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Inside: l Tymoshenko’s imprisonment and Eurointegration – page 3 l Opening of internment camp interpretive center – page 9 l Immaculate Conception Schools’ diamond jubilee – page 15

ThePublished U by thekrainian Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal W non-profit associationeekly Vol. LXXX No. 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012 $1/$2 in Ukraine Tymoshenko transferred to penal colony in Kharkiv PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Ukrainian opposition night, without any warning or explanation, leader and former Prime Minister Yulia and early in the morning, actually on a Tymoshenko was suddenly transferred from stretcher, she was loaded onto a truck and a pre-trial detention center in Kyiv to a penal driven in the direction of Kharkiv.” The colony in Kharkiv on December 30, 2011. Batkivschyna party leader had been held at Opposition activists said the move was the Lukianivska facility since August 5, 2011. made in order to cut off her contacts with In an essay titled “My Christmas in a Dark the public and the news media. Her backers Cell” that was published in The Moscow had repeatedly gathered outside the Times on December 27, Ms. Tymoshenko Lukianivska prison in Kyiv to demonstrate wrote: “As Anna Akhmatova, the great poetic their support and to draw media attention chronicler of Stalin’s terror, said, ‘I am alive to her plight. in this grave.’ Indeed, I am more alive than The New York Times quoted Oleksander the men who have imprisoned me here.” Turchynov, deputy leader of the Batkivschyna She underscored: “I take some comfort Party, as stating that Ms. Tymoshenko’s moth- this Christmas in knowing that the godless- er had arrived at the Kyiv jail early in the ness, inhumanity and criminality of the morning of December 30 only to be told that regime that is now ruling in Kyiv is, at long “there is no such prisoner in this detention last, being exposed to the world in a clear center.” light. Its democratic posturing has been According to Interfax-Ukraine, Mr. unmasked as cynical political theater, its Vladimir Andreev/UNIAN Turchynov said “Tymoshenko was taken at claim to desire a European future for Yulia Tymoshenko’s daughter, Yevhenia Tymoshenko Carr, speaks with journalists on January 3 outside the penal colony in Kharkiv where her mother is now imprisoned. Ukraine’s people revealed to be a lie, and the told journalists that “Video surveillance is rapaciousness of its kleptocrats has been not forbidden by law,” adding, “In order to laid bare. The regime’s contempt for the carry out permanent video monitoring, Constitution and rule of law is now undeni- there has to be sufficient light in the cells.” able, and that clarity is empowering.” Ms. Tymoshenko’s lawyer, Serhii Before being moved to Kharkiv, State Vlasenko, deplored what he described as Penitentiary Service officials said Ms. “inhumane conditions” in Ms. Tymoshenko’s Tymoshenko was examined by doctors who quarters. RFE/RL reported that he said “the came to the conclusion that her state of light is directed straight onto the bed where health permitted her to travel. A comfort- she is lying,” making it impossible for her to able minibus was provided for the transpor- sleep. As a result, he said, she is suffering tation of Ms. Tymoshenko, said the officials, from sleep deprivation and profound stress. who also denied reports the ex-prime minis- Mr. Vlasenko said this kind of treatment ter was allegedly moved in a wheelchair. – 24/7 camera surveillance under bright RFE/RL reported on January 3 on the lights – “will be the subject of an appeal to conditions in which the former prime min- the Council of Europe’s Committee for the ister is being held in Kharkiv, noting that Prevention of Torture.” “Prison officials say Ukraine’s jailed opposi- The next day, January 4, RFE/RL report- Aleksandr Prokopenko/UNIAN tion leader, Yulia Tymoshenko, is being held ed that prison officials offered a very differ- Oleksander Turchynov, first deputy chair of the Batkivschyna party headed by for- in a prison cell under 24-hour camera sur- ent report about the conditions in which mer Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, is interviewed on December 29, 2011, by jour- veillance with the lights permanently on.” Ms. Tymoshenko is imprisoned in Kharkiv. nalists outside the Kyiv prison where Ms. Tymoshenko was held until her transfer the Ivan Pervushkin, head of Kachanivska next day to a Kharkiv women’s penal colony. Women’s Penal Colony No. 54 in Kharkiv, (Continued on page 12) Experts from Ukraine discuss U.S. assistance on environmental issues by Yaro Bihun nizations on December 12, 2011, at the Embassy of Ukraine. Special to The Ukrainian Weekly As Dr. Demydenko pointed out in his WASHINGTON – Two leading environ- remarks, U.S.-Ukraine cooperation in the mental scientists from Ukraine came to environmental field began almost 20 years Washington in mid-December for talks ago, when the two countries signed their with their American professional col- first bilateral agreement with that intent in leagues as part of the ongoing U.S.-Ukrainian the new Ukrainian Embassy building in bilateral program of cooperation in this field. May of 1992. Dr. Mark Zhelezniak, who heads the This cooperation, as Dr. Zhelezniak indi- Department of Environmental Modeling at cated, has helped solve many problem the National Academy of Sciences of areas, among them those dealing with Ukraine, and its senior researcher, Dr. emergency response, water management and climate change adaptations that Andriy Demydenko, also discussed Yaro Bihun Ukraine’s water resource problems in the Ukraine could not solve alone for the Ukrainian part of the Dnipro basin. And this Ambassador Olexander Motsyk welcomes two leading scientists from the Department of aftermath of the Chornobyl nuclear disas- Environmental Modeling at the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Dr. Andriy ter and those resulting from climate change cooperation with the United States will give Ukraine access to important technologies, Demydenko and Dr. Mark Zhelezniak (seated first and second from right), during a discus- with representatives of the Ukrainian sion of Ukraine’s water resource problems. Sitting next to the ambassador is the discussion American scientific and professional orga- (Continued on page 12) moderator, Eugene Stakhiv of the Ukrainian Engineers’ Society of America. 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012 No. 2

ANALYSIS

Russia reluctantly enters Klitschko condemns Yulia’s treatment tion. The UWC added that it concurs with the statements made on the subject by lead- KYIV – Vitali Klitschko, the WBC heavy- ing nations and highlevel international insti- weight world boxing champion and leader tutions that highlight the political motiva- into a new revolution of the Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for tion behind the Appeal Court decision, Reform (UDAR) party, on December 30, by Pavel K. Baev top managers of Gazprom (RBC Daily, express concern about the state of democra- December 30). 2011, criticized the “sudden” dispatch of Eurasia Daily Monitor cy and rule of law in Ukraine, and confirm Protesters are not impressed with this Yulia Tymoshenko to a penal colony in the idea that Ukraine is drifting away from Russia has sunk into the usual hiberna- maneuvering, but Mr. Putin’s core support Kharkiv. He said this was yet another European values. “The Ukrainian World tion of long seasonal holidays, but quite base in the state bureaucracy is upset and attempt by the authorities to humiliate the unusually it now lives simultaneously in disheartened. The legion of obedient ser- opposition politician. The authorities Congress calls upon Ukrainian authorities to two very different new years. vants has grave doubts about his idea of decided to once again “demonstrate the adhere to fundamental European democrat- The first one was planned very carefully winning the presidential elections cleanly power of the repressive machinery,” Mr. ic values and to cease the political persecu- by the prime minister, Vladimir Putin, and and convincingly, assuming that the boss Klitschko said in an interview with tion of opposition leader Yulia it started on September 24, 2011, with his overestimates his support among the LIGABusinessInform. “It seems so to the Tymoshenko,” stated UWC President long-expected announcement of the deci- masses and underestimates the pressure organizers of the prosecution. But such Eugene Czolij. (Ukrainian World Congress) sion to return to the position of supreme on governors to deliver the right results actions do not cause anything but indigna- Analyst comments on Yulia and politics power and stay in it for the next six years, that would push them to crude tampering tion,” he said. “The day before, representa- or maybe 12 (Vedomosti, Nezavisimaya (Moskovskie Novosti, December 30). tives of law enforcement bodies and the KYIV – Well-known Ukrainian political They also try to look one step ahead to Gazeta, December 30). government assured that, until the comple- analyst Vadym Karasyov stated on the second half of 2012, when a barely The second one arrived without any plan tion of the investigation, Ms. Tymoshenko December 31, 2011, that “it’s already with the big rally on Bolotnaya Square in elected Preident Putin stripped of his invin- cibility would have to execute painful cuts in would remain in Kyiv. All of these were impossible to remove from Ukrainian poli- Moscow on December 10, 2011, and con- lies,” Mr. Klitschko said. “Fussiness and vin- tics” former Prime Minister Yulia firmed its real strength with the twice larger budget give-aways. The warnings about the dictiveness, with which the authorities are Tymoshenko, who was moved from a pre- rally on Sakharov Avenue on December 24. extra-tough times ahead from former trying to deal with the leader of an opposi- trial detention center in Kyiv to a penal colo- There is one political preference that Mr. Finance Minister Aleksei Kudrin, who has tion party, arouses in me, like in any nor- Putin and tens of thousands of protesters joined the crowds of protesters, have far ny in the Kharkiv Oblast to serve her seven- appear to have in common: a pronounced more weight than Mr. Putin’s attempts to mal person, a feeling of disgust,” added Mr. year sentence. According to Mr. Karasyov, reluctance to experience a revolution as the recycle the tired metaphor of Russia as an Klitschko, whose UDAR party, according to “the unexpected and outrageous sending of memories of the devastating civil war of “island of stability” (www.newsru.com, a December 2011 poll by the Razumkov Ms. Tymoshenko from prison to the penal 1917-1922 run deep and reflections on cur- December 31). Petro-revenues sustain a Center, is expected to overcome the 5 per- colony indicates that, by and large, the gov- rent calamities in Libya and Syria are far sluggish growth for now, but investment cent threshold in the upcoming parliamen- ernment has no clear answer as to what to from positive (Novaya Gazeta, December activity could be better described as pas- tary elections in October. (Ukrinform) do with Ms. Tymoshenko.” The political sci- sive, and the single most important indica- 17). Yet a revolution is already under way, UWC concerned about court verdict entist believes that the government, with because Mr. Putin’s new year is scheduled to tor for Russia’s economic performance in the Tymoshenko case, “is continuing to end in early May with his presidential inau- 2011 is capital flight estimated at $85 bil- NEW YORK – The Ukrainian World drive itself further into a dead end,” because guration, while the year of the protesters lion (Kommersant, December 21). Congress (UWC) on December 30, 2011, “it is impossible to politically isolate Ms. This evacuation of money by Mr. Putin’s could only end with his departure and the expressed grave concern with the decision Tymoshenko from the influence on the elites constitutes a financial guarantee dismantling of his corrupt regime (www. of the Kyiv Court of Appeal in the Ukrainian situation.” Moreover, the political against repressions because few of the gazeta.ru, December 29). Tymoshenko case released the previous day. owners of mansions in London or dachas scientist said that the more the government The reluctant revolutionaries of the The ruling said that the verdict against for- attempts to remove her from politics, the Bolotnaya and Sakharov rallies are a mot- in Sardinia would want to be implicated in a forceful crackdown. The protesters have mer Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko by more Ms. Tymoshenko will be close to poli- ley crowd, which has a rather ambivalent the Kyiv Pechersky District Court remains tics and have influence on it. He also said he attitude toward the leaders of so-called discovered this weakness that makes the unchanged. The Ukrainian World Congress believes in the “triumphant return of Ms. “irreconcilable opposition” like Boris Putin regime as much quasi-authoritarian as it is pseudo-democratic, so the fear fac- said it sees the court’s decision as a continu- Tymoshenko to Ukrainian politics – not Nemtsov, who are trying to take the lead in ation of related acts by Ukrainian authori- the protests (Ekho Moskvy, December 30). tor has all but evaporated. only a symbolic, but also a physical return.” The next rally planned for February 4 will ties in the Tymoshenko case matter, includ- (Ukrinform) The first rally was primarily an emotional ing the unjustified arrest of Ukraine’s oppo- reaction to the blatant rigging of parlia- quite probably show another doubling in the number of participants, and there is time for at sition leader, court proceedings that did not Two-thirds say situation deteriorating mentary elections in Moscow, but the sec- comply with international standards of fair- ond was much more a considered response least two more rallies before the presidential KYIV – According to a public poll con- elections in early March (Novaya Gazeta, ness, transparency and independence, and a to Mr. Putin’s attempt to dismiss and ridi- ducted by Razumkov Center and released December 31). Mr. Putin cannot realistically sentence for making political decisions in cule the protests, so the demands were expect to win in the first round, and in the officio based on archaic Soviet-style legisla- very personal and the slogan that best cap- (Continued on page 13) weeks before the second round the tide of joy- tured their spirit was a rephrasing of Boris ful discontent could sweep away his campaign. Yeltsin’s farewell: “You are tired. You should He counts on the fact that the list of candi- go” (www.forbes.ru, December 25). dates does not feature a single credible alter- This narrow focus gives the discontent a native, but his pyramid of power cannot he krainian eekly FOUNDED 1933 sharp edge, but it also exposes the leaderless T U W stand on the crumbling personal credibility of opposition, which tries to turn this weakness a leader who fears making a public appear- An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., into strength. Writers Dmitri Bykov and Boris ance because of the prospect of booing. a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Akunin, crusading bloggers such as Aleksei The opposition, disunited as it is, has Yearly subscription rate: $65; for UNA members — $55. Navalny, TV personalities including Leonid captured the initiative in creating a format Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. Parfenov and rock musicians like Yuri of negotiations with Mr. Putin, setting a (ISSN — 0273-9348) Shevchuk appeal to different groups of the wide roundtable and accepting Mr. urban middle class, so the protests become The Weekly: UNA: Kudrin’s offer to serve as a go-between Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 fluid and insuppressible like social networks. (Ekho Moskvy, December 31). The position Mr. Putin cannot understand the non- paper for negotiations is fairly modest and Postmaster, send address changes to: hierarchical nature of the “other side” and is aims at securing free and fair presidential more anxious about this “unknown” than he The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz elections, after which new parliamentary 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas wants to show, dismissing the idea of a dia- elections will be held without any discrimi- logue because there is nobody there to talk P.O. Box 280 nation against opposition parties Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] to (Kommersant, December 28). He has, (Yezhednevny Zhurnal, December 30). nevertheless, engaged in a reshuffling of the Mr. Putin understands that the proposal The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com Byzantine court, placing into the presiden- is modeled after the round table in Poland in tial administration his old cronies like Sergei 1989 and implies his peaceful capitulation, The Ukrainian Weekly, January 8, 2012, No. 2, Vol. LXXX Ivanov and loyal apparatchiks like but he also remembers the narrow escape Copyright © 2012 The Ukrainian Weekly Viacheslav Volodin, and shifting down into from the KGB office in Dresden surrounded the government too-street-smart-by-half by angry crowds. He is caught in the dilem- manipulators like Vladislav Surkov ma of making a fool of himself by giving up (Moskovskie Novosti, December 27). too early on losing everything by procrasti- ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA He also made President Dmitry nating too long, but his bad choices still mat- Medvedev declare moderately liberal politi- Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3041 ter for keeping the Russian revolution on a e-mail: [email protected] cal reforms, keeping his distance from these peaceful track. “innovations” in order not to show weak- Maria Oscislawski, advertising manager (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 fax: (973) 644-9510 ness (www.gazeta.ru, December 28). What The article above is reprinted from Eurasia e-mail: [email protected] is even more out of character is a new cam- Daily Monitor with permission from its pub- Mariyka Pendzola, subscriptions (973) 292-9800, ext. 3042 paign against corruption in state companies, lisher, the Jamestown Foundation, www. e-mail: [email protected] which has claimed a few heads among the jamestown.org. No. 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012 3

