to all guests lovely little church in Whippany. Its adjacent church hall is perpetually in use – on treatment for children from the Chornobyl and participants of this event at the United Mondays it’s SUM; Wednesdays it’s Plast; Thursdays it’s the folk dancers; zone, but also to renew international atten- Nations. Please notify the Permanent Saturdays it’s Plast again – and there are other groups and activities to boot, includ- tion to the problems of Chornobyl. Mission of Ukraine (telephone, (212) 759- ing the dedicated crew of cooks and bakers whose efforts are key in raising funds The participation of the Ukrainian com- 7003, ext. 100 or 117) about your inten- for the parish’s better tomorrow, and the hard-working volunteers of Dollar for munity in this important event has already tion to attend our joint event by April 22 Ukraine who are constantly sending aid packages to needy families in Ukraine. become a good tradition. We are very so that appropriate arrangements for It’s been a lengthy process to get to the point of the forthcoming groundbreak- grateful to all our friends for their fruitful receiving a pass to the U.N. building can ing for both the community center and the church. After a long search, a suitable cooperation demonstrated in the past, and be made in a timely manner. parcel was found and the land was purchased in April 2002. The kick-off to the we hope that it will continue this year. fund-raising campaign was held that November, with a banquet that celebrated Each of you can make individual contribu- – Permanent Mission of Ukraine both the 80th anniversary of St. John’s Parish and “the vision for a new church tions to the charity event in the form of to the United Nations and cultural center.” Since then, the support of many organizations has been made manifest as one after another signed on as members of the nascent Ukrainian Cultural Center. The member- ship list includes: the Iskra Ukrainian Folk Dance Ensemble, Selfreliance Ukrainian S. Res. 202: an update American Federal Credit Union, Plast, Lesia Ukrainka School of Ukrainian Studies, Below is a list of the current co-spon- Jon Corzine (D-N.J.) Children of Chornobyl Relief Fund, SUM, Plast-Pryiat and the Ukrainian Congress sors of Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell’s Paul Sarbanes (D-Md.) Committee of America (both its Morris County branch and its New Jersey State Senate Resolution 202, the resolution on Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) Council). An open invitation has been extended to all Ukrainian community groups to the Great Famine of 1932-1933 in John Kerry (D-Mass.) join. (For information we direct our readers to log on to www.uccnj.org.) Ukraine that unequivocally calls the Carl Levin (D-Mich.) Now the Ukrainian community of northern New Jersey is ready to celebrate Famine a genocide, which was intro- Wayne Allard (R-Colo.) the next milestone: the blessing of the land for the groundbreaking. April 25 will duced by the Colorado Republican on Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) be a special day with a divine liturgy beginning at 10:30 a.m. on the grounds of July 28, 2003. The senators are listed in Joseph Lieberman (D-Conn.) the existing church, to be followed at 1 p.m. by a procession of all community the order in which they signed on as co- Mark Dayton (D-Minn.) members and organizations to the new site for the blessing and a brief program. sponsors; any new sponsors are indicat- Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) Then it’s on to the nearby Ramada Hotel (the venue for many community func- ed by an asterisk. At present the resolu- Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) tions in this area, as it is situated to the east on Route 10) for cocktails at 3 p.m. tion’s sponsors include 10 Republicans Mary Landrieu (D-La.) and a 4 p.m. banquet featuring a cultural program presented by local Ukrainians. and 20 Democrats. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) And, thus, the community will rejoice during this season of rebirth at the ever The measure, whose offiicial title is Susan Collins (R-Maine) closer achievement of its common vision: a community center that will serve all “A resolution expressing the sense of Patty Murray (D-Wash.) Ukrainians regardless of their organizational, political or religious affiliation, a the Senate regarding the genocidal *Christopher J. Dodd (D-Conn.) community center that will be a home for our youth and community members of Ukraine Famine of 1932-1933,” was all ages for generations to come. referred to the Senate’s Committee on NB: Of the 19 members of the Foreign Relations on July 28, 2003, Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where it has been stalled. 10 are co-sponsors – Republicans Allen, Voinovich and Coleman, and April George Voinovich (R-Ohio) Democrats Biden (the ranking minori- Turning the pages back... Mike DeWine (R-Ohio) ty member), Sarbanes, Boxer, Kerry, George Allen (R-Va.) Feingold, Corzine and Dodd – of S. 12 Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) Res. 202, while nine committee mem- Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) bers – Republicans Richard Lugar (R- 2003 One year ago, on April 12, 2003, two score plus volunteers Norm Coleman (R-Minn.) Ind.), Chuck Hagel (Neb.), Lincoln arrived at Soyuzivka for the first Trailblazing Weekend at the Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) Chafee (R.I.), Sam Brownback (Kan.), resort of the Ukrainian National Association. They came not to Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) Michael Enzi (Wyo.), Lamar vacation or relax, but to work here in the Shawangunk Joe Biden (D-Del.) Alexander (Tenn.) and John Sununu Mountains. Armed with rakes, machetes, weed-whackers, chainsaws, pickaxes and shov- Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) (N.H.), and Democrats, Bill Nelson els, their task was to clear wilderness trails on the resort’s property, with a view toward Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) (Fla.) and Jay Rockefeller (W.Va.) – making them accessible for hikers, mountain bikers and others to enjoy Soyuzivka’s nat- Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) are not. Sen. Lugar is the Foreign ural beauty – and especially the mountaintop view from the resort’s waterfall. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) Relations Committee chairman. Nestor Paslawsky, Soyuzivka’s new director of hospitality services, a.k.a the resort’s manager, said that at the end of the day the volunteers had succeeded in clear- ing a 4-foot-wide trail to Soyuzivka’s waterfall. To celebrate their achievement, the trailblazers took “a victory photo” at the top of the mountain. U.S. removes advisory on financial transactions with Ukraine Two Soyuzivka stalwarts, Serge Nalywaiko and Andrew Olynec, had spent weeks prior to the day mapping out the trail using GPS. And they worked in the snow, to Embassy of Ukraine FinCEN Advisory 29, and has taken con- boot. Both men live in the area and are well-acquainted with Soyuzivka’s woods and crete steps to bring these reforms into effect. KYIV – On April 5, the U.S. State “the Gunks,” as the Shawangunk Mountains are known locally. Advisory Issue 29W of FinCEN notes: The work crew of 40 to 45 people who arrived for the Trailblazing Weekend Department of Treasury Financial Crimes “Because of the enactment of new laws included locals, as well as folks from farther afield – New Jersey, Connecticut, the Enforcement Network (FinCEN) withdrew and the beginning of effective implementa- New York City area, and Rochester and Syracuse, N.Y. All age groups were represent- its Advisory 29 and informed U.S. banks tion, enhanced scrutiny with respect to trans- ed, from Soyuzivka old-timers who had been there half a century ago when the resort and other financial institutions operating in actions involving Ukraine, as called for in first opened, to kids whose grandparents were among its first guests. the United States that enhanced scrutiny Advisory 29, is no longer necessary. Ukraine UNA Treasurer Roma Lisovich commented: “A big thank-you is due to everyone who with respect to transactions involving now has in place a counter-money launder- joined us. ... The weekend really seemed to instill in people a feeling of ownership and Ukraine which has lasted for two years is no ing system that generally meets international pride – this is, after all, their ‘oselia’ (resort).” Her words were seconded by Mr. longer necessary. standards, as reflected in the February 27, Paslawsky, who noted: “It was great to see the enthusiasm of the volunteers, and I was sur- According to FinCEN Advisory Issue 2004, decision of the Financial Action Task prised by the great turnout, ... I just want to offer thanks to everyone who came.” 29W, since FinCEN introduced enhanced Force on Money Laundering to remove scrutiny regime, Ukraine has enacted signifi- Ukraine from its list of countries that are Source: “Volunteers clear wilderness trails at Soyuzivka,” The Ukrainian Weekly, cant reforms to its counter-money launder- non-cooperative in the fight against money April 27, 2003, Vol. LXXI, No. 17. ing system, addressing the points noted in laundering.” No. 15 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2004 7 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Faces and Places not waste time exploring various sale options and providing themselves with by Myron B. Kuropas Moral integrity various stock options. Other institutions should take priority such as Selfreliance have managed to Dear Editor: successfully expand various services, and 1st Security clearly had the financial And so it is that on its 40th anniversary, resources to do so. What 1st Security did instead of celebratory congratulations, 1st not have was a president and a board of Gibson goes global moral integrity; unfortunately, they will- By the time you read this, Mel hand, had a cow. In the words of Security Federal Savings Bank in Chicago Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” Michael Grove in Times Online, “you succumbed to the corporate greed that is fully put their own personal interests ahead of those of the community that had will have become a worldwide event. can depict Jesus as a modern misfit, a so pervasive in today’s society. Thus far, thank God, hysterical predic- sexually confused, masochistically Ironically, a bank that established its entrusted them to do the right thing. Mr. Bandriwsky also mentions the tions of a rising tide of anti-Semitism by inclined, weak and uncertain figure as foundation with the hard-earned finan- Abe Foxman and Rabbi Marvin Heir Martin Scorsese did in ‘The Last cial resources of the World War II gener- Heritage Foundation and the support that have been totally bogus. The film has Temptation of Christ’ and you’re consid- ation, and subsequently grew to a it will provide for the hromada. We have been in American theaters for over a ered a genius.” (One critic praised Mr. remarkable, nearly half-billion-dollar to ask ourselves: Would not the month, and no incidents of anti-Semitism Scorsese’s effort as “one of the most balance sheet, will no longer be an inte- Ukrainian community in Chicago have have been reported. provocative, haunting and devout medi- gral part of the Chicago Ukrainian com- been better off had the bank remained a With some $300 million in revenue tations on spiritual sacrifice and com- munity. It is most unfortunate that it will true community bank without this foun- thus far, the smear campaign waged mitment ever made.”) But “make a film not be able to provide service as a dation? Secondly, how can we accept monetary support from a foundation against Mr. Gibson may have actually in which the central elements of Ukrainian bank for the latest group of helped promote his film. Ukrainian immigrants, the Fourth Wave. administered by the same people who Christian faith are treated reverently, shrewdly manipulated the business direc- As might be expected, leaders of faithfully and truly, without irony, sub- In its place will be an American institu- Islam have welcomed the film, which tion, MB Bank. tion of 1st Security to further their own version or mockery,” and you are shown personal wealth and ultimately led to the they believe underscores their grievances the door. Mr. Gibson had to pony up $30 1st Security’s actual initial move away against the Jews. According to Hamza from being a true Ukrainian community bank’s demise? How can we trust and million of his own money to produce the respect these people? Manzoor, secretary-general of the film because no one in Hollywood bank came several years earlier when the Islamic Action Front, “Jews are most bank’s president, Julian Kulas, along These same people are now hypocriti- would touch it. cally trying to justify themselves and upset with the movie because it reveals “The Passion of the Christ” has also with a like-minded board approved a their crimes against the prophets, the plan to convert the bank into a stock- delude the hromada into believing that exposed the growing divide between their actions were somehow good for the reformers and whoever contradicts their Jews and Christians in America regard- based, publicly traded institution. opinions.” Interestingly, since that time, this same overall well-being of the Ukrainian com- ing their respective religious beliefs. munity. Just like the executives of Tyco, The film won’t be shown in Israel. Christian leaders tend to respect Judaism board of directors has reaped very gener- “Given the damage he’s done to ous personal financial rewards from their WorldCom and Enron, the 1st Security and to support Israel. They condemn board and president placed their own Christian-Jewish relations, I wouldn’t anti-Semitism wherever and whenever it various stock options. As noted in SEC want to be Mel Gibson on Judgment self-interests above their moral duty and appears. According to Rabbi Daniel filings, Mr. Kulas alone has a trust Day,” opined Yossi Klein Halevi in the obligations to the entire Ukrainian com- Lapin, however, Jewish leaders have not account worth upwards of $10 million of Jerusalem Post. munity – the same community without reciprocated. They are either indifferent 1st Security shares. French Roman Catholic bishops, espe- whose support the bank would have to or defend films, books and articles In his Ukrainian Weekly article dated cially Cardinal Jean-Marie Lustiger, February 8, Paul Bandriwsky, the CEO never had survived in its infancy. that denigrate, mock and defame Let us not be fooled by the former believe the film could “exacerbate anti- of 1st Security, mentioned a “merger” of Semitism.” France has already experi- Christians, especially when these out- sorts with the MB Bank, and expansion directors and president of 1st Security rages are produced by Jews. When was Federal Savings Bank. Let them keep enced a sixfold jump in anti-Semitic acts of banking services which would thus be and threats from 2002 to 2003. the last time you read about a Jewish their ill-gotten monies and their Heritage facilitated. He also implied concern that Having seen the film, I must say it leader who defended Christian sensitivi- Foundation. Worthy Ukrainian organiza- people would possibly bank elsewhere if lives up to its rave reviews. It is a mas- ties against the pornographic, anti- tions will be able to secure donations services were not expanded. terpiece of cinematic art that presents Christian images that increasingly domi- from other generous donor sources. The Let me state this: If someone wants to Christ’s Passion as it has never been por- nate our culture? Ukrainian community needs to work on support and strongly believes in some- trayed before. People who were with me As I noted in my last column, long rebuilding trust in its leaders. Let this thing, then they will be loyal to that prin- in the theater wept, gasped and looked before Mr. Gibson there was our own bank fiasco also be a civics lesson to our ciple or belief. I personally banked with away during certain moments. artistic genius William Kurelek. His 160 children, as yet another example of what 1st Security for numerous years, many of Ukrainians I know who saw the film paintings depicting St. Matthew’s Gospel is right and what is wrong. To move for- which were prior to the Internet age. were left with much to think about. The are a masterpiece. They are available as ward as a society, we need to instill in Being an Army officer, I banked almost film is graphic. It is brutal. It does por- color reproductions in a beautiful art our children the importance of duty, exclusively from out-of-state, including a tray some Jews in a terrible light. But is book titled “The Passion of Christ.” year stationed in the DMZ in the honor and moral integrity. it anti-Semitic? Order your copy from The Niagara Falls Republic of Korea. Although it would As Father C. John McCloskey, direc- Art Gallery and Children’s Museum, Myron O. Bodnar, M.D. have been much more convenient to bank tor of the Catholic Information Center in 8058 Oakwood Drive, Niagara Falls, with a military credit union, I chose to Mequon, Wis. Washington, told Robert Novak: “If you Ontario L2E 6S5, for $50 plus $15 for bank with 1st Security because I support- find the Scriptures anti-Semitic, you’ll shipping/handling. ed the ideals on which it was founded. find the film anti-Semitic.” According to The fact that 1st Security was a Ukrainian Mr. Novak, “The ADL carries a heavy Myron Kuropas’s new e-mail address bank also was important to me. More on the merger burden in stirring religious strife about a is: [email protected]. I have this to say to Mr. Bandriwsky piece of entertain- and to the soon-to-be former board of involving 1st Security ment that, apart from directors: I have no such feelings for MB Dear Editor: its artistic value, is of Bank. Moreover, the Ukrainian commu- deep religious signif- nity had a Ukrainian bank, and now it is On Saturday, March 13, the 1st icance for believing gone thanks to all of you. There was no Security Federal Savings Bank held a Christians.” pressing need to take the bank public meeting to explain the merger with MB Mr. Foxman, Rabbi several years ago as you did, aside from Financial announced January 12. The Hier and other Ukrai- your desire, as well as the bank presi- meeting should have been held in nophobic Jews also dent’s apparent desire, for getting rich January, but it did allow the community slandered Mr. Gibson quickly and without much effort. to address issues in a public forum. for daring to assert If expanded services were needed, In essence the meeting encompassed that Ukrainians also then the bank board and its president the world view that “these are the best of suffered in the 1930s should have concentrated their efforts on and 1940s. For this developing a strategic plan to do so and (Continued on page 9) they should be de- nounced. Mr. Gibson’s film The Ukrainian Weekly welcomes letters to the editor and commentaries on a brought out the best variety of topics of concern to the Ukrainian American and Ukrainian and worst among Canadian communities. Opinions expressed by columnists, commentators America’s cultural and letter-writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of elite. Conservatives, either The Weekly editorial staff or its publisher, the Ukrainian National on the whole, were Association. either supportive of Mr. Gibson’s film or Letters should be typed (double-spaced) and signed; they must be originals, neutral. The Holly- not photocopies. The daytime phone number and address of the letter-writer wood Left and their must be given for verification purposes. champions in the A panel from William Kurelek’s series “The Passion of media, on the other Christ,” which encompasses 160 paintings. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2004 No. 15

