Inside: l Cold-weather death toll rises in Ukraine – page 2 l Paul Plishka wraps up opera career – page 9 l Five books shortlisted for Kobzar Award – page 10

ThePublished U by thekrainian Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal W non-profit associationeekly Vol. LXXX No. 7 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2012 $1/$2 in Ukraine Opposition grows to land reform promoted by Party of Regions

by Zenon Zawada Ukrainian acronym as UKAB), the leading lobbyist for Ukraine’s biggest agriculture Kyiv Press Bureau companies. KYIV – Opposition is mounting to legis- “In all normal countries, such legislation lation that will create Ukraine’s first agri- is an instrument of achieving goals. In cultural land market, which is being shep- Ukraine, the legislation’s passage in and of herded through Parliament by the oligarch- itself was the goal, without any under- oriented Party of Regions of Ukraine. standing of where Ukraine’s agrarian sec- The parliamentary coalition on tor will be moving in the next five years,” he December 9, 2011, approved the first read- added. ing of the law “On the Land Market,” ignit- Coalition deputies were expected to vote ing outrage from groups as diverse as both on the bill’s second reading during the New Year’s holiday, just as stealthily as they left- and right-wing socialists, who are passed the first reading during a night ses- opposed to farmland privatization, to sion. Instead they’ve postponed the review, Ukraine’s biggest agricultural holding com- claiming the legislation will be amended to panies, which were banned from buying satisfy some critics, who nevertheless land. remain highly skeptical. “This legislation absolutely doesn’t Observers reported in recent weeks that address the realities of the Ukrainian agri- Party of Regions oligarchs have created a cultural sector and isn’t supported by land market law that monopolizes the UKAB UNIAN/Andrey Skakodub small, medium or large farms,” said Alex trade of land, limits its entry to politically Among those who oppose the land market reform as now proposed are Alex Lissitsa Lissitsa, president of the Ukrainian (left), president of the Ukrainian Agrarian Business Club, and Oleksander Paliy, a Agrarian Business Club (known by its (Continued on page 5) leading expert on politics and history. New Ukrainian regime uninviting Former KGB agent from Russia to foreign investment, says expert heads Security Service of Ukraine by Zenon Zawada state leaders and the protection of the Special to The Ukrainian Weekly Presidential Administration, the Cabinet of Ministers and Parliament. KYIV – What initially drew the attention Before that, he chaired the private secu- of Ukraine’s pro-Western community about rity company Alfa-Shchyt that trained Mr. Igor Kalinin, the newly appointed chair of Yanukovych’s bodyguard-drivers, news the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), was reports said. that he’s a former KGB agent from the It was during the 2010 presidential cam- Moscow Oblast. paign that Mr. Kalinin’s work impressed His appointment swells the list of native Oleksander Yanukovych, who was respon- Russians who serve in the high ranks of the sible for his father’s security, reported the administration of President Viktor Liga news service, citing anonymous sourc- Yanukovych, including Prime Minister es in the SBU and the Internal Affairs Mykola Azarov, presidential media advisor Ministry. Igor Shuvalov and Viacheslav Zanevsky, the Upon his election, President Yanukovych head of the president’s personal security. chose Mr. Kalinin to lead the official state (The latter two remain Russian citizens.) security. He introduced such unprecedented What’s become of equal concern is that measures as closing Kyiv streets daily for Slava Zelinsky Johnson (center) discussed the current international investment Mr. Kalinin is the latest appointment to market in Ukraine at a program sponsored by the Chicago Business and the presidential motorcade, causing Professional Group, of which Anna Mostovych (left) is president and Maria have personal ties to the Yanukovych fami- immense traffic jams, and sanctioning secu- Kulczycky (right) is vice-president. ly and its business clan. His work at the rity officers to use force against journalists. SBU will be devoted to protecting their On the positive side, experts pointed out business and security, political experts said. by Maria Kulczycky Speaking at a presentation sponsored that Mr. Kalinin has 13 years’ experience by the Chicago Business and Professional “All the key enforcement structures serving in the SBU. Recent SBU chairs, such CHICAGO – While Ukraine, under Group in late December, Ms. Johnson, today are under the direct control of the as Mr. Kalinin’s immediate predecessor, President Viktor Yanukovych, appears who is a veteran of two decades of facili- president and led by people close to either mega-millionaire oligarch Valerii “stable,” the business climate has not tating foreign investment in Ukraine, the president, or his elder son [Oleksander],” Khoroshkovskyi, also were tapped by Mr. improved, according to Jaroslawa noted that political autocracy, corruption said Volodymyr Fesenko, board chairman Yanukovych. Zelinsky Johnson, Kyiv office managing and disintegration of civil rights are key of the Penta Center for Applied Political Former President Viktor Yushchenko’s partner of the Chadbourne & Parke LLP factors in the dwindling interest of for- Research in Kyiv. “We’re seeing the presi- SBU chair, Valentyn Nalyvaichenko, had no eign investors. law firm. The apparent stability is largely dent forming his enforcement chain of experience in Ukraine’s security sector. In building autocracy, Mr. Yankovych a byproduct of President Yanukovych’s command.” “The tradition of appointing outsiders to has ensured that opposition to his move in the direction of autocracy by As his most recent post, Mr. Kalinin chair the SBU emerged during the presi- administration has evaporated quickly. establishing vertical control of all three served for two years as chair of the State dency of Leonid Kuchma,” said Taras branches of government. (Continued on page 17) Defense Administration, which is responsi- ble for the official security of the highest (Continued on page 2) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2012 No. 7

ANALYSIS

Deputies disrupt Yanukovych speech improve Ukraine’s image and reputation.” Cold-weather deaths shed light (U.S. Department of State) KYIV – About a dozen national deputies on plight of Ukraine’s homeless from the party of jailed former Prime Eugenia Tymoshenko’s high-level meetings Minister Yulia Tymoshenko interrupted a MUNICH – On February 3, at a back- RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service Death toll likely to rise speech to the Verkhovna Rada by President Authorities have set up more than 3,000 Viktor Yanukovych, unfurling a banner with ground briefing en route to the Munich KYIV – Ivan Brilyuk is 45, but he looks heating stations across the country and Ms. Tymoshenko’s portrait and chanting for Security Conference, a State Department much older. provided food and warm tea for visitors. her to be freed from prison. The deputies official answered a question about the visit With his white beard and swollen, But social workers and other experts say continued chanting for a full 30 minutes of Eugenia (Yevhenia) Tymoshenko, the chapped face and fingers, Mr. Brilyuk is one that without full-time shelters, which pro- while the president continued speaking at former prime minister’s daughter, to of the hundreds of thousands of homeless vide a heated place to sleep, and an effort the opening of the Verkhovna Rada’s new Washington. The official said: “… at the people that Ukrainian social workers say to direct homeless people to warm spots, legislative session on February 7. Ms. State Department she met with Special are suffering the worst of the recent cold the current death toll of 135 is only set to Tymoshenko, 51, was jailed in October on Envoy Melanne Verveer, and Deputy weather. rise as the cold weather continues. abuse of office charges that her followers say Secretary [William] Burns dropped by to Mr. Brilyuk is relatively lucky. Most of the deaths have been reported were politically motivated. She is reportedly see her at the White House. She met with He has made his way to one of the hun- in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk and in poor health and has asked for an indepen- Tony Blinken [national security advisor to dreds of heated tents set up by the authorities Dnipropetrovsk regions. dent medical examination. (RFE/RL) Vice-President Joe Biden] and Liz in response to a cold wave that’s seen tem- Lyudmyla Denisova, Ukraine’s former Sherwood-Randall [of the National Security peratures dip to minus 30 degrees Celsius. minister of labor and social policy, main- Clinton and Yanukovych meet Council]. So she was seen at very high levels Mr. Brilyuk, who’s been homeless since tains that many homeless people are throughout the government in Washington, being thrown out by his wife several years MUNICH – According to the U.S. State and we listened carefully to what she had to unaware of the shelters or simply unable to Department, Secretary of State Hillary ago, insists he’s grateful for even the most make it to them. say about her mother’s situation. And we’ve basic of comforts. Rodham Clinton met on February 4 with expressed our very serious concerns, called “The authorities should go and collect President Viktor Yanukovych of Ukraine. “Like in the gulag, give us at least a hut,” people,” she says. “These people are freezing.” for her release from prison, and the secre- he says. “Give us warmth, some comfort, a The meeting took place during the Munich tary has been engaged on this issue and place to wash, to shave, to clean ourselves Soviet-Era Stigmas Security Conference. According to the feels strongly. We are concerned about up. I don’t have any money, I don’t have information provided at a background what really looks like selective prosecu- The cold-weather deaths in Ukraine – briefing by a senior State Department offi- anything. You can see the kind of shape I’m higher than in Russia, Poland, or anywhere tion.” (U.S. Department of State) in. If we’re needed by this state, then we cial, “Subjects included energy security, else in Europe – have focused attention on Economist on Ukraine’s external loans want to work.” particularly some of the work that U.S. and the plight of the homeless, who continue to Ukrainian firms are doing together to But the tent where Mr. Brilyuk is trying KYIV – The Ukrainian government will be suffer from Soviet-era stigmas that equated diversify sources of supply, looking at shale to warm up has only a few plastic chairs. able to do without external borrowings until them with drug addicts, criminals and gas, looking at LNG, working on pipelines. After an hour or so, he’ll be back out on the the end of May, but in June it will be neces- “antisocial elements.” They also discussed Ukraine’s European street, returning to the unheated Kyiv base- sary to pay $500 million on Eurobonds, integration aspirations in that connection ment where he sometimes sleeps. (Continued on page 3) Olena Bilan, the chief economist for Dragon and more broadly. The secretary made Capital investment company, said on clear our concern about selective prosecu- February 8. “Since no payments are planned tions of political opposition members, par- newspaper. on foreign debt until June, the government ticularly the case of Yulia Tymoshenko and Former KGB agent... During a late January visit to Washington, may do without external borrowings. her health and the conditions of her con- Mr. Khoroshkovskyi heard requests from However, foreign borrowings will be neces- (Continued from page 1) finement. They also talked about the U.S. government officials to crack down on sary by the end of May, since in June it will Ukraine’s work with the IMF.” The senior illegal transfers of intellectual property as be necessary to pay $500 million on Berezovets, director of the Berta State Department official also noted: part of negotiations to receive the next loan Eurobonds and, possibly, to settle with Communications political consulting firm ”Without getting too deeply into character- in Kyiv. “He appointed former police officers tranche from the International Monetary Russia’s VTB on $2 billion credit,” she said. izing another country’s position, the presi- and tax officials. Khroshkovskyi had no rela- Fund. According to the expert, revenues from dent outlined the various legal reform tions to any law enforcement organs, besides Once Mr. Khoroshkovskyi attempted to privatization will be enough to cover the steps that they are taking, and made clear a brief tenure as the head of the tax service.” respond to such concerns, Viktor government’s need in financing over the first that these could have implications for the Yet, the SBU has become an organ entirely Yanukovych Jr., a national deputy, submitted two months of 2012 and payment of debts. Tymoshenko case. The Secretary made subservient to the presidency, particularly a letter asking that Internal Affairs Minister In addition, since the start of 2012, the clear that this was a matter not just of legal after the Constitutional Court of Ukraine Vitalii Zakharchenko explain the basis for Finance Ministry sold 1.8 billion hrv in reinstated the 1996 Constitution that allows shutting down the file-sharing site. reform but of all of us wanting to support the president to appoint its chair without “Returning to Ukraine, the confrontation Ukraine’s European integration and to (Continued on page 12) parliamentary committee approval or hav- between groups intensified between the one ing to report to Parliament. represented by Khoroshkovskyi and the “Accordingly he will serve the president Yenakiyevo family,” said Dr. Oleh Soskin, direc- above all,” said Oleksii Melnyk, co-director of tor of the Institute of Society Transformation he krainian eekly FOUNDED 1933 foreign policy and international security at in Kyiv, referring to the Yanukovyches’ home- T U W the Razumkov Center in Kyiv. town in the Donetsk Oblast. An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., Mr. Khoroshkovskyi has moved on to “The latter won the latest round in the a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. become minister of finance. He is widely fight for influence, the result of which Yearly subscription rate: $65; for UNA members — $55. reported to be part of the RosUkrEnergo became the newly appointed SBU chair, who Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. business clan, consisting of the company’s is not a protégé of Khoroshkovskyi’s (ISSN — 0273-9348) founding partners, billionaire Dmytro [RosUkrEnergo] group,” he noted. Firtash and mega-millionaire Yurii Boiko. The Yanukovych clan has monopolized all The Weekly: UNA: Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 Indeed, some observers said Mr. Kalinin’s of Ukraine’s key government organs, experts appointment is evidence of increasing tensions said, including the SBU, the Internal Affairs Postmaster, send address changes to: between competing business clans. Besides Ministry (200,000-plus police force) led by the RosUkrEnergo group there are the Donetsk The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz family friend Mr. Zakharchenko, the 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas clan led by billionaire Rinat Akhmetov and the Procurator General’s Office led by family P.O. Box 280 burgeoning Yanukovych clan. friend Viktor Pshonka, the National Bank of Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] It was Mr. Khoroshkovskyi who initiated Ukraine led by family friend Serhii Arbuzov the shutting down of Ukraine’s biggest file- and the State Tax Administration, led by The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com sharing website, www.ex.ua, according to family friend Oleksander Klymenko. the Dzerkalo Tyzhnia (Weekly Mirror) All the family friends have extensive busi- The Ukrainian Weekly, February 12, 2012, No. 7, Vol. LXXX ness ties with the Yanukovyches that trace Copyright © 2012 The Ukrainian Weekly back to their native Donetsk Oblast. Correction “A complete usurpation of power in In “Tymoshenko’s daughter appeals Ukraine is practically taking place by a single to U.S. senators in Washington,” by Yaro financial-corporate family formation,” Dr. ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA Bihun, the last name of the senator who Soskin said. “This was a well-implemented Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3041 presided over the hearing of the Senate operation by the governing oligarchic group, e-mail: [email protected] Foreign Relations Committee’s which has drawn closer to its goal of consoli- Walter Honcharyk, advertising manager (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 Subcommittee on European Affairs was fax: (973) 644-9510 dating a dictatorship regime in Ukraine.” e-mail: [email protected] misspelled. The name of the Democratic “We must expect intensified mass political senator from New Hampshire is Jeanne Mariyka Pendzola, subscriptions (973) 292-9800, ext. 3042 and physical repressions by the ruling regime e-mail: [email protected] Shaheen. against Ukraine’s citizens,” he warned. No. 7 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2012 3 NEWS ANALYSIS: Yanukovych awaits a third term or a third sentence