NEWS ANALYSIS Tymoshenko’s imprisonment slows integration with the European Union

by Pavel Korduban EU officials that Ms. Tymoshenko’s impris- sortium to be set up to manage Ukraine’s Mr. Yanukovych to attend the summit of Eurasia Daily Monitor onment was taken very seriously as a sign pipelines. However, the visitors from the the Russian-dominated Customs Union, that Kyiv did not share European values. It EU were reluctant to discuss gas, with Mr. which hardly by coincidence was held The Association Agreement with the is widely believed in the West that a court Barroso saying only that talks between simultaneously with the Ukraine-EU sum- European Union comprising a free trade in Kyiv sentenced Ms. Tymoshenko to Ukraine and Russia must not influence gas mit. However, Mr. Yanukovych preferred agreement was not signed or initialed at seven years in prison last October for deliveries to Europe. The EU’s focus in the the EU, sending Prime Minister Mykola the Ukraine-EU summit in Kyiv on exceeding her authority in the 2009 gas summit was on Ms. Tymoshenko. Azarov to Moscow. December 19, 2011, where European talks with Moscow on Mr. Yanukovych’s Mr. Van Rompuy told Ukraine’s presi- Kyiv expects that the two sides will ini- Council President Herman van Rompuy orders, because she is a popular opposi- dent that Ms. Tymoshenko’s “politically tial the Association Agreement by mid- only formally announced that talks on the tion leader who could defeat Mr. motivated” case was proof that Ukraine’s February (www.liga.net, December 19). agreement were completed. Yanukovych in the presidential election in court system was politicized and said that Mr. Barroso also said at the summit that He and European Commission 2015 and whose party may defeat his the European Commission wanted to see the agreement would be initialed shortly, President Jose Manuel Barroso made it Party of Regions in this year’s parliamen- more progress also as far as freedom of but he noted that further progress would clear to Ukrainian President Viktor tary election. speech and meetings were concerned. He depend on adherence to the principles of Yanukovych that, although the initialing of Mr. Yanukovych told the summit that also said the EU would closely follow the the supremacy of law in Ukraine (UNIAN, the agreement would be only a matter of “the project of a united Europe will not be parliamentary election campaign this year. December 19). However, on December 23, time as it was technically ready, the sign- complete as long as such large European Messrs. Van Rompuy and Barroso said the 2011, the Kyiv Court of Appeals upheld ing and ratification could be delayed as countries and nations as Ukraine remain signing of the association agreement the Pechersky District Court’s October 11, long as former Prime Minister Yulia outside” (Ukrayinska Pravda, December would depend on Ukraine’s democratic 2011, verdict to imprison Ms. Tymoshenko remained in prison. After the 19). However, Kyiv reportedly failed to progress (Ukrayinska Pravda, December Tymoshenko for seven years for the 2009 summit failure, Ukraine is at a crossroads persuade Brussels to mention in the final 19). deal with Gazprom. Brussels must have between integration into the EU and the text of the agreement Ukraine’s right to The European Commission’s represen- taken that as a sign that its messages were Customs Union to which Moscow has join the EU in the future, which should be tative in Kyiv, Jose Manuel Pinto Teixeira, ignored. invited Kyiv. The need to secure a lower published after initialing. The European was blunter, commenting on the summit EU High Representative for Foreign price for Russian gas on which Ukraine’s Commission only agreed to mention after it finished. He said the EU would not Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine industry heavily relies may prompt Mr. Ukraine’s “European identity,” according sign or ratify the agreement if the situa- Ashton, issued a statement on December Yanukovych to move closer to Moscow. to a source in Brussels (Kommersant- tion with democracy did not improve 24, 2011, saying that the appeals court’s The government initially planned to Ukraine, December 20). (Channel 5, December 19). decision was inadequate. Ms. Ashton sign the documents at the December sum- Mr. Yanukovych chided the EU for not The summit was not a complete fiasco, stressed that respect for the principle of mit as the free trade talks were completed opposing Russia’s South Stream gas pipe- since some observers had questioned the supremacy of law would be decisive in October and the political association line project bypassing Ukraine. The view whether it might take place at all. The for the speed of Ukraine’s political associ- talks were completed in November. Mr. in Kyiv is that without South Stream Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Ministry has ation and economic integration with the Yanukovych hoped that the European Russia would be more interested in invest- admitted there were fears that dialogue European Union (Interfax-Ukraine, Commission would initial the agreement ing in upgrading Ukraine’s pipelines car- between Ukraine and the EU would be fro- December 24). at the summit almost until the very last rying Gazprom’s gas to Europe, which zen and the summit would be cancelled moment, apparently thinking that Ukraine could also entail gas price discounts for after Ms. Tymoshenko’s imprisonment The article above is reprinted from was too important for the EU to delay the Ukraine. (Interfax-Ukraine, December 29). Also Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission agreement. Mr. Yanukovych reiterated his calls for Moscow, which has been long wary of from its publisher, the Jamestown He did not take heed of warnings from the EU to join Ukraine and Russia in a con- Kyiv’s enthusiasm about the EU, invited Foundation, www.jamestown.org. ROC concerned about Ukrainian activists accuse Belarusian KGB of kidnapping, abuse Ukrainian Catholics’ RFE/RL that security agents quickly broke up the allegations, Foreign Affairs Minister demonstration and arrested several jour- Konstyantyn Gryshchenko of Ukraine also relations with UOC-KP A Ukrainian women’s activist group has nalists. told RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service that accused Belarusian police of kidnapping Ukraine should defend its citizens abroad. Alleged beatings Religious Information Service and physically abusing them after they held He did not mention Femen. of Ukraine a public protest against President The three activists fled, Femen said, and Belarus calls claims ‘a provocation’ Alyaksandr Lukashenka in Minsk. hours later were abducted at a Minsk bus Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) are RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service reported station, blindfolded and driven to the At the Femen press conference, Ms. concernedКYIV – Representativesabout the statements of the of that three members of the Femen group Homel region, about 200 kilometers south- Shevchenko claimed she and her fellow Patriarch Sviatoslav Shevchuk of the held a press conference in Kyiv on east of the capital. activists had told the police their story and Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church that December 21, 2011, to talk about their According to the three women, they were promised that there would be an believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox ordeal, which they said involved their were taken to a forest, beaten and forced to investigation: Church – Kyiv Patriarchate are “the abduction from Minsk by members of undress, doused in oil and threatened with “We demand that the Belarusian ambas- main Orthodox brethren” of Ukrainian Belarus’s KGB to a distant forest, where immolation. The group says the assailants sador [to Ukraine] be expelled,” she said. Greek-Catholics, said Metropolitan they were stripped, doused with oil and cut the women’s hair with knives and aban- “We demand an investigation of the KGB Ilarion (Alfeiev) of Volokolamsk, the physically threatened. doned them in the woods. employees who bullied us. We testified to head of the Department of External Activist Inna Shevchenko pledged that The three found their way to a village, the police, and we received a promise that Church Relations of the Russian her group won’t stop because of threats. where they were given refuge by locals and a criminal case will be opened, but we have Orthodox Church. “If they think that by this bullying they were able to call Femen’s leader, Anna doubts about it because we understand Speaking on December 29, 2011, will break us, I can only laugh in response,” Gutsol, for help. that everybody is working to strengthen he said, “We cannot remain indifferent she said. “We promise that we will continue Ms. Gutsol told RFE/RL that the women the Lukashenka regime.” to the statements of the new head of coming to Belarus. We promise to support said they were “alive but not in good Vadim Zaitsev, a spokesman for the the UGCC that the believers of the the Belarusian people. We will continue health” and “very scared.” Belarusian KGB, told Western news agen- Kyivan Patriarchate are ‘the main our work, now with greater strength.” The Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Ministry cies that Femen’s allegations are “a provo- Orthodox brethren’ of Ukrainian Femen is well-known in Ukraine and said the three women returned to Ukraine cation” and denied security officers had Greek-Catholics. The close contacts throughout the region for its attention- on December 21 along with Kyiv’s consul harmed or threatened the women in any and even concelebration of grabbing strategy of stripping from the to Minsk, who had traveled to the village to way. Archbishop Sviatoslav with represen- waist up at demonstrations for political investigate. Mr. Lukashenka, who is often called tatives of that schismatic structure freedom and women’s rights. Ministry spokesperson Oleksander “Europe’s last dictator,” has been in power unrecognized by any Orthodox The activists’ December 19 protest in Dikusarov told RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service since 1994. He was declared the winner in Church are, unfortunately, an indica- Minsk was held to mark the one-year anni- that even though the women did not have last year’s elections, but tens of thousands tion of the ignorance of the official versary of President Lukashenka’s disput- permission to protest, “there are certain of Belarusians protested alleged vote fraud. position of the Moscow Patriarchate ed re-election. internal legal norms” that govern punish- and disrespect for the canonical rules Bare-chested and wearing fake ment for unsanctioned actions. Copyright 2012, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted of the Orthodox Church.” Lukashenka-style mustaches at the protest, He added, “Thus, we absolutely do not with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ Metropolitan Ilarion added, “I am the women held placards that read support it if such actions took place on the Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, deeply convinced that we cannot “Freedom to political prisoners” and “Long territory of Belarus… This situation Washington DC 20036 (see http://www. reach real mutual understanding and live Belarus” – a mantra of the protest requires a thorough investigation, includ- rferl.org/content/ukrainian_activists_ (Continued on page 12) movement. ing on the territory of Belarus.” accuse_belarusian_kgb_of_kidnapping_ RFE/RL’s Belarusian Service reported In response to a question about Femen’s abuse/24429632.html). 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012 No. 2 UWC president continues his travels, visiting communities in South America and Europe TORONTO – In November and dent met with Mayor Mauricio Macri. He December, Ukrainian World Congress presented the mayor with a copy of the President Eugene Czolij continued his trav- Holodomor documentary by Canadian els, visiting Ukrainian communities in director Yurij Luhovy, “Genocide Revealed,” Argentina, Brazil, Germany, France, and expressed gratitude for the support of Lithuania, Belgium and Poland. the local administration for the Spanish- On the invitation of the Ukrainian language publication “Holodomor – Cultural Association Prosvita in the Genocidio del Pueblo Ucraniano 1932- Republic of Argentina, Mr. Czolij visited 1933” (Holodomor – Genocide of the Buenos Aires from November 28 to Ukrainian People 1932-1933). December 5, 2011. The UWC president and Mr. Czolij then participated in the official his wife, Anna, were accompanied by the presentation of this book in the City Hall leaders of the Main Council of the cultural center. Participating were two hon- Ukrainian Central Representation (UCR) in orary consuls of Ukraine, Diego Muruñak the Republic of Argentina and the Vice from the province of Misiones and Oscar President of the Ukrainian Cultural Korovaichuk from the provinces of Chaco Association Prosvita, which has been active and Formosa. in Argentina since 1924. On November 30 the UWC president On November 29 in conjunction with met with Ukraine’s Ambassador to commemorative events marking the anni- Argentina Oleksander Taranenko. Mr. Czolij UWC versary of the Holodomor, Mr. Czolij spoke noted the introduction of visa-free travel Leaders of the Ukrainian community of Poland with the president of the Ukrainian World Congress. about the genocide of the Ukrainian people between Argentina and Ukraine as a posi- on the television program “Vis-à-Vis,” tive step, and discussed the issue of recog- of political opponents. Ukraine’s integration into European struc- whose viewership surpasses 500,000. nizing Ukrainian diplomas and pensions. In Also on that day, the UWC president paid tures, particularly the importance of initial- On that day, he also participated in an addition, he informed the ambassador tribute to Taras Shevchenko at the monu- ing the Association Agreement between award ceremony recognizing the contribu- about UWC activities in support of ment in his name and prayed for the vic- the European Union and Ukraine during tion to education of UCR President Dr. Ukraine’s Euro-integration and expressed tims of the Holodomor before a memorial the EU-Ukraine Summit in Kyiv. Pedro Lylyk with an honor bestowed upon concern about recent events in Ukraine plaque in their memory at the Buenos On November 19 the UWC president laid him by the city of Buenos Aires. related to the violations of human rights Aires Metropolitan Cathedral. a wreath at a memorial plaque dedicated to Following the ceremony, the UWC presi- and freedoms, in particular the persecution The UWC president continued to get Ukrainian poet Lesia Ukrainka and visited acquainted with Ukrainian community life the former concentration camp in by visting the Cultural Center of the Sachsenhausen. Ukrainian Renaissance Association Later that day, the Central Association of (Vidrodzhennia) and the Ukrainian Ukrainians in Germany headed by Ludmila Women’s Renaissance Organization and Mlosch organized a community meeting at meeting with Church leaders. The UWC which Mr. Czolij spoke about recent events president also familiarized himself with in Ukraine and the work of the UWC over youth issues during a visit to the Plast the past year. Ukrainian Scouting Organization’s center. On November 17 during a visit to Paris, While in Argentina he also visited the Mr. Czolij met with high-ranking state offi- Prosvita Cultural Center, the Ukrainian cials and the Ukrainian community in cemetery managed by the Taras France. Joining the UWC president were Shevchenko Foundation and attended a the president of the Representative celebration of Prosvita Day at the recre- Committee of the Ukrainian Community in ational site Weselka. Mr. Czolij extended France, Nathalie Pasternak, and the honor- UWC greetings to the many cultural ensembles ary president of Perspectives Ukrainiennes, UWC President Eugene Czolij with members of Prosvita in Argentina. that are active under the auspices of Frédéric Hnyda. Prosvita branches, with special mention of The primary purpose of the visit was to the Taras Shevchenko Bandurist Ensemble meet separately with the director for and the Ukrainian dance ensemble Continental Europe of the Ministry of UCC announces fund-raising campaign Prosvita, both of which are celebrating External and European Affairs, Eric their 50th anniversaries. Fournier, Member of Parliament and Mayor in support of Holodomor awareness On November 25-27, 2011, UWC of the City of Saint-Maur-Des-Fossés Henri President Czolij and his wife travelled to Plagnol, and the deputy director of the WINNIPEG, Manitoba – Plans are Trust with the designation of Holodomor Curitiba, Brazil, to participate in the eighth Research Department for European and already under way for commemorations Awareness Fund, and mailed to: Congress of the Ukrainian-Brazilian Central International Relations of the political of the 80th anniversary of the Holodomor Ukrainian Canadian Congress, 203-952 Representation (UBCR). party Union pour un Mouvement in 2012-2013, and the Ukrainian Main St., Winnipeg, MB, R2W. Donations The UWC leader met on November 25, Populaire, Arnaud Odier. Mr. Czolij focused Canadian Congress has said it intends to can also be made online at www.ucc.ca. 2011, with UBCR President Vitorio discussions on Ukraine’s integration into continue building on the achievements In 2011, it must be noted, thanks to Sorotiuk to discuss a range of issues, partic- European structures. of the Ukrainian community in raising the work of the UCC, Canadian schools ularly those related to the state of local At a meeting with the local Ukrainian awareness and gaining recognition of remembered the Holodomor. Eight community life and the recent visit to community on the premises of St. this genocide. school boards in Canada joined the Brazil by President Viktor Yanukovych. Volodymyr the Great Ukrainian Catholic “The accomplishments to date are a Ukrainian community and the govern- During the UBCR congress Mr. Czolij Cathedral, Mr. Czolij informed community direct result of the community’s gener- ments of Canada, Saskatchewan, greeted Brazil’s 600,000-strong Ukrainian members about recent events in Ukraine ous financial support. Our work, howev- Manitoba, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec community on the occasion of the 120th and the work of the UWC. er, is far from complete,” stated UCC to pay tribute to the millions of anniversary of settlement of Ukrainians in On November 5-7 during a visit to National Holodomor Awareness Ukrainians who perished in the Famine- Brazil and recognized their tremendous Vilnius, Lithuania, the UWC president had Committee Chair Iryna Mycak. “We have Genocide of 1932-1933. contribution to the preservation of an opportunity to familiarize himself with many more Canadians to reach with the In addition, during National the activities of the organized Ukrainian message that the Holodomor was geno- Holodomor Awareness Week on Ukrainian spirituality and national identity. Mr. Czolij also met with local church community in Lithuania, meet with repre- cide of the Ukrainian people and it must November 21-27, 2011, black flag instal- sentatives of the country’s leadership and leaders and visited the Ukrainian-Brazilian serve as a reminder to future genera- lations across Canada honored the mem- Ukraine’s ambassador, and pay his respects Association Home, where the Ukrainian tions in the prevention of similar crimes ory of Holodomor victims. The black at memorial markers. The visit was orga- museum, the newspaper Khliborob and against humanity.” flags were displayed in 18 prominent nized by the Ukrainian Community in various cultural ensembles are based. Contributions to the UCC Holodomor city locations including: New Lithuania and its president, Viktor Cernisuk. Prior to his trip to South America, the Awareness Fund will support the com- Westminster, British Columbia; Calgary, On November 6, Mr. Czolij attended lit- UWC president had traveled to Berlin. The pletion of the documentation of Alberta; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and urgy at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Greek- primary purpose of the visit was to meet Holodomor survivor testimonies and the Windsor, London, Hamilton, St. Catholic Church, discussed church issues separately on November 18, 2011, with the further development of the website Catharines, Toronto and Ottawa, Ontario. with the pastor, the Rev. Pavlo Jachimec, head of the Division for Central, Southeastern www.holodomorsurvivors.ca and devel- Numerous communities across and met with the local Ukrainian communi- and Eastern Europe, Southeastern Caucasus opment of teaching materials on the Canada – from Montreal, Quebec, in the ty. He also paid tribute to Ukrainian poet and Central Asia of the Federal Chancellery, Holodomor and training for educators in east to Vancouver, British Columbia, in Taras Shevchenko at a monument erected public, Catholic and private schools the west – held special services and Dr. Christoph Israng, and the special envoy in his honor. throughout the country. other commemorative events to mark for Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central On November 7, the UWC President held All donations should be made payable the nationwide Holodomor Memorial Asia of the Federal Foreign Office, official meetings with Lithuania’s Prime to the UCC Charitable and Educational Day on Saturday, November 26. Ambassador Patricia Flor. Mr. Czolij focused discussions on (Continued on page 9) No. 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012 5