tem,” explained Mr. Havrysh as he began uate Ukraine from the Jackson-Vanik Verkhovna Rada... the final debate. “We are preparing to imple- Ukrainian Days... amendment, as well as to erect a monu- (Continued from page 1) ment a European-based political system.” (Continued from page 1) ment to the victims of the Ukrainian Constitution,” Mr. Yushchenko began, his He said the business of constitutional the U.S. Capitol to walk the halls of Famine-Genocide in Washington.” Rep. voice booming with emotion as he change was an internal matter for Ukraine Congress, knock on the doors of their Levin encouraged the community to con- expressed the feeling of doom that most and its citizens, and discounted the need to respective members of Congress and tinue its longstanding work. oppositionist lawmakers echoed throughout listen to European organizations. acquaint them with issues that concern The morning breakfast session was the day before their quite unexpected victo- National Deputy Viktor Hubskyi, a mem- the Ukrainian American community. On followed by additional meetings with ry. ber of the Social Democratic United faction, Wednesday afternoon, meetings were various House and Senate offices: Sen. Mr. Yushchenko attacked President which had been among the most ardent of held in the following Congressional Rick Santorum (R-Pa.); Rep. Grace Leonid Kuchma, the president’s chief of the bill’s supporters, said the amendments offices: Sen. Thomas Carper (D-Del.); Napolitano (D-Calif.); Sen. Frank staff, Viktor Medvedchuk, and Communist would have delineated a clean line of Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-Pa.); Rep. Nita Lautenberg (D- N.J.); Sen. Joseph Party Chairman Petro Symonenko for coor- responsibility on all executive and legislative Lowey (D-N.Y.); Rep. Joseph Hoeffel Lieberman (D-Conn.); Sen. Hillary dinating what he called constitutional actions. (D-Pa.); Rep. Curt Weldon (R-Pa.); Sen. Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.); Rep. John Meanwhile, National Deputy Anatolii putsch. George Allen (R-Va.); and Sen. Diane Castle (R-Del.); and Sen. Carl Levin (D- Matvienko, a leader of Our Ukraine, remind- He also accused the Constitutional Court Feinstein (D-Calif.) Mich.). ed lawmakers that the Venetian Commission, of complicity for failing to live up to its That evening the Ukrainian Embassy When meeting the Ukrainian Days the international body of the Council of responsibilities and betraying the country in in Washington hosted a special reception delegates, Sen. Lautenberg greeted them Europe that reviews constitutional changes the process. He referred to a ruling in which for the Ukrainian Days participants, by saying “Slava Ukraini” (Glory to of its member-states, had given a negative the judicial body accepted as legal a parlia- where they were able to meet the Ukraine.) He also noted how important it opinion of the draft law, noting that it did not mentary vote on February 3, held after Ukrainian diplomatic corps in is for the Ukrainian American communi- adhere to basic constitutional requirements. Verkhovna Rada Chairman Volodymyr Washington and discuss their viewpoints ty to hold such functions and maintain He also reminded the lawmakers that the Lytvyn unexpectedly called a five-minute on the current situation and development uninterrupted contact with members of Council of Europe, along with representa- special session of the legislature to change a of U.S.-Ukraine relations. Congress. tives of many Western countries had passage of the draft legislation that originally The following day began with an early Of particular note was a very produc- questioned the advisability of undertaking had the president elected by the Parliament. morning breakfast meeting with repre- tive meeting with members of the extensive constitutional change only Mr. Yushchenko criticized the sentatives of the Congressional Michigan delegation with Sen. Levin, months before a presidential vote. Constitutional Court for not rejecting anoth- Ukrainian Caucus (CUC) held in the who keenly emphasized the importance The political landscape seemed to er parliamentary vote from December 24, Rayburn House Office Building. CUC of free and transparent presidential elec- have shifted in favor of the constitutional 2003, which approved the first reading of Co-Chairs Rep. Sander Levin (D-Mich.) tions in Ukraine. UCCA President amendments after the Verkhovna Rada the draft legislation, which proceeded by a and Rep. Weldon greeted the delegates Sawkiw mentioned the need for increased approved a law on the proportional elec- hand vote after the opposition did not allow and thanked the UCCA for organizing engagement of Ukraine at the highest for a procedurally correct electronic vote. tion of national deputies on March 26. U.S. governmental levels to bring atten- The law also lowered the hurdle that this timely event. In introducing the two “Where are you today, upholders of the congressional leaders of the CUC, Mr. tion to the democratic reforms process Ukrainian Constitution?” asked Mr. political parties will have to overcome to transpiring in Ukraine. The senator gain seats in the next Parliament to 3 per- Sawkiw acknowledged their commitment Yushchenko. and support for increased U.S.-Ukraine thanked the participants for their activism Mr. Yushchenko pleaded with Socialist cent. The Socialists and the Communists and mentioned that he is “supporting had maintained that a proportional elec- relations. faction leader Oleksander Moroz – who was “Their constant communication with efforts in the Senate to grant Ukraine per- once a central part of the opposition and led tion law was a key prerequisite for their manent normal trade relations (PNTR) support of the political reforms. the Ukrainian American community,” an unsuccessful effort to remove President [the Jackson-Vanik amendment],” adding, The highly publicized debates over stated Mr. Sawkiw, “indicates their deep Kuchma from office before aligning with “We ought to engage Ukraine in all changing Ukraine’s political system from commitment and strategic outlook in the Ukrainian president in support of politi- realms.” With that, the representatives one that favored a strong president to one enhancing the strategic partnership cal reform – to reject the constitutional from the community thanked Sen. Levin that would give more weight to a parlia- between Ukraine and the United States.” amendments. for his support of Ukrainian American mentary body had been a major issue Rep. Weldon welcomed the assembled National Deputy Moroz, in turn, ques- issues and wished him good fortune in his supported by the opposition since the late participants, stating that it is in indeed tioned why Mr. Yushchenko and Ms. many endeavors as ranking member of 1990s. Both the Rukh Party and the worthwhile to hold such events, which Tymoshenko could not support an amended the Senate Armed Services Committee. Socialist Party had at one time or another “emphasize how the community can be version of the political reform bill that he effective in promoting your concerns.” Ukrainian Days was a great success had proposed the previous evening. He said proposed political reforms. The congressman remarked that, judging by the praise of participants, the latest version included much of the origi- President Kuchma took the reins of the although there are several issues that members of Congress, as well as repre- nal reforms agreed upon among the process in an unwieldy manner when he encumber Ukraine’s democratic develop- sentatives of the participating think- Socialists, the Communists, the Our Ukraine proposed a national referendum that would ment, there are also many numerous pos- tanks. Further aspects of Ukrainian Days faction and the Tymoshenko faction in a have created a bicameral Parliament, itive aspects that should be considered” will be accomplished throughout the year joint memorandum they signed in revoked criminal immunity for lawmakers, when the U.S. formulates its foreign poli- as UNIS develops a framework for con- September 2003. and given the president the ability to dismiss cy toward Ukraine. He elaborated on the tacting various members of Congress at As the final vote took place, several thou- the Parliament under certain circumstances. role Ukraine played in getting Libya to the local levels to continue advocating sand oppositionist supporters – some of The national referendum, which over- denounce its weapons of mass destruc- the concerns of the community. whom had camped for several days in whelmingly supported the changes, even UNIS plans to hold Ukrainian Days as Mariinsky Park outside the Verkhovna Rada though most international observers serious- tion (WMD) program. an annual advocacy event with an even Building – chanted anti-Kuchma slogans ly questioned its validity – died a slow death Rep. Levin acknowledged the impor- and waved placards critical of the parlia- in the Verkhovna Rada when two succeed- tance of holding advocacy days in greater number of community partici- mentary majority, which had relentlessly ing parliamentary sessions failed to ratify the Washington to ensure that the Ukrainian pants in the future. For more information driven the constitutional changes through various resolutions approved by the community’s agenda is always on the readers may contact the Ukrainian the legislative process, sometimes in a ques- Ukrainian citizenry. radar screen. “Let me add,” continued National Information Service at (202) tionable manner. President Kuchma then surprised the Rep. Levin, “that we [Members of 547-0018, or visit its website at The day did not begin as optimistically nation on August 24, 2002, the 11th anniver- Congress] are diligently working to grad- http://www.ucca.org/unis. for the Our Ukraine faction as it ended. sary of Ukraine’s independence, when he put forward the initial version of a second Members of the political bloc had problems Kuchma by sending our servicemen to a effort to change the Constitution of Ukraine with their mobile phones and Internet web- faraway country to protect American sites, which the lawmakers charged and create a political system as he foresaw it. Ukrainian soldier... (Continued from page 1) rather than Ukrainian national interests, Ukrainian law enforcement and security The constitutional reform proposal went must answer to the people,” argued Mr. forces with purposely blocking. Our Ukraine through several iterations and was again Kut to pre-empt plans by the rebel forces Alekseyev. and the Tymoshenko factions also accused declared basically dead when it failed to find to do so, according to Interfax-Ukraine. Another lawmaker, Ihor Ostash of the the government of allowing unauthorized support in the Verkhovna Rada before the On April 7, Interfax-Ukraine reported state security forces, in the person of 37 2003 summer recess. that the U.S. authority in Iraq had ordered Our Ukraine faction, said that before plain clothes officers, of gaining access to However, President Kuchma found a way that the Ukrainian peacekeepers return to such a vote takes place the national the Verkhovna Rada to influence the legisla- to revive it after spending a good deal of their base camp near the Al Kut airport after deputies needed to hear from Minister of tive proceedings. time on developing a compromise plan with they again took mortar fire the day after the Defense Yevhen Marchuk. Mr. Ostash Rada Chairman Lytvyn, after asking for a the leaders of the pro-presidential factions original battle with rebel forces. The retreat, noted that the Parliament had agreed to review of the allegations, confirmed the offi- and adding the Socialists and the in effect, ceded the city to the rebels. send Ukrainian peacekeepers in a non- cers were simply students from the state Communists to the political mix. That docu- Ukrainian National Deputy Ihor combat role, a situation that may no security force in the building for a round of ment became the basis for the constitutional Alekseyev of the Communist faction, longer be realistic, especially if Iraq dis- training exercises. amendments that seemed headed for who is the main author of the bill to with- integrates further into civil war. National Deputy Stepan Havrysh, head of approval by a comfortable margin on April 8 draw the Ukrainian peacekeeping contin- The U.S. Embassy issued a press the ad hoc parliamentary committee charged before coming up only six votes short. gent from Iraq, criticized President release on April 6 in which it expressed with guiding the draft legislation through While the pro-presidential forces’ defeat Leonid Kuchma and the pro-presidential its “sincere condolences” for the death of for the majority coalition, at the onset of the does not mean that political reform is dead forces in the Verkhovna Rada, as well as “Ukrainian peacekeeper Pvt. day had called it the historic climax of a long in Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian the Our Ukraine opposition faction for Androshchuk and the injury of five of his process – an indication of just how confident Constitution the Verkhovna Rada cannot allowing Ukrainian troops to become part fellow soldiers.” the pro-presidential majority coalition had consider further draft legislation again until of the quagmire in Iraq. “We appreciate the sacrifice that they been of the political reform package’s pas- the next session. That session is not sched- “The day has come when the national have made for the cause of peace and sage. uled to begin until mid-September, a month deputies representing the pro-presidential democracy in Iraq, and reiterate our “Today we are bringing to a conclusion a and a half before the October 31 presidential majority and the Our Ukraine coalition, thanks to Ukraine for its role in Iraq,” five-year effort to reform our political sys- election. which supported the U.S. and President read the statement. No. 15 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2004 9 Ukrainian toddler now in the U.S. undergoes second surgical procedure by Andrew Nynka pediatric ward of Kyiv’s Children’s Hospital No. 2 a year ago and left a fifth PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Far removed child with permanent brain damage. from their home in Ukraine, Vera While doctors in Ukraine, who origi- Tkachuk and her 20-month-old daughter nally inserted the artificial breathing Mariyka have spent the past several tube, helped Mariyka survive the bacteri- weeks living in the United States hoping al infection, there was little they could do that a Ukrainian American doctor can to open an airway in the child’s nose, help little Mariyka recover from a bacter- much less perform any reconstructive ial infection that once threatened her life and left her physically scarred. surgery to repair Mariyka’s nose. The goal of a second surgical proce- In the first of what he estimates will be dure for Mariyka – to allow her to regain a series of surgical procedures to help use of her paralyzed vocal cords and Mariyka, Dr. Slupchynskyj traveled to remove the artificial airway that was Ukraine last year to reopen a nasal pas- placed in her throat over a year ago after sageway by inserting a metal stent in the she contracted a rare bacterial infection child’s nose. The second surgery at the in her native Kyiv – was postponed dur- New York Eye and Ear Infirmary on ing a surgical procedure on March 30 March 30 of this year was to have after a Ukrainian American doctor found removed Mariyka’s artificial airway and, yet another complication with the child. Dr. Slupchynskyj said, would have While at the New York Eye and Ear allowed her to begin speaking again. Lisa Milanytch Infirmary in New York City, Dr. Oleh Dr. Slupchynskyj said the procedure Vera Tkachuk and her daughter Mariyka sit together for a photo in the Kyiv office Slupchynskyj, the Ukrainian American was to have included two sections, a of the Children of Chornobyl Relief Fund prior to their departure for the doctor who performed what became a diagnostic portion to evaluate the child’s United States. two-hour diagnostic operation for free, condition, and a surgical procedure to discovered that Mariyka’s windpipe nar- remove the artificial airway and repair Burachinsky family in New Jersey until Slupchynskyj said. rowed and would first need to be correct- the child’s vocal cords. It was during the the surgery to remove the artificial air- Dr. Slupchynskyj and his Aesthetic ed by enlarging that passageway before diagnostic procedure that the Ukrainian way takes place. Dr. Slupchynskyj told Institute of New York, which has a histo- any other surgical procedures could take American doctor first learned that The Weekly in a telephone interview that ry of facial reconstruction work, appear place. Mariyka’s narrow windpipe would need the third surgery for Mariyka would not committed to helping Mariyka further as In February 2003 The Ukrainian to be made wider. take place until at least May 14. The she must still undergo other surgical pro- Weekly reported that a mysterious virus Dr. Slupchynskyj estimated that the doctor and the Children of Chornobyl cedures to remove the artificial breathing slowly consumed the cartilage in young next surgery will cost $15,000, but he Relief Fund, who have worked together channel in her throat. Additionally, Dr. Mariyka’s nose, forcing doctors to surgi- said that doctors might encounter further to find funding to pay for Mariyka’s Slupchynskyj said, the ultimate goal is cally insert a breathing tube in the unforeseen difficulties that could drive medical and travel expenses, said that a also to reconstruct Mariyka’s nose so that infant’s throat in order for her to breath. the cost of the procedure as high as procedure prior to mid-May was not pos- she can lead a normal life. The toddler has spent much of her life $50,000. sible because of the preparation still The Children of Chornobyl Relief breathing through a tube in her throat that While in the United States, Mariyka needed for such a surgery. Fund, a New Jersey-based humanitarian and her mother Vera, 24, have been stay- allows air to reach her lungs, but that Dr. Slupchynskyj said there could be aid organization, has set up a fund for the ing with the Burachinsky family in tube must be cleaned and maintained “a hundred reasons why she could have child called The Mariyka Fund. For Florham Park, N.J., while the child’s daily. vocal paralysis,” but the doctor explained more information or to donate to the fund The virus, which physically scarred father, Serhiy, has remained in Ukraine that it did not occur as a result of any- contact CCRF, 272 Old Short Hills Road, Mariyka and left her with a closed nasal because of the financial constraints of thing that doctors in Ukrainian originally Short Hills, NJ 07080; phone, (973) 376- passage and a badly disfigured nose, also traveling to the United States. did for Mariyka. “Everything they did in 5140; fax, (973) 376-4988; e-mail, took the lives of four other infants in the The Tkachuks will stay with the Ukraine [for Mariyka] was right,” Dr. [email protected].

