INSIDE: l Outspoken nationalist exposed as former Communist – page 3 l Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A. holds Sobor – page 4 l Chicago students attend Holodomor workshop – page 10 The Ukrainian Weekly Published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profit association

Vol. LXXXI No. 47 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2013 $1/$2 in Ukraine

Senate hearing focuses on Ukraine’s BREAKING NEWS association with the European Union Kwasniewski: Kyiv by Yaro Bihun will not sign AA WASHINGTON – The U.S. government has been work- ing with its European allies and talking with Russia with at Vilnius summit the intent of making it possible for Ukraine to sign an PARSIPPANY, N.J. – As The Weekly was going to press on Association Agreement and a comprehensive trade November 21, the BBC reported that Ukraine had suspend- agreement with the European Union at the EU summit ed preparations for a trade deal with the European Union, in Vilnius, Lithuania, on November 28-29, a senior State and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) quoted Department official told the Senate Foreign Relations Aleksander Kwasniewski, a leader of the EU diplomatic Committee. mission to Ukraine, as saying that Kyiv would not sign an Testifying on November 14 at the committee hearing Association Agreement (AA) with the EU at the upcoming about the outlook for this happening for Ukraine, Eastern Partnership Summit. Moldova, Georgia, Belarus, Armenia and Azerbaijan, The BBC noted: “A government statement said the deci- Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian sion [to suspend preparations for a free trade agreement] Affairs Victoria Nuland said that Washington was work- had been taken to protect Ukraine’s ‘national security.’ ing “in lock-step” with its allies and partners to help Hours earlier MPs rejected a bill that would have allowed these countries meet the tough conditions for a “yes” jailed opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko to leave the vote of the EU in Vilnius. country – which the EU had demanded as a condition for “Ukraine still needs to take three important reform the deal to proceed.” steps to meet the EU’s conditions,” she told the commit- Yaro Bihun A story by RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service noted that Mr. tee, among them: passage of legislation reforming its Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland testifies Kwasniewski, who along with Pat Cox had traveled numer- before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee con- Procurator General’s Office and its parliamentary election ous times to Ukraine as part of a special EU mission, told cerning the possibility of Ukraine and other East code, and the release of the imprisoned former Prime Poland’s TVN24 the Association Agreement would not be Minister Yulia Tymoshenko for medical treatment. European countries signing on to the European Union Association Agreements in Vilnius. signed at the Vilnius summit on November 28-29. His com- With Russia putting economic pressures on Ukraine not to ments came in reaction to the Ukrainian government’s deci- sign the Association Agreement (AA), she added, Washington Peterson Institute for International Economics; Ariel sion to suspend preparations for signing the agreement. has been working with the EU on possible options “to help Mr. Kwasniewski underscored that “This is a decision by Ukraine make difficult trade adjustments and weather the EU Cohen, senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation; and Damon Wilson, executive vice-presi- Ukraine, not Europe.” He also noted: “In essense, this is a implementation period if Ukraine makes the political deci- request for a suspension in negotiations until such time as sions necessary to sign its AA at Vilnius.” dent of the Atlantic Council. economic questions in Ukraine are put in order.” At the same time, the United States is “encouraging Dr. Aslund told the Senate committee “it is doubtful” The English-language RFE/RL reported: “The Ukrainian Moscow to abide by its commitments in the OSCE the EU will agree to sign the Association Agreement with government has suspended work on preparations to sign a [Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe] Ukraine, since President Viktor Yanukovych is reluctant key association and free-trade agreement with the and elsewhere regarding their neighbors’ rights to pur- to fulfill the European demands for political freedom European Union at a summit later this month. A govern- sue any political and economic arrangements they and rule of law. “In particular, he does not want to par- ment decree on November 21 said the process was halted in choose,” Secretary Nuland said. don former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, whom he Also testifying before the Senate committee and shar- narrowly defeated in the presidential elections in order to fully analyze the impact of the planned agreement February 2010.” ing their assessment of how these issues could be (Continued on page 16) resolved were Anders Aslund, senior fellow at the (Continued on page 9)