The Ukrainian National Association Forum Northern New Jersey District Committee meets PARSIPPANY, N.J. – The Northern New Insurance Institute at Fairleigh Dickinson Jersey District Committee of the Ukrainian University in Madison, N.J. National Association held its fall organizing Mr. Padovani spoke about the difference meeting at the UNA Home Office on between stocks and annuities, underscor- December 2, 2011. ing that the latter is a safe investment in In attendance were representatives of which no one has ever lost money. He also the district’s branches, as well as staffers of shared tips on how to increase referrals for the UNA Home Office who are active as insurance and annuity sales. branch secretaries in the district and three Ms. Kozak welcomed a newly licensed UNA executive officers, National Secretary UNA agent present at the meeting, Yuriy Christine E. Kozak, First Vice-President Symczyk, who recently joined the UNA Michael Koziupa and Second Vice- Home Office staff. She also noted that President Eugene Oscislawski. Nina Bilchuk and Maria Drich of the The meeting was called to order and Home Office have recently earned their conducted by the district chairman, insurance licenses. Thus, the national Stephan Welhasch. secretary emphasized, the UNA is A special guest was Giulio Padovani, an increasing the knowledge and profession- insurance expert who teaches at the alism of it staff.

The UNA Family Roma Hadzewycz Participants of the Northern New Jersey District Committee’s organizing meeting with cordially welcomes guest speaker Giulio Padovani (seated center). He is flanked by the UNA’s vice-presi- dents, Michael Koziupa (left) and Eugene Oscislawski. VICTORIA ANYA SZUL, Ms. Kozak also reported on the ever- the district has brought in 32 new mem- increasing number of regulations in vari- bers insured for over $1.9 million. daughter of Anya H. and Andy C. Szul of Maryland, ous states where the UNA conducts busi- Mr. Oscislawski, an active organizer in ness and spoke of the UNA’s new products: the Northern New Jersey District, received as a new member of UNA Branch 327. seven-year and nine-year annuities. an award for enrolling the most new mem- Victoria Anya Szul was enrolled by her grandparents, During the meeting it was noted that the bers in 2000-2010. Oksana Stanko and Northern New Jersey District had earned Stefko Woch of the UNA Home Office staff Drs. Cathy and Andrij V.R. Szul, Esq., UNA Advisor. an award for organizing the most new were cited as two of the UNA’s best annui- members in the period 2006-2009. In 2011 ties salespeople.

The UNA: 117 years of service t o ou r commn u ity 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012 No. 2

COMMENTARY The Ukrainian Weekly Abusing Yulia Under Western eyes The administration of President Viktor Yanukovych continues on its stubbornly by Mykola Riabchuk condition its signing and eventual ratifica- stupid and self-destructive path of abusing former Prime Minister Yulia tion with clear demands for restoration of Tymoshenko. It seems that the president and his cronies will stop at nothing to Ironically, the annual European Union- democratic practices in Ukraine. ensure that the opposition leader is removed from the political scene in Ukraine. Ukraine summit held in Kyiv on December On the other hand, this reasonable deci- The latest evidence of that came with Ms. Tymoshenko’s abrupt transfer on the 19, 2011, overshadowed all other political sion was not buttressed by a set of addition- eve of New Year’s Eve from the Lukianivska prison in Kyiv to Kachanivska Women’s events in Ukraine over the past few weeks, al sticks and carrots. EU politicians seem to Penal Colony No. 54 in Kharkiv, some 300 miles away from Ukraine’s capital. And far even though its actual results were close to believe that the Association Agreement per away, the Yanukovych team hoped, from her staunch supporters and the news zero. Moreover, the meager results had been se is a sufficient bonus for Ukrainian leaders media. (Those hopes were dashed, however, as Tymoshenko supporters gathered rather predictable since the Ukrainian gov- to strive toward. This might have been true day after day near the penal colony.) ernment had not indicated any intention to if Mr. Yanukovych et al cared a little about Clearly, Mr. Yanukovych fears his rival and the opposition forces. He has reasons for ease its multifaceted pressure on civil soci- something they barely understand: the that. According to a poll conducted on December 9-16, 2011, by the respected Razumkov ety, nor had the EU looked ready to condone national interest. This is hardly the case, Center, Ms. Tymoshenko’s Batkivschyna party has grown in popularity to the point that it Kyiv’s increasingly authoritarian behavior. however. now supersedes the positive ratings of the party in power, the Party of Regions of Yet, the drama under the title “Ukraine-EU Therefore, a tougher approach is needed, Ukraine (PRU). Batkivschyna received 15.8 percent support from respondents, while Association Agreement” had been played for something the feckless EU fails to apply even the PRU registered 13.9 percent support – down from 16.6 percent in October 2011. so long and by so many actors that most of against bloody dictators from Central Asia. Furthermore, voter support for the imprisoned opposition leader herself has sur- the viewers could not merely give it up. Some Such an approach was clearly outlined by passed that for president, whose ratings continue downward. According to the expected a miracle, but many more simply Andrew Wilson, a leading expert on Razumkov Center, if the first round of the presidential election were to be held in the watched the ship sinking, taking down with it Ukrainian affairs, in his policy memo for the near future, the highest proportion of voters, 16.3 percent, would support Ms. sheaves of toughly negotiated documents. European Council on Foreign Relations. He Tymoshenko, while 13.3 percent said that they would vote for the incumbent. (Others Still, the Ukrainian crew looked surpris- suggested the EU leaders adopt a twin-track in the mix include Arseniy Yatsenyuk, in third place with 10.7 percent support.) ingly cheerful and the foreign guests appar- approach: “The agreements cannot be for- And, as the Kyiv Post reported, “…discontent is rising. More than two-thirds of ently unworried. Unlike the viewers, all the mally signed, but should be kept alive until Ukrainians polled said the nation’s situation worsened in 2011, while more than half participants of the performance had what Ukraine is ready to implement the condi- (52 percent) said they are ready for protest. Nearly 60 percent said they do not sup- they wished. tionality laid out in resolutions by the port the administration.” Ukraine’s friends, like Poland or Sweden, European Parliament and other bodies. But Well-known Ukrainian political analyst Vadym Karasyov was quoted by left the door open, i.e., the agreement nego- lecturing Ukraine on human rights at the Ukrinform as stating on December 31 that “it’s already impossible to remove [the tiations are pending, albeit at the lowest summit will have little effect. The EU should former prime minister] from Ukrainian politics.” According to Mr. Karasyov, “the speed possible and with the slimmest also move towards sanctions that show its unexpected and outrageous dispatch of Ms. Tymoshenko from prison to the penal chance of being completed in any form in red lines have not been dropped; targeting colony indicates that, by and large, the government has no clear answer as to what the foreseeable future. the individuals most responsible for demo- to do with Ms. Tymoshenko.” He added that the government, through its handling of Ukraine’s opponents, like France and cratic backsliding and signaling more gener- the Tymoshenko case, “is continuing to drive itself further into a dead end.” Germany, got a plausible excuse not to ini- al vigilance against the Ukrainian elite’s free- Western reaction to the Yanukovych regime’s maltreatment of Ms. Tymoshenko tial the agreement they had not wanted to flowing travel and financial privileges in the continues to be strong. Even before the latest perverse twist in the Tymoshenko sign anyway. EU” (http://www.ecfr.eu/page//Ukraine saga, both the U.S. State Department and the European Union’s High Representative And the Ukrainian president got one Memo.pdf). for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton issued strong statements more opportunity for publicity photographs Since the EU has been reluctant to intro- saying the December 23 ruling by the Kyiv Court of Appeals, which upheld Ms. with the EU big bosses and could display duce any serious sanctions against the post- Tymoshenko’s conviction and sentencing, was inadequate as it did not address con- them ad nauseam on all the loyalist TV Soviet autocrats, especially in resource-rich cerns about democracy and rule of law raised in the initial trial. After her transfer to channels and newspapers. Now, he can con- countries like Russia, Kazakhstan or Kharkiv, the European Union officially asked Kyiv for an explanation of the decision. tinue his “European” rhetoric with even Azerbaijan, their Ukrainian twins have very Meanwhile, President Yanukovych continues to ignore the reality on the ground in greater confidence. little to worry about. Last month, Mr. Ukraine. In his New Year’s Eve message to the nation he proclaimed: “Ukraine has faced Very few people believe in this rhetoric, Yanukovych and his Party of Regions contin- the challenges [2011] brought with dignity. …Ukraine has reached a new level of relations but this is of little importance. The main ued their Gleichschaltung in both political with the European Union. …We will continue modernizing our country, will continue goal of president’s talks is not to bring life and the economy. building a modern, economically developed, democratic state. …Happy New Year 2012!” Ukraine closer to the EU, but rather to pre- First, the Constitutional Court of Ukraine vent his own and his cronies’ expulsion approved (what a surprise!) the decision of from this prestigious club. Most of them, on the Parliament that allows the government a personal level, integrated into the EU long to pay social benefits to various categories ago, with their families, businesses, bank of people at its whim – even though in past Jan. Turning the pages back... accounts, and all the daily habits like shop- years the court, not yet staffed with the ping, holidaying, or health and relaxation. president’s loyalists, twice rejected similar They may dupe Moscow, Brussels and their Twenty-seven years ago, on January 12, 1984, four members of claims as a violation of the national constitu- own electorate with ideas of a Russian-led the Ukrainian Students’ Association of Michnowsky (TUSM), Yurko tion (http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/ 12 Customs Union, Single Economic Space, or Pasternak, Petro Shmigel, Mykhailo Halatyn and Slavko Halatyn, 2011/12/27/6870668). Eurasian integration. This is for fools’ con- 1984 were arrested in New York in front of the Soviet Mission to the Second, the government of Crimea ceded sumption – for “lokhi,” as they say. But for United Nations during a protest against Soviet repression in Ukraine. 9,000 hectares of valuable land to a murky the real men, the “krutye patsany,” as they The protest coincided with the Day of Solidarity with hunters’ society registered to three pals of define themselves, there is a much better Ukrainian Political Prisoners, proclaimed in 1972 by Vyacheslav Chornovil following the the president (http://www.pravda.com.ua/ place called “Europe.” And they have already arrest of thousands of Ukrainian intellectuals and dissidents. news/2011/12/26/6868443/). joined it – with no action plans and associa- The four young men chained themselves to the front gate of the mission, chanted Third, the president’s 38-year-old son tion agreements, merely with some stolen “Freedom for Ukraine” and scattered leaflets describing the plight of Ukrainian political acquired a few more industrial assets and assets, laundered money and diplomatic prisoners. Other TUSM members distributed literature to passers-by. entered the lists of Ukraine’s top 100 richest passports that allow them, unlike common In a statement to reporters, the students said that other demonstrations were taking men (http://www.jamestown.org/single/ Ukrainian “lokhi,” to enter the Schengen for- place in Cleveland and Philadelphia to commemorate the Day of Solidarity. ?no_cache=1&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=38740). tress without visas. “Twelve years ago, on this very day, hundreds of leaders of the Ukrainian national liber- Fourth, the president’s friend and spon- “Lokhi,” i.e., Ukrainian society, seems to ation movement were arrested by the KGB,” the statement said. “The actions taken against sor Rinat Akhmetov received a concession be the only loser in this whimsical game the leadership of this movement were intended to behead the Ukrainian nation of its lead- for the virtually monopolistic export of elec- between the Ukrainian government and EU ers in the ongoing struggle for a free and independent Ukraine.” tricity (http://www.epravda.com.ua/publi- bureaucracy. Half-measures and general “Just as the free world cannot ignore recent events in Afghanistan, Poland and other cations/2011/12/15/309807/), just as incoherence badly hamper EU policies colonial counties in the Russian Empire, the Ukrainian liberation struggle deserves the another friend and sponsor of the president, everywhere, not only in Ukraine. attention and support of all free countries,” the statement continued. Yurii Ivaniuschenko, allegedly acquired a On the one hand, the EU was right to The Soviet Mission’s personnel demanded that the NYPD arrest the students and monopoly over the export of grain a few postpone the initialing of the Association charged the NYPD with a serious breach of security. The students were booked at the 19th months ago (http://lb.ua/news/2011/ Agreement for technical reasons, and to precinct, across the street from the Soviet Mission. Police said the students would be 03/28/90044_Yura_Yenakiivskiy_stav_gen- charged with disorderly conduct. eralom.html). Following the arrest, Soviet officials demanded that the police prevent the other TUSM Mykola Riabchuk is an author and jour- Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has been members from distributing literature in front of the mission. The police ordered the stu- nalist from Ukraine, and a leading intellectu- completely emasculated and de facto subor- dents to disperse. al who is affiliated with the journal Krytyka. dinated to the Presidential Administration, After the four students were released, they said they were looking forward to their trial, The article above is reprinted from the under the pretext of the so-called judicial where they said they intended to further publicize the plight of Ukrainian political prison- blog “Current Politics in Ukraine” (http:// reform (http://www.kyivpost.com/news/ ers and the Ukrainian nation. The story was picked up by The New York Times, the New ukraineanalysis.wordpress.com/) created by opinion/op_ed/detail/119708/). York Tribune and United Press International. the Stasiuk Program for the Study of And another band of “professionals” Contemporary Ukraine, a program of the from Donbas has occupied several dozen Source: “Arrest four students after protest at Soviet U.N. Mission,” The Ukrainian Weekly, Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies at January 22, 1984. the University of Alberta. (Continued on page 16) No. 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012 7