merger was actually done for altruistic More on the merger... reasons, what role did a financial wind- (Continued from page 7) fall play for the decision-makers? In times, and yet they are the worst of other words, would the same decision be times.” President Julian Kulas explained made if incentives, stock options, etc. that in 2003, the bank did very well, were not a factor? however, the times will get very difficult The key point that was not addressed was: Who actually gained from this in the future. Thus the board decided to Appears May 2 in The Ukrainian Weekly financial transaction? Yes, we know that A Ukrainian Summer merge. It is a matter of definition if this the stock was $35.25 and if one partici- was a merger or a sale, for consistency pated in the initial public offering at $10 Travel to Ukraine and learn about your heritage... we will continue with the term “merger.” a share then you made $25.25. Yes, this In previous annual reports, there were no is good for shareholders, but this is the Focus on Ukrainian studies, and earn college credit... dire warnings to the community, every- end of a bank as we know it. Did the thing seemed to be on track. Suddenly, in Or relax and enjoy the activities directors gain from this transaction? How a very short period of time, a merger was much was the capital gain? How many at the ever-popular Soyuzivka... needed. shares did each director get for being on Mr. Kulas explained that the demo- the board? This was not discussed, nor graphics have changed in the community were questions answered. Eventually the How will you enjoy your Ukrainian summer? and that there is an “invasion” of banks facts will surface. Read our special section for information from those in the into the community. For the bank to sus- After Mr. Kulas finished speaking, the know on great destinations and unique activities! tain itself in the present form would have president of the board, Paul been very difficult. During the discus- Nadzikewycz stated that there was no DITORIAL DVERTISING EADLINE PRIL sions, Luka Kostelyna asked how the undue influence. The directors all sup- E & A D : A 16 UBMIT ARTICLES ON UPCOMING SUMMER CAMPS COURSES other banks plan to compete. Lew ported the decision to “merge.” However, S , , Bodnar asked why the community was when the directors were asked by the WORKSHOPS AND OTHER EVENTS (NOT MORE THAN 250 WORDS, not forewarned that this was taking place. president to defend their decision, not TYPED AND DOUBLE-SPACED) PLUS PHOTOS. The issue of retirements came up, as sev- one director got up to the microphone. It TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A FREE ONE-LINE LISTING IN OUR SUMMER eral key members of the staff plan to was an interesting picture that spoke vol- EVENTS CALENDAR (INDICATE DATE, TYPE OF EVENT AND PLACE). retire, including Mr. Kulas. Did a lack of umes. a succession plan drive the deal? The disposition of this venerable insti- SEND EDITORIAL COPY TO: According to Paul Bandriwsky, the tution that had served the Ukrainian THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY chief operating officer, 1st Security has American community so well in Chicago 2200 ROUTE 10, P.O. BOX 280, assets close to $500 million with a $75 was a shock to many. Integrity is to do PARSIPPANY, NJ 07054 million reserve. This makes the bank the what’s right, legally and morally. No one OR E-MAIL IT TO: [email protected] seventh largest thrift in Chicago. On the can fault the legal aspects. Maybe the other hand, Mr. Bandriwsky noted in pre- community should have inserted a “no OR DVERTISING ATES NFORMATION vious article that “Ukrainians ... have a sell” clause, but that is hindsight. Each of F A R & I : ALL XT reluctance to let go of something that the directors will have to do an introspec- C 973-292-9800 (E . 3040) they have if it is not sustainable.” tive analysis about the moral component The question that was not answered at of this deal the meeting is: What is sustainable? Is the sky really falling? Would the compe- Roman G. Golash tition actually destroy the bank? If the Palatine, Ill. THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2004 No. 15 No. 15 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2004 11

Yonkers Krylati win indoor soccer tournament hosted by Stamford Levy by Mark Howansky from each group, played against the sec- ond place team from the other group. The STAMFORD, Conn. – The Stamford results were as follows: Sitch vs. Slovaks, Levy (Lions) sport club hosted the first 5:4 (overtime); and Krylati vs. Levy, 3:0 ever Slovianskyn Futsal Tournament at In the third-place game, the Stamford the St. Basil’s Seminary gymnasium here Slovaks beat Stamford Levy 3:1 to take on Sunday, February 22. Six teams from the trophy. Connecticut, New York and New Jersey In the final, Yonkers Krylati beat Newark took part in the successful indoor soccer Sitch 5:0 to win the first ever Stamford tournament. Stamford Levy is a six-year- Slovianskyi Futsal Championship. old club, founded by former St. Basil’s Ivan Kopytchak (Krylati) was named seminarians. the tournament’s most valuable player The six teams were split (by a random (MVP) and Roman Grynkiv (Krylati) draw) into two groups for the prelimary was named the tournament’s best goalie. round as follows: Group 1 – Stamford, The Yonkers Krylati roster included: Conn., Levy; Newark, N.J., Dima Dudnik, Roman Grynkiv (goalie), Chornomorska Sitch, and Spring Valley, Mark Howansky, Sergei Kazakov, Ivan N.Y., Lviv; and Group 2 – Yonkers, N.Y., Krylati; Coppaigue, N.Y., Vatra; and Kopytchak, Bohdan Lonevsky and Stamford, Conn., Slovaks. Slavko Turko. The Newark Sitch roster comprised: The preliminary group results and The champions, the Yonkers Krylati team, with the indoor soccer (futsal) tourna- Dusan Friga, Stepan Kolodiy, Andrew standings were as follows: ment’s organizers. Nynka, Damian Olesnycky, Andrij Panas, Group 1 results Cristian Pardo, Vlad Shteynberg, Marcel Levy vs. Sitch, 2:3 Simon (goalie), Dima Tereshchuk and Lviv vs. Levy, 1:1 Mark Vitvitsky. Sitch vs. Lviv, 2:0 The Stamford Levy club were recog- nized for a job well done in organizing Group 2 results this tournament, especially club officers Krylati vs. Vatra, 9:3 Dino Angelov, Yurij Strus and Ihor Slovaks vs. Kryalti, 4:4 “Heineken” Mironov. Thanks were also Vatra vs. Slovaks, 5:5 given to the referee, Vasyl Berzhanskyy, In the semifinals, the first place team for doing a very fair job.

GROUP 1 STANDINGS

Team Points Wins Losses Ties GF GA +/- Sitch 6 2 0 0 5 2 +3 Lviv 1 0 1 1 1 3 -2 Levy 1 0 1 1 3 4 -1

GROUP 2 STANDINGS The Newark Chornomorska Sitch team, which took second place in the tournament. Team Points Wins Losses Ties GF GA +/- Krylati 4 1 0 1 13 7 +6 Slovaks 2 0 0 2 9 9 0 Vatra 1 0 1 1 8 14 -6