EU foreign ministers issue ‘urgent appeal’ to Yanukovych

RFE/RL November 18. “We also want to support Minister Guido Westerwelle issued an Ukraine’s signing of an Association Ukraine in its reforms with offers of coopera- urgent appeal to Ukraine to act. Agreement has been held up by the 2011 BRUSSELS – European Union foreign tion, with financial means from the “We want Ukraine to orientate itself jailing of Ms. Tymoshenko on abuse-of- affairs ministers have called on Kyiv to take European Neighborhood Policy. But the con- toward the EU, but the conditions have to power charges largely seen as political action over jailed former Prime Minister ditions for this must be achieved by Ukraine be right,” he said. “That is, above all, the rule revenge by Mr. Yanukovych. Yulia Tymoshenko as they gathered in itself and not just sometime, but rather now.” of law and for that the Tymoshenko case Mr. Yanukovych narrowly defeated Ms. Brussels to discuss Ukraine ahead of an EU The EU has conditioned the signing of an surely has a particular significance. I Tymoshenko in a presidential runoff in summit in Vilnius on November 28-29. Association Agreement with Kyiv on demo- urgently call on Ukraine to act and to unify February 2010. German Chancellor Angela Merkel cratic reforms and permission for Ms. in a practicable way toward the rule of law, Mr. Yanukovych has been criticized by the meanwhile said it remained unclear wheth- Tymoshenko, whose conviction for abuse of and not play for time. The clock is ticking, opposition after it emerged that he traveled er Ukraine was “willing” to meet the crite- office is seen by Brussels as “selective jus- time is running out, and everyone in to Moscow for secret talks with Russian ria needed for a key free-trade deal with tice,” to travel abroad for medical treatment. Ukraine should be aware of this.” President Vladimir Putin on November 9. the European Union. The Ukrainian Parliament was to debate Lithuanian Foreign Affairs Minister Speaking to the German Parliament, Ms. a bill on November 19 that would allow Ms. Linas Linkevicius, whose country holds the With reporting by Reuters, the Associated Merkel added that if Kyiv met the criteria Tymoshenko, who suffers from back pain, rotating presidency of the EU, indicated Press and Agence France-Presse. needed to sign the agreement, the EU could to travel to Germany. that Mr. Yanukovych has to show decisive- Copyright 2013, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted help Kyiv ward off economic pressure from The debate in the Verkhovna Rada was ness and said that the “moment of truth” with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ Russia, which wants Ukraine to join its own scheduled last week after legislators failed has arrived for Ukraine. Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, Customs Union with Belarus and Kazakhstan. to discuss the bill. Swedish Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org (see “We know that reforms cannot complete- Ahead of the meeting in Brussels on Bildt said that “everything is in the hands” http://www.rferl.org/content/eu-ukraine- ly be carried out in a day,” Ms. Merkel said on November 18, German Foreign Affairs of the Ukrainian president. yanukovych-appeal/25171818.html). 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2013 No. 47

ANALYSIS

Tsariov: U.S. Embassy incites civil war Partnership Summit in Vilnius are less than Kyiv tests ‘pause’ in EU integration 50 percent, Polish Foreign Affairs Minister KYIV – A member of the Party of Regions Radoslaw Sikorski told Polish Radio on by Maksym Bugriy heads of Ukraine’s pro-government trade faction in Parliament, Oleh Tsariov, has sent union federation (FPU) and industrialists November 20. “If I had to guess now wheth- Eurasia Daily Monitor a deputy’s request to Ukrainian authorities er we will sign in Vilnius, I believe that the association (USPP) requested that to take measures to stop and prevent repre- The political situation in Ukraine has President Yanukovych meet with them as chances are lower than 50 percent,” Mr. sentatives of foreign countries from interfer- Sikorski said. The Polish diplomat noted been heating up as the European Union’s soon as possible to discuss the worsening ing in the internal affairs of Ukraine. He said November 28-29 Eastern Partnership sum- of trade with Russia. The USPP specifically that he had warned Ukrainian authorities at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv is promoting prep- the highest level not to leave matters for the mit in Vilnius approaches. Kyiv is preparing mentioned the economic hardships of rail- arations for inciting a civil war in Ukraine. to sign an Association Agreement (AA) road car building companies caused by last minute. He explained that, if Kyiv ful- He said this from the Verkhovna Rada ros- filled all the requirements now, it would be with the EU at Vilnius, but it is not yet cer- Russia’s refusal to certify Ukraine’s produc- trum on November 20, the press service of tain whether