NEWS AND VIEWS The things we do ... Spirit Lake’s “enemy aliens” by Orysia Paszczak Tracz

Bees at Christmas Dedicated to the memory of Myron their clothing with scented flowers to Surmach Sr., and to the New Jersey Ukrainian appease the bees. beekeepers and friends of the honeybee (see Honey is important in wedding rituals, The Weekly, December 4, 2011). and in bathing newborns and infants to ensure a sweet life (Mala maty odnu dochku, Let’s see – among the many traditional ta y kupala u medochku – The mother had Ukrainian Christmas themes are wheat, hay, one daughter, and bathed her in honey). The garlic, spiders, feeding farm animals, going nutritional and medicinal properties of from house to house singing, eating and honey are well-known, as are the ones from drinking, unusual food cooked according to bee by-products such as propolis and apitox- rules and numbers, flax as high as your in, or honeybee venom. Beeswax was the knees and hemp up to the ceiling, poppy- only pure and proper source of candles both seeds, dead people (ok, the departed) and, of for the home and the church (try svichi vos- course, the bees, the beehive, honey and the kovi – three beeswax candles – is a phrase beekeeper. often used in koliady). It is also the only wax UCCLA As one of the earliest – probably the earli- used for pysanky. Spirit Lake as it looked during the World War I internment operations in Canada. est – instant foods, honey has always been The importance of bees and beekeeping there for the taking. This is the reason it is since antiquity in Ukraine is evident from one of the three basic ingredients for “kutia,” the rituals of the Christmas season and the by Lubomyr Luciuk haven’t nothing to eat and they do not want to give us no wood. My mother has to go the special symbolic food for “Sviat Vechir” “koliady” and “schedrivky” (carols and ritual The first prisoners, 109 men, arrived in four times to get something to eat. It is bet- (Christmas Eve supper). The 12 dishes of New Year’s songs). In Polissia, the “koliad- January 1915, shipped along the ter with you, because we had everything to this supper are symbolic in their number nyky” (carolers) would ask, “Komu koliadu- Transcontinental railway from Montreal eat. This shack is no good, my mother is (lunar cycles) and in their ingredients vaty?” (For whom should we carol?), and the into the remote Abitibi region of north- going down town every day and I have to (mostly gathered and simple), originating in reply would cover the members of the fami- western Quebec. Eventually, hundreds of go with her and I don’t go to school at win- hunter-gatherer times. ly, as well as “pcholam!” (To the bees. The “p” others would join them, including women ter. It is cold in that shack. We your small The “bdzhola” – the bee – was considered and “b” – pcholy/bdzholy are regional and and children, not because of any wrong children kiss your hands my dear father. more than a regular insect, and was held in interchangeable). they had done but only because of where Good-bye my dear father. Come home right high regard and respect. It was known as An ethnographic expedition to villages in they had come from, who they were. away.” “God’s insect” or “God’s little fly” or “God’s Polissia (Rivne and Chornobyl regions) in Mostly Ukrainian immigrants, lured to Efforts to hallow the memory of these bird” (Bozha komakha, Bozha mushka, 1998-2000 recorded six specific koliady and Canada with promises of freedom and free victims began in the mid-1980s, spear- bozha ptashka), a creature of paradise. It schedrivky for and about the bees. In writing land, they were branded “enemy aliens” at headed by the Ukrainian Canadian Civil was a sin to kill a bee, and this was the only about these verses, Tetiana Parkhomenko the outbreak of the first world war. Liberties Association, which placed a com- insect that had to be buried rather than just notes that the description of old trunk hives Off-loaded some 8 kilometers west of memorative trilingual bronze plaque at left on the ground when found dead. And the vs. the newer hives, and their mention in the Amos, at a place today known as La Ferme, Spirit Lake in 1999, complemented in 2001 word to use for a bee’s demise was not schedrivky describes the rituals of welcoming the prisoners could just see the shoreline of with a statue by Kingston-area sculptor “zdokhla” (an animal dying), but “umerla”, a the new year and the fading of the old. The lac des Esprits, Spirit Lake, today’s lac John Boxtel, “Interned Madonna.” human being dying. The bee is still consid- queen bee (matka, or mother, in Ukrainian) is Beauchamp – from behind Canadian More recently, in 2008, following ered the ultimate example of industrious- connected to the image of the Mother of God. barbed wire. Originally their camp was to Parliament’s passage of Inky Mark’s Bill C ness – a good man without work is like a bee Without the mention of bees, there are many have been at Belcourt, 75 kilometers fur- 331 – “Internment of Persons of Ukrainian without honey. ritual songs about the potions drunk at the ther east, but the astute merchants of the Origin Recognition Act,” a Canadian First A “pasichnyk” is a beekeeper; a “pasika” is festive table, and they include “medok-solo- Amos Chamber of Commerce lobbied World War Internment Recognition Fund an apiary. In modern times, the bees were dok” – sweet honey-mead. Ottawa for a closer site, then harvested was established, resulting in a major, multi- kept in hives built of wood and wooden Here are some examples of the lyrics. over a quarter-million dollars in govern- year grant for the Spirit Lake Camp slats. But originally a beekeeper was called a “It is buzzing and humming, the queen ment business during the two years the Corporation. While no internees remain “bortnyk,” a word that survives today as a bee is coming, she is leading all the swarms. camp functioned – a fortune. alive – the last known survivors, Mary surname. A “bort” was a hollowed or burnt- She is leading them and instructing them. On November 24, 2011, the Spirit Lake Manko Haskett and Mary Hanchurak, out trunk or log in which the hive resided. Children, settle in the new hives, and I, the Internment Camp Interpretive Center passed away in 2007 and 2008 – the open- The “borty” [plural] were usually suspended old one, will settle in the old tree.” (From the opened its gates, officially, housed within ing ceremony was attended by an internee from trees. The stages of beekeeping began village of Krasno, Chornobyl rayon, Kyiv the former Roman Catholic Church of St. descendent, Dr. Ted Sosiak, whose grandfa- with the wild bees and their honey, then the oblast). Viateur de Trécesson, adjacent to where ther was a prisoner in Fort Henry. semi-domestication of swarms in trees and “Humming and buzzing through the the internee barracks stood. The result of Work still needs to be done before the the bortnyk stage, then domestication of grove, the queen bee is leading her swarms, several years of effort by the Spirit Lake Spirit Lake center meets its mandate of swarms into beehives. and asking them, ‘Children, where should Camp Corporation, the interior of this educating Canadians about what happened In southern Ukraine, in the warmer we land?’ They reply, ‘At pan Ivan’s, in his extensively refurbished church, whose during the internment operations, a period steppe zones where trees and logs were courtyard, that’s where he has sour cherry foundations rest upon stones salvaged Minister of Canadian Citizenship and lacking, hives were made of straw, of straw orchards and new hives.’ ‘Settle, children, from the camp, now includes exhibits Immigration, Jason Kenney described as “a and mud, or twigs and reeds. into the new hives and, I, the old one, will explaining how thousands of Europeans blight” on our nation’s history. In 1814 the scientist P. I. Prokopovych land in the old one. Carry, children, the sweet from the Austro-Hungarian, German and For one, the exhibits are in French only, a invented a better frame hive, which spread honey, and I, the old one, will carry the yel- Ottoman Turkish empires were swept up language the internees, their guards, and low wax. The sweet honey, for the daugh- as a result of wartime hysteria and xeno- throughout Ukraine. The very fertile most of the officers in charge wouldn’t have ters’ weddings, the yellow wax, to make can- phobia, suffering imprisonment, the confis- Ukrainian fields and steppes grew a multi- known. Even more troubling is that the dles.’” (This shchedrivka was recorded by cation of what little wealth they had, and tude of wildflowers and blossoming bushes, nearby internee cemetery has been allowed many ethnographers and other scholars, other state-sanctioned indignities, includ- ensuring an excellent crop of nectar for bees. to decay, now almost entirely lost to the including Chubynsky, Holovatsky, Potebnia ing disenfranchisement, all sanctioned by According to Metropolitan Ivan Ohiyenko, boreal forest, despite entreaties addressed and Hrinchenko.) the very same War Measures Act deployed the word pasika comes from “prosika” (an to the National Historic Sites and opening or hewn-down space in a forest), “In our master’s house a pine stands in during World War II against Japanese, Monuments Review Board of Canada, Italian and German Canadians and, in because the original apiaries were located the marketplace. In its root are the quails, in Canadian Heritage and other government there, in the trunks of trees. The word pasi- the trunk are the spring bees, and at the top 1970, against the Quebecois. agencies. In stark contrast, Kapuskasing’s Conditions at Spirit Lake were harsh. chnyk referred to not just the beekeeper, but of the pine are the black martens. The quail internee cemetery was restored and re-con- also to the spirit who took care of the bees is for lunch, the bees are for mead, and the Visiting in mid-November 1916 the U.S. secrated in 2011 because that town’s coun- and hives (the way the “domovyk” took care black martens for his lady’s fur coat.” Consul from Quebec City, G. Willrich, cil sought and secured the needed resources of the “dim” or home). (Vahylevych) reported how prisoners complained that from the Internment Recognition Fund. The community held beekeepers in high “Above the beech forest the thunders are they “were badly treated in every way, even Years ago Mrs. Manko wrote: “I was one regard. The pasichnyk was a “person of God” thundering, but those are not clouds, only beaten… with no freedom whatsoever.” of the thousands of Ukrainian Canadians (Bozha liudyna). They were considered Internee No. 1100, H. Domytryk, a father rounded up as ‘enemy aliens’ and put in close to nature, knowledgeable about the (Continued on page 14) of four arrested in Edmonton, jailed at concentration camps between 1914-1920. environment and even as sorcerers. They Lethbridge, then transported to Spirit Lake, I was just 6 years old then. I was born in showed Willrich a letter from Katie, his lived a moderate lifestyle, and did not smoke Orysia Tracz may be contacted at orysia. 9-year-old daughter: “My dear father: We (Continued on page 9) or drink alcoholic beverages. They rubbed [email protected]. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012 No. 2 Kyiv Mohyla Academy conference focuses on “Roads to Freedom”