No. 15 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2004 13

A weekend in the Ukrainian East Village: culture and collaboration by Roksolana Luchkan which took you to Ukrainian villages, traveling musicians, stopping from “selo” NEW YORK – Living in the East (village) to selo with their beautiful Village on Second Avenue and St. Marks wooden string instruments – pied pipers can sometimes be very much like living of a sort enchanting villagers with incan- in a “traditional village.” tations inspired from religious epics OK, so there are no cows in the pasture, passed on from land to land. there’s no village square, there ain’t any maidens fetching water at the well. There Friday Night, 9:30, at Joe’s Pub is, however, the support of living in a com- munity with people of the same back- After a quick wine and cheese recep- ground, culture and influences. During the tion at Mayana, it was time to duck out weekend of March 26-28 in particular I onto Second Avenue, a few blocks west experienced the wonderful result of to Lafayette Street and through the doors inspired artists who attend each other’s of Joe’s Pub for a 9:30 p.m. performance. shows, write together, rehearse together, Mariana Sadovska was in town from inspire each other and bring a neighbor- Germany, where she currently resides. hood and culture together through their art. Mariana has spent approximately the It is important to note that these artists last 10 years traveling around Ukraine, have also attracted a following outside of collecting songs from grandmothers in the traditional Ukrainian community. villages from Chernihiv to They blend influences from other cultures Dnipropetrovsk, interpreting them and that draw an ethnically diverse following, performing them from Poland, to and in this sense they are true artistic Germany, to Canada, to here in New ambassadors of Ukrainian music and art. York. Gogol Bordello performs with Buryat throat singers at Irving Plaza. Over that weekend I attended four I first met Mariana when I attended shows in three days, jumping Friday her singing workshop at the Ukrainian to tours across Europe and the U.S., gypsy dancers, unmistakable ethnic from a music recital at the Mayana Institute of America. I took my mother Gogol Bordello has made an impact on sounds, stage-diving, mike-climbing, Gallery to a lounge act at Joe’s Pub, to a along as mama is a bit of a songbird her- the NYC hipster crowd and way beyond. vodka-swilling, passport villain – it’s all gypsy punk show at Irving Plaza on self. Mama turned to me during one of The group takes inspiration from writers part of the experience. Saturday and on to a theater production the songs and said “Your grandmother, such as Nikolai Gogol as well as Mikhail Opening for Gogol were the Buryat at La Mama on Sunday night. my mama, used to sing this very song Bulgakov, particularly Bulgakov’s novel throat singers Uragsha. Sound familiar? All performances were a few blocks herself. She used to gather with other “Master and Margerita” – the devil has Yes these are the same Buryats that have from each other, all were unique, all were women in a valley, filling it with song.” certainly come to town! performed with Yara Arts Group, whose by young Ukrainian artists with ethnic That was how women in my grandmoth- This unique band is paving the way in founder Virlana Tkacz, introduced Buryat roots, and all performances were by, with er’s village entertained themselves and incorporating global sounds and mixing to Gypsy in past Yara productions such as or from “the Ukrainian East Village.” passed on stories. “This Mariana is the up mayhem from all corners of the globe. “The Circle.” The Buryats opened the real thing,” she said. Frontman Euguene Hutz, a Ukrainian Friday Night, 7:30, Mayana Gallery show to a screaming crowd full of energy Mariana’s love for her craft is unmis- refugee cum-reluctant model, cum-poet, and anticipation. The evening continued Mayana Gallery is a very tiny gallery takable. She tells her stories with a strong cum-writer, dj, elusive icon – spins a with colorful costumes, musical acrobats at 136 Second Ave. between St. Mark’s and soulful voice. Mariana uses open- whirlwind of underdog tales. Hutz is and surprise guests. Was that Victoria Place and Ninth Street. The gallery, throated sounds from an old technique in joined by a Russian fiddler, Jewish gui- Hanna from Jerusalem on stage with which is located on the fourth floor, Ukraine known as “white voice” (bilyi tarist, Israeli saxophonist and American- Hutz? A flashback to Mariana’s show on exhibits painting, sketches, photographs holos). Ornamentations that quiver on the born drummer. Knee-slapping, beat-hap- and other visual art. Mayana is run by endnotes of her singing emphasize the pening, colorful antics, ballerinas and (Continued on page 16) ceramics artist Slava Gerulak and folk- rural richness of her tales. Mariana is lorist and East Village community chron- powerful, yet has a bird like gentle quali- icler Lavrentia Turkevych. Mayana is ty. If you could compare her to anyone, also the home of the Ukrainian Arts and perhaps it would be to the Icelandic Xth Clinical Congress Literary Club and on occasion a perform- Bjork, whose childlike face sometimes ance space. contradicts the enormity of her voice and On Friday night after a drink at lyrics. World Federation of Ukrainian Medical Associations Dibrova, the Ukrainian social club on the Using her voice to tell the story Mariana first floor of 136 Second Ave., I trotted up explains in her melodic accent one folk (WFUMA) the steps to Mayana. The performance that tale about a young boy in the woods with evening was organized by Julian Kytasty his grandfather, or “didus.” The young boy invites all Ukrainian physicians to participate in the proceedings of and sponsored by the New York Bandura is separated from his grandfather and in the Xth Congress of WFUMA to be held in the city of Chernivtsi, Ukraine Ensemble as part of its “Bandura calling out to him he changes himself into 26 - 28 of August 2004 Downtown” series. “Jules,” as he’s known a bird. The boy’s calling sounds turn into the sounds of a bird: “didusiu, didusiu, among his fellow artists and peers, has Scientific Program been keeping alive the ancient art of ban- kuku-uy, kuku-uy.” Fittingly, the songbird dura playing in our community. He’s the voice within her resonates the sounds of 1. Technological developments in medicine. baroque troubadour of the East Village, birds in the forest. She manipulates her voice to capture the sounds of nature and a 2. HIV/AIDS and the prevention of HIV infection revitalizing Ukrainian music which other- in children in Ukraine. wise could be lost in the flood of time. magical night when plants come to life and When he’s not in Poland or Ukraine, spirits mix with young peasant girls in 3. Contemporary ecological influences on clinical issues. or London, or Canada, he’s often found search of a lover to celebrate the pagan 4. Integrating science and tradition – based medicine. here performing in the “Bandura holiday of Kupalo. 5. Family practice, quality standards, health insurance Downtown Series” or playing free In her performance Mariana was and hospice organization. accompanied by the Jorgi Quartet improvisation sets with New York musi- 6. Public health and public medical societies. cians at venues like Tonic and ABC (Kwartet Jorgi), from Poland. Their funky NoRio. Coming from a long line of ban- jazz blended with ecstatic piping of vari- dura players, Julian often incorporates ous forms of the sopilka added to the Further information about the Congress historical details in his program as he energy of the sets. Mariana also included and details for Abstract submission are at talks about his family, the Kyievo- singer Victoria Hanna from Jerusalem, as www.sfult.org.ua or www.umana.org Mohylianska Academia in Ukraine and well as musicians Anthony Coleman and Doug Wieselman from New York. the tradition of blind bandura players. In Presentation abstracts are invited for electronic submission; between picking on his bandura, he’ll Saturday night, 9, at Irving Plaza take out a sopilka (wooden flute) or sing MS Word files may be sent to: a few old Kozak verses. Saturday night and Gogol Bordello are [email protected], [email protected] This evening, ominously titled playing at Irving Plaza in Union Square. “Strashnyi Sud’ (Judgment Day), was a I am now on the periphery of the East The deadline for abstract submission is Monday, May 1, 2004. special performance of a rarely heard Village. My friends and I bought tickets For travel arrangements and hotel reservations please contact: repertoire: the penitential songs of Great to the show in advance because last year Lent. Julian was accompanied by baroque this happening band sold out! Scope Travel Agency, 1605 Springfield Avenue, Maplewood, NJ 07040, lute player Roman Turovsky and vocalist This “Ukrainian Gypsy Punk Cabaret,” Tel: (800) 343-7267 or (973) 378-8998; Fax: (973) 378-7906, Natalia Honcharenko. The concert was as they are often described, is an experi- www.scopetravel.com based on Ukrainian compositions (kanty) ence not to be compared. Their under- [email protected] from the 17th and 18th centuries, counter- ground popularity has soared in New pointed with similar songs collected a York City. Beginning with the Bulgarian Welcome to Chernivsti! hundred years ago from the blind lirnyky Bar to performances at West End Theater, and kobzari. A baroque evocation, sounds Bowery Ballroom, North Six in Brooklyn 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2004 No. 15

THE ART WORLD: Kazimir Malevich and Ukraine by Myroslava M. Mudrak jects and plein-aire methods of painting predisposed the young Malevich toward subjects that would occupy him throughout his Rarely can we, as Ukrainians, make a claim on a modern artist life – the peasant engaged in some form of outdoor activity. of such art historical importance as Kazimir Malevich. Malevich From a formal standpoint, Pymonenko also taught Malevich was not only one of the principal abstract painters to emerge in to take stock of the way that sunlight isolates color in nature, and the early 20th century, but by taking abstraction to its pure, non- how nature, illuminated by the energy of the sun, can create the representational end, he irreversably changed the course of mod- illusion of reality. In 1913, as Malevich was turning more deci- ern art. sively toward abstract art and shedding all illusionistic devices Indeed, as controversial as was his work, this was an artist not cultivated by academic painters, he collaborated with fellow to be ignored during his lifetime; even more impressive is the avant-garde artists and poets on a performative project in evidence of his enduring influence: well after his death in 1935, Petrograd, a Futurist opera whose central theme was to capture the spirit of Malevich could be identified in the minimalism of and imprison the sun. Malevich’s sets and costumes for the pro- the 1960s and 1970s and continues to linger in post-modernist duction of “Victory Over the Sun” were created in the new cubo- orientations around the world today. futurist style of flattened planes, angled shapes and bright colors. Cubo-futurism, in the way that Malevich adapted it to his art, was explored in Ukraine primarily by two Kyiv painters: Oleksandra Exter and Oleksander Bohomazov. Exter was the Prof. Myroslava M. Mudrak premier catalyzer of avant-garde activity in Kyiv art circles. She organized exhibitions and an art school, and drew young Kyiv artists into her progressive circle. Continuing Malevich’s enduring interest in peasant culture, Exter probed the cottage Myroslava M. Mudrak: industry of Ukrainian folk arts, conducted at various art colonies outlying Kyiv as a way of preserving the folk arts in artA recipienthistory of professorthe Ohio State the face of industrialization. There Exter discovered the poten- University Alumnae Distinguished tial of appliqué fabric motifs to define an indigenous abstract Teaching Award (1998), Prof. art. Where Malevich’s inspiration from Ukraine was more con- Myroslava M. Mudrak has devoted her ceptual and “spiritual” in nature, Exter succeeded in establish- scholarly interests to the study of art in ing a practical link with peasant art – one responsive to the cur- East Central Europe, Ukraine and rent cultural and technological demands. Russia. She concentrates mostly on the In the years of civil strife and early independence in 1918- modernist period of the early 20th cen- 1919, she brought together some of the best artistic talent of tury, with expertise in Russian and Kyiv, including Anatol Petrytskyi and Vadym Meller, to work for Soviet avant-garde, modern art between the theater. The designs of these artists represented a forceful the two world wars, early 20th century blend of cubist-inspired collage, swirling futurist-derived abstraction and Soviet Realism and art dynamic rhythms, and an exuberant color sense that enlivened under totalitarianism. the stage. The marriage of Exter’s avant-garde scenographers Prof. Mudrak’s seminal work, ‘New and Ukrainian theater in the 1920s (the most experimental being Generation’ and Artistic Modernism in Les Kurbas’ Berezil) contributed to the revitalization of Ukraine (1986), was awarded the Ukrainian culture during the 1920s. Kovaliw Prize for Ukrainian Studies. Exter’s pedagogic influence was most demonstrably asserted As a Fulbright scholar she spent in the life and work of Oleksander Bohomazov. During 1913- extended research periods in Czecho- 1914, as Malevich worked on “Victory Over the Sun,” Slovakia and Poland, and, when in the Bohomazov, living in the outskirts of Kyiv, was writing a treatise Soviet Union during 1977-1978, she analyzing the function of the component parts of painting. His was instrumental in uncovering the dis- theoretical tract, “Painting and Elements,” was never published sident currents of artistic expression in “Head of a Peasant,” 1928-1832. (the manuscript is currently housed in the Ukrainian State Ukraine during the seemingly stagnant Museum Archive of Literature and Art), but belongs to a genre That Malevich’s life began in Ukraine, and that he was reared years of Brezhnev’s repressive rule (see of modernist writings generated by artists themselves. These in the aesthetics of Ukrainian folk art, argues for the importance “Contemporary Art From the Ukraine,” artists-theorists – among them Kandinsky, Mondrian, Malevich of attaching Malevich more closely to Ukrainian culture than has 1979). and Bohomazov – addressed both the philosophical necessity previously been acknowledged. His abstract visual language and An active participant at professional and the new thought processes in the making of modern art. non-objective (non-figurative) art called Suprematism (which he meetings, she has given papers on top- Common threads weave through the plethora of writings to invented in 1915) drew on the simple values of peasant life. ics as diverse as “Photomontage in East emerge at this time, making for a compelling case of zeitgeist. The Suprematist style, represented by the “Black Square on a European Art,” “The Semiotics of The overlapping ideas between Bohomazov and Malevich, White Background,” was defined by free-floating geometric Suprematism in Slovenian Contem- and especially their shared commitment to the square as the forms occupying a seemingly infinite white field. It was the porary Art,” and “Boichukism and the totality of all visual form, makes their kinship all the more pro- result of an artistic process that distilled form into its most basic Neo-Byzantine School of Modern nounced. That both of them would go on to teach at the newly elements in order to create an uncomplicated and direct language Painting.” established institutions for artistic training in the post-Revolution of visual communication. Suprematism was rooted in the simple Prof. Mudrak, who earned her Ph.D. period, reinforces the concordance between the two. values and aesthetics of peasant folk. degree at the University of Texas at However, Bohomazov’s and Malevich’s paths wouldn’t actu- For Ukrainians, it is easy to understand how Malevich could Austin, is interim chairperson and asso- ally cross until Malevich was hired to teach at the Kyiv Art have derived his essentialized shapes from the ubiquity of black- ciate professor at the department of his- Institute in 1928. The institute evolved out of the Ukrainian tory of art at the Ohio State University and-red cross-stitch embroidery and the striking rectilinear Academy of Arts that was formed in 1918 by Mykhailo facades of pristinely white-washed village houses and stuccoed in Columbus. Prof. Mudrak took part in a two-day hearths. As Malevich’s father, a sugar mill worker, moved his (Continued on page 15) family from one sugar beet plantation to another, the rural way international conference devoted to the of life in Ukraine became deeply imbedded in the consciousness theme of “Rethinking Malevich” organ- ized by the New York-based Malevich of the observant young Malevich. Society in celebration of the 125th In his autobiography, Malevich describes in vivid detail how anniversary of Kazimir Malevich’s much he was taken with village handicrafts and the adornment of birth (1878-1935). The conference was simple houses. His childhood experience in Ukraine established held February 6-7, at the Graduate a strong foundation for his peasant paintings of the 1910s, even- School and University Center of the tually culminating in the pure geometries of Suprematism. In the City University of New York (see The latter part of his life, as Malevich undertook what has come to be Weekly, February 1). Prof. Mudrak’s known as his “second peasant cycle,” Malevich would once presentation, titled “Malevich and His again return to these colorful folk art traditions, this time derived Ukrainian Contemporaries,” offered an from the frame-in-frame motifs of native weavings (kylyms) and analysis of the Ukrainian context that the stripes of solid hues in woven cloth. may have informed three separate The recent conference on “Rethinking Malevich,” held in formative periods of Malevich’s art, New York in early February, occasioned a consideration of what with consideration given to Malevich’s other Ukrainian influences may have operated on Malevich dur- first teacher, Mykola Pymonenko, the ing his extremely varied and productive life. It is possible to Kyiv Cubo-Futurist Oleksander identify several phases of critical Ukrainian influence on Bohomazov and Malevich’s fellow Malevich’s development beyond his childhood immersion in teacher at the Kyiv Institute of Art, Ukrainian folk culture. Mykhailo Boichuk. Before moving from Kyiv to Kursk in 1896, and well before Prof. Mudrak delivered an illustrated entering the Studio of Rerberg in Moscow, Malevich had also presentation on Malevich’s formative come under the influence of Kyiv painter (and academician) periods in Ukraine at the Shevchenko Mykola Pymonenko (1862-1912), Malevich’s first formal art Scientific Society on February 8, at the teacher who taught at the only school for artists in Kyiv – the invitation of the society and The Murashko Drawing School. As a painter trained in the naturalis- Ukrainian Museum of New York. tic tenets of 19th century academism, Pymonenko’s genre sub- “Reaper,” 1928-1932. No. 15 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2004 15 Pianist Valentina Lisitsa performs in TWG Cultural Fund Music Series by Yaro Bihun Companella” and “Second Hungarian Rhapsody,” and Chopin’s “Minute Waltz.” WASHINGTON – “... She has infalli- Welcoming the audience at the begin- ble fingers, imagination and a control of ning of the concert, TWG Cultural Fund dynamics ... (her) technique glitters like Director Laryssa Courtney indicated that cut glass...(her) soft passages were so the concert was dedicated to two of delicate, you were afraid to breathe ... Ukraine’s cultural giants whose birthdays she does not settle for mere technical dis- are celebrated in March – poet Taras play, but makes genuine music. ...” Shevchenko, who breathed life into the That is how the music critics of the Ukrainian language and literature in the Baltimore Sun, Chicago Tribune, Chicago 19th century, and Mykola Lysenko, the fea- Sun Times and the Sun Sentinel wrote about tured composer who is known as the father the artistry of pianist Valentina Lisitsa after of the Ukrainian national school of music. her performances in their cities. And, judg- In attendance at the concert was ing by the exceptionally warm welcome she Ukraine’s ambassador to the U.S., received during her recent appearance here, Mykhailo Reznik and his wife, Iryna. most, if not all, of the Washington-area audi- The TWG Cultural Fund’s Music Series ence would agree with them. is conducted under the patronage of the In her concert program on March 14 at Embassy of Ukraine, and Mrs. Reznik, the historic Lyceum in Old Town as have her predecessors, serves as the Alexandria, Va., the young, Ukrainian-born fund’s honorary chairperson. pianist took the audience on what she her- Ms. Lisitsa started performing on self described as a musical tour of Europe, stage at the age of 4 and, at 7, earned a performing works of the continent’s leading Pianist Valentina Lisitsa responds to the warm reception of the audience follow- scholarship to the Kyiv Conservatory. composers – from Bach to Liszt – and then Since moving to the United States and brought the audience “home” with her to ing her March 14 concert at the historic Lyceum in Old Town Alexandria, Va., near Washington. her debut at the Mostly Mozart Festival Ukraine, with Mykola Lysenko’s Barcarolle. at the Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher The Sunday afternoon concert was the or at least that is what she and other bud- Brahms in concert. One day before the con- Hall, she has given concerts throughout third in this season’s Washington Group ding young Soviet pianists were told. cert, however, they learned that he had died. the country and abroad, and continues to Cultural Fund Music Series. As in other Introducing the Brahms’s Two She dedicated her performance of the collaborate with her husband as well as concerts of this series, the printed program Rhapsodies, Op. 79, after intermission, Brahms Rhapsodies to his memory. to appear with chamber groups. notes were limited to the artist and the fea- Ms. Lisitsa recalled how her first After Chopin’s Polonaise-Fantasy in A- Her 2003-2004 season includes perform- tured Ukrainian composer. In this case, less American teacher, Harris Crohn, took her flat major and Ravel’s “Gaspart de la Nuit,” ances with the Atlanta Symphony, Florida turned out to be more for the audience, Philharmonic, Sao Paolo Symphony, Pacific under his wing after she emigrated to the playing Lysenko was “like coming home” because it gave Ms. Lisitsa the opportunity Symphony, Las Vegas Philharmonic, United States as a teenager in 1992. He after a long journey, Ms. Lisitsa said; she to introduce each piece with here own per- Charleston Symphony, New Zealand strove to broaden her musical horizons expressed regret that her repertoire did not sonal observations and comments about Philharmonic, a European tour with the the composers and their works, as well as beyond the Soviet-taught repertoire “one include many more of his works. Stuttgart Symphony Orchestra, as well as to add historical and political background hears at international competitions,” as she She concluded the program with Liszt’s solo and chamber music recitals in Milan, to a few of the pieces that needed it. described it, to include, among others, the “Mazeppa,” from “Ètudes d’Executions New York, Chicago, Miami and San Diego. In the first half of the program, Ms. works of Brahms, which, in her youthful Transcendente,” in which the Hungarian Ms. Lisitsa has recorded seven highly Lisitsa performed Bach’s Partita No. 2 in stubbornness, she said she would never do. composer portrayed the independence acclaimed disks for the Audiofon label and C minor, Mozart’s Variations on “Salve She said that she and her husband, pianist struggle between Ukraine and Russia – a has been featured in “Valentina in Miami” – tu, Domine,” and Beethoven’s Sonata Alexei Kuznetsoff, planned to visit with Mr. piece that, as she pointed out, understand- an hourlong music special on PBS-TV affil- No. 23 in F minor (“Appasionata”), Crohn after the concert, in Massachusetts, ably, was not performed in Soviet times. iate WLRN in Miami – and in a segment of which, as she noted in her introduction, where he had retired and was ill, to personal- Ms. Lisitsa rewarded the audience’s warm the CBS News program “Sunday Morning.” for some reason was a favorite of Lenin, ly tell him that she, indeed, had performed reception with three encores: Liszt’s “La Ms. Lisitsa is a “Bösendorfer” artist.