by Taras Kuzio has not been able to negotiate a cheap gas International Monetary Fund have made Pravda, January 15 and 22). Former Eurasia Daily Monitor contract with Russia as “this will put pres- the situation worse. Mr. Ash told Defense Minister Grytsenko, currently the sure on the fiscal and external financing Jamestown, “something has to change from head of Parliament’s Committee on Front for Change party leader Arseniy side, with the current account deficit the current policy mix.” National Security and Defense, described Yatsenyuk said in an interview in Fokus already widening and reserves dwindling.” If the administration of President Viktor the Yanukovych administration as a “junta” magazine: “In effect, in the country there is Peterson Institute for International Yanukovych takes Ukraine into the CIS that has “usurped power” and is “destroy- a two-party system. The post-Soviet sys- Economics Senior Fellow Anders Aslund Customs Union and transfers the country’s ing the country” (http://www.kyivpost.ua/ tem confronts the pro-European, the past also noted that “Ukraine’s finances appear gas pipelines to a Russian-controlled con- opinion/op-ed/partiya-regioniv-bude-roz- versus the future” (http://focus.ua/poli- unsustainable” (http://www.kyivpost.com/ sortium – a move Prime Minister Mykola pushena-yiyi-vishe-kerivnictvo-pide-pid- tics/213418/). This view was repeatedly news/opinion/op_ed/detail/114846/). Azarov is supporting – severe political sud-odrazu-pislya-prezidentskih-viboriv- stated by opposition leaders on the The respected weekly newspaper instability will be inevitable (http://www. 35236.html). January 22 anniversary of Ukraine’s 1918 Dzerkalo Tyzhnia asked 20 Ukrainian pravda.com.ua/news/2012/01/20/ It will be impossible for Mr. Yanukovych independence on St. Sophia Square in Kyiv experts whether a change in government is 6921766/). Ukrainian elites have held a to win a second term with his popularity at (http://www.pravda.com.ua/photo-vid- possible in 2012, to which most replied in consensus for two decades to not give up around 10 percent, as this would require eo/2012/ 01/22/6925958/). the negative (http://dt.ua/POLITICS/chi_ the pipelines and a February 2007 law that massive amounts of election fraud (experts Former Deputy Secretary of the mozhliva_zmina_vladi_v_ukrayini_nas- bans lease, rent or sale of the pipelines, believe fraud can be hidden only up to Ukrainian National Security and Defense tupnogo_roku-94880.html). which Yulia Tymoshenko mobilized 430 approximately 10 percent – and even that Council Stepan Havrysh described the Ukraine’s democracy is in free fall, (out of 450) national deputies to adopt, is pushing it). gloomy economic and energy situation in according to Freedom House and the was backed by the Party of Regions. In December 2004, Prime Minister Ukraine: “Our current external debt (public Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) The transfer of the gas pipelines, follow- Yanukovych presided over a record 12 per- and private) is about $135 billion, our bud- Democracy Index. Freedom House, which ing the unconstitutional extension of the cent GDP growth and received 44 percent get deficit is more than $30 billion. had downgraded Ukraine from “free” for Black Sea Fleet base until 2042-2047, support in the repeat second round. Today, External debt, which we need to return 2009 to “partly free” for 2010, repeated would be seen across the entire opposition his popularity is collapsing in his home next year, is almost $7 billion. Clearly, in that assessment for 2011. This month, as treason. bases of Donbas and the Crimea. Massive these conditions, without external borrow- Freedom House reported that “the steep- These factors are compounded by the election fraud of this magnitude is impossi- ing, which we are unable to do [we have a est decline in the institutions of freedom Tymoshenko factor in the 2012 and 2015 ble in Ukraine, where opposition support problem]. And [as] the IMF has ceased has taken place in Ukraine” from 3 to 4. A elections. Ukrainian expert Serhiy Kudelia, dominates one-half of the country. cooperating with Ukraine, this is obvious. ranking of 5.5-7 would classify Ukraine as currently at George Washington University, Unlike in Belarus and Russia, where The World Bank under these circumstanc- “not free” (i.e. authoritarian, as in Belarus told Jamestown on January 23, that, “by Soviet and Great Power Russian national- es will not give any money [and] will not and Russia). The EIU reported that Ukraine taking revenge on Yulia Tymoshenko, his ism underpins the Lukashenka and Putin help.” He added: “In 2008 there were 17 dropped from a “flawed democracy” political rival, Yanukovych set a new prece- regimes, the Party of Regions cannot rely Western banks which had 40 percent of (2010) to a “hybrid regime” (2011) or 67th dent in Ukrainian politics as never before on nationalism to stay in power. The Party the banking system assets working in to 79th in 2010-2011. have Ukrainian leaders prosecuted their of Regions mobilizes its voters against Ukraine. Today, most of them have left The 2012 Index of Economic Freedom predecessors.” Ukrainian nationalism (i.e. “Orange” politi- Ukraine, and capital repatriation by foreign compiled by the Heritage Foundation and Mr. Kudelia added, “However, this also cal forces). investors continues. The Euro-2012 has The Wall Street Journal ranked Ukraine poses a new strategic dilemma for High levels of political instability in the not attracted major European, U.S. or last at 43rd in Europe and worldwide at Yanukovych. He would either have to stay 2012 elections and in the run-up to the Chinese investors to Ukraine. Privatization 163rd, behind Belarus (153rd) and Russia on as president for a third term in 2020 or 2015 elections could be compounded by on which we rely takes place between a (144th). This represents a massive drop risk receiving a third, possibly now lifelong President Yanukovych and his administra- handful of groups who [deliberately] since 2008, when Ukraine was ranked term in jail once he leaves the presidency. tion fearing criminal charges if they are devalue these assets.” This means Ukraine 133rd (See http://www.rferl.org/content/ Whoever replaces him in the president’s removed from office. This charged atmo- stands “between the surrender of key ukraines_economic_rankings_mired_in_ office will now have a free hand and suffi- sphere makes it difficult to imagine how assets and technical default,” he said. One deline_despite_attempts_at_reform/ cient grounds to put Yanukovych behind such political instability could end peace- solution really could be selling off the gas 24453299.html). bars for good.” fully, unlike the non-violent 2004 Orange transport system, or key assets (http:// The Yanukovych regime has limited Calls for President Yanukovych to be Revolution. Such an eventuality would www.radiosvoboda.org/content/arti- options to deal with these mounting crises. impeached and for the Party of Regions to seriously threaten the unity of Ukraine. cle/24424542.html) Mr. Ash, like Mr. Havrysh and former U.S. be made illegal and its leaders criminally Tim Ash, global head of Emerging- Ambassador Steven Pifer (http://www. charged are growing louder and span the The article above is reprinted from Market Research and Strategy at the Royal brookings.edu/opinions/2011/1226_ entire opposition spectrum (see Mr. Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from Bank of Scotland, told the Jamestown ukraine_pifer.aspx), believe bad relations Yatsenyuk, Anatoliy Grytsenko, and nation- its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, Foundation that it is disappointing Ukraine with the European Union and the alist leader Oleh Tiahnybok in Ukrayinska www.jamestown.org.

are taking place out of the view of the Cold-weather... authorities.” Rep. Marcy Kaptur meets (Continued from page 2) Ukraine’s Health Ministry has said that forensic examinations must be conducted with Tymoshenko’s daughter Even now, authorities have sought to to determine the cause of death in the wave portray the winter-related casualties as an of recent fatalities, and that a diagnosis of WASHINGTON – Congresswoman In November 2011, reports emerged affliction affecting social outcasts. hypothermia – a drop in body temperature Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), co-chair of the that Yulia Tymoshenko was in very poor Hryhorii Marchenko of Ukraine’s that is the most common cause of cold- bipartisan Congressional Ukrainian health in jail. “The physical well-being of Emergencies Ministry said on February 6 related deaths – could not be automatically Caucus, met on February 3 with Eugenia the former prime minister has become a that alcohol abuse was to blame for most of assumed in all cases. (Yevhenia) Tymoshenko, the daughter of serious concern,” Rep. Kaptur said. the recent deaths. Tetyana Yurchenko, the head of the min- the former prime minister of Ukraine, “Several Western ambassadors have Pavlo Rozenko, an expert on social poli- istry’s press service, said many people had after she testified at a Senate Foreign been denied access to her, and she is cy with the Kyiv-based Razumkov Center, died in their homes and as a result of heart Relations Committee hearing on the even being denied access to a personal says a negative stance toward the homeless problems. politically motivated persecution of her physician. She must be guaranteed But Mr. Brilyuk, who has seen many was contributing to a poor official response mother, Yulia Tymoshenko. access to adequate medical care.” acquaintances die in the past week, claims to the crisis. Rep. Kaptur and Eugenia Tymoshenko In addition to the resolution, Rep. it’s the cold that’s the killer – particularly Official statistics put the number of spoke at length about the former prime Kaptur has condemned the persecution for those, like him, who have no access to homeless in Ukraine at just 15,000, minister’s detention, appeal, and con- of Ms. Tymoshenko on the floor of the the basic comforts of shelter and warmth. although civic organizations say the actual cerns over her health and safety. In U.S. House of Representatives and has “The house manager throws them out,” figure is closer to 600,000-800,000. response to Yulia Tymoshenko’s impris- joined members of the Ukrainian he says. “The neighbors throw them out. onment, Rep. Kaptur in October 2011 Congress Committee of America, which Lack of shelter and warmth And a person simply goes out on the street introduced a resolution, H.Res. 435, con- represents over 1 million Americans of and freezes. Where can he go?” demning her politically charged prosecu- Ukrainian descent, in calling for Mr. Rozenko also suggests that the num- tion by President Viktor Yanukovych’s Congressional hearings on Ms. ber of people dying from the cold is also Written by Daisy Sindelar in Prague government. Yulia Tymoshenko had lost Tymoshenko’s treatment. higher than official figures suggest. based on reporting from Kyiv by Tetyana the presidential election to Mr. “The Ukrainian government’s recent “It’s clear that government statistics are Yarmoshchuk and Mykola Zakalyuzhny. Yanukovych just a few months before she actions are a setback for democracy and underestimating the number of deaths,” he Copyright 2012, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted was imprisoned. human rights. I have worked for decades says. “The authorities are registering only with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ “The international community sees to strengthen ties between the U.S. and those deaths that they see. But homeless Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, this trial against former Prime Minister Ukraine, and this could put a strain on people aren’t only dying outside on the Washington DC 20036 (http://www.rferl. Tymoshenko as a selective prosecution, the relationship between Ukraine, the street. They’re also dying in run-down org/content/cold_weather_deaths_high- brought on for political reasons,” said U.S. and the international community,” premises – places where there’s no heat, no light_plight_of_ukraines_home- Rep. Kaptur. said Rep. Kaptur. water. It’s clear that those kinds of deaths less/24476610.html). 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2012 No. 7

New Jersey resident supports first L’Arche home in Ukraine

by Matthew Matuszak helped found organizations there for peo- ple with special needs. LVIV – On November 17, 2011, Lviv “In L’Arche, people with intellectual dis- became the site of the first L’Arche home to abilities and young people – assistants, live open in Ukraine and the first in the former together in homes, sharing their lives and Soviet Union. Natalie C. Patrylak of New engaging in work and meaningful daytime Jersey, whose family belonged to Ss. Peter activity. In Ukraine there are five L’Arche- and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Kovcheh dayprograms in Lviv and now we Jersey City, donated $100,000 for the pur- are blessed with the opening of the first chase and reconstruction of the building, in L’Arche residential home,” Ms. Kushpeta honor of her brother, the late Peter Lloyd noted. Patrylak (1945-2006), who was mentally Ms. Kushpeta works in Ukraine, “to build challenged. awareness and to help change attitudes in “Founded in France by Jean Vanier in society. L’Arche is a sign of unity and hope 1964, today L’Arche is an International that we really can live together in commu- Federation of 135 communities in 36 coun- nity with people with intellectual challeng- tries,” said Zenia Kushpeta of L’Arche- es. Most often they transform our hearts Daybreak in Toronto, a volunteer in and become our teachers of simplicity, for- Ukraine for the last 19 years who has giveness and trust. Now we have quite a few young people in Ukraine who are eager to live and work in community with those who have special needs.” Ukrainian Catholic Bishop Venedykt Aleksiychuk blessed the premises of the Sister Lucia Murashko, community leader of L’Arche-Kovcheh, and Mykhailo new residence, which can house four to five Bruchyk, a member of the community. people with special needs and three to four young assistants. Also in attendance at the had been the national chaplain for the Faith “And the second floor needed to be con- opening ceremony were Lviv Mayor Andriy and Light communities in Ukraine (a part- structed. But it has a lovely garden, and it’s Sadovyi and his wife, Kateryna, who has ner organization of L’Arche), and members in the city of Lviv, as we had hoped.” been a volunteer at the L’Arche shelter of the community were present at the cere- According to Hanna Kossiv, board presi- workshops since 2007, and Taras Dobko, mony together with Ms. Kushpeta. Ms. dent of L’Arche-Kovcheh, now a special senior vice-rector of the Ukrainian Catholic Hrubec met Ms. Kushpeta there and they plaque has been placed in the home to University. spoke briefly. honor Peter Lloyd Patrylak and to express “The assistants are members of our Ms. Hrubec’s cousin, Ms. Patrylak, had the community’s sincere gratitude to Ms. community,” said Sister Lucia Murashko, for years been saving money to be used to Patrylak for her generous donation, allow- community leader of L’Arche-Kovcheh. take care of her mentally challenged ing L’Arche-Kovcheh to open and operate (“L’Arche” is French for “The Ark” and younger brother, Peter. She had been its first residential home. Next to the “Kovcheh” is the Ukrainian translation.) Peter’s sole caregiver since the death of plaque, there is a photo of Peter Lloyd and “The important thing is that the person has their mother. But Peter died in May 2006, his sister, Natalie, prominently displayed. a heart that is open and can understand a and the following year, Ms. Patrylak asked “This is a very special event,” said Bishop weaker person,” she added. her cousin, Ms. Hrubec, to assist her in find- Aleksiychuk. “In today’s world, we often Sister Lucia mentioned the great need ing a way to use this money to help people don’t learn to respect one another. We see for such homes. “The L’Arche-Kovcheh with special needs in Ukraine. people who are different from ourselves. community alone,” she said, “has 65 per- “It was L’Arche-Kovcheh’s dream to open It’s not easy for us to know how to be with sons with developmental disabilities, so the a residential home in Lviv sometime in the them. Sometimes we call them ‘not fully need for such buildings is very great.” future,” said Ms. Kushpeta. “And what a able,’ [‘nepovnospravni’ in Ukrainian]. But Developmentally disabled persons whose great blessing, that Ms. Patrylak wanted to each one of us, in his own way, is, in some parents have died and those experiencing support this dream!” areas, ‘not fully able….’ difficult family situations will live in the Ukrainian Catholic Bishop Paul “This home, this community, gives us the home with young assistants. Chomnycky of the Stamford Eparchy opportunity to see that those who are dif- In January 2007, Ms. Kushpeta received helped to transfer the funds and anony- ferent are not ill, not handicapped, not an e-mail that seemed to her “a little mira- mous donors provided additional money to needy, but simply different. Their presence cle.” Apparently, Marion Hrubec had purchase the building in February 2010. in our community, our Church, our society, Myron Pelekh (right), one of the commu- attended the ordination ceremony of The legal issues and the reconstruction is very important for us to realize, that each nity members who will live in the new L’Arche-Kovcheh home, enjoys partici- Bishop Hlib Lonchyna at St. George process provided many challenges. “It was person is a gift from God,” concluded the pating in the opening ceremonies. Cathedral in Lviv in 2002. Bishop Lonchyna a big project.” Recounted Ms. Kushpeta. bishop.