by Marta Farion Integration and Ukraine’s former minister of foreign affairs, stated: KYIV – Academic, political, media and “Ukraine faces challenges because of its civil society leaders from various countries unbalanced internal politics which bring the and Ukraine met at the conference “Roads country into international isolation. to Freedom” held recently at the National Whether Ukraine will become a member of University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy the EU depends on Ukraine. Everyone (NUKMA). The ambassadors of the United knows of the current situation with abuse of States, Canada, Poland, Germany, France, the judicial system and the political depen- Austria and the European Union also dence of the courts. It is a difficult situation.” attended the conference. Former Minister of Foreign Affairs The landmark conference was organized Volodymyr Ohryzko, added: to provide a forum for discussion on the “Unfortunately, Ukraine suspended its dynamics of Ukraine’s development, on democratic reforms, and some events that achievements and problems in its educa- occur are reminders of Soviet traditions. tional sector, and for formulating distinct Great progress was made when Ukraine recommendations regarding reforms in was included in the Eastern European higher education. At the opening of the Partnership. But today we are at a crucial conference, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine stage. The decision to join the European John Tefft stated, “The fate of Ukraine and Union is the Rubicon for Ukraine. It will its universities are intertwined… determine whether it will be a Eurasian or Universities cannot be barricaded. They a European country. The principal message play a leading role in society.” is that for Ukraine, the road to freedom is At the conference (from left) are: Serhiy Kvit, president of the National University of Kyiv The key issues proposed for discussion the road to Europe. And for Europe, Mohyla Academy; Viacheslav Briukhovetsky, honorary president of NUKMA; Borys Tarasyuk, chairman of the parliamentary Committee on Euro-Integration, former minis- were: “Principal Accomplishments and Ukraine’s integration with Europe is ter of foreign affairs; Marta Farion, president of the Kyiv Mohyla Foundation; and Challenges in the Foreign Policy of the Europe’s road to maintaining freedom. This Mykhailo Zgurovsky, rector of Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, former minister of education. European Union and Ukraine in 2010- synergy is what is needed for the creation 2012”; “The University as an Autonomous of the European community in its entirety.” strong critic of current official policies, sug- Ukrainian intellectuals. Participants con- Center and a Factor in the Development of gested that fear permeates Ukrainian soci- sidered dissidence as a key element of Political pressure on universities Civil Society”; “Freedom of Research – ety and that fear can only be overcome democracy. Dissent was also considered in From Dissidents to Intellectuals”; and Acknowledging the accomplishments of through personal freedom and autonomy. the context of individual responsibility and “Freedom of Speech – Linking Academic the last 20 years and the legacy of Kyiv He proposed that there is an urgent need to courage in defending one’s personal posi- Discourse with the Public Sphere.” Mohyla Academy’s history as the cradle of unchain the individual from the threat of tion. Road to European integration Ukraine’s intellectual thought and innova- fear from governmental abuse and restore Bohdan Futey, Judge of the U.S. Federal tion, former U.S. Ambassador William human dignity in society. Participants Court of Appeals, stated: The conference, which was held October Green Miller focused on the university’s agreed that the loss of ethics and morality “A dissenting view that differs from the 7-8, 2011, focused on Ukraine’s rightful role in preparing the country’s future lead- is at the core of the problems facing opinion of the government or the majority is place in Europe through necessary reforms a necessary element of democracy. It con- in education and society. Participants tributes to the development of a civil society, repeatedly confirmed that without free- “Universities cannot be barricaded. They play it enriches intellectual capacity, and it dom in Ukrainian universities there will be a leading role in society.” encourages innovation and improves mutual no freedom in Ukraine. They expressed understanding in society. Society is enriched concern about the current regression in the – U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine John Tefft when there is a free exchange of ideas.” development of democracy and its negative Summarizing the session, Volodymyr impact on society and education. ers, but he warned that Ukraine is facing Ukraine today. Morenets, professor and first vice-president Furthermore, they underscored that sup- challenges to democracy and that the rule Notwithstanding the situation, Kyiv at Kyiv Mohyla Academy, emphasized that port for education without political inter- of law must be defended. Mohyla Academy continues its role as a intellectual freedom is a fundamental human ference is essential for a nation’s stability “The abuse of law is unworthy of a great nation-building institution, reformer and right that cannot be abrogated and noted and for its ability to compete in the world. nation and should be corrected. Attacks on leading educational institution, its leaders that it requires courage to defend that right. Speaking on the issue of European per- the universities by government has an noted. The university continues to oppose spective, Raisa Bohatyriova, secretary of effect on intellectual freedom – a freedom the proposals for governmental control of Freedom of speech, press that is absolutely necessary for the preser- the National Security and Defense Council universities and the most recent tactics of Freedom of speech, professional respon- vation of freedom in society,” he stated. of Ukraine, said: intimidation. sibility and training of professional journal- In commenting on the role of universi- “The government is aware of the work Speakers agreed that human resources ists was the panel discussion that attracted ties, Robin Farkuhar, professor emeritus necessary to move the country closer to EU are a determinative factor for every coun- the largest audience and the most animat- membership. Membership in the EU may and former president of Carleton try in today’s globalized world, and that the ed discussion. They principal problem of be our unifying idea with the opposition. In University, Canada, said, “Canadian univer- role of universities in preparing profession- the media in Ukraine is that of ownership. many ways Ukraine today is not inferior to sities are the conscience of society, a con- al, well-trained individuals cannot be The wealthiest and politically most influential those countries that became EU members. structive critic of society, a champion of underestimated. Universities that are con- people in the country now own the main We understand that there are both internal truth. If we did not have university autono- trolled and dependent on the government television stations, newspapers and jour- and external challenges in the EU, and my and discretion in the use of resources, can neither be innovative research centers, nals. They use the media to improve their internal and external factors in Ukraine we would not be able to perform this role.” The question was raised why most nor fulfill their mission as intellectual cen- image within the country and abroad, and that stand in the way of our membership in encourage the presentation of a more posi- the EU. Our government attempts to mini- administrators and faculty of Ukrainian uni- ters of knowledge and free thought. tive image of Ukraine for their own eco- mize the risks that impede European inte- versities are silent during a period of politi- Dissent as a constructive element nomic benefit. gration perspectives for Ukraine.” cal intrusion into the educational process. The participants included some of Borys Tarasyuk, chairman of the parlia- The Rev. Dr. Borys Gudziak, rector of The discussion on “Freedom of Research” Ukraine’s best-known journalists, including mentary Committee on European Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv and a brought together European, American and Brian Bonner, chief editor of the Kyiv Post; Evhen Fedchenko, director of the Kyiv- Mohyla School of Journalism. Andrii Kulykov, host of the program “Freedom of Speech” on ICTV; Konstyantyn Kvurt, head of the executive committee of Internews Ukraine; Kateryna Myasnykova, executive director of the Independent Association of Television and Radio Broadcasters; Vakhtang Kipiani, journalist and media expert; and Vitaly Portnykov, chief editor of the television sta- tion TBi. The conference included a reception generously hosted by the Embassy of Poland and a concert of compositions by world-renowned contemporary Ukrainian composer Valentin Silvestrov, performed Marta Farion Stanislav Nikolayenko, former minister by the exceptional Kyiv Chamber Choir. of education of Ukraine, with Raisa Maestro Silvestrov was awarded an honor- Judge Bohdan Futey of the U.S. Federal Bohatyriova of the National Security and ary doctorate by the National University of Court of Appeal. U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine John Tefft. Defense Council of Ukraine. Kyiv Mohyla Academy. No. 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012 9 Spirit Lake Internment Camp Interpretive Center is unveiled UCCLA OTTAWA – At the official unveiling of the Spirit Lake Internment Camp Interpretive Center on November 24, 2011, the chairman of the Ukrainian Canadian Civil Liberties Association, Roman Zakaluzny, extended congrat- ulations to the center’s organizers, designers and manag- ers for creating what has already become an important commemorative and educational venue recalling Canada’s first national internment operations. “The hard work of James Slobodian and other members of the Spirit Lake Camp Corporation is evident in this museum, which poignantly recalls the experiences of the men, women and children once interned here, including several members of UCCLA’s Redress Council, such as the late Mary Manko Haskett, her daughter, Fran, and Stefa Pawliw,” Mr. Zakaluzny noted. Years ago, the UCCLA placed a trilingual plaque at the Spirit Lake camp and unveiled a statute, “Interned Madonna,” there “helping set the stage for those who then went on to set up this very impressive center.” Also attending the event was Canada’s Minister of UCCLA Citizenship and Immigration, Jason Kenney, who called the The ribbon-cutting at the inauguration of the Spirit Lake Internment Camp Interpretive Center used symbolic internment operations a “blight’” on the country’s history. barbed wire. From left are: Members of Parliament Peter Goldring (Alberta) and James Bezan (Manitoba); The management of the Spirit Lake Camp Corporation is Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Jason Kenney; Andrew Hladyshevsky, president of the Taras Shevchenko placing a priority now on making the museum’s exhibits Foundation; and James Slobodian, president of the Spirit Lake Camp Corporation. bilingual, in response to concerns raised by the minister and UCCLA’s executive. museum’s exhibits will be accessible to all Canadians, internment operations – an effort that eventually led to the “Mr. James Slobodian assured me and other VIPs attend- regardless of whether they speak French or English.” 2008 settlement that established the Canadian First World War ing this event that nothing is more important to him than All of UCCLA’s plaques are trilingual, Mr. Zakaluzny Internment Recognition Fund, on whose Endowment Council ensuring that this museum’s contents are available in both noted, regardless of where they are located in Canada. UCCLA has a permanent presence. The CFWWIRF provided official languages of Canada,” explained Mr. Zakaluzny. For over two decades, the UCCLA spearheaded the cam- major grants in support of the Spirit Lake Internment Camp “We’re happy to receive this reassurance that soon the paign for acknowledgement and symbolic redress for the interpretive center, making its establishment possible.

president met with leaders of the Ukrainian community in S pirit Lake’s... UW C president continues... Poland, discussing current issues pertaining to local com- munity life, including possible fund-raising strategies to (Continued from page 7) (Continued from page 4) fully restore the activities at the Ukrainian Home in Przemysl (Peremyshl). Canada. I lived in Montreal with my parents, brother John Minister Andrius Kubilius, Parliament Speaker Irena and sisters Anne and Nellie. Nellie was born in Quebec. She Degutiene and Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Evaldas Participating in the meeting were the president and sec- was just 2 1/2 when we buried her near the Spirit Lake Ignatavicius. He also met with Ukraine’s Ambassador to retary of the Association of Ukrainians in Poland (AUP), internment camp. Canada’s Ukrainians were not disloyal. Lithuania Valerii Zhovtenko. respectively, Piotr Tyma and Miroslaw Kupicz, AUP board Our imprisonment was wrong. We were Canadians. Those In light of Lithuania’s chairmanship of the OSCE until the member and Polish Sejm Deputy Miron Sycz, as well as who, like my parents, had come from Ukraine to Canada end of 2011, the UWC president called for Lithuania to sup- local church leaders, editors and community activists. came seeking freedom. They were invited here. They port Ukraine’s European integration and the initialing of the While in Poland, Mr. Czolij also met with Janez Lenarcic , worked hard. They contributed to this country, with their Association Agreement between the EU and Ukraine by the director of the Office for Democratic Institutions and blood, sweat and tears – a lot of the latter. What was done end of the year, which would enhance Ukraine’s future Human Rights (ODIHR) of the Organization for Security to us was wrong. Because no one bothered to remember or democratization and Europeanization. and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), in Warsaw. This was learn about the wrong that was done to us it was done to On November 4, Mr. Czolij met in Brussels, Belgium, the second meeting this year between the UWC president others again, and yet again. Maybe there’s an even greater with the director of the European Commission’s and the OSCE/ODIHR director to discuss issues of impor- wrong in that.” Directorate-General for External Relations, Gunnar tance to the Ukrainian community. A unique site – a place of education, commemoration Wiegand. The parties discussed current troubling events in Topics included the deterioration of democracy in and reflection – the Spirit Lake Camp Internment Center Ukraine, including the persecution of political opponents. Ukraine and the violations of human rights and fundamen- has begun to undo what Mary called the “even greater The UWC president also emphasized the importance of tal freedoms, the pressure being exerted on the political wrong” of ignorance about Canada’s first national intern- continued EU funding for the projects of Ukrainian NGOs opposition and mass media, and the joint opinion of the ment operations and so will stand evermore as a credit to aimed at strengthening civil society, and the continued Venice Commission and the OSCE/ODIHR regarding the those who worked for many years to right an historical monitoring of the draft law “On Election of National draft law “On Election of National Deputies of Ukraine.” injustice. Deputies of Ukraine.” Also discussed were issues related to the Ukrainian Later that day, Mr. Czolij met with the Ukrainian com- national minority in Russia, specifically the liquidation of Lubomyr Luciuk is a professor of political geography at munity in Brussels to share information about the work of the Federal National Cultural Autonomy of Ukrainians of the Royal Military College of Canada. For information about the UWC and to call for their cooperation and support for Russia, whose case is currently before the European Court visiting the Spirit Lake Camp Internment Centre go to www. UWC activities. of Human Rights in Strasbourg, and the pending liquida- campspiritlake.ca. On November 3, during a visit to Warsaw, the UWC tion case of the Union of Ukrainians in Russia. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012 No. 2 No. 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012 11 UIMA presents “A New Generation of Literary Voices”

by Sonya Arko Shidenko and Anna Bohoniuk-Golash CHICAGO – The Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art presented its third annual liter- ary reading, “Ukrainian American Writers: A New Generation of Literary Voices” on Saturday, November 5, 2011. The featured readers this year were Askold Melnychuk, Virlana Tkacz, Alexis Buryk and Roman Skaskiw. The reading series features both estab- lished authors and emerging writers who are selected through a juried process by Sonya Arko Shidenko and Anna Bohoniuk- Golash, creaters of the UA Writers Reading Series at the UIMA. Dr. Golash opened the evening by explaining how the UA Writers Reading Series at the UIMA has grown and changed since its inaugural year in 2009. She also thanked members of the UIMA and the Literary Committee of the UIMA for their help with advertising, set-up of the space and their desire to showcase creative writ- ers of Ukrainian descent. She then introduced the first writer of the evening, Mr. Melnychuk, who is a writer, At the third annual literary reading “Ukrainian American Writers: A New Generation of Literary Voices” (from left) are: Sonya Arko editor, translator and scholar. He has taught Shidenko, Roman Skaskiw, Virlana Tkacz, Anna Bohoniuk-Golash, Alexis Buryk, Askold Melnychuk and Orysia Kossak Cardoso. at Harvard and currently teaches at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. Mr. Homage project, an interdisciplinary work School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her The evening ended with a wine and Melnychuk is the author of three novels. depicting Chornobyl today, in the wake of work involves writing, photography, per- cheese reception at which the audience, His first novel, “What is Told,” which he the explosion, and the people who live formance and installation. This aspect of which consisted of approximately 50 peo- referred to as a “myth,” came out in 1994. It there. Mr. Krantz began this project to bring her artistry was apparent in the presenta- ple, had a chance to talk to the writers, pur- is a story of three generations of a family awareness to the effects of the nuclear tion of her poetry – she had assembled her chase their books and browse the galleries. named Zabobon, and it is intertwined with disaster, which he feels should not be for- poems into an over-sized book wrapped in The Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art a story line about their mythical ancestor gotten. Other contributors to the book are tissue paper and read them while seated, has asked Dr. Golash and Ms. Shidenko to Tur. His second novel, “Ambassador of the Dr. Scott Clearwater, John King, and Henry with the book in her lap. continue the reading series, based on its Dead,” was a Los Angeles Times Best Book Henderson. The final reader of the evening was Ms. three previous years of success. Dr. Golash for 2002 and is included on Citizen Works’ The second reader of the evening was Tkacz, the founding director of Yara Arts is a member of the UIMA Literary Progressive Reading List. Mr. Melnychuk’s Mr. Skaskiw, who read a short story set in Group in New York, an experimental the- Committee, and she met Ms. Shidenko, a latest novel, “The House of Widows,” was Ukraine, as well as a nonfiction essay based ater company that stages poetry. She has poet, when teaching a Ukrainian language an Editor’s Choice selection of the on his experience as a U.S. Army veteran translated several Ukrainian poems into course at the University of Illinois at American Library Association’s Booklist. It who has deployed to both Afghanistan and English for Yara Arts Group. Her transla- Chicago. departs from the Ukrainian themes he Iraq. The essay drew several laughs from tions, created with Wanda Phipps, were col- Ms. Shidenko was employed at the uni- included in the first two novels to focus on the crowd, but was poignant and serious at lected in “In a Different Light: A Bilingual versity when a co-worker told her that a the impact of war on individual lives. other times. Anthology of Ukrainian Literature.” Ukrainian language class was being added Mr. Melnychuk also translates from Mr. Skaskiw, who grew up in New York, Ms. Tkacz has received the National to the course list, and she audited the class. Ukrainian. He was a founder of the literary earned his undergraduate degree from Endowment for the Arts Poetry Translation Currently, Ms. Shidenko teaches English, quarterly Agni, an extremely successful and Standford University in computer science, Fellowship. This evening, however, she Literature, and Writing at Oakton well-regarded literary journal. He was its then became an infantry officer in the U.S. read three of her own poems before show- Community College, and Dr. Golash teaches main editor for over three decades. Army. After six years, he attended the Iowa ing several images relating to her current for the Department of Slavic Languages Mr. Melnychuk began by reading a small Writers’ Workshop from which he graduat- work. and Literature at the University of Illinois part of his first novel and then read selec- ed in 2007. He recently returned home The variety of readings defied the idea in Chicago. tions from the other two. He concluded by from a year in Ukraine as a Fulbright that the writing of a group from a common UA Writers: A New Generation of reading his essay from the book “Homage: Scholar. background, even if they are writing about Literary Voices is held annually on the first Remembering Chernobyl,” edited by pho- The third reader of the evening, Ms. a specific culture or collective cultural Saturday in November. Readers may check tographer Jim Krantz, who also attended Buryk, read several of her poems. She is an experience, will be similar. Sometimes the the UIMA’s website, www.uima-art.org, for the reading. This was combined with a interdisciplinary artist currently pursuing work drew on Ukrainian culture or identity, guidelines and information on how to sub- video presentation that is part of the larger her Master of Fine Arts degree at the other times it did not. mit your work for next year’s reading.