Malevich’s association with Ukraine then is possible to Kazimir Malevich... answer definitively, there is no doubt that Malevich’s dra- (Continued from page 14) matic shift from abstract, non-representational art (begun with Suprematism) to a highly figurative art depicting Hrushevskyi with an appointed core faculty of illustrious peasants once again, coincides directly with his period of artists, including Hryhoriy Narbut and Mykhailo teaching at the Kyiv Art Institute. Boichuk. In 1924, its name changed to the Kyiv Art Institute. Malevich’s “second peasant cycle” – a series of paint- Malevich was given artistic refuge at the Kyiv Art ings that were relatively macabre in subject matter and Institute during a time when his situation in Russia was ominous in spirit – have been long interpreted as a per- untenable. For the three years (1928-1930) that he was sonal compromise by Malevich, suggesting that he suc- associated with the institute, Malevich published 13 of cumbed to the pressures of the mainstream artists who his essays on modern art in the Ukrainian avant-garde never abandoned representational art and who, by then, journals “Nova Generatsiia” and “Avangard-Almanakh.” were laying the foundation for Socialist Realism. Indeed, From his correspondence during this time, it was clear Malevich’s somewhat tentative handling of faceless, hier- that Malevich identified with the Kyiv-Kharkiv literary atic figures, with unnaturally exaggerated limbs and vanguard lead by Mykhailo Semenko. Yet, his stylistic provocative hand gestures would seem to confirm that turnabout from abstraction to a representational style also the artist was vascillating between a kind of proletarian indicates a keen awareness of Boichuk’s monumentalism. literalness and iconic transcendence, wavering perhaps in Boichukism’s emphasis on rounded silhouettes of toil- his conviction about the avant-garde. Some have argued ing figures in flattened landscapes that weave up the pic- convincingly, moreover, that the change in mood between ture surface, could not be discounted by Malevich, for it his earlier peasant themes and the later works set in the shared in the very principles that structured Malevich’s vast swaths of untilled agricultural land, augurs for a time entire evolution—from depicting devout peasants at wor- of famine and depravity suffered by many under collec- ship to the placement of the “Black Square on a White tivization. That his figures are mostly situated in timeless Background” in the “icon corner” of the exhibition zones banded by stripes of solid color, certainly points to gallery when Suprematism was first unveiled. a change of environment for the artist which harkens Boichukism was based on the principles of traditional back to the peasant kylyms that he held such an attraction iconography, whose message was never verbal; rather, for from his youth. That these paintings take on the quali- within an array of mute figures, the word (logos) and ties of traditional Orthodox icons at a time when spiritual content is delivered by the image itself. Despite Malevich’s Suprematist theories were being criticized for being derided for its conservatism by Malevich’s “leftist” colleagues, Boichukism must have carried some appeal promoting mystical and monastic tendencies (a charge for Malevich. That Boichukism synthesized principles of equal to treason in an increasingly atheistic society under the Italian Renaissance with “primitive” local icons, must Stalin) makes this body of work even more confounding. have struck a chord with Malevich who rendered his own As we celebrate the 125th anniversary of Malevich’s self-portrait in the guise of a Quattrocento patron. Finally, birth in Ukraine, it is timely that we also take a closer the bulky, flattened silhouettes, and three-quarter poses look at the history of Ukrainian modern art and what it typical of such Boichukst portraits as Vasyl Sedliar’s had to offer its own native son. By considering treatment of the “Portrait of Oksana Pavlenko,” find Malevich’s art in line with the activities of contemporary direct resonance in Malevich’s portrait of both his wife Ukrainian painters, we are able to add yet another layer and his daughter. of understanding to the creative processes of this com- Although there are more questions raised by plex figure of modern art. “Black Cross on Red Oval,” ca. 1921-1922. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2004 No. 15

A weekend... CLACLASSSSIFIEDIFIEDSS (Continued from page 13) TO PLACE YOUR ADVERTISEMENT CALL MARIA OSCISLAWSKI, (973) 292-9800 x 3040 Friday night! Sunday night, 8, La Mama Theater SERVICES Apon Record Company, Inc. The La Mama Theater, Fourth Street ATTORNEY P.O. Box 3082, Long Island City, NY 11103 between Second and Third avenues, was the Tel. 718-721-5599 Visit us on: www.AponRecords.com venue on Sunday night for “The Warrior’s Sister” by Virlana Tkacz of the Yara Arts ECONOMY AIIRFARES JERRY NEW VIDEOS FOR EASTER Group. Yara Arts has been the theater com- + tax pany in residence at La Mama for over 10 Lviv/Odesa $639 (round trip) Easter Hayivky from Halychyna + tax KUZEMCZAK APON-7805; $25.00 years now. During her residence at La one way $429 Mama, Virlana has produced 14 unique + tax accidents at work “Synu Anhel Miy” – for Mother’s Day Kyiv $580 (round trip) • APON-7804; $25.00 shows incorporating themes from many cul- + tax automobile accidents tures. “The Warrior’s Sister” was created in one way $365 • A wide selection of CDs and cassettes. We con- • slip and fall vert videos from European system to American collaboration with Buryat artists Sayan and Fregata Travel medical malpractice and vice-versa. Cost $20.00 plus $5.00 shipping. Erzhena Zhambalov. Yes, the same Buryats 250 West 57 Street, #1211 FIRST• CONSULTATION IS FREE. performing with Gogol the night before. New York, NY 10107 Their enchanting program begins in what Tel.: 212-541-5707 Fax: 212-262-3220 * Restrictions apply Fees collected only after Easter is coming! appears to be a modern-day disco. Quickly personal injury case is successful. Visit www.ukrainiangifts.com the set changes to a Buryat land, where a to buy Easter eggs. Our Easter eggs are warrior is being sent to battle. The warrior éëàè ÉÄÇêàãûä made on the shell of chicken and goos egg. puts on his armor and ominously says good- èðÓÙÂÒ¥ÈÌËÈ ÔðÓ‰‡‚ˆ¸ ALSO: We have original woodworks – jewelry boxes, bye to his sister. The saga continues when Á‡·ÂÁÔ˜ÂÌÌfl ìçë DWI decorative plates... and much more.... • the warrior is found dead and his sister puts JOSEPH HAWRYLUK • real estate on his armor and departs on a journey down Licensed Agent criminal and civil cases Ukrainian National Ass’n, Inc. • “The Khan’s Great White Road” to seek a traffic offenses legendary maiden with the hope of bringing • ORDER A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION TO 79 Southridge Drive her dead brother back to life. West Seneca, NY 14224-4442 • matrimonial matters Tel.: (716) 674-5185 general consultation The piece is complemented by Buryat Fax: (716) 675-2238 • HE KRAINIAN EEKLY throat singing with instrumentals, fantas- T U W tic lighting and brilliant set design by WELT & DAVID Price: $55 / $45 for UNA members. Watoku Ueno. 1373 Broad St, Clifton, N.J. 07013 To subscribe, write to The Ukrainian I can’t help but wish that this play had Weekly, Subscription Department, (973) 773-9800 a longer run, unfortunately I saw the 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, closing performance and the troupe will Parsippany, NJ 07054; be off to Canada, among other places, to MERCHANDISE or call (973) 292-9800. take their show on the road. Sunday Night, 10, at home REAL ESTATE After a whirlwind weekend I’m back in my Second Avenue/St. Mark’s Place apartment WEST2282 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ARKA Ont., Canada M6S 1N9 with a chance to sit down and reflect. Life in the East Village – where else can I get this type Fine Gifts of experience, where else can you see this Authentic Ukrainian Handicrafts ARE YOU SELLING Art, Books, CDs, Ceramics Andrew R. CHORNY type of collaboration? After Julian played Embroidered Goods and Supplies Manager YOUR BUILDING? his show on Friday, he attended and per- Gold Jewelery, Icons, Magazines formed with Mariana at another show at the Newspapers, Pysankas and Supplies Europa Club in Brooklyn on Saturday. All Services to Ukraine, Mail-orders Virlana sent out e-mails through Yara Kozak Construction Co. CALL US FIRST! advertising Mariana and Gogol shows. All aspects of home improvement: Tel.: (416) 762-8751 Fax: (416) 767-6839 parquet, tiles, sheetrock, painting. Saturday Virlana attended Mr. Hutz’s show, e-mail: [email protected] www.westarka.com and on Sunday night I sat next to Julian and Tel. 201-437-3227 We buy 6-60-unit bldgs. waved hello to Mr. Hutz to the right of us in 646-279-1910 the audience at Virlana’s show. Ukrainian Book Store Charles Podpirka Culture, collaboration, energy, art, sound, color, light, community – all here, Largest selection of Ukrainian books, dance JRC Management LLC The supplies, Easter egg supplies, music, icons, all in one weekend, all in the Ukrainian East LUNA BAND greeting cards, giftwear, and much more. (718) 459-1651 Village. Music for weddings, zabavas, 10215-97st festivals. anniversary celebrations. Edmonton, AB T5J 2N9 OLES KUZYSZYN phone/fax: (732) 636-5406 The Weekly’s collection e-mail: [email protected] Toll free: 1-866-422-4255 www.ukrainianbookstore.com EDUCATION of materials about the Famine