the signing will go forward. tion (http://www.pravda.com.ua/ possible to focus on helping Ukraine to the Party of Regions reported. “Activists of overcome the economic and political pres- Reaching this agreement could be a blow to news/2013/11/11/7001921/). Official the Volia public organization addressed me sure from Russia. Mr. Sikorski said that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s statistics show that Ukraine’s railroad as a national deputy of Ukraine and provid- Armenia had already succumbed to the “Eurasianist” integration policy and eventu- equipment exports fell 35 percent year-on- ed strong evidence that the TechCamp proj- pressure and “Ukraine is still hesitating.” In ally challenge the current Russian political year in August 2013, where Russia was a ect is being implemented in our state with his view, “Ukraine has made significant mis- model. Consequently, Moscow has been key export market. the support and direct participation of the takes in the process.” The Polish minister applying substantial economic pressure on At a meeting with the USPP on U.S. Embassy, as part of which preparations said that the postponement of the Eastern Kyiv to turn the tide in Russia’s favor (see November 12, National Deputy Valentyn for inciting a civil war in Ukraine are under Partnership Summit in Vilnius for another Eurasia Daily Monitor, August 15, Landyk asked the president to “postpone way. The TechCamp project is aimed at term is not being considered at all, as September 3, October 10, 16). the [EU Association Agreement] signature training information war experts and poten- Georgia and Moldova are ready for initialing President Viktor Yanukovych made a by one year” (http://www.president.gov. tial revolutionaries to organize protests and their Association Agreements. Mr. Sikorski hasty working visit to Moscow on ua/en/news/29439.html). Meanwhile, overthrow the regime. The project is being said that he and many other politicians had November 9, which his press office pre- President Yanukovych characterized Kyiv’s implemented under the patronage of U.S. received assurances from Ukrainian announced as motivated by the need to dis- European integration efforts as “pragmatic” Ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey Pyatt,” Mr. President Viktor Yanukovych that Kyiv cuss “trade and economic relations with (http://www.president.gov.ua/en/ Tsariov said. He added that, under the guise would fulfill EU requirements for rejecting Russia on the eve of the Vilnius summit.” news/29368.html). of teaching the peculiarities of the use of the Stalinist model of public prosecution, Earlier, on October 27, Mr. Yanukovych met Yet, despite such mixed signals toward modern media, U.S. instructors are talking creating a democratic electoral code and with Mr. Putin in Sochi. signing the AA, Mr. Yanukovych’s govern- about the use of social networking and addressing the problem of selective justice. Both visits received virtually no media ment appears to be more steadfast in Internet technologies for purposeful influ- “There is significant progress, several peo- coverage, which led one of Ukraine’s oppo- developing broader cooperation with the ence on public opinion and intensification of ple from the previous government have sition leaders, Arseniy Yatsenyuk, to sharp- West, including in the security and defense protest potential in order to organize pro- been released [from prison]. But the mat- ly react on November 11: “If this is about spheres with the EU and the North Atlantic tests and radicalize the struggle for power. ters are left until the last minute, and at the secret negotiations with the president of Treaty Organization (NATO) – much to “As examples American instructors cited the end it is very easy to make mistakes,” he another state, then this is a direct cause for Russia’s irritation. use of social networks for the organization said. Mr. Sikorski recalled that the Foreign impeachment […] because it is about state Ukrainian marines based in Crimea and management of street riots in Egypt, Affairs Council of the European Union at a treason” (http://www.pravda.com.ua/ recently successfully participated in the Tunisia and Libya,” he said. The political meeting on November 18 in Brussels did news/2013/11/11/7001904/). NATO Steadfast Jazz 2013 exercise (http:// added that TechCamp graduates are con- not make the final decision regarding the Apparently, during the Sochi meeting, www.mil.gov.ua/index.php?lang=ua&part= ducting subversive activities in Ukraine, signing of the Association Agreement with President Putin presented his Ukrainian news&sub=read&id=31418), while the mil- openly recruiting like-minded people on the Ukraine at the Vilnius summit on November counterpart with some “carrots.” The direc- itary is also preparing to participate in a Internet for organizing riots, protests and 28-29. According to him, Ukraine “must do tor of the Institute of Ukrainian Policy, Kost multi-national Lithuanian-Polish-Ukrainian provocations, while citing the support of the something extraordinary” that EU High Bondarenko, told