UIMA caps 40th anniversary year with gala banquet by Orysia Kossak Cardoso CHICAGO’S – Chicago’s Ukrainian-American community turned out in force on October 8, 2011, to attend the 40th anniversary gala of the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art. The UIMA was founded 40 years ago by a Chicago-based group of philanthropists, artists and supporters of the arts who were committed to promoting the work of émigré art- ists for future generations. Today that visionary project is flourishing as UIMA cele- brated the artists and supporters whose works and private holdings have gained recognition both here and abroad. Attendees at the gala, who numbered over 200 UIMA members and community benefactors, enjoyed cocktails and dinner in the institute’s newly refurbished galleries and modernized lobby entrance. They were entertained by guest speakers including Prof. Russell Panczenko, director and chief curator of the Chazen Museum of Art at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, who shared entertaining vignettes involving his experiences John Olshansky UIMA President Orysia Kossak Cardoso. Dr. Yuriy Shevchuk of Columbia University. (Continued on page 15) 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012 No. 2

Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. mother daily, and she emphasized once ROC concerned... “Subsequent statements by [Major] Tymoshenko... again that her mother’s arrest and her Archbishop Sviatoslav about his will to transfer to the Kharkiv facility are illegal. (Continued from page 3) (Continued from page 1) resolve the existing problems between the Also on January 3, Ms. Tymoshenko’s lawyer, Serhii Vlasenko, the head of the reconciliation between our Churches with- Moscow Patriarchate and the UGCC also Officials said the former Ukrainian prime inspired us with some optimism,” he said. minister is enjoying European-standard Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc-Batkivschyna fac- out mutual respect, in particular, in the tion in the Verkhovna Rada, Andrei Metropolitan Ilarion commented also on comforts at the Kachanivska Women’s area of the canonical system.” He explained Kozhemiakin, and National Deputy Serhii that the Russian Orthodox Church receives the recent statement by Patriarch Kirill of Penal Colony, and a press release noted that her prison cell “meets all European require- Pashynsky met with prison officials in reports “about acts of proselytism of Greek- the ROC about the “improvement of rela- ments and standards of detention,” and Kharkiv to inquire about the conditions in Catholics among the Orthodox on the terri- tions between the Orthodox and Greek- “comes equipped with everything from a which the opposition leader is being held. Catholics in Ukraine.” According to him the tory of central and eastern Ukraine.” microwave oven to a washing machine and The next day Mr. Vlasenko was able to “Such phenomena can only strengthen patriarch’s words do not mean that all the even a bidet.” secure permission for Ms. Tymoshenko’s the existing problems in inter-Church rela- problems in these relations are already set- RFE/RL also reported on health con- daughter to visit her. tions, while we would like the words about tled. “The question of construction of cerns, noting that Ms. Tymoshenko has In earlier developments in the readiness for dialogue not to conflict with Orthodox churches in western Ukraine complained about various health issues Tymoshenko case, on December 23, 2011, real actions,” added the metropolitan. remains unsettled. Representatives of the since she was first detained in August of the Court of Appeals in Kyiv upheld the ver- Metropolitan Ilarion said that, after the Ukrainian Orthodox Church express con- last year and says she has been denied the dict of Kyiv’s Pechersky District Court of election of Patriarch Sviatoslav, official con- cern about the mission of Greek-Catholics right to independent medical care. Prison October 11, 2011, which found the former tacts were established for the first time in eastern Ukraine,” the metropolitan officials in Kharkiv, meanwhile, say Ms. prime minister guilty of abuse of office between the Greek-Catholics and Orthodox noted. Tymoshenko has turned down an opportu- when she signed gas contracts with Russia nity to be examined by prison doctors. in 2009 and sentenced her to seven years in Some 100 Tymoshenko supporters gath- prison, with no further right to hold public ered outside the Kharkiv penal colony on office for three years. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. They In Washington, reacting to the Court of continued to gather outside the facility in Appeals ruling, the deputy spokesman for the succeeding days and on January 4 erected a U.S. State Department, Mark C. Toner, stated TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL MARIA OSCISLAWSKI (973) 292-9800 x3040 tent decorated with logos of the on December 27: “The United States was dis- or e-mail [email protected] Batkivschyna party. appointed that the Kyiv Court of Appeals Ms. Tymoshenko’s daughter, Yevhenia upheld the conviction of former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko on December 23 SERVICES PROFESSIONALS Tymoshenko Carr, tried to visit her mother at the Kharkiv prison on January 3, but was and did not address concerns about democ- turned away by prison officials, reported racy and rule of law raised in the initial trial the UNIAN news service. Afterwards she and sentencing. We urge the government of told the news media that she could not get Ukraine to free Mrs. Tymoshenko and the permission to visit since the official in other former government officials currently charge of her mother’s case did not answer in detention. We believe that they should phone calls. have an unrestricted ability to participate Ms. Carr also said that she knows noth- fully in political life, including next year’s ing about her mother’s current state of [2012] parliamentary elections.” health as she has not seen her since December 28. She indicated that she Sources: Ukrinform, UNIAN, Interfax- intended to stay either in Kharkiv or in Ukraine, The New York Times, RFE/RL, The Dnipropetrovsk so that she could visit her Moscow Times, U.S. Department of State.

E xperts from Ukraine... (Continued from page 1) such as remote sensing and distribution modeling, which will help Ukraine in its cooperation with Russia in some important projects. As for benefits for the American side, he said, such cooperation will increase region- al environmental security, be a useful test- ing site for models/methods validation and improvement, and involve Ukrainian researchers and programmers in improv- ing new methods and models developed by U.S. agencies. Dr. Zhelezniak also noted some of the difficulties involved in resolving Chornobyl- related and climate change pollution prob- Yaro Bihun lems in Ukraine. During Soviet times, the Dr. Andriy Demydenko describes U.S.- KGB did not want Ukrainian scientists Ukrainian cooperation in resolving envi- working with any Western scientists. ronmental problems. Today, while Ukrainian scientists are free to lution, while government entities – at least travel and work in the West, there is a some of them – seem to be more interested developing brain-drain problem when in the monetary gains from fines paid by Ukrainian scientists see the broader oppor- polluters. tunities and higher wages available to them Ambassador Olexander Motsyk, who in the West. opened the scientists’ 90-minute discus- Dr. Demydenko indicated that Ukraine sion and was among its active participants, has seen important changes in its approach suggested that the Ukrainian Embassy in and feeling of responsibility for maintaining Washington may well commemorate the a clean environment in Chornobyl-affected 20th anniversary of that bilateral environ- areas, as well as in the Carpathian region, mental agreement. which has experienced some serious flood- Eugene Z. Stakhiv of the Ukrainian ing in recent years. There is also a problem Engineers’ Society of America moderated in appreciating certain concepts that are the evening discussion, which was also readily understood in the West – the con- sponsored by the Shevchenko Scientific cept of probability, for one. Ukrainians find Society, the Ukrainian Academy of Arts and it difficult to accept varying probabilities, he Sciences in the United States and The said. They readily accept a forecast that it Washington Group, an association of will rain or not rain tomorrow, for example, Ukrainian American professionals, and but they are not used to such forecasts as a hosted by the Embassy of Ukraine. 75 percent chance of rain, he said. The two Ukrainian scientists’ trip to the There is also a gap between science and United States and their meetings here were politics in focusing on what is important in arranged under the auspices of the Civilian this area. He pointed out that, when it Research and Development Foundation, comes to the environment, environmental- the Institute of Water Resources of the U.S. ists focus on stopping and cleaning up pol- Army Corps of Engineers and NASA. No. 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012 13

of its financial sector (116th) and building tive impact on inflation. We have coped successful politicians of 2011. Twenty-six NEWSBRIEFS on recent reforms,” reads the report. with it so far. Hopefully, we will also do so experts of the 61 surveyed share this opin- (Ukrinform) in 2012,” he said. (Ukrinform) ion about the promising young politicians, (Continued from page 2) whose ratings have significantly increased Google to launch ‘Street View’ for Ukraine Top politicians: Klitschko, Yatsenyuk on January 3, 66.3 percent of respondents in recent months. The least successful poli- believe the situation in Ukraine as a whole KYIV – Google has plans to launch the KYIV – An expert survey carried out by ticians of the year, experts say, were changed for the worse in 2011. Another “Street View” service for Ukraine in 2012. the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives President Viktor Yanukovych, Vice Prime 22.1 percent believe that the situation did This was stated on January 3 by Dmytro Foundation and released on December 28, Minister Sergey Tigipko (author of not change, and only 6.1 percent indicate Sholomko, who heads Google in Ukraine, 2011, named boxer Vitali Klitschko, who Ukraine’s pension reform) and Prime that the situation improved. Sociologists during a presentation of the rankings of heads the Ukrainian Democratic Alliance Minister Mykola Azarov. They received pointed out that in January-February 2011, the most popular search queries for 2011. for Reform party, and Arseniy Yatsenyuk, negative assessments from 32, 22 and 20 while assessing changes in Ukraine during “Google will shoot the pans of four cities Front for Change leader, as the two most experts, respectively. (Ukrinform) 2010, a total of 52.8 percent of respondents hosting the Euro-2012 championships – had noted a deteriorating situation. The Kyiv, Donetsk, Kharkiv and Lviv – as well respondents observed a perceived worsen- as the central streets of Odesa,” Mr. ing in areas such as increased prices, the Sholomko said. Google did not cite an attitude of citizens toward the authorities, exact date when the pictures will be avail- confidence in the future, the economic situ- able on the Internet, but it is clear that this ation and the level of social protection. will happen before the start of Euro-2012, According to sociologists, the level of citi- that is, in the first half of the year. Cars zens’ optimism concerning developments equipped with special cameras are already in Ukraine did not change in comparison taking pictures for Google in Ukraine. with October 2011 and remains low: only Previously, Google announced the top 11.7 percent of respondents believe that search queries of Ukrainians for 2011: events in Ukraine are developing in the users were most interested in football, right direction and 67.3 percent believe social networks and TV shows. events are moving in the wrong direction. (Ukrinform) (Ukrinform) Yanukovych congratulates Obama Obama signs Belarus Democracy Act KYIV – Ukraine’s President Viktor WASHINGTON – President Barack Yanukovych on December 31, 2011, con- Obama on January 3 signed into law a gratulated U.S. President Barack Obama on strengthened sanctions regime for Belarus the 20th anniversary of the establishment in response to the government’s crack- of diplomatic relations between the two down on protesters following the contro- countries, according to the official website versial re-election of President Alyaksandr of the Ukrainian president. “I am happy to Lukashenka in 2010. The Belarus congratulate you on the 20th anniversary Democracy and Human Rights Act of 2011, of the establishment of diplomatic relations which was passed by the U.S. Congress on between Ukraine and the United States. I December 20, expands the list of am pleased to note that your country has Belarusian officials subject to U.S. visa and consistently supported the Ukrainian state financial sanctions to include those in strengthening democracy, introducing involved in the post-election crackdown. It economic and social reforms, enhancing also requires the U.S. State Department to energy security and in other important report to Congress on Belarusian arms issues of national development,” Mr. sales and Internet censoring, and calls on Yanukovych said in a congratulatory mes- the International Ice Hockey Federation to sage. He said that Ukraine-U.S. relations are cancel its plan to hold the 2014 World Ice currently based on principles and values Hockey Championship in Minsk. The law, reflected in the United States-Ukraine which updates similar 2004 and 2006 leg- Charter on Strategic Partnership, which islation, also says it is U.S. policy to “sup- also determines the bilateral agenda for the port calls for new presidential and parlia- future. “We appreciate our constructive mentary elections [in Belarus], conducted political dialogue and are ready to continue in a manner that is free and fair.” It was working together to fully deepen mutually authored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), beneficial Ukrainian-U.S. cooperation and chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission develop bilateral relations for the benefit of (RFE/RL, U.S. Helsinki Commission) both peoples,” the Ukrainian president said. Mr. Yanukovych wished Mr. Obama good Ukraine improves in competitiveness health and success, and peace and prosper- KYIV – Ukraine has improved by seven ity for the friendly people of the United positions (to 82d) in the Global States. (Ukrinform) Competitiveness Report 2011-2012 rank- Azarov: Ukraine ready to sue Russia over gas ings released on November 30 by the World Economic Forum. “After falling 16 KYIV – Ukraine is ready to turn to inter- places over the last two years – one of the national arbitration in case of unsuccessful steepest declines of all countries, which negotiations with Russia over the price of reflects the many economic and political natural gas, Prime Minister Mykola Azarov challenges the country has faced in recent said in a comment on Facebook on years – Ukraine reversed the trend and December 29, 2011, in answering a ques- moves up seven positions this year. The tion from a user on “how long Ukraine country continues to demonstrate a num- could wait for a compromise from Russia.” ber of competitive strengths. A well-edu- He noted, “Ukraine is ready to consider our cated population, flexible and efficient dispute at international arbitration, and we labor markets, and a large market size con- expect that if the strategic partners fail to tinue to set a good base for the country’s achieve mutual understanding, then such future growth performance. On the other action remains the only option for us.” Mr. hand, despite its impressive reform agen- Azarov added, “But before that we want to da, no real improvements have been mea- agree, if we really are strategic partners.” sured in the country’s weak institutional He also promised to “minimize the nega- framework (131st) or in its highly ineffi- tive impact on inflation” from a new price cient markets for goods and services for gas. “The price of gas reached $416 in (129th), which stifle competition and pre- 2011, and inflation depends primarily on vent entrepreneurship from flourishing. In whether the decisions to raise the rates this context, it is hoped that the country’s associated with such high gas prices are accession to the World Trade Organization made,” the prime minister underscored. (WTO) will further contribute to intensify- “Surely, the impact of high gas prices and ing competition in the country by reducing the associated industrial costs and price both trade barriers and domestic obsta- increases exist. For us, this is a problem cles. Priority should also be given to con- both in 2011 and in 2012, but we will do tinuing the stabilization and development everything we can to minimize the nega- 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012 No. 2 Sisters of St. Basil the Great celebrate a century in America PHILADELPHIA – At the end of Matins of the Contemplative Sisters in on Sunday, November 6, 2011, the bells at Middletown, N.Y.; Sister Seraphim Olsafsky, the monastery of the Sisters of the Order of OSBM, superior of Our Lady of Perpetual St. Basil the Great in Fox Chase rang 100 Help Province in Uniontown, Pa.; and Sister times, signaling the beginning of a day-long Lucia Salkovski, OSBM, superior of the St. celebration commemorating 100 years of Macrina Delegature in Brazil. service in America. Other major superiors from around the That afternoon, Basilian Sisters from world included Sister Anna Piecunko, around the world, hierarchs, clergy, former Poland; Sister Josefa Simova, Slovakia; students, friends, community leaders, com- Sister Valentina Hadarau, Romania; and panions and supporters of their spiritual Sister Anisia Szewczuk, Australia. journey joined the Sisters of Jesus, Lover of Representing the Generalate in Rome were Humanity Province at a Divine Liturgy of Sisters Joanna Lickvar, Ioana Bota and Thanksgiving celebrated at the Ukrainian Ihgnatiya Havrylyk. Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate In the evening, the festivities continued Conception in Philadelphia, just a stone’s with a banquet held at Savoy’s in throw from the building situated at the Pennsauken, N.J., which was attended by nearby corner of Seventh and Poplar approximately 300 guests. Halyna Keller, streets, where the sisters first began their CEO of the Ukrainian Selfreliance Federal ministry in the United States. Credit Union, served as mistress of ceremo- Celebrants at the liturgy included nies. Mykola and Oksana Yaremko, who filmed “Women of Spirit,” a documentary video Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka, In her welcoming remarks, Provincial about the Sisters of St. Basil the Great, are seen with Sisters Ann Laszok (left) and Bishops Paul Chomnycky, OSBM, and John Superior Sister Dorothy Ann Busowski pro- Dorothy Ann Busowski (second from right). Bura, Bishop Emeritus Basil Losten, pres- vided an overview of the work the Basilian ent and former chaplains and spiritual Sisters had accomplished since November by Sister Ann Laszok, OSBM. The documen- copy of the Sisters’ commemorative cen- directors, as well as many other clergy. of 1911 – the year the founding sisters of tary included interviews with teachers, tennial book, “Basilian Sisters in America: Among the special guests attending and the American Province arrived in graduates and others whose lives they had The First Hundred Years”, which traces the speaking at this joyful event were General Philadelphia. touched. In turn, the sisters thanked the spiritual journey of the Province from its Superior Sister Miriam Claire Kowal, OSBM, During the evening, the Sisters and their many individuals who had been an integral roots in Ukraine to its many accomplish- and members of her Council; Sister work were feted by numerous speakers part of their incredible journey over the ments in the United States. Mykolaya Romakh, OSBM, provincial supe- and celebrated in an interesting and touch- past century. For additional information about Jesus, rior of the Holy Trinity Province in Ukraine; ing videotape, “Women of Spirit,” filmed by Before departing for home, each guest Lover of Humanity Province, see the sis- Mother Georgianna Snihur, OSBM, superior Mykola and Oksana Yaremko and produced was presented with a special keepsake – a ters’ website at www.stbasils.com.