The Ukrainian Weekly’s official ST. ANGELA’S ACADEMY website contains the largest collection Box 220 of materials on the Internet dedicated YEVSHANDistributor of fine Ukrainian products - Cassettes, Compact Prelate, Saskatchewan discs - Videos - Language tapes & Dictionaries – Computer Canada S0N 2B0 to the Great Famine of 1932-1933 in fonts for PC & MAC - Imported Icons - Ukrainian Stationery Ukraine. - Cookbooks - Food parcels to Ukraine Phone: (306) 673-2222 Fax: (306) 673-2635 Located at www.ukrweekly.com, Call for a free catalog for 2004 WEB: www.3.sk.sympatico.ca/stangela the special section includes a chronolo- 1-800-265-9858 A Catholic Residential High School gy of the Famine years, eyewitness VISA - MASTERCARD - AMEX ACCEPTED on the beautiful Saskatchewan prairies accounts, editorials, media reports, FAX ORDERS ACCEPTED (514) 630-9960 PROFESSIONALS BOX 325, BEACONSFIELD, QUEBEC where the Ursuline Sisters stories about observances of the CANADA - H9W 5T8 and Lay Staff “Educate for Life.” Famine’s 50th anniversary in 1983, scholarly articles, interviews with journalists who reported on the OPPORTUNITY FIRST QUALITY Famine, transcripts of testimony on LAW OFFICIES OF ZENON B. MASNYJ, ESQ. UKRAINIAN TRADITIONAL-STYLE the Famine commission bill ultimately Since 1983 EARN EXTRA INCOME! passed by the U.S. Congress, texts of • Serious Personal Injury MONUMENTS statements before the U.S. Commis- • Real Estate/Coop Closings SERVING NY/NJ/CT REGION CEMETERIES • Business Representation The Ukrainian Weekly is looking sion on the Ukraine Famine, refer- • Securities Arbitration OBLAST for advertising sales agents. ences and other documentation, as • Divorces For additional information contact • Wills & Probate MEMORIALS well as the full text of The Ukrainian 157 SECOND AVENUE P.O. BOX 746 Maria Oscislawski, Advertising Weekly’s special issue on the Great Chester, NY 10918 NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10003 Manager, The Ukrainian Weekly, Famine published on March 20, 1983. (212) 477-3002 845-469-4247 (973) 292-9800, ext 3040. (By Appointment Only) BILINGUAL HOME APPOINTMENTS The section is completely searchable. No. 15 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2004 17 NEW RELEASE: Stefan Stawnychy on solo and group music recordings

Kuzyszyn of the Ukrainian band Luna join Sicksided & Burned on “Jessica the Vulture,” and Mr. Turchyn produced and engineered the EP at Wheatsheaf Studios in Roselle, N.J. Mr. Stawnychy and Ms. Seher began playing together while students at from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Mr. Stawnychy, 22, writes the band’s lyrics and sings. He graduated from Vassar in the spring of 2003 and has been collaborating with musicians in the New York metropolitan area. After a year hiatus, Sicksided & Burned will return to New York this fall. “Jessica the Vulture” features three songs: “Nicholas,” “Dragonflies and Empty Beer Cans” and “Jessica the Vulture.” During the “Jessica the Vulture” sessions Mr. Stawnychy also recorded the single “Backends” and a Stefan Stawnychy solo Ukrainian-language EP titled “Sumni Pisni” (Sad Songs). NEW YORK – The New York-based “Sumni Pisni” includes “Divchyno Ne band Sicksided & Burned, fronted by Plach” (Girl, Don’t Cry), a favorite at Stefan Stawnychy of Milltown, N.J., Plast’s Vovcha Tropa campground, as released its first EP, “Jessica the well as two new songs, “Bez Tebe” Vulture,” last fall. The band features Mr. (Without You) and “Postukai” (Knock). Stawnychy on guitar and McKensey The Sicksided & Burned EP and Mr. Seher on cello. Stawnychy’s solo work is available for sale Musicians Yuri Turchyn and Alex by e-mailing [email protected].

cussed a wide range of issues, including Radical right... increasing the tempo of Ukraine’s move- (Continued from page 3) ment into the European Union. Mr. Soros Ukrainian election season was developing. stated in a commentary for the London- He announced that he would develop a based Financial Times a few days before legal aid foundation in partnership with his visit to Ukraine that the Russian Federation was increasingly looking to Viktor Pinchuk, a Ukrainian lawmaker draw the former Soviet republics, includ- and businessman, who is also President ing Ukraine, into a tightly knit confedera- Kuchma’s son-in-law. The legal aid fund tion. He stated that the EU needed to would give free legal advice, provided by broaden its ties and give easier access to law students, to those not able to afford its markets for the Eastern European coun- legal services. Mr. Soros also announced tries that border Russia. that he was ready to provide financial Mr. Soros rejected notions leveled by [email protected] backing for an exit poll to be conducted some Ukrainians, including members of on the day of presidential elections. the radical Bratstvo group, that his Open The U.S. philanthropist met with both Society Institute had financed the recent President Kuchma and Verkhovna Rada “Rose Revolution” in Georgia, and that he Chairman Volodymyr Lytvyn to get a had come to Kyiv to meet with the politi- UKRAINIAN BUILDERS OF CUSTOM HOMES sense of the commitment by both men to cal opposition to organize a “Chestnut free, fair and democratic elections in Revolution” here. Kyiv is known for its WEST COAST OF FLORIDA Ukraine. chestnut trees, which bloom throughout Mr. Soros and President Kuchma dis- the capital city in May. TRIDENT DEVELOPMENT CORP. • Over 25 years of building experience ì 10-ãßííü • Bilingual • Fully insured and bonded ëÂ̸ÈÓðÒ¸ÍËÈ äÛð¥Ì¸ ëÔ‡ðÚ‡ÌÍË • Build on your lot or ours ÔðÓ„ÓÎÓ¯Ûπ ðÂπÒÚð‡ˆ¥˛ ̇ • Highest quality workmanship Ihor W. Hron, President Lou Luzniak, Executive V.P. èéóÄíäéÇàâ çéÇÄñúäàâ íÄÅßê (941) 270-2411 (941) 270-2413 ‰Îfl ÌÓ‚‡Í¥‚/ÌÓ‚‡˜ÓÍ, ‚¥ÍÛ 6-7 ðÓÍ¥‚, flÍ¥ „Ó‚ÓðflÚ¸ ÔÓ-ÛÍð‡ªÌÒ¸ÍË. Zenon Luzniak, General Contractor 퇷¥ð ‚¥‰·Û‰ÂÚ¸Òfl Serving North Port, Venice, South Venice and area ̇ ÓÒÂÎ¥ ◊ÇéÇóÄ íêéèÄ“, ßÒÚ óÂÚ„ÂÏ, ç.â. ‚¥‰ 25 ‰Ó 31 ÎËÔÌfl 2004 ð. R.P. Drago Funeral Home, Inc. äÓ¯Ú Ú‡·ÓðÛ π 350 ‰ÓÎ. 퇷¥ð π Ó·ÏÂÊÂÌËÈ ‰Ó 16 Ú‡·ÓðÓ‚ËÍ¥‚, ÚÓÏÛ ÔðËÈχπÏÓ Û˜‡ÒÌËÍ¥‚ ‚ ÔÓðfl‰ÍÛ Ó‰ÂðʇÌÌfl Á„ÓÎÓ¯Â̸. üÍ˘Ó ‰ÛÊ ·‡„‡ÚÓ ‰¥ÚÂÈ Á„ÓÎÓÒËÚ¸Òfl, ÚÓ Louis G. Pillari – Funeral Director ‰Ó‰‡ÏÓ ‰ðÛ„Û ÚÛðÛ. èðÓÒËÏÓ ‚ËÔÓ‚ÌËÚË ÔÓ‰‡ÌÛ ÌËʘ ÙÓðÏÛ ¥ ÔðËÒ·ÚË ð‡ÁÓÏ ¥Á ˜ÂÍÓÏ Ì‡ 100 ‰ÓÎ. (ÌÂÔÓ‚ÓðÓÚÌËÈ Á‡‚‰‡ÚÓÍ), ‚ËÔËÒ‡ÌËÏ Ì‡ ◊Plast Spartanky“ ‰Ó: 43-10 30th Avenue Oksana Hnatczuk, 233 Hamilton Ave., Clifton, NJ 07011 Long Island City, NY 11103 (718) 278-0089 ßÏ’fl Û˜‡ÒÌË͇ ______ÑÂ̸ ̇ðÓ‰ÊÂÌÌfl ______ëÚ‡Ìˈfl ______ìÍð‡ªÌҸ͇ o·ÒÎÛ„‡ ĉðÂÒ‡ ______Owned by the Podpirka Family ______íÂÎÂÙÓÌ ______E-ÔÓ¯Ú‡ ______ßÏÂ̇ ·‡Ú¸Í¥‚ ______SUPPORT THE WORK OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY. ÇË Ó‰ÂðʇÎË ˆÂ Ó„ÓÎÓ¯ÂÌÌfl ____ Á „‡ÁÂÚË, ____ ‚¥‰ ÒÚ‡Ìˈ¥, ____ Â-ÔÓ¯Ú‡, ___¥Ì¯Â Send contributions to: The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2004 No. 15 No. 15 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2004 19

Highlights from the UNA’s 110-year history (Continued from page 4) professionals were hired to appraise the Svoboda print shop, which was owned by the Ruthenian Exchange Co. On the basis of that appraisal, the UNA Supreme Assembly purchased the print shop and the newspaper on July 21, 1908, for the sum of $16,855. Interestingly, while the previous convention determined that Svoboda would use the phonetic alphabet, the 1908 conclave decided that both the Latin and Ukrainian alphabets would be used on the pages of Svoboda – this because Ukrainians from Hungary and many from Halychyna could not read the Ukrainian alphabet. The convention also directed the UNA Supreme Assembly to establish a Juvenile Department as an integral part of the UNA, and elected Dmytro Kapitula to his first term as president of the UNA. Other highlights of the 10th convention’s decisions: a $200 donation was voted for poet and writer Ivan Franko who devoted his life to the enlightenment of the Ukrainian people; a protest against all oppressors of the Ukrainian people, both in Ukraine and beyond its borders, was issued; and a message of sympathy and encouragement was sent to freedom fighters in Halychyna.

Source: “Ukrainian National Association: Its Past and Present, (1894-1964),” by Anthony Dragan (translated from the original Ukrainian by Zenon Snylyk). Jersey City, N.J.: Svoboda Press, 1964. The border featured in this special feature is reproduced from a UNA membership certificate dating to 1919. DNIPRODNIPRO CO.CO. Parcels, money transfers and airline tickets to different countries. Visas to Ukraine, video Transfer PAL/SECAM-NTSC, Calls to Ukraine 8 cents per minute. Large selection of CDs, videos, kerchiefs and Ukrainian souvenirs.

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ing part of its sovereignty as it is cur- Tarasyuk... rently with Kuchma pushing the ratifica- (Continued from page 5) tion of this agreement with Russia, do our best to prepare Ukraine for the which actually would subordinate period after this regime in order to expe- Ukraine’s economy to the economy of dite our early membership in NATO and Russia,” Mr. Tarasyuk noted. association agreement with the European “Recently, Kuchma made another concession to Russia and signed an Union.” agreement on the so-called ‘common “[T]he European Union has sent very use’ of the Kerch Strait and the Azov negative signals to Ukrainian authorities Sea, which is absolutely contrary to the ... in connection with the so-called politi- á ÚflÊÍËÏ ÒÛÏÓÏ ÔÓ‚¥‰ÓÏÎflπÏÓ, ˘Ó 5 Í‚¥ÚÌfl 2004 ð. national interests of Ukraine and which cal ‘reforms’ [and] the undemocratic ‚ ãÓÒ-Ä̉ÊÂÎÂÒ¥, ä‡Î¥Ù. ‚ ÌÂÔÓ‚ÌËı 43 ðÓÍË puts in doubt the existing borderlines behavior of the current regime, especial- ‚¥‰¥È¯Ó‚ Û ‚¥˜Ì¥ÒÚ¸ ̇¯ β·ËÈ between our countries,” he added. ÅÄíúäé, ëàç ¥ ÅêÄí ly against free media, against freedom of Ending on an upbeat note, the former enterprise. The European Union was foreign affairs minister said that “not rather unequivocally speaking against everything is that bad. Today we have Ò‚. Ô. those undemocratic moves from the the ‘Year of Poland in Ukraine,’ official- Ukrainian president and from the gov- ly started and inaugurated in Kyiv during ‰-ð ωˈËÌË ernment and from the majority which the visit of Polish President [Aleksander] has been created by the president and his Kwasniewski to Ukraine. Hopefully, this clans,” said Mr. Tarasyuk. will be much more successful than the ÅéÉÑÄç ÄçÑêßâ ëßêàâ “Unlike the statements we heard from past ‘Year of Russia in Ukraine,’ which ̇ð. 11 Í‚¥ÚÌfl 1961 ð. Û î¥Îfl‰Âθ٥ª, è‡., ÒÔÓðÚӂˆ¸, ‰Ó·ð‡ β‰Ë̇. the European Union and the some people refer to as the last 350 years Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Russia in Ukraine!” of Europe, we have not heard similar Although Ukraine is not a democracy èÄçÄïàÑì ¥ èÄêÄëíÄë ·Û‰Â ‚¥‰Ôð‡ÎÂÌÓ ‚ ÒÂð‰Û, 14 Í‚¥ÚÌfl Ó 7-¥È „Ó‰. statements from Washington, and that’s a by Western European standards, Mr. ‚˜. ‚ ÔÓıÓðÓÌÌÓÏÛ Á‡Í·‰¥ ç‡Ò‚˘¥‚ Û î¥Îfl‰Âθ٥ª (‚ÛÎ. îð‡ÌÍÎËÌ). pity. I think that Kuchma and his clans Tarasyuk said that if one were to com- are receptive to the criticism [if it were pare his country with Belarus or the èéïéêéççß ÇßÑèêÄÇà ‚¥‰·Û‰ÛÚ¸Òfl ‚ ˜ÂÚ‚Âð, 15 Í‚¥ÚÌfl Ó 10-¥È „Ó‰. to be] sent from the highest authorities Central Asian and Caucasus states, ð‡ÌÍÛ ‚ ÛÍð‡ªÌÒ¸Í¥È Í‡Ú‰ð¥ çÂÔÓðÓ˜ÌÓ„Ó á‡˜‡ÚÚfl (830 N. Franklin). here in Washington, and in this regard I Ukraine does have a democracy because, think that the United States administra- “we have a strong opposition,” he said. tion is not doing enough to persuade “Our Ukraine is the largest faction out of í¥ÎÓ èÓÍ¥ÈÌÓ„Ó ÒÔÓ˜ËÌ ̇ ˆ‚ËÌÚ‡ð¥ Ò‚. å‡ð¥ª Û î‡ÍÒ óÂÈÒ¥, è‡. Ukraine to come back to the road of 450 seats – we have 100. Our leader, ã˯ËÎËÒfl ÓÒËðÓڥΥ: democracy,” Mr. Tarasyuk concluded. Viktor Yushchenko, is the most popular ‰Ó̸͇ – åÄêßóäÄ Mr. Tarasyuk went on to discuss the political figure in Ukraine,” he said, with negative developments in Ukraine’s rela- 24 percent of support – far more than the ·‡Ú¸ÍË – êéäëéãüçÄ ¥ ÅéÉÑÄç ëßêß tionship with Russia and the next closest candidates. ÒÂÒÚð‡ – ÄêÖíÄ äìêßñÄ Á ˜ÓÎÓ‚¥ÍÓÏ ûêß∏å Commonwealth of Independent States He felt very confident that “if we are ¥ ‰ÓÌflÏË Ñßüçéû ¥ Çßäíéêß∏û (CIS). He termed President Kuchma’s going to have fair and democratic elec- Ú‡ ÒËÌÓÏ ûêóàäéå signing of the agreement on the Single tions on October 31, Victor Yushchenko ÒÂÒÚð‡ – íÄåÄêÄ ÅÖêÖáÄ Á ˜ÓÎÓ‚¥ÍÓÏ éãÖÉéå Economic Space as a first instance since has a chance to become the next presi- ¥ ‰Ó̲ éãàÇß∏û 1991 in which Ukraine was put into a dent of Ukraine, despite all efforts to position which may result in the loss of undermine the credentials and powers of Ç¥˜Ì‡ âÓÏÛ Ô‡Ï’flÚ¸! its economic independence. “Never the future president of Ukraine. But this before has Ukraine been so close to los- is another subject.”