Jamestown on November brigade (October 23, www.bns.ee), as well U.S. Embassy in Ukraine. Mr. Tsariov Representative for Foreign Affairs and 11 that Mr. Putin’s proposals included a as the proposed Visegrad Four + Ukraine demanded that law enforcement agencies Security Policy Catherine Ashton could con- $15 billion financing program for Ukraine, EU Battlegroup. Kyiv has also been proac- find out whether representatives of the U.S. vene an extraordinary meeting of EU minis- reduced natural gas prices, and promises to tive in easing energy dependence from Embassy in Kyiv are violating the United ters on Ukraine. (Ukrinform) continue cooperation on joint projects in Russia and tries to seek U.S. and Chinese Nations Declaration on the Inadmissibility Visiting Kyiv, Fule is encouraged nuclear energy and technology, as well as financial support to address Ukraine’s fiscal of Intervention and Interference in the Internal Affairs of States. (Ukrinform) the manufacturing sectors. deficit (see EDM, July 30, 2012; January 28, BRUSSELS – European Commissioner for Subsequently, the Russian proposal to November 8, 2013). Sikorski: 50% chance of AA for Ukraine Enlargement and European Neighborhood launch “multi-billion dollar joint projects There seems to be little such pragma- Policy Stefan Fule has positively assessed with Ukraine aimed at diversifying the tism from the Russian side, however. In KYIV – The chances of an Association the results of his visit to Kyiv and expressed country’s economy if Kyiv fails to sign an fact, Kremlin advisor Mr. Glazyev chal- Agreement between Ukraine and the EU association agreement” were repeated lenged European liberal values as running European Union being signed at the Eastern (Continued on page 12) by presidential advisor Sergei Glazyev (RIA counter to the Russian elite’s “[Christian] Novosti, November 10). Orthodoxy” and characterized the According to Mr. Bondarenko, the Ukrainian leaders’ European choice as “in November 9 presidential summit in essence, anti-Christian” (http://obozreva- The Ukrainian Weekly FOUNDED 1933 Moscow was, therefore, designed to discuss tel.com/interview/50384-glazev-rar-i-tsar- Russian-Ukrainian cooperation, as well as ev-za-zavtrakom-s-berezovskoj.htm). An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., Russian guarantees and various scenarios Moscow clearly would like Ukraine to a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. for the evolution of bilateral relations based abandon its role as a “political transit state” Yearly subscription rate: $65; for UNA members — $55. on whether Kyiv does or does not sign the and finally choose between East and West. Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. AA with the EU, or whether the agreement The Russian ambassador to the EU, (ISSN — 0273-9348) is postponed until 2014. Furthermore, Mr. Vladimir Chizov, told the Russian The Weekly: UNA: Bondarenko wrote on November 12 that, International Affairs Council on November Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 apparently, in an effort to appear more 12: “Both Moscow and Brussels are send- accommodating, Russia has lifted its insis- ing a certain signal not only to Kyiv, but also Postmaster, send address changes to: tence on Kyiv joining the Customs Union to some other so-called focus states of the The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz (http://blogs.pravda.com.ua/authors/ Eastern Partnership, so that, in practical 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas bond/528165a709e31/). terms, the time of comfortably sitting P.O. Box 280 Sentiments for resolving the trade issues between the two chairs is coming to an Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] with Russia have been on the rise in end” (http://russiancouncil.ru/en/ Ukraine recently. For instance, on inner/?id_4=2671#top). The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com November 11, Ukrainian Prime Minister Nevertheless, the main formal obstacle Mykola Azarov told the Ukrainian TV chan- preventing the European Union from The Ukrainian Weekly, November 24, 2013, No. 47, Vol. LXXXI nel Inter, “It is not simply that we ‘do not agreeing to sign the Association Agreement Copyright © 2013 The Ukrainian Weekly want’ confrontation [with Russia], but that with Ukraine remains President we will ‘never allow’ it… There will be no Yanukovych’s unwillingness to release from enmity between Russia and Ukraine, at prison the former prime minister and ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA least while our government and our presi- opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko. The dent are at the helm” (http://voiceofrussia. government needs to release Ms. Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 com/news/2013_11_11/Ukraine-doesnt- Tymoshenko to demonstrate to Brussels e-mail: [email protected] want-confrontation-with-Russia-Ukraini- that Ukraine is effectively addressing the Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 an-PM-8001/). e-mail: [email protected] Furthermore, on that same day, the (Continued on page 15) No. 47 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2013 3 Outspoken nationalist Farion exposed as former Communist by Zenon Zawada gazeta.ua news site that among the reasons she entered politics was “to destroy the KYIV – Among Ukraine’s most outspoken Communist Party” because “it destroys my and controversial nationalists, National people.” Deputy Iryna Farion of the Svoboda party was “A ban on the Communist Party is its confirmed this week by reporters of the Lviv destruction,” she said. “This party sits in news site zaxid.net to be a former member of Parliament with bloodied sleeves. It’s the the Communist Youth League (Komsomol) party of murderers. There’s no more twist- and Communist Party of the Soviet Union. ed monster in our state than the inter- The revelation served as the latest growth between communism and capital- embarrassment for Svoboda, not only ism into the Communist Party and Party of because of the party’s fierce criticism of the Regions. Such political forces aren’t tolerat- Soviet government and Communist Party. In ed in civilized states. “ another embarrassing episode, just five days Yet, according to the Communist Party before the documents were published on documents uncovered in the Lviv Oblast November 19, Ms. Farion smeared the jour- State Archives (located in central Lviv), Ms. nalists who confirmed she had lied about Farion joined the Komsomol in September her past, fervently denying their claims. 1978, when she was 14 years old. “Svoboda haters have the task from the Her candidacy for the Communist Party Medvedchuk, pro-Muscovite and anti- was approved in March 1987, while her svoboda.org.ua nationalist websites to find the speck in application for Communist Party member- Outspoken Communist critic Iryna Farion, a national deputy of the Svoboda nationalist Farion’s eye, because they don’t see the log ship was approved in its final round on party, was herself a Communist Party member. under their feet. As if I was a member of the April 1988, when she was 24. Communist Party of the Soviet Union,” Ms. Ms. Farion continued her denials until according to a document in her application. ties were Communists. Former President Farion said in a statement published on the she finally admitted her party membership More than two decades later, Ms. Farion Viktor Yushchenko joined the Communist Svoboda party website on November 14. to the Lvivska Khvylia radio station during declared on Lviv television in 2010 that Party when he was 23 years old. “I tell you, plebeians and lackeys, a live interview on November 20. those not wanting to learn Ukrainian Mr. Yushchenko’s vice prime minister for Muscovite henchmen, Regions hirelings … “In 1988, exclusively with the motive of should be held criminally responsible. She humanitarian affairs, Ivan Vasiunyk, who No. I was never who you are trying to cast academic and career growth, I joined that offered France as an example, alleging that led the Holodomor recognition efforts, even me as. Free and bright people understand crap, and in 1989, immediately within a year, I the country punishes citizens for using sat on the Communist Party committee of that this is merely another feeble, and, there- left that crap,” she said, adding that she made Anglicisms with a half-year prison term. Ivan Franko State University in Lviv that fore, useless struggle against the nationalist her decision after “realizing that mistake.” “We have 14 percent of Ukrainians who approved Ms. Farion’s application in 1988, Svoboda [party], which is the single threat to Another amusing revelation was Ms. indicated their native language is Russian, according to variant.net news site that orig- contemporary politics that’s on the path to Farion’s active involvement in teaching the meaning the language of the occupant. That inally confirmed the existence of the docu- the destruction of Ukrainian-centric values Russian language to foreign students at the testifies to a horrid mutation of their con- ments on October 30. and murderous globalization.” time. sciousness. That’s 5 million Ukrainian Imprisoned former Prime Minister Yulia In recent years, Ms. Farion, 49, has “Being a member of the faculty’s degenerates who need to be rescued,” she Tymoshenko never joined the Communists, gained national notoriety for her inflamma- International Friendship Club, she engaged said on the “Direct Words” television pro- but her father-in-law Hennadii, who gave tory anti-Russian policies and ruthless anti- in conversations with foreign citizens gram hosted by Ostap Drozdov. the Tymoshenkos their first start in busi- Soviet rhetoric. numerous times with the goal of their Indeed, many of the leaders of Ukraine’s As recently as September 30 she told the learning the Russian language better,” pro-Western and nationalist political par- (Continued on page 16) U.S. Senate criticizes Russia for pressure on EU aspirants by Heather Maher U.S. Assistant Secretary for European and cial praise. “The Georgians, I would say, mer Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko for REF/RL Eurasian