master of the (hospodar) house, on the kaly- est?... That is not a cloud, but spring bees. St. for the hospodar, the second for the hospo- Bees at Christmas na – for the mistress of the house (hospodyn- Nicholas came before them, and stopped dynia, the third for his son. God, ensure the ia) on the fir tree – for their daughter. Ensure, them with his right hand, and blessed them growth of thick honeys, thick honeys and yel- (Continued from page 7) o God, thick honey and yellow waxes, the with holy water, and took them to the town. low waxes, the yellow waxes [for candles] for three swarms of bees flying. The first set thick honey for the horilka, the yellow waxes He divided them into three parts: one group the praise of God, the thick honeys for the down on the kalyna (viburnum, a high-bush [for candles] for the church.” (Recorded by Z. he placed into a thick log [a trunk hive], the people’s glory!” (Khodakovskyi) cranberry), the second in the apiary, the Khodakovskyi, 1820) second into a white lypa [basswood or lin- May your New Year be as sweet as the third on the fir tree. In the apiary – for the “What is that cloud coming from the for- den tree], the third into a yellow fir. The first honey in your kutia, mead and medivnyk!

11B No. 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012 15 Immaculate Conception Schools mark diamond jubilee WARREN, Mich. – Immaculate Schaicoski; the provincial superior of the Conception Ukrainian Catholic Schools in Basilian Fathers in the United States, the Michigan are celebrating 75 years of ser- Rev. Philip Sandrick; the Rev. Abel Szocska, vice to the Ukrainian community of the provincial superior of the Basilian Fathers Greater Metropolitan Detroit area. in Hungary, and clergy from Detroit, The school was founded in 1936 and its Chicago and New York. history is intertwined with that of the The second part of the celebration was Ukrainian community of Michigan. The IC the jubilee benefit banquet at the Ukrainian Schools are the fruit of the faith of a great Cultural Center in Warren. The celebration parish and its leaders, namely Immaculate began with a beautiful performance by the Conception Ukrainian Catholic Parish. It is schoolchildren under the direction of thanks to dedicated pastors, sisters, Church Principal Dianne Karpinsky, Olga Council members, parishioners, principals, Novatchinski and Roma Tobianski of the teachers and staff that the schools have Ukrainian department and Maestro overcome the challenges of difficult times Volodymyr Shesiuk, IC Schools choir direc- and become the center of the Ukrainian tor. The song, “O Mother of God,” and “The community. Kozak Nation” sung in English and The high point of the 75th anniversary Ukrainian brought cheers and tears to the celebration on Sunday, October 23, 2011, 465 school supporters who attended the was the hierarchical divine liturgy celebrat- banquet. ed at Immaculate Conception Ukrainian The keynote speaker was Bishop Catholic Church in Hamtramck, Mich. The Lonchyna, who reminisced about his years IC Schools students of Grades 6, 7 and 8 perform. liturgy was celebrated by Bishop Hlib at IC Schools by recalling funny moments Lonchyna, eparch of the Ukrainian Catholic and then by relating how the schools influ- “It is with great sacrifices that such an will know English better than they will Church in Great Britain, and concelebrated enced his life. He credited Immaculate institution can exist and function. I would know Ukrainian. But we must not give up. by the Superior of the Hamtramck Basilian Conception Schools and Church with his like to recall here the many pastors of our We must not think that because someone Fathers’ Monastery, the Rev. Daniel Lauro own vocation to the priesthood. church, the sisters who taught us, all of our does not speak Ukrainian he cannot be a teachers and school personnel, the many part of our community. We need to find our good people who were benefactors of our identity in our faith and in our culture, and schools, and of course – our school mates,” continue developing them further in Bishop Lonchyna said. always new situations. Here is where the The bishop reminded everyone of the role of our IC Grade school and academy importance for today’s society of a comes in. This is the purpose for which Ukrainian school system like IC Schools: they were founded.” “Today, the Ukrainian Catholic community In conclusion, the Rev. Schaicoski, IC in North America and elsewhere in the Schools Administrator, thanked everyone world needs to foster unity and solidarity for their support, for dedicating their time with each other and our sisters and broth- and talents for the good of the Immaculate ers in Ukraine. You are citizens of these Conception Ukrainian Catholic Schools and United States and most of you have grown Church, and, therefore, for the good of the up here; here is your home. Your children Ukrainian American Community.

IC Schools students of Grades 2 and 3 greet the audience.

pieces of art, sculpture, textiles, books and UM I A caps 40th... catalogues, in large part resulting from bequests from important benefactors such (Continued from page 11) as the Eugene Kowalsky estate, including in fundraising and expanding holdings, all works by famed Ukrainian artists Jacques while laboring at securing endowments for Hnizdovsky, Alexander Archipenko, Solovij the museum he heads. and many others. Similarly, Yuri Shevchuk, lecturer in Also worth noting are the institute’s first Ukrainian language and culture at the presidents, Dr. Vasyl Truchly and Andriy Department of Slavic Languages at Demus; legal counsels, Borys Antonovych, Columbia University, as well as the found- Marta Farion and Yaro Melnyk; and archi- ing director of Columbia’s Ukrainian Film tect George Sambirsky, who worked on the Club, captured the audience’s attention original construction of the building. with his incisive analysis of current usage In recent years, Jaroslaw Sobol’s untir- of the Ukrainian language and the state of ing efforts and dedication have trans- education in Ukraine. formed the UIMA through a building refor- The UIMA’s current leadership capped mation that further highlights its contem- off the evening by expressing the commu- porary commitment. nity’s and membership’s joint gratitude to Prof. Bohdan Rubchak and Vera those whose originating vision, commit- Bodnaruk originated and promoted liter- ment and hard work has been validated by ary events that focus on current Ukrainian a vibrant, growing and widely heralded cul- writers of prose and poetry. Similarly, tural center in the heart of Chicago’s Lubko Krushelnycky’s passion and love of Ukrainian Village. music resulted in highly praised musical The current chairwoman, Motria concerts that featured many famous Melnyk, cited the work of visionary found- Ukrainian performers. ers – Dr. Achilles Chreptowsky, Konstantin Lastly, Ms. Cardoso noted, the UIMA Milonadis, Mychajlo Urban and Wasyl would not have flourished without the sub- Kacurovsky. Similarly, she lauded the work stantial and sustained support of its mem- of dedicated supporters Dr. Joseph Szandra bers, as well as the Ukrainian community’s and Jaroslaw Strutynski. financial institutions – the Selfreliance UIMA President Orysia Kossak Cardoso Foundation at Selfreliance Ukrainian cited the contributions of those who American Federal Credit Union and the worked towards the institute’s remodeling Heritage Foundation at 1st Security and expansion, while maintaining the Savings Bank. Their strong belief in our integrity of its original architectural design mission and values has enabled UIMA to by famed Chicago architect Stanley maintain a high caliber of artistic and cul- Tigerman. tural endeavors throughout the past four Today the institute houses over 1,500 decades, she underscored. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012 No. 2

On December 21, at the annual Putin- Under Western eyes style president’s pressconference, Mustafa Druzhba 78 teams compete in U.S. Nayem from the news portal Ukrayinska (Continued from page 6) Pravda dared to put to President top governmental positions in both Kyiv and Yanukovych the question that perplexes vir- other regions of Ukraine (http://gazeta.ua/ tually all Ukrainians: “Viktor Fedorovych, articles/politics-newspaper/_yanukovich- you mentioned many times that the eco- priznachae-na-posadi-lyudej-yakih-znayut- nomic situation in the country is bad, people jogo-diti/409143). do not feel any improvements in their life, Once again, Ukraine was downgraded in there is no money in state coffers for the vic- 2011 by various international agencies in tims of Chornobyl, or veterans of terms of democracy, civil rights, freedom of Afghanistan… At the same, we observe speech, corruption, inequality and injustice, every day how your personal life is improv- conditions for doing business, etc. This ing. We see how you rent a helicopter at $1 might be a part of a global anti-Yanukovych million [a year] from the company con- conspiracy, as his propagandists suggest, trolled by your son (http://www.pravda. but domestic opinion surveys confirm the com.ua/articles/2011/07/20/6405659/). same tendencies. In May 2011, a revealing We know that in Mezhyhirya [Yanukovych’s poll was carried out nationwide by the rep- 140-hectare estate near Kyiv, controversially utable Institute of Sociology of the National privatized] (http://www.pravda.com.ua/ Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. The articles/2011/11/16/6760109/) the con- respondents were asked how, in their opin- struction work is continued by the compa- ion, the situation had changed in various nies controlled by your son. What is the social fields within the past few months. The secret of your success – why is everything so Druzhba 78’s U-16 team after their win on December 17, in Medford, Pa. answers (below) shed some light on the bad for the country and so good for you?” essence of President Yanukovych’s “I do not know what happy life and gos- PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Druzhba 78’s U-18 Druzhba took the lead in the first period, “reforms” that arguably required some sip about my family you are talking about,” teams participated in the Ice Works scoring two goals 26 seconds apart, first by curbs on civic freedoms and democratic responded the president, “I just want to say Thanksgiving Tournament November Vlad Mihalkov and followed by Igor institutions: that I don’t envy you” (http://blogs.pravda. 25-27, 2011, in Aston, Pa. In the first round, Khdyakov. Brian Enos netted a goal at com.ua/authors/leschenko/ Druzhba defeated Suffolk Selects 2-1, fol- 10:55 in the first period to catch up. Dima Worsened Unchanged Improved 4ef2403ec1268/view_print/). lowed by a 6-1 win over the NY Titans. In Babenko, who scored a hat-trick that game, Economic situation in Ukraine It is not clear whether the president lost the third round, Druzhba defeated scored his first of three goals in the second 58.1 37.1 4.8 his temper and overtly threatened the jour- Southern MD Sabres 4-0. Druzhba defeated period, assisted by Pasha Nayda and Igor Standards of living nalist or just completed one of his numer- the NYC Cyclones 4-1 in the playoffs, and Stibish. 68.4 29.4 2.4 ous linguistic faux pas. It is remarkable also defeated Prince William Panthers 2-1 in In the opening of the third period, Level of corruption that he completely ignored the essence of the final. Babenko scored on a loose puck. Jake 37.2 59.8 3.0 Mr. Nayem’s question about corruption, Teams from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Porazzo scored another goal for the Level of democracy nepotism, and lack of restraint, and inter- Maryland, New York, Virginia and Long Mustangs, assisted by Derek Mecrones and 33.1 63.9 3.0 preted everything as indiscreet interference Island competed in the tournament. Brett Mecrones, cutting the lead to 5-2 with Protection from authorities’ arbitrariness in his family life. This is a minor story that Druzhba 78’s U-16 team from Kharkiv, 6:39 left on the clock. Moments later, 36.1 61.4 2.5 tells, however, a lot about both the intellec- Ukraine, defeated Medford High School’s Babenko scored his third goal of the night Job guarantees and possibilities tual and moral quality of the ruling “elite.” Mustangs 6-2 in an exhibition game on to seal the 6-2 victory. of employment One may praise the EU for its reluctance December 17 in Medford, Pa. The Druzhba 78 is coached by Ivan Pravilov, 51.6 46.6 1.8 to make a deal with these people, but one Ukrainian team was invited to participate who has come to the United States for exhi- Source: Krytyka, 15:7-8 (2011), 6. should also censure the EU for still tolerat- in the Friendship Exhibition series. bition games and to host hockey clinics. ing these people far too much. No. 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012 17