OBITUARY Natalie Danylenko, 86, community activist, supporter of education in Ukraine PHILADELPHIA – Natalie Danylenko, a to receive accreditation from the Union the St. Petro Mohyla Medal and the Prince dedicated Ukrainian American community League of Philadelphia, a noted civic orga- Kostiantyn Ostrozky Medal, respectively, as activist who supported education in nization founded in 1862. well as other distinctions. Ostroh Academy Ukraine, died on December 30, 2011, at the Highly engaged in the Ukrainian com- announced in January that the Natalie age of 86. munity, Mrs. Danylenko tirelessly gave of Danylenko Scholarship for female post- She was the wife of the late Ivan herself to numerous groups and organiza- graduate students had been established in Danylenko and a longtime resident of tions, locally, nationally and internationally, her honor. Somerdale, N.J. among them the Ukrainian National At Kyiv Mohyla Academy, thanks to Mrs. She was born in 1925 to Dmytro and Women’s League of America and the World Danylenko’s initiative, the Information Natalia Moskaliv in Buzhany, Volyn Oblast, Federation of Ukrainian Women’s Center for Women’s Organizations of Ukraine, where she spent her early years Organizations. Ukraine was established. She was also one and attended school. Later she moved to She and her husband became strong of the initiators of the National Council of Germany, where she attended university, supporters of education in Ukraine, includ- Women of Ukraine, which encompasses 22 receiving training in chemistry. She moved ing the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla organizations. to Canada and finally settled in the United Academy in Kyiv, where they supported a Funeral services were held on January 9 States. variety of cultural, historical and political at St. Mary Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Having met and married Mr. Danylenko, studies projects, and the National Church in Philadelphia. Burial followed at she attended Temple University, complet- University of Ostroh Academy in Ostroh, St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery ing her education in chemistry. She worked Rivne Oblast, where the couple funded in South Bound Brook, NJ. as a chemist in the pharmaceuticals field, scholarships for students participating in The family advised that memorial dona- and eventually retired from Wyeth annual competitions of scientific works. tions may be made to: Kyiv Mohyla Laboratories. Both educational institutions honored Foundation of America, P.O. Box 46009, A trendsetter, she was the first woman Mrs. Danylenko with their highest honors, Chicago, IL, 60646. Natalie Danylenko in a 2009 photo. No. 7 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2012 5

The legislation’s proponents point out O pposition grows... that limits are in place to prevent large land concentration. Namely, individual or (Continued from page 1) corporate renters are limited to 6,000 The UNA Forum connected oligarchs and creates a hectares (about 14,800 acres), or 5 per- Byzantine bureaucracy that only serves the cent of the land in a given oblast. wealthiest, who can pay the handsomest Yet, owning 5 percent of land in several bribes or pull the proper strings to get their oblasts essentially amounts to egregious Carolers visit Home Office way. land concentration, critics argue. “ ‘Why not create a single simple and Another loophole is the option of rent- transparent auction sale for all the coun- ing out land, a practice which produces try’s land?’ is a rhetorical question,” said almost the same result as if it were to be Oleksander Paliy, a leading political and sold. For instance, while foreigners can’t history expert in Kyiv. “Because the more own land, they can rent the land without complicated the procedure, the fatter the limit and trade these rental agreements. fish in muddy waters,” he said, referring “In practice, the right to long-term rent to the thick layers of bureaucracy created almost in no way differentiates itself from by the legislation. the right to ownership,” Mr. Paliy said. The legislation allows for different “Officials spoke of their intentions to types of sales and arrangements, even allow landlords to break their rental without a minimum price, which critics agreements but ‘forgot’ to write this into argue opens the door to preying upon the legislation.” poorly informed, even desperate villag- Perhaps the bill’s most criticized ers. clause is the creation of a State Land As the legislation currently reads, Market Operator to approve all land Ukraine’s farmland market will be open transactions throughout Ukraine. to two types of players: the state and pri- “The state’s most valuable asset would vate citizens. Excluded are private compa- come under the control of a single struc- nies and any foreigners. ture,” wrote Viktor Matchuk, a national Yet the law doesn’t allow all Ukrainian deputy with the Our Ukraine-People’s Self-Defense Bloc. citizens to participate – only those who Lev Khmelkovsky have declared their incomes annually. “An enormous, artificial, parasitical PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Students and instructors of the Ukrainian Music Institute Based on that condition, it’s no coinci- superstructure is introduced. Moreover, in Whippany, N.J., visited the Home Office of the Ukrainian National Association dence that the vast majority of Ukraine’s according to the legislation, this state on December 27, 2011. Carolers included Diana and Oles Yaroshchak, Sophia rural populace would be ineligible to par- operator carries no responsibility for its Kowal, Yuliana and Adriana Olesnycky, Ulana Leschuk, along with violinist Andriy ticipate, given that their meager, subsis- actions. It only has authority – to conduct Havrysh and bandurist Kalyna Leschuk. The children were accompanied by Lilia tence-level earnings aren’t even worth trades, to review documents, to decide on Kushnir, Ivan Leschuk and Myroslava Yaroschak, who collected funds for the allowing or blocking trades, and to declaring for tax purposes, experts said. needs of the music school. About “80 percent of Ukraine’s villag- remove auctioneers. In other words, ers, who live off the sale of their agricul- everything in Ukraine’s land market tural production, won’t be able to be buy- would depend on it.” ers,” estimated Volodymyr Lapa, the The bill also creates a State Land Bank director of UKAB. “Farm and agrarian with the exclusive right to loan money to enterprises are also excluded. There citizens, with land as its collateral. The aren’t many citizens who can declare law would forbid offering farmland as large personal revenue in Ukraine.” collateral to any other bank. Indeed, those who do enjoy large reve- Such planned government organs nue are typically a small circle of oli- undermine any claims to creating a free garchs in every district and oblast center, land market, Mr. Paliy pointed out, as do experts said, in addition to the fat cats in the legislation’s contradictory clauses Ukraine’s “milionyk” cities. Most of these that both forbid and require forced land oligarchs are connected to the Party of consolidation. Regions, directly or indirectly, and will be It remains unclear whether the Party able to scoop up large tracts without of Regions leadership will take these criti- much competition. cisms into account when introducing the The legislation ignores the recommen- bill’s second reading. National deputies dation of parliamentary experts, who have delayed its review several times. suggested retaining the clause of the cur- Verkhovna Rada Chair Volodymyr Lytvyn rent Land Code that limits purchases to said on February 6 that it won’t be voted those citizens who live on the territory of on this session. the transaction’s corresponding govern- Once the rules of the land market are Matthew Dubas ment council. established, the Verkhovna Rada also “That could have been even more needs to vote on creating a land cadastre. PARSIPPANY, N.J. – The Home Office of the Ukrainian National Association was strictly defined, with the purchase of land Ukraine’s “chornozem” (black earth) – visited on December 27, 2011, by members of the Ukrainian American Youth parcels limited to permanent residents known worldwide for its unparalleled Association branch in Jersey City, N.J. The carolers were led by Olenka Halkowycz. with their largest land parcel located no mineral wealth and fertility – could go on further than 20 kilometers [12 miles] sale as early as January 1, 2013. away,” Mr. Paliy said. “But then, do After analyzing the farmland trade bureaucrats and speculators need to laws of other First World countries such M ission Statement move to villages?” as the United States and Poland, UKAB “To prevent land speculation, it would determined the current legislation in The Ukrainian National Association exists: be worth introducing a ban on its resale Ukraine doesn’t compare in terms of more often than every three years,” he attracting investment and developing to promote the principles of fraternalism; added. “But why would deputies need high technology in farming. • this, if the laws are written to take the The legislation offers no rights to • to preserve the Ukrainian, Ukrainian American land cheaply and organize its speculative Ukraine’s homegrown agricultural giants, and Ukrainian Canadian heritage and culture; and resale?” such as poultry producer Myronivskii Indeed, the land market legislation Khliboproduct, sugar maker Astarta • to provide quality financial ser- merely creates an entire new caste in the Holding, sunflower oil producer Kernel vices and products to its members. Ukrainian economy of speculators, Mr. Holding and processor Agroton Ltd., all Lissitsa said – well-financed middlemen publicly traded companies that have As a fraternal insurance society, the who buy the land for cheap and resell it at enormous potential on the Ukrainian Ukrainian National Association rein- exponential profit to potential corporate market, under civilized conditions. vests its earnings for the benefit of its buyers, whether foreign or domestic. “Today we don’t know where we’re members and the Ukrainian commu- As a result, social tensions are likely to going to be in five years, and that’s very nity. emerge between Ukraine’s destitute rural unfortunate,” Mr. Lissitsa said. “Will we be population, which will be shut out of the like Brazil, becoming one of the top six market, and wealthy urban residents, economies in the world? Or will we who will become large landlords, Mr. return to 20 years ago, when the Soviet The UNA: 117 years of service to our community Lissitsa said. Union fell?” 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2012 No. 7

The Ukrainian Weekly COMMENTARY: The suppression of an independent judiciary in Ukraine “Ukraine at a Crossroads” by Bohdan A. Futey into law by the president on July 27, 2010. In what was the first Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing in years Although comments on the draft of this devoted exclusively to Ukraine, that body’s Subcommittee on European Affairs on For over a year, news about the judiciary in new law were submitted by the European February 1 held a hearing on the topic “Ukraine at a Crossroads: What’s at Stake Ukraine has been alarming. Last year, a new Commission to Democracy through Law for the U.S. and Europe?” Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), who presided at this very law on the judiciary substantially reduced the (Venice Commission) and the rule of law significant hearing, opened with remarks noting that Ukraine is “one of the largest powers of the Supreme Court, and high-pro- project of the U.S. Agency for International and most strategically located countries on the European continent,” “a unique file prosecutions of opposition leaders have Development (USAID), most of these com- and critical player in Euro-Atlantic economic, energy and security considerations” raised the specter of political persecution. ments were not incorporated into the law and “an important test case for reform in this part of the world.” She set the stage As recently pointed out in the appeal of that was passed. Unfortunately, Ukraine’s for the afternoon by stating, “We are here today because the path Ukraine ulti- National Deputy Hryhoryi Omelchenko, the organized legal community of lawyers and mately chooses matters to the United States and to our European allies. As a government of Ukraine has a fundamental, jurists has kept silent on this topic. result, the U.S. and Europe must play a more aggressive role in encouraging unresolved issue. Although the Constitution The law did include a number of positive Ukraine to continue down the path of reform.” Both Chairwoman Shaheen and sets up a system of separated powers with and progressive provisions that intend to aid Ranking Member John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) expressed concern about politically three, independent branches of government, judicial independence, including automatic/ motivated prosecutions of opposition leaders, lack of rule of law and the erosion the recent trend in Ukraine has been to col- random case assignment, inclusion of the of democracy in Ukraine. lapse the judiciary into the executive and to State Judiciary Administration within the Steven Pifer, senior fellow at The Brookings Institution and a former U.S. remove the judiciary’s power. Although this judiciary itself, improvements to court financ- ambassador to Ukraine, began his testimony by pointing out that “the first two trend started with the former president, it ing, a financial disclosure requirement, provi- years of President [Viktor] Yanukovych’s tenure in office have seen a significant has accelerated under the current president. sions for training judges, and a reduction of regression in democratic practices within Ukraine,” which “is blocking the Ukraine now faces an almost total sup- the number of justices of the Supreme Court. strengthening of Ukraine’s relations with the European Union and the United pression of the Supreme Court of Ukraine On the other hand, many provisions of States. EU officials have made clear, for example, that the signature of an EU and the elimination of an independent judi- the new law are problematic. For example, Association Agreement with Ukraine depends on Kyiv taking certain steps, such ciary. A hobbled judiciary cannot protect under Article 19 the president of Ukraine as releasing former Prime Minister [Yulia] Tymoshenko from prison.” He argued the rights of the Ukrainian people. It is criti- can create and abolish courts of general that, “While engaging Ukraine at most diplomatic levels,” the U.S. and the EU cal for all three branches of government, as jurisdiction, based on a recommendation “should continue what appears to be a de facto policy of minimizing high-level well as the people of Ukraine, to closely from the minister of justice and following a contact with Mr. Yanukovych until he alters his internal political policies. The West adhere to the Constitution. proposal from the chief judge of the rele- should seek to crystallize in Mr. Yanukovych’s mind the choice between a more A brief background on the history of vant high specialized court. The authoritarian political system and a strong relationship with the West, and make constitutional and legislative developments Constitution does not, however, give the clear that he cannot have both.” related to the judiciary, as well as some president the power to liquidate courts, and Damon Wilson, executive VP of the Atlantic Council, spoke thus of Ukraine notes on the values enshrined in the allowing the executive to do so would place today: “Ukraine teeters between Eurasian malaise and an ambivalent Europe. Constitution of Ukraine may be helpful in too much power in one person’s hands. Indeed, Ukraine’s future is in play. Decisions taken now and in the coming year by assessing Deputy Omelchenko’s appeal. Another key area of concern is the President Yanukovych and his government, the Ukrainian political opposition, civil decreasing role of the Supreme Court of society, media and youth – as well as the United States and Europe – will determine The Constitution Ukraine under the new law. Under the whether Ukraine evolves into a European democracy or descends into a post-Sovi- Ukraine adopted its Constitution on June Constitution, the Supreme Court is the high- et authoritarian kleptocracy.” Thus, Ukraine is, indeed, at a crossroads. He added 28, 1996. Under Article 124, the court sys- est judicial body within the courts of gener- that Ukraine faces three key tests: “its handling of political prosecutions, the tem has the exclusive task of administering al jurisdiction. Pursuant to the new law, October parliamentary elections and its energy security.” He concluded by empha- justice, and judicial proceedings are to be however, the high specialized courts can sizing that “Western policy can help sharpen the choices facing Ukrainian leaders.” held before the Constitutional Court of decide whether to submit the case for fur- Edward Chow, senior fellow with the Energy and National Security Program at Ukraine and the courts of general jurisdic- ther review to the Supreme Court. The the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said that, as far as energy is con- tion. Article 125 sets the Supreme Court of Supreme Court’s power essentially vanishes cerned, Ukraine is no longer at a crossroads, but is now on a “dangerous path to Ukraine as the highest judicial body for under this new law, since it cannot exercise energy insecurity, which has accelerated in the last two years.” Mr. Chow testified: courts of general jurisdiction. its own discretion over the cases it hears. “Ukraine’s oil and gas sector is operated in a totally dysfunctional manner. This, as Furthermore, Article 129 sets forth Furthermore, under the new law a vote they say in this part of the world, is not an accident. Various state energy assets numerous guiding principles for legal pro- of no-confidence in the chief justice can have been hijacked by rent seekers for their private gain. Regulation and pricing are ceedings. Under that article, the now be taken by a lower-than-normal quo- left deliberately murky in order to benefit private interests.” He suggested that the Constitution specifies, among other things, rum of the plenary session of the Supreme U.S. and its European allies “invest in a direct dialogue with the Ukrainian people if that all are equal before the law, that trials Court. This is a questionable practice. we believe we have a stake in the energy health of this important country.” must be open, and that all are entitled to Under Article 45, a plenary session is com- The star at the hearing was Eugenia Tymoshenko, who spoke on behalf of her the adversarial process. petent if at least two-thirds of its members mother, the imprisoned former prime minister of Ukraine. She testified that her The Constitution in Chapter XV provided are present, “except for events envisaged mother has been “illegally imprisoned, maltreated and humiliated for six months by for a five-year transitional period to estab- by this law.” Under Article 43, a plenary the regime, which is trying to break her.” Though “her spirits are high,” she said, “her lish the judiciary system outlined in the session can convene to issue a vote of no- health is failing.” Ms. Tymoshenko reported that the regime uses sleep deprivation Constitution. Under these provisions, the confidence in the chief justice with only a and intimidation; her mother’s cell is lit all hours of the day and she is watched and Supreme Court of Ukraine was to begin to majority of the plenary session present. filmed 24 hours a day; she is interrogated in her cell, sometimes for 12 hours exercise its authority in accordance with This type of vote is sufficiently serious to straight; and she is denied a medical examination by independent doctors. warrant at least the presence of the normal Ms. Tymoshenko added, however, that “this is not only about my mother. … the current laws in force, while a system of courts was set up that would meet the quorum of the Plenary Session, and it is Others are being repressed and unjustly imprisoned.” Ukraine is turning into “an questionable why a lower-than-normal authoritarian regime with leaders of the opposition sitting in jail.” Ms. requirements of Article 125. This period was to last no longer than five years. quorum should be able to convene to take Tymoshenko said she was at the hearing “to plead that America do all that it can such serious action. In addition, selection of to preserve democracy in my country.” She ended her testimony with these Many of the provisions of the Constitution, however, were not put into the chief justice by the plenum of the words: “I ask you to speak out, loudly and clearly, so that the people of my country Supreme Court has recently become politi- do not feel abandoned and lose hope.” effect by the end of that five-year window. This necessitated the adoption of the small cal, since the Chief Justice and other offi- Asked if there other actions the U.S. can take to help, Ms. Tymoshenko said the cials are not selected individually but by pressure on the Yanukovych regime is growing and it must continue. She cited the law on the judiciary in 2001. The latest large-scale change to the judi- list, which implies an association reminis- recent resolution passed by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, cent of a political party. which proposed concrete actions to reverse Kyiv’s current course and resolve the ciary, the “Law of Ukraine On the Judiciary As outlined in the new law, the selection crisis in Ukraine that touches everyone. She asked the U.S. to work in tandem with and the Status of Judges,” No.2453-VI (“judi- process for judges is also too political, since the EU to see to it that PACE’s recommendations are implemented. cial reform”), was adopted by the it involves the High Council of Justice. This Clearly, U.S. legislators and analysts see that Ukraine today is at a crucial cross- Verkhovna Rada on July 7, 2010, and signed involvement politicizes the selection pro- roads. The question remains: Does President Yanukovych understand that? cess, since a majority of the council’s mem- Bohdan A. Futey is a judge on the United bers belong to or are appointed by the States Court of Federal Claims in Washington, executive or legislature. Ukrainians must appointed by President Ronald Reagan in be able to trust that their judiciary serves May 1987. Judge Futey has been active in the law, rather than a political party, and various rule of law and democratization Feb. Turning the pages back... requiring judges to receive the recommen- programs in Ukraine since 1991. He has dation of a political body hinders this trust. participated in judicial exchange programs, Two years ago, on February 16, 2010, outgoing President The new law also requires that judges seminars and workshops, and has been a Viktor Yushchenko held a press conference at the Presidential take an oath of office at a ceremony in the 16 consultant to the working group on Ukraine’s Secretariat, which included a question by The Ukrainian presence of the president. This could pose Constitution and Ukrainian Parliament. He Weekly’s Kyiv correspondent, Zenon Zawada. problems if the president refuses to attend 2010 also served as an official observer during the Mr. Zawada prefaced his question by expressing the Ukrainian such a ceremony, which could prevent a parliamentary elections in 1994, 1998, 2002 diaspora’s concerns about Ukraine’s derailed Eurointegration, judge from being sworn into office. A similar and 2006, and presidential elections in and asked why Mr. Yushchenko placed a five-year battle with Prime Minister Yulia problem occurred in Ukraine when the 1994, 1999, 2004 and 2010, and conducted Tymoshenko above a consistent policy of Euro-Atlantic integration. Parliament would not convene to swear in briefings on Ukraine’s election law and (Continued on page 17) guidelines for international observers. (Continued on page 16) No. 7 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2012 7