SENIORS\HALYCH UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 2200 Route 10, West, Parsippany, NJ 07054 Tel: 973 292-9800 Fax: 973 292-0900

The Ukrainian National Association Sponsors: The Seniors’ Association For further information about the senior citizens organization please get in touch with:

UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION SENIORS’ Association – President of the UNA Seniors: Judge Anna Chopek

Address: 678 4th Street, Los Alamos, NM 87544 Tel: 505 662-2079 22 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2004 No. 15 No. 15 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2004 23 Ladies’ Night Out in Jersey raises funds for The Ukrainian Museum SUMA (YONKERS) FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Offers New Services by Romana Cap-Labrosse

EAST HANOVER, N.J. – It was • Drive through teller window billed as a “relaxing evening with good • Mon-Thu: 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Fri: 8:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. food, old friends and great conversation • ATM – 24 Hour 7 Days – all for a terrific cause,” and by all • Expanded Office Hours accounts that’s exactly what the partici- • Now Open 6 days: Monday-Saturday pants enjoyed. • Morning and Evening hours The event was a Ladies’ Night Out in support of New York City’s Ukrainian • Safe Deposit Boxes Museum. About 60 women attended the • New Types of Loans benefit at the Ramada Inn in East • Vacant Land Loans Hanover, N.J., on Friday, March 12. • Construction Loans This Ladies’ Night Out was the latest in a series organized by Slava Hordynsky SUMA (Yonkers) Federal Credit Union offers fast and convenient services. of Springfield, N.J., each in support of a different cause. With construction of the Using our Drive Thru Teller Window will save you a lot of time and possible new Ukrainian Museum building com- parking tickets. You can do all your transaction right from your car. You can get pleted and its grand opening scheduled cash from our ATM machine 24 hour 7 days-Surcharge Free for All Credit for this fall, Ms. Hordynsky felt the time Union Members. Need a secure place for your important documents – check out was right to focus attention on the impor- our Safe Deposit Boxes. Thinking about a new home – Vacant Land Loan and tance of the museum to the Ukrainian Construction Loan is what you might need. American community. “As a long-time member of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of At the Ladies’ Night Out to benefit America [which founded the museum 28 The Ukrainian Museum, the evening’s Main Office: Yonkers Branch: years ago] and of The Ukrainian organizer, Slava Hordynsky (seated), 125 Corporate Boulevard 301 Palisade Avenue Museum itself, I realize that the museum is shown with Olha Hnateyko, presi- Yonkers, NY 10701-6841 Yonkers, NY 10703 plays a crucial role in our community,” dent of the board of trustees. Phone: (914) 220-4900 Phone: (914) 965-8560 said Ms. Hordynsky. “Its collections of Fax: (914) 220-4090 Fax: (914) 965-1936 the Stride ’n Ride events, garden parties, folk art and fine art are extraordinary, 1-888-644-SUMA malanka dinner/dances, and the like – all and its historical archives have been the E-mail: [email protected] basis for several exhibitions, most of which have been hugely successful. recently the highly praised Holodomor We’re very grateful to them, and we Stamford Branch: Spring Valley Branch: [Famine-Genocide of 1932-1933] exhibi- encourage everyone in the Ukrainian Ukrainian Research Center SS Peter & Paul Ukr. Catholic Church tion at the United Nations.” American community who has not 39 Clovelly Road, Stamford, CT 06902 41 Collins Ave., Spring Valley, NY 10977 “In its role as a museum of Ukrainian already done so to consider becoming a Phone/Fax: (203) 969-0498 Phone/Fax: (845) 425-2749 Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: Tuesday, Friday: heritage, and in its beautiful new facility member of The Ukrainian Museum.” 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in the heart of Manhattan’s artistic and The benefits of membership are academic community, The Ukrainian numerous. Members are invited to exhi- Board of Directors SUMA (Yonkers) Federal Credit Union Museum will be a showcase for bition openings and to museum-spon- Ukrainian culture,” she added. “It will sored concerts, lectures, and seminars. be visited by thousands of people from In addition to free admission, members all over the world. It deserves our sup- receive a 10 percent discount on any pur- port.” chases made at the Museum Gift Shop UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION And that’s what it received at the (including online purchases) and on the 2200 Route 10 West, Parsippany, NJ 07054 Ladies’ Night Out, which raised $4,627 cost of workshops and lectures. They Tel: (973) 292-9800 Fax: (973) 292-0900 for the museum, including a $3,000 gift also receive all the museum’s mailings, from museum member Daria Temnycky such as newsletters, calendars of events toward the much-anticipated inaugural and the annual report. The Ukrainian National Association Sponsors exhibition of works by world-renowned Membership information may be The Seniors’Association sculptor Alexander Archipenko, which obtained from the museum’s website For further information about the senior citizens organization will open the museum’s new building please get in touch with: this fall. (www.ukrainianmuseum.org) or by con- The importance of fund-raisers such tacting the museum at (212) 228-0110 UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION SENIORS’ ASSOCIATION – as the Ladies’ Night Out and other simi- (phone) or (212) 228-1947 (fax). Until President of the UNA Seniors: Judge Anna Chopek lar events held in support of The its move, the museum’s mailing address Address: 678 4th Street, Los Alamos, NM 87544 Ukrainian Museum cannot be overstated, remains 203 Second Ave., New York, Tel: (505) 662-2079 noted Olha Hnateyko, president of the NY 10003. museum’s board of trustees. “In recent years, a number of our younger members have become actively involved in building support for the museum,” she said. “They’ve organized LVIV EXPRESS PARCEL SERVICES Rada OKs... (Continued from page 2) 1111 East Elizabeth Ave. Ukraine, after the potential approval of Linden, New Jersey 07036 the constitutional reform package. (908) 925-0717 Mr. Yanukovych said last month that he has not yet decided whether to run in PACKAGES TO UKRAINE the presidential election, but he added BELARUS • RUSSIA • POLAND • ESTONIA • LATVIA • LITHUANIA • SLOVAKIA that his decision will depend on whether he will be supported by the “political BY SEA BY AIR DOLLARS ELECTRONICS forces that today represent the centrist 2-3 weeks Transfer bloc, both in Parliament and in the state.” min. 10 lbs min. and Recent surveys suggest that 10 to 12 per- 10 lbs delivery 220 V cent of the electorate support him. 15 years in business – 15 years of honest and conscientious work We prepare for customs and ship commercial freight Insure Doe to expansion, we are looking for agents We ship packages to Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, Poland, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovakia and be sure. We will pick up packages from your home for free Join the UNA! We will arrange for UPS pickup of packages from our clients in other states Call Toll Free 1-800-965-7262 24 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2004 No. 15 No. 15 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2004 25

the eighth anniversary of efforts to create NEWSBRIEF the structure, called the union state “the (Continued from page 2) most advanced integration structure” in CROSSING President pushes for constitutional reform the former Soviet Union. Union Secretary Pavel Borodin told journalists KYIV – President Leonid Kuchma in Moscow on April 2 that this year will YEARS told a civic forum debating the ongoing be “decisive” in the formation of the new a novel by constitutional reforms in Kyiv on April 2 entity, adding that it should be built on that the amendments are aimed at imple- the model of the European Union. Mr. George O. Dzul menting a “radical dismantling of the Borodin added that it is possible that the nomenklatura [and] administrative-and- Russian ruble will be introduced as the command-system regime” in Ukraine, single currency of the union state as Ukrainian media reported. Mr. Kuchma early as the end of this year, lenta.ru praised the proposed reforms by saying reported. However, Finance Minister Now Available at: that they will strengthen the economy Aleksei Kudrin said last week that those www.crossingyears.com and separate “the authorities and busi- plans could not go into effect earlier than ness as much as possible.” He criticized 2006, grani.ru and other media reported. or www.amazon.com opposition to the reforms as “horrifying- (RFE/RL Newsline) ly irrational and irresponsible,” saying in Barnes & Noble book retailers apparent allusion to Viktor Yush- Fifth baby born to Viktor Yushchenko Borders Books chenko’s Our Ukraine and the Yulia KYIV – Taras Yushchenko was born or by telephone: (510) 548-0244 Tymoshenko Bloc that some opposition on March 25 to Viktor and Kateryna groups are centered around “offended Yushchenko. The Yuschenkos also have former prime ministers, deputy prime two daughters, Sofiyka, 5, and ministers, ministers, and their business Khrystynka, 3. Mr. Yushchenko also has entourage.” The president pledged to a daughter, Lina, 23, and a son, Andriy, “end without any hesitation” all possible 18. The latest addition to the family was attempts to destabilize the situation in NEW YORK, NY, DISTRICT COMMITTEE born in Vienna. Mr. Yushchenko’s press- Ukraine in connection with the planned of secretary, Iryna Heraschenko, reported constitutional amendments. (RFE/RL that one of the reasons the baby was born Newsline) UNA BRANCHES outside of Ukraine is that the announces that its Voloshyn monument unveiled Yushchenko family lives in an atmos- phere of threats and information persecu- UZHHOROD – A monument to tion, which negatively influences the ANNUAL DISTRICT COMMITTEE MEETING Avhustyn Voloshyn, president of emotional state of a pregnant woman. will be held on Carpatho-Ukraine was unveiled in Thus, even though Mrs. Yushchenko was Uzhhorod as a tribute to a distinguished attended by Ukrainian doctors during her Friday, April 23, 2004, at 6:30 p.m. pedagogue, scholar, journalist, enlightener, pregnancy, she chose to have the baby in at “Selfreliance” Association public, political and religious figure, com- Vienna. (ARTUIS) memorating the 130th anniversary of 98 Second Avenue, New York, NY birth. It is also a tribute to his associates proclaiming an independent state in How to reach Obligated to attend the annual meeting as voting members are District Committee Zakarpattia 65 years ago, under the name Officers, Convention Delegates and two delegates from the following Branches: of Carpathian Ukraine. The bronze statue stands on the bank of the river Uzh. HE KRAINIAN EEKLY 5, 8, 16, 86, 130, 184, 194, 204, 256, 267, 293, 325, 327, 361, 450, 489 (ARTUIS) T U W MAIN OFFICE All UNA members are welcome as guests at the meeting. Soros meets with leading statesmen (editorial, subscriptions KYIV – U.S. financier and philanthro- and advertising departments): MEETING WILL BE ATTENDED BY: The Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Route 10, pist George Soros met in Kyiv on March Stefan Kaczaraj – UNA President 31 with President Leonid Kuchma, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054 Dr. Vasyl Luchkiv – UNA Advisor Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych, and phone: (973) 292-9800; fax: (973) 644-9510 Verkhovna Rada Chairman Volodymyr Joseph Lesawyer – Honorary Member of UNA General Assembly Lytvyn, Ukrainian media reported. DISTRICT COMMITTEE According to Ukrainian Television, KYIV PRESS BUREAU: Messrs. Kuchma and Soros exchanged The Ukrainian Weekly Barbara Bachynsky, District Chairman views on a broad range of geostrategic 11 Horodetsky Street — Apt. 33 Motria Milanytch, Secretary issues, including an enlarged Europe and Kyiv, Ukraine 252001 John Choma, Treasurer Ukraine’s European-integration phone/fax: (44) 229-1906 Dr. Vasyl Luchkiv , Honorary District Chairman prospects. They also reportedly dis- cussed the development of open societies among former Soviet republics and free- dom of speech. Meanwhile, the radical nationalist organization Brotherhood accused Soros of financing “subversive acts by the opposition and its attempts to overthrow the government according to the Georgian scenario,” Interfax report- ed. (RFE/RL Newsline) Papal nuncio gets award KYIV – Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma signed a decree on February 25 to award Archbishop Nikola Eterovic, who has served as apostolic nuncio in Ukraine for the last five years, the order of Yaroslav the Wise for his significant personal contribution to the development of Vatican-Ukraine relations. On February 11, Pope John Paul II had nom- inated Archbishop Eterovic general sec- retary of the papal synods in the Vatican and the papal nuncio left for Rome soon thereafter. (Religious Information Service of Ukraine) Russia, Belarus mark union anniversary MOSCOW – The Russian Duma on April 2 unanimously adopted a resolu- tion on the creation of the Russia- Belarus Union, ITAR-TASS and other Russian media reported. The resolution, which was adopted on the occasion of 26 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2004 No. 15 UKEUKELLODEONODEON FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