Edited and compiled by Matthew Dubas Students meet with Ambassador Motsyk WASHINGTON – Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States Olexander Motsyk met with a delegation represent- ing the Federation of Ukrainian Student Organizations of America (SUSTA) on November 18, 2011, at the Embassy of Ukraine. The meeting was part of the “Ukrainian Students’ Day” project initiated by the Embassy to further relations between Ukraine and the U.S. Ambassador Motsyk outlined priorities and major ele-

Participants of the “Ukrainian Students’ Day” at the Embassy of Ukraine in Washington with Ambassador Olexander Motsyk. ments of the Ukraine-U.S. cooperation and briefed the del- America and U.S.-Ukraine Business Council that invited egation on the activities of the Embassy. The SUSTA repre- students for internships and training. sentatives informed Mr. Motsyk about the problems mem- The SUSTA schedule of events for two days (November bers from Ukraine faced during their stay in the United 18-19, 2011) included a borsch tasting, social events, sight- States and introduced a number of initiatives and propos- seeing and a farewell luncheon. From left, Victor Zagreba, event coordinator for SUSTA, Ambassador Olexander Motsyk, and Maksym als to be implemented by SUSTA and the Embassy. For more information on SUSTA events, contact Victor Plakhotnyuk, SUSTA president, at the student reception The meeting was attended by representatives from the Zagreba via e-mail, [email protected], or phone, 240- at the Embassy of Ukraine in Washington. Library of Congress, Ukrainian Service of the Voice of 475-9895. Food drive raises Holodomor awareness PARSIPPANY, N.J. – A food drive in com- Yonkers, N.Y., Hartford, Conn., and memoration of the Holodomor, initiated by Cleveland. the Ukrainian American Youth Association The first report comes from Passaic, N.J., (UAYA), concluded on December 23, 2011. where youth from St. Nicholas Ukrainian “This food drive was an idea discussed Catholic School, the School of Ukrainian at the Ukrainian American Youth Studies and members of the Ukrainian Association resort in Ellenville, N.Y., on American Youth Association, led by team Labor Day weekend [2011] during the leader Steve Porada, combined their efforts ‘Tabir Druzhynnykiv’ (camp for UAYA to collect more than 800 cans of food, young adults),” explained Steve Porada, one which was estimated by the Center for of the food drive organizers. “So I had an Food Action staff to weigh more than 500 idea to coordinate the effort and identified pounds. key leaders in each area to spread the In Yonkers, N.Y., the local UAYA branch, word. It didn’t really pick up steam until with team leader Michael Kapitula, togeth- mid-November,” he added. er with the local branch of the Ukrainian And the word did spread. Ukrainian com- Congress Committee of America collected Matthew Dubas Students from St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic School in Passaic, N.J., load food into munities throughout the United States and food items at the Ukrainian Youth Center the food bank truck. Canada collected food and raised money to and St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church. support their local food banks, with the The Yonkers food drive ended on December by team leader Danny Szpyhulsky, collected food that was collected by Foodshare, a food donations to be received by local food banks 20, 2011, and nearly 500 pounds (495 to 153 pounds of food. A large portion of the bank serving Hartford and Tolland counties. in time for Christmas. be exact) was collected. The food was donations came from the Myhal Family. The Kashtan Dance Ensemble and the “We had participants from Hartford, Conn., donated to the Food Bank of Westchester in Alison Bryant, director at the Church Zorya Ukrainian Female Vocal Ensemble of Chicago, the University of Ottawa, SUNY at Millwood, N.Y., on December 22, 2011. Women United Food Pantry in Irvington, Cleveland were able to donate 245 pounds Stony Brook, and others. I had teams Other team members who helped in the of food to the Cleveland Food Bank. N.J., collected the donation. reporting that I never knew started, like tallying included Taras Kulynych, Dan “It was really impressive towards the Syracuse, N.Y., Mr. Porada noted.” Kuzemczak, Mike Kuzemczak, Matt Slalski, The UAYA branch in Hartford, Conn., led end. I had no idea people were going to do A few local efforts are highlighted here, Stefan Palylyk and Edward Fay. by Orest Omeliach and the food drive com- what they actually did,” Mr. Porada noted. including Passaic and Irvington, N.J., The UAYA branch in Irvington, N.J., led mittee, was able to donate 301 pounds of He also noted the work of Ivanka Bryan, Dan Nysch, Dmirti Lenczuk, Yuriy Symczyk, Michael Migielicz, Diana Prodan, Andrew Panas, Tosia Oliver, Larissa Nysch, Yuri Broda, Anna Solomia Pylypiw, Peter Chudolij, Nadia Dlaboha and others. In looking to next year, Mr. Porada said organizers need to review what worked and what didn’t, strive to reach more com- munities, and put together an information package to simplify the process and ensure everyone is on the same page. “Hopefully this year’s effort inspires other groups to get involved next year, and the year after that,” he said. For more information on the food drive, visit the Facebook page “Nationwide Food Drive in Recognition of Ukraine’s Famine- Zachar Figol, Orest Figol and Daniel Lukachouk of the Ukrainian American Youth Association with students of St. Nicholas Genocide,” or visit the website www. Ukrainian Catholic School in Passaic, N.J., and their donation of more than 800 cans of food. holodomorfooddrive.com. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012 No. 2

January 12 Concert featuring the Gryphon Trio, Music at the Institute, January 21 Malanka dance, Ukrainian Cultural Center, 604-879-2089 New York Ukrainian Institute of America, 212-288-8660 Vancouver, BC

January 14 Malanka dinner and dance with music by Udech, January 21 Malanka dance with music by Veselka and DJ Modeste Whippany, NJ Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey, Montreal Blaise, Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization and 201-213-4321 Ukrainian Youth Association in Canada, Ukrainian Youth Home, 514-984-8821 or 514-463-4366 January 14 Malanka dance with music by Na Zdorovya, Ukrainian Hartford, CT National Home of Hartford, 860-296-6955 January 21 Malanka dance with music by Euphoria, Plast Ukrainian Calgary, AB Scouting Organization, Calgary Petroleum Club, January 20 Pub night, Ukrainian American Youth Association, 403-922-7676 or [email protected] Philadelphia Ukrainian American Citizens’ Association, 215-627-8790 or www.ukieclub.com January 22 Nativity Play, Ukrainian National Women’s League of Los Angeles America – Los Angeles branch, Ukrainian Cultural Center, January 21 Malanka featuring music by Burya, Assumption of the 323-665-3703 or www.yko-la.com Ottawa Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, 613-722-7075 January 27-29 Performance, “Re-Imagine Ourselves,” by the Yara Arts January 21 Malanka dance with music by Hrim, Ukrainian New York Group, Ukrainian Institute of America, Jenkintown, PA American Youth Association, Ukrainian Educational and [email protected] Cultural Center, 215-870-3408 or 267-736-5336 January 28 Malanka dance with music by Zolota Bulava and Hrim, January 21 Malanka dance, Ukrainian American Educational Center, New Britain, CT Zolotij Promin Dance Ensemble, St. George Greek Hall, Randolph, MA with music by Vechirka, The Lantana, 508-245-1890 or 860-452-4023 or860-348-1463 (hotel) www.ukrainiancenter.org January 28 Malnka dance featuring the Troyanda Ukrainian Dance January 21 Malanka dance featuring music by Mad Heads, Hudi a Lethbridge, AB Club, with music by the Absolute Dance Band, Lethbridge Toronto Mocni and Vasyl Popadiuk, Palais Royale Ballroom, Senior Citizens Organization, 403-634-9405 or www.megazabava.com www.troyanda.ca

January 21 Malanka dance, Canadian Lemko Association, Crystal January 28 Malanka dance with music by Vox Ethnika, St. George Mississauga, ON Grand Banquet Hall and Conference Center, 416-622-8190 New York Academy, 646-327-1693 or 212-473-3323 or 905-702-9376

January 21 Malanka dance with music by Nove Pokolinya, Sports Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events Toronto Association Ukraina and the Desna Ukrainian Dance advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions Ensemble, Renaissance by the Creek, 416-893-6475 or from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors 416-253-7252 and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected]. No. 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012 19 UKELODEON F Nor The ext Generation

NYC Ukrainian school presents Christmas concert NEW YORK – The Christmas season got into full swing in New York City’s East Village on Saturday, December 10, 2011, when about 200 students of the School of Ukrai- nian Studies of the Selfreliance Association performed their annual Christmas concert. Students from all 12 grades participated, as did the kindergarten and pre-school classes. Over the preceding weeks, teach- ers worked with their students to develop a unique program of Taras Glum carols, poems and skits. During the Students of the School of Ukrainian Studies sponsored by the Selfreliance Association at their annual Christmas concert. weekly sessions of school, students peared on stage and asked if there rehearsed their lines and moves. On was any more room to hide from the the day of the concert, the perform- cold, the audience saw inventive A hurtok’s gathering around ers wore colorful Ukrainian embroi- costumes and make-up crafted by dered shirts – it seemed each one the students themselves: the “yi- the table for “Sviat Vechir” had a different design. When all the zhachok” (hedgehog), for example, students got on stage to sing a clos- had a hairband of spiky glittery ing carol – koliadka – the audience prongs that stood straight up. saw an explosion of color. The school, founded in 1949, One class performed a skit that holds classes weekly on Saturdays included that story of “The Mitten” in the St. George Ukrainian Catho- (Rukavychka). As each animal ap- lic School. Mishanyna It’s the beginning of a new year – a good time for UKELODEON readers to recall the Ukrainian names for months of the year. So, find the names of the 12 months (listed below in chronological order) that are hidden in the Mishanyna grid. SICHEN TRAVEN VERESEN Members of the Plast group “White Swans,” (from left) Laryssa Horodysky, LIUTYI CHERVEN ZHOVTEN Marichka Migalko, Stephanie Domaradsky, Olenka Tytla, Ruta Odulak, BEREZEN LYPEN LYSTOPAD Olya Schur and Tania Kucap, with their counselor, Chrystia Kotlar Turchyn. KVITEN SERPEN HRUDEN by Ruta Odulak to do the hip thing, whether that is constantly being connected on PASSAIC, N.J. – On Tuesday, the phone or through Facebook, or December 13, 2011, the members speaking English. I know speaking of the “Bili Lebedi” (White Swans) Ukrainian is a privilege, and it’s group of Plast in Passaic got to- so important to keep the language gether to celebrate “Sviat Vechir” going from generation to generation. as part of our meeting on Ukrainian Think about it: how many people traditions. I was one of them. our age can say they are fully fluent Each of us arrived at Podruha in two languages? Chrystia’s (our counselor is Chrys- Well, what if we can make cel- tia Kotlar Turchyn) house with a ebrating our culture and speaking specific Ukrainian dish in hand. our ancestral language the new hip There was so much “Rizdvo” spirit thing? Going to Sviat Vechir with making its away the around the ta- my Plast group (hurtok) reminded ble. We began by passing around a me of the importance of our com- plate of cut up garlic and, although munity staying together and cel- not everyone was keen on having ebrating every old tradition as well one, we decided everyone would try as new ones to come. After all, who everything, as dictated by tradition. will be there to make the varenyky We spoke of the importance of each when it’s our generation’s turn? dish, its meaning and of the rich Ukrainian Christmas traditions. Ruta Odulak, 13, attends John H. Nowadays, many people prefer Walker Middle School in Nutley, N.J. 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012 No. 2

PREVIEW OF EVENTS PREVIEW OF EVENTS GUIDELINES Preview of Events is a listing of community events open to the public. It is a service Saturday, January 21 (ret.) at [email protected] or call provided at minimal cost ($20 per listing) by The Ukrainian Weekly to the Ukrainian 847-910-3532. PALATINE, Ill.: The Ukrainian American community. Military Association, ACT for America and the Friday-Sunday, January 27-29 To have an event listed in Preview of Events please send information, in English, written Veteran Defenders of America invite all mem- New York: Yara Arts Group and the Ukrainian in Preview format, i.e., in a brief paragraph that includes the date, place, type of event, bers of the community, veterans and patriots Institute of America present “Re-Imagine sponsor, admission, full names of persons and/or organizations involved, and a phone to a viewing of a documentary “Rediscovering Ourselves: Yara’s Winter Festival of New Art, number to be published for readers who may require additional information. Items God in America.” Take a walk through our Music, Performances, Poetry and Video.” The should be no more than 100 words long; longer submissions are subject to editing. nation’s capital with Speaker Newt Gingrich, schedule is as follows: Friday, 8 p.m., opening and his wife, Callista Gingrich. From the of art and video exhibits, with readings by Preview items must be received no later than one week before the desired date of National Archives to Arlington National poets and writers; Saturday, 2 p.m., participa- publication. No information will be taken over the phone. Items will be published Cemetery, this film illustrates and illuminates tory music workshop with Alla Zahaykevych only once, unless otherwise indicated. Please include payment for each time the item the importance of our Creator to our nation’s from Kyiv; Saturday, 8 p.m., gala concert and is to appear and indicate date(s) of issue(s) in which the item is to be published. Also, founders and their successors. A discussion performances by Yara artists and friends, with senders are asked to include the phone number of a person who may be contacted by will follow to address the role of God and reli- a party featuring Debutante Hour; Sunday, 2 The Weekly during daytime hours, as well as their complete mailing address. gion in our society. The meeting will take place p.m., shadow puppet show for children age 6 at the Palatine Library, 700 N. North Court, to 106. The event takes place at the Ukrainian Information should be sent to: [email protected] or Preview of Events, The Palatine, IL 60067 at 2 p.m. There is no charge Institute of America, 2 E. 79th St., at Fifth Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054; fax, 973- for this event. For more information, contact Avenue. For information call 212-288-8660; to 644-9510. NB: If e-mailing, please do not send items as attachments; simply the post commander, Col. Roman G. Golash see updates log on to www.brama.com/yara. type the text into the body of the e-mail message.

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