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Remembering The correct credit Jerome Shestack for Spirit Lake photo Dear Editor Dear Editor: Ukraine has many fair-weather friends, The correct photo credit for the picture so it was wonderful to read, “In Memoriam: of the women and children interned at Jerome Shestack, dedicated champion of Spirit Lake (“Spirit Lake’s ‘enemy aliens’ ” A sheep’s tale human rights” (December 25, 2011) about by Lubomyr Luciuk, January 8) should One Sunday morning when Ivanko was “The Church is made up of human a steadfast friend of Ukraine. read: “Palmer Collection, National Archives 14 he announced he wasn’t going to beings. You and I aren’t exactly perfect, are In her remembrance, Ulana Mazurkevich of Canada,” or “from the documentary church. “What do you mean?” asked his we?” beautifully and eloquently pays tribute to a ‘Freedom Had A Price’ directed by Yurij mother. “All your friends will be there.” Ivanko eventually became a trial attor- true friend of Ukraine. If only we had more Luhovy.” “No they won’t. Josh and Ahmed won’t ney. Several years later he married Mariika, like him. The photo is part of a substantial collec- be there, and Sean and Kevin are going to a brilliant anesthesiologist. They had a tion of photographs taken by J. Palmer, a the mall.” church wedding to please their parents. Luba Lyons But on Sunday mornings they would go soldier stationed at Spirit Lake during “But your Ukrainian friends… besides, Philadelphia jogging, then go out to brunch. Or they’d Canada’s first national internment opera- God wants you to go to church!” “How do you know that? Show me in the spend the day shopping, gardening or tions of 1914-1920. The collection was Bible where God says we have to go to working on their house, like most of their given to me by Palmer’s daughter while my church.” professional colleagues. They had two chil- Committee seeks co-researcher, Zorianna, and I, were doing “You know the Third Commandment. dren, whom they named Veles and Marena research for “Freedom Had A Price” in the And Jesus said, ‘Where two or three of you (they were, after all, Ukrainian patriots, archival materials late 1970s. are gathered…’” who always paid their UNA dues). Now Dear Editor: Because of the high flammability of the “Nobody knows what Jesus really said. their Sundays were dedicated to sports, nitrite film on which the pictures were The Committee for the Defense of Soviet A professor said so on the History outings, museums and concerts. Although taken, as well as to provide accessibility to Political Prisoners (CDSPP) was formed in Channel.” other parents took their children to church, researchers upon their restoration, we January 1972 in response to the mass “It’s the law of the Church,” broke in his Ivanko and Mariika felt they shouldn’t arrests of Soviet dissidents. Over the next decided to donate the entire collection to father. impose religion on their kids. When they 10 years, the committee was involved in the National Archives of Canada and “Rules are made to control people. The grew up they could decide. So they only numerous projects, including demonstra- named it the “Palmer Collection” in honor Church has always wanted to control peo- showed up for liturgy at Christmas and tions, rallies, lectures and publications. of the soldier who took the photos. ple and take their money. My history teach- Easter, and for the occasional wedding, Former members of CDSPP are now col- This much-reproduced picture and er said so. Besides, church is boring.” christening or funeral – though there lecting materials in order to establish an many others from the “Palmer Collection” “You’re coming, and that’s that.” As soon seemed to be more and more funerals, and archive to document our activities. We are were incorporated into the documentary as he’d said that, his father sensed power fewer weddings or christenings. looking for posters, pamphlets, photos, cor- “Freedom Had A Price, Canada’s First slipping from his hands. When Ivanko was in his 40s Mariika respondence, local newspaper articles, National Internment Operations 1914- “No I’m not! You can’t make me! I’ll call divorced him, changed her name to Muffie video footage and similar items. 1920.” the ACLU and sue you for child abuse!” and ran off with a real estate developer. We appeal to former members and/or Yurij Luhovy So, Ivanko stopped going to church, Then his father died. Father Petro officiated supporters to help us in this endeavor. Montreal except at Christmas and Easter, when he at the funeral. After the memorial dinner, Should you have any materials or artifacts knew that at least some of his friends they chatted. “So how are the kids?” asked EDITOR’S NOTE: The information above that could be used to supplement and would be there. Father Petro. was not provided to The Ukrainian Weekly enrich our archive, please contact Marusya Several years later, when Ivanko was “Veles is doing great – he’s a software by the author of the commentary. Thank you Proskurenko at [email protected]. home from college for the holidays, he ran developer in California.” to Mr. Luhovy for setting the record straight into his friend Petro, who was studying at “Married?” Marusya Proskurenko and providing interesting historical back- the seminary. They had a few beers. After a “No, but he has a fiancée. ” Ivanko didn’t Berkeley Heights, N.J. ground to the photo. while they got to the subject of church. “I mention that Veles and Rainbow had been don’t see why I can’t just pray alone in my living together for five years and had two house. Or in a forest,” said Ivanko. children, Tolerance and E-Quality, but “But do you?” weren’t ready for a commitment. About “Russia Thanks for info “That’s beside the point. There’s no rea- “How about your daughter?” son to sit with a bunch of old people “Marena? Or Mariam, as she calls herself for Russians” about the UIMA repeating the same stuff every week and now,” he said ruefully. “Not good. She’s Dear Editor: Dear Editor: listening to some stupid sermon. No joined some Evangelical cult. Not your nor- offense – I’m sure your sermons would be mal Protestants, but, you know, born-again Print and online media all over the I am interested in activities at the great.” weirdos.” world are now carrying coverage of Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art (Chicago), “Thanks. But you know, the whole point Father Petro was going to make a clever Russian protests against Vladimir Putin’s and would like to thank Sonya Arko is to pray together with others. It’s all observation, but bit his tongue. “So how re-election as president. One of the various Shidenko and Anna Bohoniuk-Golash for about brotherhood and sisterhood…” about you? Are you still a believer?” groups in the anti-Putin demonstrations is the article “UIMA presents ‘A New “Well, I guess I’m an individualist. I have “I know all the proofs of God, but I don’t the Russian ultra-nationalists. I agree Generation of Literary Voices’ ” and Orysia wholeheartedly with their position: Russia my own opinions.” find them convincing. I guess some people Kossak-Cardoso for “UIMA caps 40th anni- have faith, some don’t. But I’m not an athe- for Russians only. “Besides, the liturgy isn’t the same every versary year with gala banquet.” ist – that’s an unprovable dogma too. I Russia needs to bring back every Russian week, if you really pay attention. The texts And thank you to The Ukrainian Weekly guess I’m an agnostic. Like most educated that is in Belarus, Ukraine, Lithuania, are poetic and full of meaning. And they’re for providing a forum. people I know.” Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and all the constantly changing. In our Byzantine rite, “But do you want to believe?” other countries once part of the Soviet N. L. Kosowsky every gesture has a deep significance. Then there’s the iconography – every icon is a “Oh, I don’t know.” Union. They should also bring back all the Portland, Ore. window to the infinite. And there’s the “You’ve always been a truth-seeker.” Russians from the autonomous regions beautiful choral music. It’s like theater, “Yeah, but not a truth-finder.” spread out over the Russian Federation, opera, ballet.” “The trouble with finding the truth is like the Caucasus republics, the Turkic and We welcome your opinion “That choir yesterday was awful. And that then you have to live it. Most people Tatar areas on either side of the Urals, all of The Ukrainian Weekly welcomes letters those icons are very amateurish. Besides, if are afraid of that. So they spend their lives Siberia – in fact all the Russians from to the editor and commentaries on a vari- I want performing arts I can go to Lincoln making excuses.” between the Volga River and the Pacific ety of topics of concern to the Ukrainian Center.” About 10 years later, Ivanko had a fatal Ocean. American and Ukrainian Canadian com- munities. Opinions expressed by colum- “Church isn’t about entertainment. It heart attack. Since he wasn’t planning to In this manner, they could re-establish nists, commentators and letter-writers are reinforces faith. If you stop going to church, die so young, he hadn’t made provisions for their original country, Muscovy, and force their own and do not necessarily reflect you’ll lose your faith.” the funeral. Mariam held a prayer service. all non-Muscovites to go back where they the opinions of either The Weekly edito- “No I won’t. And I don’t need some big Muffie, Mariam and Veles had his body cre- came from. The result would be the desired rial staff or its publisher, the Ukrainian organization controlling my mind. Religion mated and placed in an urn in a non- “Russia for Russians only.” They, of course, National Association. denominational mausoleum. Letters should be typed and signed (anon- is OK, but I don’t need the Church.” could continue using their acquired Slavic “Religion without the Church is like When Father Petro heard the news, he language; why go back to the original ymous letters are not published). Letters are accepted also via e-mail at staff@ukrweek- democracy without a government. It said a prayer for Ivanko and Mariika- Finno-Ugric? ly.com. The daytime phone number and becomes just an idea. The Church is where Muffie, for Veles and Marena-Mariam. Would it not be worthy of a Nobel Peace address of the letter-writer must be given the faith is lived.” Then he prayed for all the wandering Prize if this major step towards world for verification purposes. Please note that a “Well, it hasn’t done a very good job. I sheep of the diaspora – so woolly-headed, peace were to be taken by Russian ultra- daytime phone number is essential in order mean look at all those crusades and inqui- so scattered, and so utterly lost. nationalists? for editors to contact letter-writers regarding clarifications or questions. sitions and witch-hunts and pedophiles. Andrew Zwarun Please note: THE LENGTH OF LETTERS Shevchenko and Franko had issues with Andrew Sorokowski can be reached at Austin, Texas CANNOT EXCEED 500 WORDS. the Church too.” [email protected]. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2012 No. 7 No. 7 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2012 9

Paul Plishka wraps up 45-year career at Metropolitan Opera

by Helen Smindak Special to The Ukrainian Weekly NEW YORK – Bass Paul Plishka gave a farewell perfor- mance at the Metropolitan Opera on January 28, trium- phantly capping a Met career that lasted 45 years and earned him the ranking of ninth-longest performer in the company’s history. A highly popular Met artist, Mr. Plishka drew a two-min- ute standing ovation as he entered the stage to sing the role of the Sacristan – his 1,642nd performance – in Puccini’s glorious opera “Tosca.” The thunderous applause was repeated when Mr. Plishka took curtain calls and when he appeared for an onstage presentation during the first-act intermission. Acknowledging the ovation that greeted Mr. Plishka, Met managing director Peter Gelb remarked, “That’s more applause than the president got for the state of the union address.” “This is not an alternative ending to Act 1,” Mr. Gelb said, “but it is a bittersweet tableau in which we can wish a fond Paul Plishka Paul Plishka in “Falstaff.” farewell to the storied career of one of our great, great art- ists – ladies and gentlemen, the great Paul Plishka. After a there, because without you we wouldn’t be up here.” the young basso’s voice teacher. At age 23, Mr. Plishka took career of 45 years and 16 hundred and 42 performances, I Listeners of the Met’s Saturday afternoon radio broad- first place in the Baltimore Opera Auditions and soon after don’t thing there’s much we can do to change Paul’s mind. casts, numbering some 11 million people around the world, won a prize in the Metropolitan Opera Regional Auditions. However, while you and Sharon [directing his remarks to Mr. were treated to a recording of Mr. Plishka singing the role of Mr. Plishka joined the Met’s national company in 1965. In Plishka and his wife] are leading a life of leisure, we here will the philosopher Colline in Puccini’s “La Boheme.” 1967, when he was just 24, the Met offered him a contract to always be cherishing great memories of all your amazing Describing the stage proceedings, radio commentator sing in New York. Over the years, his Met roles ranged from performances on the Met stage, from ‘Falstaff’ to ‘Walkure’ to Margaret Juntwait said: “There’s a beautiful spotlight on the comic Dulcamara to the tragic Boris Godunov, gaining major roles in ‘Boris [Godunov].’ ” Paul Plishka, surrounded by so many colleagues, so many outstanding reviews from music critics. Presenting a memento to Mr. Plishka – a tsar’s crown people, and the choirboys and acolytes who appeared with Since his Met debut as a monk in Ponchielli’s “La from “Boris Godunov” – Mr. Gelb noted that the singer was him in Act 1 are jumping up and down.” Giaconda” on September 21, 1967, alongside Renata Tebaldi, “a member of operatic royalty,” having triumphed as Tsar Ms. Juntwait said that one of Mr. Plishka’s colleagues, Sherrill Milnes and Rosalind Elias, Mr. Plishka sang the title Boris in many “Boris Godunov” appearances. “Thank you, mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe, commented earlier that roles in Mussorgsky’s “Boris Godunov” and Verdi’s “Falstaff,” Paul. Bravo. We will miss you,” he concluded. “this man is a fantastic artist and a great colleague, my very Philip II in “Don Carlo” and Leporello in “Don Giovanni.” favorite Falstaff, a fantastic mentor, a joyful companion on “Tosca” cast members standing around the pair, among His Ukrainian heritage them singers Patricia Racette and Robert Alagna, and con- stage and a real example to me.” Mr. Plishka was inducted into the Hall of Fame for Great ductor Mikko Franck, joined in the applause that swelled A career with 88 roles through the packed house. American Opera Singers, and his artistry was further recog- In his response, Mr. Plishka credited his success to “the At the age of 70, Mr. Plishka can look back with pride on nized when he received the Pennsylvania Governor’s Award help of all these people you see behind me here – from the his long career, embracing 88 roles and sharing the stage for Excellence in the Arts in 1992. very first thing I did, which was about eight measures of with opera greats Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Though his voice is most often associated with Italian music, through ‘Don Carlos,’ ‘Boris Godunov’ and ‘Falstaff,’ Maria Guleghina, Renee Fleming, Samuel Ramey, Thomas opera, Mr. Plishka sings in Italian, French, German, English until tonight. And more so, I have to thank all of you out Hampson, Dmitri Hvorostovsky and many others. and Ukrainian. Proud of his Ukrainian heritage, he has given He took on all three bass roles in “Boris Godunov,” benefit concerts for the Shevchenko Scientific Society and appearing in a Boris production with two other distin- the Ukrainian Institute of America, accompanied by pianist guished Ukrainian bassos, the Met’s Andrij Dobriansky Thomas Hrynkiw; the duo also appeared at a concert at the (who passed away on February 1) and Sergei Koptchak. Ukrainian National Association’s Soyuzivka Heritage Center. In recent years, the 6 foot 1 basso sang comprimario, or Mr. Plishka’s first appearance at a Ukrainian function was a supporting roles, standing out in comic parts such as concert with Carlotta Ordassy-Baranska at The Cooper Dulcamara in Donizetti’s “L’Elisir d’Amore” and Bartolo in Union in New York. Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville.” Mr. Plishka’s extensive discography includes ABC, Mr. Plishka’s career stretched far beyond the walls of the Columbia, London, RCA and Vox recordings. His recording Metropolitan Opera house, taking him to cities across North of the Verdi “Requiem” with the Atlanta Symphony and America and to countries around the world. He appeared Robert Shaw won a Grammy Award for the best classical regularly with major opera companies in numerous cities, album of 1988. including San Francisco, Chicago, Seattle, San Diego, He has also recorded “Luisa Miller” and “Marriage of Houston, Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. Figaro” with James Levine and the Metropolitan Opera In Europe, Mr. Plishka performed in Geneva, Munich, Orchestra, and Beethoven’s “Ninth Symphony” with the Barcelona, Vienna, Berlin, Paris and such leading opera cen- London Philharmonic under Andre Previn. ters as Covent Garden in London. Other appearances abroad Born and raised in Old Forge, Pa., Mr. Plishka is the son of included tours with La Scala Opera to Japan and Korea. Peter Plishka and Helen Patrician (the name is an Anglicized Mr. Plishka was discovered at the age of 17 by Armen version of Petryshyn). His paternal grandparents came from Boyajian, a music teacher who was forming the Paterson the village of Habkivtsi, Lisko County, in what is now south- Lyric Opera Theater, when he heard Mr. Plishka performing eastern Poland; his maternal grandparents were residents Paul Plishka in “Boris Godunov.” in a student production of “Oklahoma.” Mr. Boyajian became of Ukraine’s Lviv area.