Traveling to England and France as a People to People Student Ambassador by Nicholas Fedyk were Big Ben, Winston Churchill’s Most of the time I spent just gazing Cabinet War Rooms and Buckingham over the cliffs and wondering how it ROCHESTER, N.Y. – This past Palace. would feel to fight in this battle. I summer, I traveled with 38 other fifth At Westminster Abbey we had a couldn’t believe that I was standing on and sixth grade students to England briefing with a government official. the soil that our many brave Allied and France for 14 days as a People to He told us about the government of soldiers set foot on to fight and free People Student Ambassador. It was a England and how politics work. He France. I wondered how they could trip I will never forget. In the fall of also told us what the queen does and have had the strength to climb those 2002, I received a letter saying that I what her responsibilities are. tremendously steep cliffs and still was being offered a chance to be part We had a chance to ride the world’s have the energy to rise up and fight of the program. After submitting rec- highest Ferris wheel, the London Eye, their enemy. ommendations from my teachers and which gave us a breathtaking view of It probably took lots of courage and going through an interview, I received all of London. One evening, we even bravery to make it this far into the war. the exciting news that I was accepted saw a famous play, called “Joseph and I realized from this experience that into the program. the Dreamcoat.” It was an amazing they paved for us and the world a bet- The People to People Ambassador performance at the London Theater. ter future. Our People to People Program was founded in 1956 by We attended a theater workshop, founder, President Eisenhower, was President Dwight D. Eisenhower in an which gave us an insight into what it the four-star general who planned the effort to bring citizens around the takes to put on a play. invasion at Normandy against Hitler. world together to work toward world We visited Christ Church College At the American Memorial we had peace. He believed that ordinary citi- in Oxford University, where parts of a chance to look at the 9,387 perfectly zens of different nations, if able to the movie “Harry Potter” were filmed. aligned crosses of the soldiers who communicate directly, would solve We also toured Warwick Castle and fought and died in the Battle of their differences and find a way to live visited Stratford, where William Normandy. It was an absolutely in peace. He wanted people to know Shakespeare was born. I also enjoyed breathtaking view! I and three other and understand that while we are all learning about the Roman Baths and ambassadors were chosen to lay a very different, our values, goals, and the mysterious Stonehenge. wreath underneath the statue dedicat- day-to-day issues are very much the We took an overnight ferry to ed to the unknown soldiers. Our group same. This simple idea that people France. In Caen we saw the even got to lower the American flag can make a difference where govern- Normandy beaches, which was my and fold it at the end of our visit. ment cannot is People to People’s favorite site on this entire trip. We Visiting Normandy was a great foundation. learned about the best known battle of experience! It was my favorite Currently, President George W. World War II, the Battle of Normandy. because I learned so much. I’ve read Bush is an honorary chairman of I learned a ton at the Le Memorial de books and have seen movies about the People to People. Mary Eisenhower, Caen Museum about the Normandy Battle of Normandy, but nothing could granddaughter of former President Invasion and Hitler’s plan in taking replace experiencing the real thing. It Eisenhower, is People to People’s over Europe. brings different feelings and thoughts chief executive officer. She is also a We also went to the Omaha and about the topic when you’re there global traveler and goodwill ambassa- Utah beaches, where we got a chance instead of just reading something dor, and works to continue her grand- to see the bomb craters and even the about it in the paper or a book. Seeing father’s legacy. underground bunkers. I went through a part of history so important makes On my trip we had a chance to see one of the bunkers and looked at all you want to imagine what it was like during World War II. The wall in the Nicholas Fedyk against the back- many famous landmarks and sites. In the rooms that were made to protect drop of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. London, some of my favorite sites the Germans from air raids. (Continued on page 27)

Nicholas Fedyk at Stonehenge in England. No. 15 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2004 27 Young equestrian works toward success Philly kids learn lesson in self-defense by Irena Pelech Zwarych

PHILADELPHIA – On Saturday, January 24, the youngest plastuny, novatsvo and ptashata, in the Philadelphia Branch of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization had the oppor- tunity to participate in a karate lesson presented by Action Karate from Jenkintown, Pa. This unique activity was organized by the Sorority’s branch in Philadelphia. Sestrychka Marusia Kolodij led the children in warm-up exercises, which led directly into the lesson. The children had the oppor- Stepha Martynuk, 13, with her horse, Rage. tunity not only to learn some basic karate steps, but also a NEW YORK – It might be known ing and I worked hard to bond with chance to participate in a around the world as the sport of him. Bonding is everything between discussion with the instruc- kings, but 13-year-old Stepha a horse and a rider because that is tor about bullying and self- Martynuk is showing signs of being what makes a winner and also defense. Novaky during their karate lesson. taken seriously as an equestrian keeps you safe.” The fun-filled and inform- jumper and competitor. To date, Stepha has been thrown ative session concluded with light my sister Vera wasn’t there.” – This past summer, the young 22 times by Rage, but she sees it as refreshments. Reactions from the Marta Penkalskyj, age 5. “I liked rider won first and second place at simply part of the training. And her kids included the following: the karate lesson so much that I the Wayne County Fair in training is where it counts: sum- “I thought the karate lesson was would like to learn more.” – Pennsylvania for English equestrian mers are spent at the Old Westbury good. I was only a little sad because Marchyk Luchanko, age 10. riding and jumping, and did equal- Equestrian Center in Long Island, a ly well in the GDS County Fair in professional Grand Prix training northeastern Pennsylvania. facility with Olympic level trainers; Mishanyna The riding bug bit the young the rest of the year is spent at the To solve this month’s Mishanyna, find the words on the list below in the Martynuk when she was only 8 Lake Equestrian Center in Lake Mishanyna grid. Hint: these are all items that Ukrainians would have in years old and already attending Ariel, Pa., where she rides several their Easter baskets. summer horse camp at Overpeck days a week after school. Equestrian Center in Leonia, N.J. While she attends eighth grade at egg horseradish rushnyk Things got more serious when she Lake Wallenpaupack School in cheese smoked meat pepper bought her very first horse, a pure- Pennsylvania, Stepha splits her life butter kovbasa lard bred Arabian by the name of Rage. between living in Pennsylvania and salt pysanky krashanky “It was rather obvious why his New York City with her father, name was Rage,” says Stepha. “He George Martynuk, an operatic BONUS: find the word “paska” five times! was actually not approachable at a agent, and her mother, Rosemary very early age but by the time I got Musoleno, an operatic soprano, and A B A B K A S K R U L A B A K him at age 9 he was already a geld- her 6-year-old sister Svitlana. L U N A G T K O V C H P A K Y Traveling to... countries. This is done by appreciat- B A L B G R A P H A M A B O R ing each other’s cultures and setting (Continued from page 26) good examples of how we behave like A R R K E O R E O K I S K V A back of the cemetery with all the good Americans. I think that anyone names of the unfound soldiers adds to H S I D A R E S R O H K A B R who is chosen to be a People to People the momentum of that time. Student Ambassador should definitely I I V A L S I D I S H A B A L Some of the other landmarks and consider going on a trip. It’s a great sites that we saw in France were the M D I S E D D K P A N Y N A M Chateau Versailles, the Louvre, the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. R E P P E P Y S A N K Y N A M Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, I created a website to share the Sacre Coeur and the Montmarte dis- details of my trip and I just found out O P O R K N E W S P A M R K A trict. We also toured a perfume com- that I won the People to People M R A T H A N A K A S T E S R pany and learned how perfume was Student website of the Year 2003 con- made. We even took a French class to test (StudentAmbassadors.org.xa). A S P S A L T P A S K A T A O learn a few common words and phras- K L U M K Y L Y M A S L T P K es in French. We spent the last day of Nicholas Fedyk, 12, is a sixth grad- our trip at Disneyland Paris. er at St. Joseph School in Penfield, K R A S H A N K Y L A R U R B Being a student ambassador was a N.Y. He is a member of Plast and the R A S H A N K A M O L O B A T great experience for me. I learned a Yevshan Dance Ensemble, serves as an lot and enjoyed every part of my trip. I altar boy at St. Josaphat’s Ukrainian A S M O K E D M E A T R A M E Catholic Church and enjoys playing think that it is important to explore OUR NEXT ISSUE: May 9. Deadline for materials: April 30. the world and make peace with other soccer, baseball and basketball. 28 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2004 No. 15

PREVIEW OF EVENTS

Saturday, April 17 nuclear disaster of 1986. The program will feature physicist Mykola Dorosh who will Soyuzivka’s Datebook NEW YORK: The Ukrainian Institute of speak on the topic “Chornobyl Reactor America, the Shevchenko Scientific Society No. 4: The Potential Danger of a Nuclear April 11, 2004 May 28-31, 2004 and the Consulate General of Ukraine in Explosion and Methods for Eliminating Easter Brunch – $17.00 Memorial Day Weekend New York present the program “Shevchenko Such A Threat.” The program will also + tax & gratuities Friday pub night with band, in Poetry and Art,” with introductory include a CD recording of the “Requiem Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Saturday with Fata Morgana, and remarks by Prof. Taras Hunczak of Rutgers Sunday with Askold Buk Trio for the Victims of Chornobyl” by compos- University. George G. Grabowicz, Dmytro er Roman Hurko, as well as a performance April 17, 2004 Cyzevskyj Professor of Ukrainian Literature, by bandurist Lavrentia Turkewicz of Wedding – Nancy Medwid June 3, 2004 Harvard University, will give a lecture titled “Chornobylski Dzvony,” a poem by and Jonathan McFall Ellenville Teachers School “Shevchenko as Poet and Painter.” The art Lubov Dmytryshyn-Chasto. Donation: $7; Related Association Banquet exhibit will feature paintings by Mykola students, $5. The Gallery presents the April 19-21, 2004 Storozhenko based on Shevchenko’s poetry. exhibit “Chornobyl.” The evening will Spring Clergy Days June 7-10, 2004 There will also be a presentation by Mr. take place at the Mayana gallery, 136 Clergy Days Storozhenko and Volodymyr Voitovych of a Second Ave., fourth floor, at 7:30 p.m. new edition of the “Kobzar,” with illustra- April 21-23, 2004 For more information, call (212) 260- tions by Mr. Storozhenko. The event will be SUNY New Paltz June 13, 2004 4490; e-mail [email protected] or held at the Ukrainian Institute of America, 2 [email protected]. or log on to – Migrant Special Education 80th Birthday Party, Tony Percoco E. 79th St., at 3-6 p.m. Program http://www.geocities.com/ukrartlitclub/. June 14-18, 2004 Tuesday, April 20 Saturday-Sunday, May 15-16 April 24, 2004 UNA Seniors’ Week NEW YORK: The New York City Chapter TAP NY Craft Brew Festival of the Ukrainian Engineers’ Society of ADVANCE NOTICE at Hunter – overnight package June 18-20, 2004 America presents, as part of its lecture series, EAST HANOVER, N.J.: The 2004 at Soyuzivka Adoptive Parents’ Weekend, Ivan Durbak, chief information officer, Ukrainian chess championship of North sponsored by the Embassy SUNY Downstate Medical Center, who will America will take place at the Ramada Inn April 24, 2004 of Ukraine and the UNA speak on the topic “Computer Security: hotel, 130 Route 10 West. The tournament is Trembita Launge open for the Protecting the Integrity, Availability and sponsored by the Chornomorska Sitch sports Confidentiality of Computer Systems, Both Vitali Klitschko Heavyweight June 20, 2004 association of Newark, N.J., in celebration of at Home and at the Office.” There will be a Boxing Championship Father’s Day Program its 80th anniversary, and by the Ramada Inn. sign-in/networking at 6:45 p.m.; the lecture The tournament will be five-round Swiss, begins at 7:30 p.m. It will be held at the starting at noon on May 15, with three games April 30-May 2, 2004 June 20 - July 2, 2004 Ukrainian Institute of America, 2 E. 79th St., on Saturday and two games on Sunday, May UNWLA Branch 95, Kerhonkson, Tennis Camp UESA meeting room, fourth floor. 16. The time control will be Game/60, i.e., N.Y. sponsors a Spa Weekend Admission: general public and members, $5; each game will last no more than two hours. June 22, 2004 students/free with valid ID. Note: This lec- Entry fee: $25. The tournament is not USCF May 2, 2004 Girls Scout Fashion Show ture may count towards NYS continuing edu- rated. Please bring chess sets and clocks. St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Catholic cation credit for licensed professional engi- Prizes: First, $200; under 18, $100. Rating of Church, 20th Anniversary June 27 - July 4, 2004 neers. To receive announcements about these under 2000, $100. There will be money Fundraising Banquet Plast Camp – Tabir Ptashat, and other UESA events send a blank e-mail prizes for second and third places, in Session One to: [email protected] amounts depending on the number of entries. May 7-9, 2004 Friday, April 23 Ramada’s executive general manager, Orest 2nd Annual Cinco De Mayo July 2 - 4, 2004 Fedash, is offering USCAK participants a NEW YORK: The Ukrainian Art and special hotel rate of $65 for one or two per- Festival – outside performance Fourth of July Festival with zabavas Literary Club, the New York Bandura sons in a room. Please reserve in advance by and zabava with LUNA Ensemble and the International Academy calling (973) 386-5622. For additional infor- Saturday volunteer trial clearing July 4 - 11, 2004 of Fundamental Bases of Being (Kyiv) mation call chess directors: the Rev. Maria and Sunday paintball games Plast Camp – Tabit Ptashat, invite the public to “Bells of Chornobyl,” Procyk, (716) 7566; or Dr. Orest Popovych, Session Two an evening commemorating the tragic (732) 363-1589. May 9, 2004 Mother’s Day Brunch July 10 - 17, 2004 Traditional Ukrainian Meal Discovery Camp, Session One; PREVIEW OF EVENTS GUIDELINES – $15.00 July 17 - 24, 2004 Preview of Events is a listing of Ukrainian community events open to May 14, 2004 Adventure Camp, Session One the public. It is a service provided at minimal cost ($20 per listing) by Ellenville High School Junior Prom The Ukrainian Weekly to the Ukrainian community. July 18 - 23, 2004 Listings of no more than 100 words (written in Preview format) plus May 15, 2004 Chamney Youth Camp, Session One payment should be sent a week prior to desired date of publication to: Wedding – Stephan Kowalczuk Discovery Camp Session Two Preview of Events, The Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, and Alexandra Raut Parsippany, NJ 07054; fax, (973) 644-9510. Items may be e-mailed to July 24 - 31, 2004 [email protected]. May 21, 2004 Discovery Camp, Session Three; Rochester Fire Company Banquet Adventure Camp, Session Two

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