Szkafarowsky to perform at Metropolitan Opera by Olia Rudyk Recital Hall on February 3, 1974. “Don Giovanni” and Friar Lawrence in Under the initial tutelage and guidance “Romeo et Juliette.” NEW YORK – Operatic bass Stefan of Eugene Krachno, Mr. Szkafarowsky went He has earned wonderful reviews from a Szkafarowsky, who has performed in almost on to study at the Westchester Conservatory variety of critics. every major opera house in the United of Music and, as a recipient of a scholar- The Denver Post wrote of his perfor- States, as well as international venues as ship, graduated from the American Opera mance as Vodnik in “Rusalka”: “Stefan Macau, Chile, Brazil and Canada, will appear Center for Young Artists at the Juilliard Szkafarowsky, with his rock-solid bass on February 17, 22 and 25 and March 2 and School of Music. voice, offers an affecting take on Vodnik.” 8 in the lead bass role as the Bonze in The His first major contract was with the Opera News commented on him as New York Metropolitan Opera’s presenta- Lyric Opera of Chicago, where he estab- Filippo in “Don Carlo”: “Stefan Szkafarowsky tion of Puccini’s “Madame Butterfly,” with lished a reputation as a major talent with a sang a dynamically realized Filippo, dis- Placido Domingo as conductor. bright future. playing sure command of mellifluous Mr. Szkafarowsky’s driving force and Mr. Szkafarowsky has traveled the world instrument.” inspiration from the early age of 13 was his performing major bass roles. Among his The Hartford Courant noted his role as mother, the late Iwanna Prystacka- most accomplished have been Basilio in “Il Zaccaria in “Nabucco”: “Stefan Szkafarowsky… Szkafarowsky. Mr. Szkafarowsky made his Barbiere di Sivigli,” the Grand Inquisitor in infused the prophet Zaccaria with a burn- singing debut at the age of 17 as the young- “Don Carlos,” Pimen in “Boris Godunov,” ing intensity that lifted the level of the est solo performer in New York’s Carnegie the King in “Aida,” Il Commendatore in show whenever he was on stage.” Stefan Szkafarowsky 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2012 No. 7

Five books shortlisted for 2012 Kobzar Literary Award

by Oksana Zakydalsky cated professional women is chaired by have been featured at festivals across North Myrna Kostash is well known to Special to The Ukrainian Weekly Alla Shklar. America. She lives in Nova Scotia. “Under Canadians as a writer of “creative non-fic- “Under the Unbroken Sky” by Shandi the Unbroken Sky” is her first novel. tion.” Since the publication of “All of Baba’s TORONTO – The $25,000 biennial Mitchell is a tale of family, survival, love and The narrative of Rhea Tregebov’s “The Children” in 1977, she has written on the Kobzar Literary Award, which recognizes betrayal. It begins in 1938 when Teodor Knife Sharpener’s Bell” begins in 1935 and Ukrainian-Canadian experience several outstanding contributions to Canadian lit- Mykolayenko returns to his family and is also centered on the trials faced by an times. In her book “The Prodigal Daughter: erature through an author’s presentation of farm in Manitoba after a year in prison and, immigrant family – but this time a A Journey to Byzantium” Ms. Kostash a Ukrainian Canadian theme with literary using the strength of will that enabled him Ukrainian Jewish family living in Winnipeg. shares her experiences in confronting her merit, has announced the five finalists for to survive starvation, warfare and Stalin’s To escape from their disappointments in childhood religion of Eastern Orthodoxy, its this year’s award: two novels, a memoir, an crimes in Ukraine, he makes the crops Winnipeg during the depression, the family roots in Byzantium and its renderings into academic work and a book of poetry. grow and the family begins to heal. When a returns to Odesa with hopes of experienc- Slavic and Greek versions. The inaugural Award Ceremony was returning brother-in-law threatens to take ing an ideal communist life. But they have Ms. Kostash’s journey, through Greece and held in 2006, and the fourth Kobzar away everything they have built, they have come to the Stalin-era USSR, where terror the Balkans, centers on the variety of images Literary Award Ceremony will be held on to face a family betrayal. reigns while the country is soon plunged and stories of the Great Saint of the East, St. March 1, 2012 in Toronto. The award was Giller Award winner Joseph Boyden into the horrors of World War II. Demetrius of Thessalonica. Conscientiously established and is supported by the called the novel “brilliant and honest and Ms. Tregebov is an award-winning poet researched, the book is a personal journey Shevchenko Foundation and managed by brutal,” while a New York Times review and author of books for children. Born in that examines the shifting parameters of Dr. Christine Turkewych, director of liter- called it “dazzling.” 1953 in Saskatoon, she grew up in ethnic, national and religious identity. ary arts. The Kobzar Award Ceremony Ms. Mitchell is a filmmaker and screen- Winnipeg and teaches creative writing at Committee comprising 18 literati and dedi- writer whose award-winning short films the University of British Columbia. (Continued on page 11) No. 7 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2012 11

cess and fact of her father’s death and pro- Five books... ceeds to find him again through a series of innovative poems. Death is examined with- (Continued from page 10) out bathos, through the paleontologist’s Active in the Canadian literary commu- magnifying glass and the geneticist’s micro- nity, Ms. Kostash was a founding member scope. of the Periodical Writers’ Association of Ms. Andrusyshyn is a published poet Canada and served as chair of the Writers’ who coordinates poetry workshops for at- Union of Canada (1993-1994). Ms. Kostash risk youth. She was born in Reno, Nevada, was born in 1944 in Edmonton, where she and moved in 1989 to Montreal, where she now lives. now lives. Although it has been described as The Kobzar Literary Award 2012 jury “impressive” and “scholarly,” Myroslav was composed of four well-known Shkandrij’s book “Jews in Ukrainian Canadian writers: Denise Chong, Nino Ricci, Literature: Representation and Identity” M.G. Vassanji and Randall Maggs. has also been called “accessible to lay read- Ms. Chong is the author of two award- ers,” which is what most non-academic winning bestsellers, “The Concubine’s readers want to hear. In the book, the rela- Children,” a non-fiction narrative of a Chinese tionship between Jews and Ukrainians family in Canada, and “The Girl in the emerges through an analysis of literary Picture,” which portrayed life in war-torn works that enables understanding of diver- Vietnam. Ms Chong has been widely antholo- sity in Ukraine and explains interpreta- gized. tions of Ukrainian identity in Canada. Mr. Ricci’s novels have been published to Prof. Shkandrij challenges the estab- critical acclaim around the world. They lished view that the Ukrainian and Jewish include the “Lives of the Saints” trilogy and communities were antagonistic toward “Testament.” His most recent novel, “The one another and interacted only when Origin of the Species,” earned him his sec- compelled to do so by economic necessity. ond Governor General’s Award. He has He demonstrates how Ukrainians have taught writing across Canada and the imagined their historical encounters with United States and was recently appointed Jews under different historical contexts to the Order of Canada. since the late 19th century. Mr. Vassanji is a prolific writer – the Mr. Shkandrij is professor of Slavic stud- author of six novels, collections of short sto- ies at the University of Manitoba and has ries, a travel memoir and a biography. He is published several books on Ukrainian and a winner of many literary prizes and has Russian literature and art – such as twice won the Giller Prize for the best “Modernists, Marxists and the Nation: The novel. His latest novel is “The Assassin’s Ukrainian Literary Discussion of the Song,” published in 2007. He is a member of 1920s.” Ukrainian Jewish relations is one of the Order of Canada. his research interests. Mr. Maggs lives in Newfoundland, where The fifth short-list selection is a book of he has taught literature at Sir Wilfred poetry: Larissa Andrusyshyn’s “Mammoth.” Grenfell College. He is the author of two col- This is her debut collection of poems and lections of poetry, one of which – “Night honors the memory of her father Ivan, a Work: the Sawchuk Poems” – was the win- paleontologist. She was witness to the pro- ner of the 2010 Kobzar Literary Award. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2012 No. 7

new Eurobonds are not conducive to European Union will be completely final- regard the recommendations of European NEWSBRIEFS Ukraine’s entry into foreign markets. ized by March, Polish Foreign Minister institutions “with particular responsibility.” Radoslaw Sikorski told reporters in Kyiv on Recalling the PACE resolution on Ukraine (Continued from page 2) Currently, rates of new borrowings for Ukraine make up about 10 percent, as February 8. “We hope that the text of the adopted in January, Mr. Lytvyn once again government bonds, which will help it fill opposed to 7.5 percent a year earlier. The Association Agreement will be finalized in drew the attention of lawmakers to the liquidity stock on the eve of March, when the government is not ready to attract loans with the coming weeks. According to my infor- change in the tone of the documents of this mation, the trading part of the agreement and other European organizations that are needs in financing grow sharply due to a an annual yield exceeding 8 percent. is already completed, and the political one, addressed to Ukraine. “First their leitmotif seasonal fall of budget revenues and high Comparing this year to the previous year, payments on internal debts. At the same I hope, will also be ready by March,” he was encouragement and recommenda- time, experts in the stock market believe said. Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Minister tions, and in recent years – mandatory $25 billion, whereas internal debt increased Kostyantyn Gryshchenko said the demands,” he said. Mr. Lytvyn said that the that Ukraine may enter the borrowing mar- Ukraine’s foreign debt grew by 7.8 percent tо ket in spring. Most probably, those will be Association Agreement is not a gift to next “programmed” step by Europe would five- and 10-year bonds that mature in 2017 Ukraine. “In the medium, and all the more, be the introduction of sanctions against byPolish 11 percent FM on tо Association $22 billion. (Ukrinform) Agreement and 2022. However, as Taras Kotovych, an the long term, the document is beneficial Ukraine. He said that the country’s credibil- analyst for Investment Capital of Ukraine, KYIV – The text of the Association both to Ukraine and – from the very begin- ity had been put on the agenda. “We cannot noted, current high rates for placement of Agreement between Ukraine and the ning – the European Union,” Mr. allow the state to be forced into isolation,” Gryshchenko noted. (Ukrinform) he underscored. (Ukrinform) Rada again refuses decriminalization Yulia writes to her national deputies KYIV – The Verkhovna Rada has again KYIV – Former Prime Minister Yulia rejected bills introducing amendments to Tymoshenko, in a letter addressed to the TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL WALTER HONCHARYK (973) 292-9800 x3040 the Criminal Code of Ukraine regarding Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc-Batkivschyna fac- or e-mail [email protected] decriminalization of the responsibility of tion in Parliament, urged national deputies senior officials for political decisions. One to unite the opposition in parliamentary of the bills filed by the opposition proposed elections in 2012, control candidates in SERVICES PROFESSIONALS introducing amendments to the article of majority districts, work actively with voters the Criminal Code under which former in the regions and promote the preserva- Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko was sen- tion of strategic facilities in state owner- tenced to seven years in prison. The second ship. “Despite all that is happening to me, I bill submitted by the opposition, which will continue to be in contact with you... I’ll concerned the decriminalization of Articles make decisions with you, work every day 364 and 365 of the Criminal Code was also and get closer to victory,” she said in a let- rejected. Only 155 lawmakers out of the ter to deputies released by the faction’s 430 registered in the parliament’s session press service on February 7. She outlined hall voted for the document. The head of four priorities for YTB-Batkivschyna depu- the Party of Regions faction in Parliament, ties. “First and foremost, with all of your Oleksander Yefremov, said at a press brief- powers and abilities, at all levels of the ing on February 8 that the faction was not negotiating process in the center and in the planning to vote for new bills decriminaliz- regions, you must ensure the full, true and ing the article under which Ms. sincere unification of opposition forces into Tymoshenko was convicted. On January 26 a single indestructible force to participate the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council in the parliamentary elections in 2012,” she of Europe adopted a resolution proposing said. Ms. Tymoshenko said that this must that Ukraine drop abuse of office charges be done no matter what the election against former senior officials and ensure threshold is like. “Remember that the key their participation in the October parlia- to the elimination of the regime lies in the mentary elections. In that document, the unity of the opposition, down to a single PACE expressed its concern about criminal party list, in the clear division of the politi- FOR SALE OPPORTUNITIES proceedings brought under Articles 364 cal field into black and white, good and evil, (abuse of power) and 365 (abuse of office) into Ukraine and its occupants,” she said. of the Criminal Code against a number of Secondly, she demanded that all candidates Condo for sale in St. Andrew’s Ukrai- EARN EXTRA INCOME! former government members, in particular, from the Batkivschyna Party be controlled nian Village in North Port, Fl. 2BR, 2Ba, The Ukrainian Weekly is looking Internal Affairs Minister Yurii Lutsenko, in majority districts. “Do not allow the fully updated, fully furnished, stainless steel for advertising sales agents. Acting Defense Minister Valerii Ivaschenko, nomination and election of random people appliances, washer, walking distance to For additional information contact First Vice-Minister of Justice Yevhen not tested by time and struggle, as well as Ukrainian Catholic and Orthodox churches. Maria Oscislawski, Advertising Manager, Korniychuk and former Prime Minister entrepreneurs who plan to use politics to The Ukrainian Weekly, 973-292-9800, ext 3040. $109,900. Tel 239-859-1259. Tymoshenko. The assembly considers strengthen their business. I insist that the these articles to be “overly broad in appli- candidates for deputies in majority dis- cation” and effectively allow for post facto tricts from Batkivschyna be publicly and Run your advertisement here, criminalization of normal political deci- seriously discussed,” Ms. Tymoshenko said. in The Ukrainian Weekly’s CLASSIFIEDS section. sion-making. Therefore, the PACE urged In addition, she ordered national deputies Ukraine’s authorities to promptly remove “to immediately run to the people in the these two articles from the Criminal Code regions and tell them what serious danger and for the charges against former govern- our country is in, and what kind of danger ment officials that are based on these pro- the lives of all Ukrainians are in.” “And final- visions to be dropped. Ukrainian ly, the fourth thing. Do not let new klepto- Parliament Chair Volodymyr Lytvyn, while maniacs deprive the country of its strategic opening the 10th session of the Verkhovna Rada on February 7, urged the deputies to (Continued on page 13)

Self Reliance (NJ) Federal Credit Union Clifton, NJ

will hоld its

ANNUAL MEETING

on Sunday, February 26, 2011 at 12:30PM At the Ukrainian Center 240 Hope Avenue, Passaic, NJ 07055

SELFRELIANCE Association (Passaic, NJ) Annual Meeting will be held prior to the Credit Union’s Annual Meeting.

46B No. 7 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2012 13

Human Rights Nina Karpachova said on NEWSBRIEFS February 7 in her annual report to the Ukrainian Parliament on the state of obser- (Continued from page 12) vance and protection of human rights and facilities ahead of the parliamentary elec- freedoms in Ukraine. Therefore, she said, tions – land, the gas transport system, human rights are grossly violated. Furthermore, courts and law enforcement hydropower, Energoatom, Ukrzaliznytsia, Ділимося сумною вісткою museum valuables and so on. You know the agencies abuse their power to make appetites of the newly minted family of the arrests. “Ukraine does not need the con- з друзями, знайомими та всією main chief. Make everything possible so struction of new prisons, but it needs to українською громадою, що put an end to abuses of the power to that the country supports the elimination у середу першого лютого 2012 р. of the regime,” Ms. Tymoshenko said. arrest,” Ms. Karpachova emphasized. The (Interfax-Ukraine) ombudsman, whose five-year term in office з волі Всевишнього is expiring, said that in 2011 the human відійшов у Божу Вічність Government websites attacked by hackers rights situation in Ukraine was much worse. Moreover, the global economic crisis наш найдорожчий і незабутній KYIV – The official website of President is not entirely at fault. “According to official ЧОЛОВІК, БАТЬКО і ДІДУСЬ Viktor Yanukovych was attacked by hack- statistics, the poverty rate in Ukraine is 24 ers, the president’s press secretary, Darya percent, and almost every eighth resident сл. пам. Chepak, said on her blog on the website of falls into the category of extreme poverty the Ukrayinska Pravda online newspaper or abject poverty.” A purely ‘Ukrainian phe- АНДРІЙ ВСЕВОЛОД ДОБРЯНСЬКИЙ on February 1. “The official website of the nomenon’ is poverty of the working popu- Довголітній соліст бас-баритон Метрополітальної опери у Нью- Ukrainian president has been under attack lation, automatic transition to the category by unknown individuals since last night. of the poor people who retire, due to the Йорку. Покійний співав у «Метрополітені» 27 років, удостоївшись The Internal Affairs Ministry’s website has low level of pensions, the ombudsperson звання єдиного народженого в Україні провідного соліста з also been shut down as a result of the underscored. Ms. Karpachova noted that найдовшою кар’єрою у цій престижній світової слави опері. attack. Social networks posts are calling on almost 40 percent of households in Активний громадський і церковний діяч – довголітній дяк і диригент others to join the attack on the websites of Ukraine are in a state of acute social exclu- церковного хору при церкві св. Юра; палкий і невтомний пропагандист state institutions in order to support file- sion. “People do not have the opportunity української музики у США; патрон і вчитель молодих співаків; sharing sites that do not comply with copy- to participate fully in public life because of видатний режисер; знавець-майстер театрального мистецтва. right protection. Do the people who attack their poverty, lack of basic knowledge and these sites understand what they are УРОЧИСТІ ПОХОРОННІ ВІДПРАВИ відбулися у суботу 4-го лютого capabilities.” And, amid the massive dis- в Українській католицькій церкві св. Юра у Нью-Йорку. doing?” the press secretary asked. Ms. semination of new information technology Chepak noted that the attack was “destroy- and social media, many Ukrainians do not Горем прибиті у глибокому смутку залишилися: ing the space for posting socially important have access to them, “likewise hundreds of дружина – СТЕФАНІЯ information.” She added, “I support the right thousands of Ukrainian citizens do not дочка – ДЗВІНКА з чоловіком АНДРІЄМ БУРЧАКОМ і дітьми of every citizen to protest. But if we build a have access to the cultural heritage of their МОДЕСТОМ і ЛИБІДДЮ civilized society, the freedom of the fist of country,” she said. Therefore, Ms. син – АНДРІЙ з дружиною ПАМЕЛОЮ one citizen is limited to the nose of another. Karpachova said, the state in 2012 should син – ДАНИЛО Therefore, I’m asking you, those who attack pay special attention to protecting human син – ЯРОСЛАВ the sites, to find another place for protest, rights and freedoms. Ms. Karpachova has син – ЮРІЙ without limiting the citizen’s right of access been elected three times to the post of the дочка – РОКСОЛЯНА to information.” The official website of the human rights commissioner – in 1998, БЛИЖЧА І ДАЛЬША РОДИНА В АМЕРИЦІ, КАНАДІ, УКРАЇНІ ТА ЕСТОНІЇ president has worked intermittently since 2003 and 2007. Now, the ombudsperson the morning of February 1. On January 31 says, she has not yet decided whether to ВІЧНА ЙОМУ ПАМ’ЯТЬ! the Internal Affairs Ministry shut down the seek the post again. Meanwhile, media popular file-sharing site ex.ua as part of an reports say there are five candidates for investigation of a criminal case on copyright post. The opposition has nominated infringement. In response, a cyberattack Yevhen Zakharov, chairman of board of the was made on the website of the internal Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union. affairs minister. On February 2 the websites Also mentioned as candidates for the posi- of the Security Service of Ukraine and the tion are Hennadii Vasilyev, a native of Constitutional Court of Ukraine were taken Donetsk, former procurator general and down by hackers. (Ukrinform) now a member of Parliament from the Ombudsperson claims rights violations Party of Regions, Party of Regions National Deputy Serhii Holovaty, International Christine Lydia Myndiuk KYIV – Ukraine does not implement Human Rights Centre La Strada-Ukraine nearly 33 percent of judicial decisions and President Kateryna Levchenko, and née Panczyszyn a critical situation remains with following Government Commissioner for the rulings of the European Court of Human European Court of Human Rights Valeria was born on 29th of May 1946 in Dillingen, Germany, Rights, Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Lutkivska. (Ukrinform) in the family of Michael Panczyszyn and Irene Panczyszyn née Hryszczuk.

In 1949 the family moved to the United States, first to Boston and then to Buffalo. In Buffalo she completed high school and was active in the youth organization SUM, where she was a leader and often participated in SUM summer youth camps at camp Veselka in Canada. With deep sorrow we announce to family and friends that our beloved As a young woman, Christine was adventurous and lived in various cities husband, father, grandfather and brother including New York, Miami, Houston and Los Angeles, working for various news broadcasters, airlines and advertising firms. Dmytro Szul In 1983 she moved to Toronto where she met Bohdan Myndiuk. They passed away on Friday, February 3, 2012 at the age of 92. He was were married in 1984. born October 22, 1919 in Ukraine. In 1985 they were blessed with son Roman Jurij. When Roman went to school, Christine sat on the PTA committee at St. Demetrius. Panakhyda was held on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 7:30 p. m. at Peter In Toronto she was very active in leading the Ukrainian Children’s TV Jarema Funeral Home in New York City. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, February 8, at St. George Program “Titka-Kvitka” as well as participating in the St. Demetrius Parish Ukrainian Catholic Church in New York City, followed by interment at Holy where she hosted two banquets for the 35th and 50th anniversary of the Spirit Cemetery in Hamptonburg, NY. Parish. Left in deep sorrow: Christine loved travelling, playing bridge and loved watching her Buffalo wife — Pauline sports teams – especially the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres. When children — Christine Roman developed a love for sports, she drove him to endless soccer, base- — Roman with wife Anna and children Roman and Nicholas ball, football and hockey games and practices. — Irene with husband Alexandre and children Alexander and Larissa — Darka with husband Brian and children Stephanie and Katherine In 2008 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She passed away on — Orest Tuesday, January 24, 2012 . She leaves behind her husband Bohdan brothers — Aleksander and Wolodymyr in Polandt (Dada), son Roman, mother Irene and brother Jerry with his wife, children Eternal memory and grandchildren, as well as many godchildren. 44B 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2012 No. 7

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE Nativity concert held in Parma UAYA branch presents “vertep”

Jurij Priatka Ukrainian American Youth Association members who performed the “vertep” are seen with Bishop Paul Chomnycky and clergy.

by Tania Sawa-Priatka while they watched the performance. Recent immigrants from Ukraine in the STAMFORD, Conn. – Those who parish, many of whom send their chil- PARMA, Ohio – On Sunday, December 11, 2011, the Council of Orthodox Clergy attended Christmas Day liturgy here at dren to the UAYA in Stamford, watched of Greater Cleveland held its 19th annual Nativity concert. This year, the concert St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral were regaled with pride, knowing that their children was hosted at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Parma. Participating were with one of the most beloved Ukrainian are keeping traditions alive in their new 10 choirs representing Ukrainian, Greek, Serbian, Russian, Romanian, Antiochian Christmas traditions when members of country. and American Orthodox parishes. Seen above is the 30-voice choir of St. Vladimir Branch 54, Khersones, of the Ukrainian Bishop Paul Chomnycky of the Cathedral of Parma, which represented the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. St. American Youth Association (UAYA) of Stamford Eparchy, along with the Rev. Vladimir’s has both English and Ukrainian choirs, which sing the responses to the Stamford presented a beautiful rendition Ihor Midzak, pastor at St. Volodymyr two liturgies every Sunday. The choirs are directed by Markian Komichak. of the Ukrainian “vertep” (Nativity play.) Cathedral, and the Rev. Bohdan Danylo, The children-actors, who performed rector of St. Basil Seminary, were among under the direction of their “vychonyky” the delighted audience members that counselors and parent volunteers, day. They commented on how profes- Stamford community enjoys ranged in age from 4 to 12. They had sionally the children delivered their lines spent countless hours practicing for this and how the vertep enhanced the joyful, event and their dedication and efforts festive atmosphere in the church on Christmas Tree Festival were well rewarded with loud applause Christmas. and numerous compliments. All proceeds raised by the children Many of the older parishioners tear- that day were donated to St. Basil fully recalled their youth in Ukraine Seminary. Ukrainian school students carol in “Ukrainian Village” community

Jurij Priatka Children sing songs around the “yalynka.”

by Tania Sawa Priatka children presenting a short program of music and a costumed enactment of the STAMFORD, Conn. – The first annual songs “U Lisi, Lisi Temnomu” (“In the “Christmas Tree Festival” (Sviato Dark, Dark Forest”) as well as “Ya Yalynky) hosted by Branch 54 of the Lysychka, Ya Sestrychka” (“I’m the Fox”). Ukrainian American Youth Association Everyone then participated in a lively (UAYA) in Stamford, Conn., took place on concert performed by well-known vocal December 10, 2011. artist Olya Fryz. She entertained the As over 65 children and guests filed audience with her many energetic tunes, into the auditorium of St. Basil Seminary, getting the children up and dancing and Lev Khmelkovsky they were not sure what to expect from interweaving a pure vocal performance Students from the School of Ukrainian Studies in South Bound Brook, N.J., carol at the evening, as this was the first time the with arrangements on her bandura. The the “Ukrainian Village.” administration of UAYA Stamford had concert culminated with the entire audi- planned such an event. After sitting in a ence joining in a group caroling sing- SOMERSET, N.J. – Students of the School Voronenko, Lesya Moroz, Halyna Marynets, dimly-lit auditorium listening to a wel- along. of Ukrainian Studies, located at the grounds Christine D’Agostino, Lidiya Prots and come and opening remarks about the Following Ms. Fryz’s program, the chil- of St. Andrew Memorial Ukrainian Oxana Stasyuk, as well as parents of the legend associated with how the dren were invited to step up to several Orthodox Church in South Bound Brook, students. Christmas tree (yalynka) became such an arts and crafts tables set up throughout N.J., visited the “Ukrainian Village” active The carolers entered each home singing integral part of the holiday season, the auditorium where they could create adult community on January 14 with carol- and greeting all of the residents, where guests “oohed” and “ahhed” upon seeing their own designs to take along and dec- ing and tidings for the new year. they were warmly welcomed and reward- the beautifully decorated yalynka in the orate their homes for the holidays. The students were accompanied by ed with sweets for their singing. The stu- center of the hall. A lovely table of refreshments was Roman Hirniak, director of the school, dents, who sang under the direction of Ms. The evening progressed with the UAYA provided by the Parents’ Committee. teachers Andriy Gavdanovych, Lyudmyla Moroz, collected funds for the school. No. 7 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2012 15

NOTES ON PEOPLE Named executive VP, Selected as chief medical officer Compass Fellow HACKENSACK, N.J. – Hackensack WASHINGTON – Adriana Krasniansky University Medical Center recently has been selected as a Compass Fellow at announced the appointment of Ihor S. Fordham University. The Compass Sawczuk, M.D., as executive vice-president Fellowship, supported by the Kenneth Cole and chief medical officer. Foundation, identifies passionate first-year “It is my great pleasure to announce the students at colleges across the nation and appointment of Ihor S. Sawczuk, M.D., as empowers them to solve the world’s great- our new executive vice president and chief est problems through social entrepreneur- medical officer,” said Robert C. Garrett, ship. (More information can be found at president and chief executive officer. “As we www.compassfellows.org.) expand our academic and clinical affilia- Social entrepreneurship is a quickly- tions to remain competitive in this ever- developing field of practice in which social Adriana Krasniansky changing healthcare environment, I am problems are addressed with entrepreneur- grateful to have a physician of Dr. Sawczuk’s ial principles, including starting for-profit stature with us at the helm as we embark the Ukrainian American Youth Association as Dr. Ihor Sawczuk ventures. Gen Y is increasingly interested in a youth leader and camp counselor; her on this journey.” social entrepreneurship as a field of study, In June 2001, after a nationwide search work at an Eastern European bakery busi- Foundation, and the Kidney Cancer as it blends interests in volunteerism and for a chair of the Department of Urology, Dr. ness in Parma, Ohio; and an internship with Association. social causes with the more flexible work- Sawczuk joined the Hackensack UMC medi- Charlene Paparizos, president of CMP He was presented the prestigious life balance of an entrepreneur. cal staff from the College of Physicians and Communications, when she covered North Russell and Mary Hugh Scott Education Ms. Krasniansky, a member of Ukrainian Royalton community events. Surgeons of Columbia University. This new Award by the American Foundation of National Association Branch 364, is a 2011 position of executive vice-president and Compass Fellows receive weekly lessons Urologic Disease, and in 1996, the office of graduate of North Royalton High School in chief medical officer will add to Dr. from seasoned entrepreneurs, while con- the First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton rec- North Royalton, Ohio. She is one of 15 stu- Sawczuk’s already illustrious career at necting with a global network of change- ognized him for his humanitarian efforts in dents selected at Fordham University to Hackensack UMC, where he has held the makers. Each Fellow launches his or her regards to his Chornobyl relief work. He is participate in The Compass Fellowship this positions of: vice-president, chief academic own venture during the first year of college. also a recent recipient of the Gold DOC year. She will build on experiences from her officer, chairman of the Department of The Compass Fellowship operates at 10 Award from the Arnold P. Gold Foundation. youth, including her active involvement in schools in the United States. Urology, and chief of the Division of Dr. Sawczuk completed his urologic Urologic Oncology at the John Theurer training at the Squier Urological Clinic at Cancer Center. the New York-Presbyterian Hospital and of the Committee for the Defense of Human During Dr. Sawczuk’s 10 years at his urologic oncology training as a fellow of Honored at Detroit Rights in Ukraine. Hackensack UMC, the Department of the National Cancer Institute in the She attended human rights conferences Urology has technologically advanced to Departments of Urology and Human International Institute in Washington, Mexico City (International meet the demands of its patients and con- Genetics of Columbia University. He Women’s Year) and Paris. She also worked tinues to remain on the cutting edge of belongs to numerous urological associa- by Nancy Karen Wichar diligently on committees to commemorate technology in both surgical urology and tions, and has authored/co-authored more the Ukrainian Famine and the Chornobyl DETROIT – The International Institute of urologic-oncology. Combining medical than 250 abstracts, articles and chapters. nuclear disaster. Metropolitan Detroit presented Marie expertise, advanced technology, and state- Hackensack University Medical Center is In addition, she served as a board mem- Zarycky-Cherviovskiy with an “Award of of-the-art hospital and surgical facilities, the a 775-bed not-for-profit, tertiary care, ber of the Ukrainian Village Senior Residence Department of Urology at Hackensack UMC teaching and research hospital and pro- Excellence” for the outstanding services she has provided for her community. The and the Ukrainian Museum and Archives. provides patients with innovative diagnos- vides the largest number of admissions in The Ukrainians of Detroit and Windsor tic, treatment, prevention, and screening New Jersey. Founded in 1888 with 12 beds award is given to a professional woman who has worked to promote her communi- named her Ukrainian of the Year in 1987. services for the full range of urologic disor- and as Bergen County’s first hospital, She and her husband, Alex Cherviovskiy, ders and diseases. Hackensack University Medical Center has ty and culture in Southeastern Michigan. Presented on behalf of the Michigan are members of St. Josephat Ukrainian With more than 25 years of health care demonstrated more than a century of Catholic Church in Warren, Mich., and con- experience, Dr. Sawczuk has been the recip- growth and progress. It was one of International Professional Women, the award added Ms. Zarycky-Cherviovskiy’s tinue to actively serve the community. ient of numerous awards and accolades. He America’s 50 Best Hospitals by Ms. Zarycky-Cherviovskiy was among 17 was named as a Ferdinand C. Valentine HealthGrades® for five years in a row and name to the prestigious list of honorees in “Who’s Who of SE Michigan International honorees from various nationalities recog- Fellow of the New York Academy of is the only hospital in New Jersey, New York nized at the Michigan International Medicine, a Burroughs Wellcome Scholar of and New England to receive this honor for Women.” Ms. Zarycky-Cherviovskiy’s accomplish- Professional Women’s Gala 2011 on October the American Urological Association and an five consecutive years. Hackensack UMC 20. The gala was a celebration of the E.R. Squibb and Sons National Kidney was also named one of the 50 Best ments and contributions to her community began when she arrived in Detroit and International Institute of Metropolitan Foundation Young Investigator. Hospitals in America by Becker’s Hospital attended the Ukrainian Catholic Grade Detroit, which serves the community and Dr. Sawczuk has also received awards Review. U.S. News & World Report ranked School in 1951. She went on to graduate as raises funds in support of “Children Helping from the New York Academy of Medicine, Hackensack UMC eighth in the New York the salutatorian from Hamtramck High Children.” the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Metro Area in its first-ever Best Hospitals School in 1954 and earned her degree from Wojciech Zolnowski, executive director American Heart Association, Society of metro area rankings, giving it the top rank- the College of Pharmacy at Wayne State of the International Institute, provided intro- Basic Urologic Research, National Kidney ing out of all the New Jersey hospitals listed. University in 1962. During this time she ductory remarks while Nada Dalgamouni, was mentored by leaders in the Ukrainian ethnic enrichment director, introduced the honorees and presented the rewards. Each Catholic Education Foundation, where he community to become a well-known orga- honored woman gave a short synopsis of successfully led a national fund-raising cam- nizer and activist in her own right. Parma Eparchy has In addition to working as director of her professional and cultural achievements. paign that raised over $15 million and grew pharmacy in several Detroit area hospitals, Ms. Zarycky-Cherviovskiy’s speech the UCEF into one of the largest financial stewardship director Ms. Zarycky-Cherviovskiy assumed numer- included individual recognition to the supporters of the Ukrainian Catholic Church ous leadership roles in the Ukrainian com- Ukrainian women in the audience who PARMA, Ohio – Bishop John Bura, apos- in the world. Prior to that, he practiced cor- munity. She was secretary of the local came to support her on this memorable tolic administrator of the Ukrainian Catholic porate law for nine years with three differ- Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, occasion. Afterwards, women representing Eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma, Ohio, on ent law firms. a founding member and president of many ethnic groups enjoyed a delicious December 14 announced the creation of a Mr. Kurey will continue to serve as the Branch 96 of the Ukrainian National buffet dinner and an opportunity to share Stewardship Office for the eparchy and stewardship director for both Maronite Women’s League of America, and president named John F. Kurey as the eparchy’s first Dioceses in the United .States, and as devel- their diverse ethnic experiences. stewardship director. opment director for the Sisters of the Order “I am confident that the creation of a of St. Basil the Great. He will also continue Stewardship Office and John’s joining us is a as a member of several boards of directors, great step forward for our Eparchy,” Bishop including the Ukrainian Catholic Education Bura remarked. Foundation and the Ukrainian Federation of Mr. Kurey holds a bachelor’s degree with America. honors from the University of Wisconsin- He can be reached by telephone in the Madison in history and political science, a Parma, eparchy’s chancery at 440-888- juris doctor (J.D.) degree from the 1522, or by e-mail at stjosaphatsteward- University of Michigan Law School and a [email protected]. master’s degree in business administration The Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of St. (MBA) from the University of Chicago Josaphat in Parma consists of 38 parishes Vera Andrushkiw Graduate School of Business. and missions located in 10 states ranging Marie Zarycky-Cherviovskiy, recipient of an Award of Excellence presented by the Prior to joining the eparchy, Mr. Kurey from Ohio to Florida. Also under its tutelage Detroit International Institute, is surrounded by supporters from various Detroit-area served as president of the Ukrainian are two homes for seniors. branches of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2012 No. 7

well as by obligating other courts to consider exists in a system of separate powers. can be used to pressure judges into compli- The suppression... the conclusions of the Supreme Court when A political system based on the separation ance with the president. resolving similar cases, increasing the number of powers with appropriate checks and bal- The devaluation of the Supreme Court (Continued from page 6) of judges to 48, and including important rules ances is vital to the preservation of democra- conflicts with the Constitution. As noted for organizing the work of the Supreme Court. cy. The aim of a judiciary and, more broadly, above, the Constitution guarantees to Constitutional Court judges, which caused The law, however, did not change the of a government, is to provide stability Ukrainians that one court – the Supreme Court that court to lack a quorum for a 10-month essence of “the judicial reform,” since the through the consistent application of the law – will be the highest court in the land, but the period. These types of political maneuvers, Supreme Court cannot independently decide and adherence to the Constitution. The sepa- recent judicial “reform” has stripped the court which are not provided for in the which cases it takes for review. Moreover, if a ration of powers is an especially effective way of its power to hear final appeals in many Constitution, should be removed from the High Specialized Court decides that only pro- to do this, since it sets up a system of balanc- cases, as it can hear only those cases that are process of appointing judges. cedural rules of law were violated, then case es under which the different branches watch sent to it by high specialized courts. The International observers have been con- will not be sent to the Supreme Court but will each other and keep each other in check. Constitution states that the Supreme Court is cerned about the politicization of the High be reviewed by the High Specialized Court. In order for separation to be effective, the the highest judicial body, and the new law Council of Justice. The report of the co-rap- different branches of government must be co- essentially removes this constitutional role. porteurs on Ukraine to the Parliamentary Prominent values in the Constitution equal, with each wielding sufficient power; It is unlawful to pass laws that conflict Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) The Constitution of Ukraine enshrines a no one branch can so dominate the govern- with the Constitution, and any amendment expressed worries about this politicization, few key values in its text. Chief among the val- ment as to render separation irrelevant. process to the Constitution must follow the since the majority of the members belong to ues is Article 8’s emphasis on the rule of law, Separation of powers bolsters this confidence legal requirements of that document. or are appointed by the executive or legisla- which is supposed to be “recognized and by using the judiciary to check any undue Not only were the Supreme Court’s func- ture. effective” in Ukraine. The rule of law is the pressure that might be exerted by the execu- tions substantially decreased, but it is “sub- Many have questioned the council’s neu- lynchpin of the promotion of democracy tive or legislative branches. ject to incredible pressure” and “interference trality and capacity, following the president’s throughout the world, and democracy, in A strong judiciary must be co-equal with with its activities.” Politicization and broad- appointment to the council of the head of the turn, provides a better and more prosperous the other branches of government. This means ening of powers of the High Council of Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), since he is economic life. that the judiciary – and each individual judge – Justice, a body that brings recommendations a close ally of the president with no legal The rule of law has at least two important must act as co-equal with and independent for appointments and discharges of judges, background. Although that official has now components to it. First, the law must be from the other branches of government. is an issue of major concern. resigned from the council, appointment of supreme. All persons, whether private citi- Judges can only achieve independence and Recent high-profile discharges for oath- political allies harms the selection of quali- zens or government officials, must be subject respect if they are not beholden to any other breaking and other initiatives to dismiss fied, non-partisan candidates for judicial to the law. Second, there must be a concept of branch of government or political party. judges, reduction of the number of judges, office and lends the appearance of impropri- justice that emphasizes interpersonal adjudi- It is vital that courts have jurisdiction and worsening of working conditions (including ety to judicial selection. cation; law must be based on standards and the power to restrain the legislature or execu- accommodation of High Specialized Courts In October 2011, the Verkhovna Rada universally applicable procedures. tive by declaring laws and official acts illegal in the buildings of the Supreme Court), and passed a law to amend the law regarding the For the rule of law to be upheld, there or unconstitutional when they abridge the bringing criminal charges against judges’ consideration of cases by the Supreme Court must be a strong and independent judiciary; rights of citizens. Furthermore, for judicial family members can only work to subdue of Ukraine, No. 9151. Some argue that these as there cannot be a market economy with- independence to have practical effect, the and suppress the Supreme Court of Ukraine. amendments enlarge the powers of the out private property ownership, there can- court’s interpretation must be accepted and The aim is clearly the promotion of the polit- enforced by the legislative and executive Supreme Court by allowing that court to not be respect for the rule of law without an ical power of the president and his team at branches of government. This premise of decree new decisions instead of merely send- independent judiciary to enforce it. This the expense of the judiciary and, indirectly, equality forms the backbone of democracy. ing cases back to High Specialized Courts, as judiciary, furthermore, must be one that the people of Ukraine. Judges must also internalize the impor- Although many justices on the Supreme tance of equality. In the United States, Court apparently have stood up to the presi- becoming a judge represents a noticeable dent as of late, it appears from Mr. achievement and responsibility. Being a Omelchenko’s report that lower courts have Nova Chamber Ensemble judge means holding one of the most come under the sway of the presidency. In respected positions in American society. September 2011, a lower court prohibited Judges must be honest brokers; they must the plenum of the Supreme Court from orga- to perform in Morristown be independent from and neutral among the nizing specifically in order to interfere with parties that appear before them. the election of the chief justice and to ham- Judges must decide matters before them string the proper functioning of that court. impartially, on the basis of the facts and the This type of action hurts all Ukrainians, since law, without any restrictions, improper they no longer can feel confident of an inde- influences, inducements, or threats, direct pendent judiciary. or indirect, from any party or institution for When Ukraine’s Constitution was first any reason. A judge’s moral commitment to adopted in 1996, many – including the this form of independence eliminates favor- Venice Commission – commended Ukraine itism and corruption from the nation’s judi- for enacting a document that guaranteed cial system. If judges fail in this duty, the human rights. Now, however, Ukraine finds public will lose confidence in the basic equi- itself in the unenviable position of having its ty of its society, generating cynicism, anger actions questioned and condemned by those and instability. same observers. Currently, attempts to sign an association Current judicial climate agreement with the European Union hinge Natinal Deputy Omelchenko has come to on the release of former Prime Minister Yulia the conclusion that President Viktor Tymoshenko, and the international commu- Yanukovych is conducting a “consistent and nity has grown gravely concerned about tri- systematic annihilation” and “purposeful als of political figures in Ukraine. A strong, MORRISTOWN, N.J. – An evening of chamber music in the round will take place and systematic destruction” of the Supreme independent judiciary can assure both inter- on Tuesday, February 21, at 8 p.m. with pianist Laryssa Krupa Slobodyanik Court of Ukraine. The pogrom is being car- national observers and Ukrainians that peo- (seen above on the left), one of the founders in 1994 of Morristown’s Community ried out by transferring the power of the ple are tried for violations of the law, not for Theater, today known as the Mayo Performing Arts Center, appearing with the Supreme Court to other specialized courts, political disagreements. Nova Chamber Ensemble. Also part of the ensemble are Wanda Glowacka (right) by harassing judges and their families with Hopefully, the commission to rewrite the on cello and Andriy Milavsky (center) on clarinet. The Mayo Performing Arts baseless criminal charges, and by setting up Constitution, headed by former President Center is located at 100 South St., Morristown, NJ 07960; telephone, 973-539- the High Council of Justice as an overwhelm- Leonid Kravchuk, will keep these comments 8008; website, www.mayoarts.org Tickets to the concert are $20. ing force of disciplinary proceedings that in mind as it carries out its work. No. 7 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2012 17

Through Art exhibit, “Opposite Ends,” featuring works by Dianna February 19 Winterfest, Bobriwka campground, February 25 Shmerykowsky and Vivianna Acuna-Francisco, Perth Colebrook, CT www.bobriwka.org Perth Amboy, NJ Amboy Gallery Center for the Arts, 732-826-1690 ext. 4325 or www.ci.perthamboy.nj.us February 19 Presentation by the Rev. Dr. Iwan Dacko, “My Years with Chicago Patriarch Josyf,” Ukrainian Cultural Center, 773-235-8462 Through Art exhibit, “Paintings by Volodymyr Voroniuk from February 26 Vyzhnytsia, Ukraine,” Ukrainian National Museum, February 19 Book presentation by Marie Ulanowicz, “A Woman In Exile: Chicago 312-421-8020 or [email protected] Chicago Tales From Kazakhstan” by Julianna Starosolska, Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, www.uima-chicago.org Through Art exhibit, “William Kurelek: The Messenger,“ Art April 29 Gallery of Hamilton, www.artgalleryofhamilton.com February 19 Lesia Ukrainka program, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Hamilton, ON or 905-527- 6610 Ottawa Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, 613-728-0856 or www.ukrainianorthodox.info Through Exhibit, “Ukrainian Kilims: A Journey of a Heritage,” October 21 The Ukrainian Museum, 212-228-0110 or February 22 Film screening, “Ukraine. When the Countdown Began” New York www.ukrainianmuseum.org New York by Serhii Bukovsky, Ukrainian Film Club at Columbia University, Hamilton Hall, Columbia University, February 16 Presentation by Dennis Reid and Tony Urquhart, “Kurelek 212-854-5627 or www.columbia.edu/cu/ufc Hamilton, ON in Conversation,” Art Gallery of Hamilton, www.artgalleryofhamilton.com or 905-527- 6610 February 23 Presentation by Andrei Kurkov, “Ukraine as a Novel with New York Strong Plot and Weak Characters,” Columbia University, February 17 Ukrainian “Vechornytsi” party, Ukrainian National 212-854-4697 or [email protected] North Port, FL Women’s League of America – Branch 56, St. Andrew Religious and Cultural Center, 941-426-9745 February 23 Presentation by the Rev. Dr. Iwan Dacko, “My Years with New York Patriarch Josyf,” Ukrainian Catholic Education Foundation, February 18 Lecture by Oksana Kis, “Women’s Experience as The Ukrainian Museum, 773-235-8462 New York Participants in the National Liberation Movement of OUN and UPA in the Years 1940-1950,” Shevchenko Scientific February 25-26 Patriarch Slipyj’s 120th anniversary celebration, Ukrainian Society, 212-254-5130 Philadelphia Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, La Salle University, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, February 18 Mardi Gras cocktail party, Ukrainian National Museum [email protected] Chicago Young Professionals, Ukrainian National Museum, 312-421-8020 or [email protected] February 26 Pysanka Workshop, led by Sonia Maslar, Tammy Maslar Olyphant, PA Budnovitch and Sonya Budnovitch, Ss. Cyril and February 18 Dinner and dance, “Celebration of Family,” Ukrainian Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church, 570-383-0319 or Pittsburgh Community of Western Pennsylvania, Best Western www.stcyrils.maslar-online.com Parkway Center Inn, 412-364-0968 or [email protected] Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events February 18 Concert, “Lost Gems of Ukrainian Sacred Music,” advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions Ottawa Ewashko Singers, St. Joseph Church, University of Ottawa, from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors www.ewashkosingers.com or 613-565-3993 and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected].

and implement these values in the minds of the younger Cookbook/memoir New Ukrainian regime... generation.” Following her Ukrainian business report, Ms. Johnson “Cynics observe that there was a hidden agenda for the (Continued from page 1) discussed her experience in writing, designing and printing Yanukovych administration which he has accomplished – a Ukrainian cookbook and immigration memoir, “A Legacy gain control of government, create business opportunities Opposition deputies in the Verkhovna Rada were forced to of Four Cooks, Recollections of Ukrainian Home Cooking.” for his closest allies, eliminate the opposition, and devalue join his party or jeopardize their business interests, or The 240-page book contains a collection of traditional were arrested and persecuted. In addition, the election law Ukrainian identity,” she said. recipes, but is also a warm memoir of Ms. Johnson’s fami- was amended to minimize the chance of the opposition What has happened to the opposition movement that ly’s experience as immigrants during the massive post- gaining control in the 2012 parliamentary elections and supported democracy just a few years ago? According to World War II resettlement of displaced persons. the 2015 presidential election, Ms. Johnson summarized. Ms. Johnson, while small protest groups have surfaced Economic necessity and adjustment to a foreign environ- A striking example of the move to destroy the opposi- (small and medium-size businesses, Afghan war veterans, ment led several branches of her family to live together in tion is the treatment of former Prime Minister Yulia Chornobyl veterans, teachers and students, and health adjoining apartments and then nearby homes. The experi- Tymoshenko, she noted. Ms. Tymoshenko’s arrest, trial workers), no coalition exists to join them in a critical mass. ence provided opportunities for warm family gatherings for and conviction have had a negative impact on international Nevertheless, reasons for optimism exist, according to which traditional Ukrainian dishes were prepared. relations. The European Union-Ukraine free trade and Ms. Johnson. In her book, Ms. Johnson strove to recreate those dishes, association agreements have been put on hold, the Ukraine, though weakened, is still a sovereign country. and those memories, first by requesting recipes from family International Monetary Fund’s tranche of a $1.6 billion The upcoming 2012 European soccer championship pro- members. Later, working in Ukraine, she researched cook- loan has been delayed, and visas for Ukrainian officials are vides an opportunity to make a positive impression. books and discussed food preparation with colleagues. being restricted. In addition, she noted, “The new generation of She was fortunate that her father was an avid and dili- Furthermore, Ms. Johnson observed that growing cor- Ukrainians, many foreign-educated, raised without Soviet gent photographer, recording the family’s immigration, fam- ruption is discouraging foreign investors. Private business- baggage, with experience living abroad, are some of best ily gatherings and outings. His black-and-white photos illus- es are fair game to President Yanukovych’s cronies, there is and brightest, are fiercely patriotic, and will be able to trate the book. In addition, Ms. Johnson tested the recipes in no compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and build a true democratic Ukraine which the people deserve.” her kitchen in Kyiv, then photographed them in color. foreign investors cite the lack of rule of law, an indepen- Ms. Johnson’s client list includes such prominent firms “It took several thousand shots and many failures dent judiciary and a level playing field as the reason for as AT&T, Abbot Laboratories, Kraft Foods, McDonald, 3M, their declining interest. before I got satisfactory results,” Ms. Johnson notes. “But Bank Hapaolim, Motorola and Monsanto. She obtained her Another area of concern is the disintegration of civil digital photography makes it very possible and economic.” law degree from the University of Wisconsin, where she rights. “The press is progressively muzzled, ‘temnyky’ To design and print the book, Ms. Johnson relied on cur- [secret instructions to media for politically correct cover- served as the first woman editor-in-chief of the Wisconsin rent software tools. “A Legacy of Four Cooks” is available age] have resurfaced, and television coverage of events is Law Review. for $76.95 at blurb.com. delayed to delete booing by observers,” she said. “Public assemblies are contained by militia in riot gear, textbooks and not disavowed Ukraine’s European aspirations in are being watered down and reprinted with more Russian Turning the pages back... Brussels. than Ukrainian. Universities are under attack and ecumen- A victory by either Ms. Tymoshenko or Viktor ism is being eradicated.” (Continued from page 6) Yanukovych in the presidential election made no differ- As a result of this combination of initiatives by the ence in the eyes of the Kremlin, Mr. Yushchenko said, Yanukovych administration, the merger and acquisition Mr. Yushchenko’s response dismissed Ms. Tymoshenko claiming both candidates were motivated by pro-Russian market that thrived in recent decades has virtually col- as a leader in Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration and cited dependence. Both candidates would lead to defeat for lapsed, Ms. Johnson noted. Only two non-Russian foreign her voting record – he said she voted for the Komsomol Ukraine’s European course, he claimed. (The exchange, in companies invested in Ukraine in 2011. anniversary and blocked Odesa-Brody pipeline legislation Ukrainian, can be viewed at: www.president.gov.ua/ Ms. Johnson noted that the goal of the administration, as – and was critical of her gas agreements with Russia. news/16569.html) outlined by Prime Minister Mykola Azarov, speaking in He then suggested that Ms. Tymoshenko should have Russian, appears to be “to reinstate Soviet moral values proposed a resolution regarding the transfer of Russian Source: “For the Record: Yushchenko on his battle with that we lost long ago in the pursuit of material well-being Black Sea Fleet military personnel on Ukrainian territory Tymoshenko,” The Ukrainian Weekly, February 28, 2010. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2012 No. 7 UKELODEON F Nor The ext Generation

Plast children welcome Sviatyi Mykolai

by Chrystia Gorski-Makar After some laughter and witty and smart lines spoken between the NEW YORK – On Saturday, Snow Princess (played by “ses- December 17, 2012, the New York trychka,” or counselor, Hanusia branch of Plast Ukrainian Scout- Hrabovsky) and the Head Chortyk ing Organization celebrated “Sviato (played by “bratchyk” Victor Pod- Mykolaya” with a children’s play pirka), the Snow Princess noticed called “The Night of Sviatyi Myko- the Head Chortyk pouring sugar lai” written by Sofiyka Zielyk and into his hot chocolate and this sugar directed by Stefka Nazarkewycz- reminded her of snow! Tremba. She quickly called the little “Ptashata,” the 5-year-old pre- “snizhynky” (snowflakes) played school scouts, “novatstvo” (ages by the ptashata, who danced a short 6-11) and “yunatstvo” (ages 11- dance choreographed by sestrychka 18) participated in a magical story Chrystia Makar to the melody and about how the Snow Princess almost song of “Syple Snih” (Snow is Fall- forgot to make it snow the night ing). The piano beautifully played before the arrival of Sviatyi Mykolai by Dr. Marta Machaj caressed the (St. Nicholas). The Head Chortyk little snizhynky as they flowed (devil) tried to trick her and stop around the stage and finally threw Sviatyi Mykolai from coming to white snowflake confetti onto all the visit the children with his love, well children. wishes and gifts. The children were Then, amidst magic and awe, worried and hoped that it would Sviatyi Mykolai and his angels ap- C. Gorski-Makar snow so that Sviatyi Mykolai would peared. The visitor from heaven be- Plast Ptashata (front row, from left) Zachary Shulyar, Maksym Podolyuk, come and visit all the Ukrainian stowed his blessings and gifts to all Alexander Zunt, Gregory Malone, (back row) Daria Gural, Ruslana Makar, children of the world. ptashata, novatstvo and yunatstvo. Ariana Chemych and Oriyana Mokrytska in their snowflake costumes.

Sviatyi Mykolai visits Ukrainian school in Stamford by Tania Sawa-Priatka ful angels escorted Sviatyi Mykolai The School of Ukrainian Stud- annual program dedicated to St. STAMFORD, Conn. – The chil- (St. Nicholas) into the auditorium of ies at the Cathedral Parish of St. Nicholas. dren were hopeful when the sound St. Basil Seminary here on Decem- Volodymyr the Great hosted the Over 50 children in kindergarten of sleigh bells rang out and beauti- ber 18, 2011. heavenly guest at the school’s through Grade 7 performed songs and poems that told of the life and accomplishments of Sviatyi Mykolai as well as how dearly they love and cherish him. At the culmination of the pro- gram, Sviatyi Mykolai arrived, bringing with him myriad gifts for all the good little children. He spoke to each of them, asking whether they had listened to their parents, worked hard in school and regularly went to church during the past year. Some of the littlest children were asked to recite short poems or demonstrate prayers they knew. Before departing, Sviatyi Myko- lai wished everyone present a wonderful holiday season and said he looked forward to visiting with them all again next year. For information about the Ukrai- nian school, readers may contact Jurij Priatka Tania Sawa-Priatka, 203-550- Children recite poems during the program held in honor of Sviatyi Mykolai (St. Nicholas). 3542. No. 7 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2012 19 Parish children welcome St. Nicholas, Maryland student earns sing Christmas carols for retired nuns rank of Eagle Scount BALTIMORE – Peter R. Hynson earned the rank of Eagle Scout – the highest rank in Boy Scouts of America – in November 2011. Peter began his scouting in the first grade as a cub scout in Cub Scout Pack 762. Then he was in Boy Scout Troop 555 and during his scouting years earned 21 merit badges. He also participated in the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. In July 2011 Peter completed his Eagle project: the construction of a shed on the grounds of a Howard County elementary school. This was done on the hottest day of the year. Peter is a 2011 graduate of Mar- Peter R. Hynson riots Ridge High School in Mar- riotsville, Md., graduating in the at St. Michael’s. St. Nicholas poses with the Hillside parish children, the Rev. Vasyl Vladyka top 5 percent of his class and as Peter is the son of Martha Sushko and choir director Tom Dochych. a member of the National Honor and Mark Hynson of Marriotsville, Society. Currently, he is a freshman Md., and the grandson of Olha at Virginia Tech. and the late Wolodymyr Sushko of by Joe Shatynski traveled to nearby Watchung, N.J., to sing beautiful Christmas carols As a child Peter was baptized and Baltimore, Md. and Esther and the HILLSIDE, N.J. – St. Nicholas in Ukrainian and English for the received his First Holy Communion late Raymond Hynson of Ellicott visited the children and parish- retired Sisters of Mercy and clergy at St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic City, Md. ioners of Immaculate Conception of McAuley Hall Center at Mount Church in Baltimore. He also at- The official Eagle Scout ceremo- Ukrainian Catholic Church here on St. Mary Academy. tended Saturday Ukrainian school ny for Peter is to be held in 2012. Sunday, December 4, 2011. The retired sisters and clergy In honor of St. Nicholas’ visit, became energized as the carolers the children presented a bilingual began to sing. The children then Mishanyna holiday entertainment program that distributed home-baked cookies included: a performance of “The and parish calendars illustrated The calendar tells us it’s wintertime, but in many parts of the United Nutcracker” (Sonya Khedr; Julia with a beautiful icon. States, it seems like spring! Regardless of the temperature outside, this and Emilia Pelesz; Matthew and There is a special bond between month’s Mishanyna celebrates wintertime activities. (And, if the Elizabeth Dolowy; Julianna, Ariana the children of the Ukrainian groundhog is right, we still have more than a month of winter remain- and Nicholas Shatynski; Ashley and Catholic parish in Hillside and the ing.) Find the capitalized words on the list hidden in the Mishanyna Nicole Santoro; Peter and Arthur Roman Catholic retired sisters and grid. Hrycak and Nicholas Senyk); clergy. A week after the visit, one of musical performances of carols on the sisters mailed a beautiful article CROSS-COUNTRY skiing SKIING SNOWMOBILING the keyboard (Julia Pelesz), violin to the children titled “The Ukrai- DOG SLEDDING SLEDDING SNOWSHOEING (Julianna Shatynski) and clarinet nian Catholic Church is Catholic ICE CLIMBING SNOWBALL FIGHTS SNOWTUBING (Ariana Shatynski); a Christmas but not Roman Catholic. What’s the skit and caroling (Sofia, Maria, John difference?” ICE SKATING SNOWBOARDING TOBOGGANING and Paul Soroka). The article was published in the Mike Szpyhulsky served as the St. Anthony Messenger magazine emcee, while Russ Pencak served and was further featured on the as liaison to St. Nicholas. The Rev. AmericanCatholic.org website. The Vasyl Vladyka, parochial vicar, and article refers to the Blessed John Tom Dochych, parish choir director, Paul II’s words indicating that the led the group in prayer and koliady. Catholic Church has two lungs: the Later in the month, on December Eastern Catholic Churches and the 26, the parish children and several Western Catholic Church. “…Their parishioners (Peter, Linda, Mat- unity is essential to the healthy life thew & Elizabeth Dolowy; Peter, of the one, holy, catholic and apos- Arthur and Orest Hrycak; Andriy tolic Church,” the article notes. Partykevych; Michael, Teresa and Thus, without knowing it, the par- Nadia Szpyhulsky; and Julianna, ish children helped the two lungs Ariana, Joseph, Patricia, Matthew, of the Catholic Church function as Michael and Jennie Shatynski) fully as possible.

Let us hear from you! The next edition of Ukelodeon will be published on March 11. Please send in your submissions by March 2 to [email protected]. 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2012 No. 7

PREVIEW OF EVENTS Saturday, February 18 will take place at the Ukrainian Cultural person, $10 for students and seniors. The talk Saturday-Sunday, February 25-26 NEW YORK: The Shevchenko Scientific Center, 2247 W. Chicago Ave., at 1 p.m. For will place at The Ukrainian Museum, 222 E. PHILADELPHIA: A two-day celebration will Society invites all to a lecture by Oksana Kis more information, contact the UCEF, 773-235- Sixth St., at 7 p.m. For more information, con- mark the 120th anniversary of Patriarch Josyf (Lviv) on the subject “Women’s Experience as 8462. tact the UCEF, 773-235-8462. Slipyj’s birth. On Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. to

Participants in the National Liberation Thursday, February 23 3:30 p.m., an international scholarly confer- Movement of OUN and UPA in the Years 1940- NEW YORK: Please join the Ukrainian Studies ence on Patriarch Josyf’s life and works will be NEW YORK: For the 120th anniversary of 1950,” based on personal memoirs of partici- Program at the Harriman Institute, Columbia held in English at La Salle University Chapel Patriarch Josyf Slipyj’s birth, the Ukrainian pants in the underground. The speaker holds University, for a lecture by popular Kyiv-based (20th Street and Olney Avenue). On Sunday, at Patriarchal Society in the U.S.A., The Ukrainian the degree of candidate of historical sciences writer Andrey Kurkov titled “Ukraine as a 10:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Immaculate Museum and the Ukrainian Catholic Education and is a senior scholarly co-worker at the Novel with Strong Plot and Weak Characters.” Conception Cathedral (833 N. Franklin St.) will Foundation invite all to “My Years with National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. She The lecture is free and open to the public and host a presentation of memories (in Patriarch Josyf,” a talk by the Rev. Dr. Iwan also chairs the Lviv civic organization called will take place at noon in Room 1219, Ukrainian) of Patriarch Slipyj by students and Dacko, who was the personal secretary of the Woman and Society Scholarly Research International Affairs Building, 420 W. 118th colleagues. The $25 two-day registration fee Patriarch Josyf from 1976 to 1984. A question Center. The lecture will take place at the soci- St. For more information contact Dr. Mark includes snacks and lunches on both days. The and answer session will follow the talk, and ety’s building, 63 Fourth Avenue (between Andryczyk, 212-854-4697 or ma2634@ fee for one day is $15. For more information refreshments will be served. Cost: $15 per Ninth and 10th streets) at 5 p.m. For addition- columbia.edu e-mail [email protected]. al information call 212-254-5130. Sunday, February 19 PREVIEW OF EVENTS GUIDELINES CHICAGO: On the occasion of the 120th anni- Preview of Events is a listing of community events open to the public. It is a service provided at minimal cost ($20 per listing) by The versary of Patriarch Josyf Slipyj’s birth, Ss. Ukrainian Weekly to the Ukrainian community. Volodymyr and Olha Ukrainian Catholic Items should be no more than 100 words long; longer submissions are subject to editing. . Church, the parish’s St. Andrew Brotherhood and the Ukrainian Catholic Education Preview items must be received no later than one week before the desired date of publication. No information will be taken over the Foundation invite all to “My Years with phone. Items will be published only once, unless otherwise indicated. Please include payment for each time the item is to appear and Patriarch Josyf,” a talk by the Rev. Dr. Iwan indicate date(s) of issue(s) in which the item is to be published. Also, senders are asked to include the phone number of a person who Dacko, who was the personal secretary of may be contacted by The Weekly during daytime hours, as well as their complete mailing address. Patriarch Josyf from 1976 to 1984. Questions and answers will follow the talk, the film Information should be sent to: [email protected] or Preview of Events, The Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, “Patriarch” will be shown, and refreshments Parsippany, NJ 07054; fax, 973-644-9510. NB: If e-mailing, please do not send items as attachments; simply type the text into the will be served. Cost: $15 per person. The talk body of the e-mail message.