Affairs Victoria Nuland about have taken a great leap in countering cor- medical treatment,” Ms. Nuland said. progress in countries that have Euro- ruption, largely through efforts to do things Ms. Nuland told the committee that in its WASHINGTON – The head of a U.S. Atlantic aspirations. like put all government contracting on the discussions with Russia, U.S. officials have Senate committee on November 14 criti- Internet, those kinds of things that could be encouraged Moscow to see the benefits of Summit could be ‘historic moment’ cized Russia for putting “considerable pres- done in other Eastern Partnership coun- deeper integration between its neighbors’ sure” on Eastern European countries who Ms. Nuland said the Vilnius summit will tries,” she explained. economies and the EU’s 500 million cus- want to join the European Union. represent “a historic moment” for Ukraine, She also noted that although Ukraine tomers, “including the likelihood that more Chris Murphy, who heads the Senate Moldova and Georgia, and “a key step has passed more than 18 pieces of legisla- prosperous neighbors will buy more Committee on Foreign Relations’ towards their dream of one day being fully tion harmonizing with EU standards to Russian exports.” Subcommittee on European Affairs, made integrated into Europe.” prepare for Vilnius, it has more work to do the comments at a hearing looking at coun- She said all three “have worked very if it wants a “yes” vote at the summit. Copyright 2013, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted tries in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus that hard to bring their judicial and law enforce- “Ukraine still needs to take three impor- with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ might someday join the European Union. ment structures closer to the EU standard tant reform steps in order to meet the EU’s Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, “Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and to prepare their political systems and conditions for signature at Vilnius. It needs Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org (see Georgia and Belarus should be free to chart their economic and energy markets for to pass justice reform legislation, it needs http://www.rferl.org/content/united-states- their own future. Our message should be greater integration with Europe.” to pass electoral reform legislation, and it nuland-murphy-european-union-associa- that the door to Euro-Atlantic institutions Ms. Nuland singled out Georgia for spe- needs to take action to release jailed for- tion-agreements/25168645.html). is open, and if you’re prepared to meet rea- sonable conditions, we will support you,” Sen. Murphy said. Sen. Murphy slammed Russian bans on U.S. Senate calls on Kyiv to release Yulia Tymoshenko goods from aspiring EU countries. “Unfortunately, it seems as though WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate on November 18 unani- The non-biding resolution: Russia sees this whole contest as a zero- mously approved a resolution calling “for the release from pris- sum game and has put considerable pres- on of former Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Tymoshenko in Minister Yulia Tymoshenko from imprisonment based on politi- sure on each of the [Eastern] Partnership light of the recent European Court of Human Rights ruling.” cized• “calls and on selective the government charges of and Ukraine in light to release of the former April Prime2013 countries to discourage them from The measure calls on Kyiv to release the opposition leader “from European Court of Human Rights verdict”; strengthening relations with the EU. We’ve imprisonment based on politicized and selective charges” and it seen a ban on wine imports from Moldova, urges European Union members “to include Ms. Tymoshenko’s release of Ms. Tymoshenko from imprisonment based on politi- chocolate from Ukraine, fertilizer from release as a criterion for signing an Association Agreement with cized• “calls and selective on the Europeancharges as aUnion criterion members for signing to include an associa the- Belarus, and the list just goes on and on Ukraine at the upcoming Eastern Partnership Summit in Lithuania.” tion agreement with Ukraine at the upcoming Eastern and on,” he said. Senate Resolution 165 was sponsored by Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) Partnership Summit in Lithuania”; The European Union is set to vote on and co-sponsored by Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Barbara Boxer whether to sign an Association Agreement (D-Calif.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Christopher Murphy with stronger ties to Europe, the United States and others in the and a Deep and Comprehensive Trade (D-Conn.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Robert community• “expresses of democracies”; its belief and and hope that Ukraine’s future rests Agreement with Ukraine at a summit in Menendez (D-N.J.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) - Vilnius on November 28-29. It will also John Bozman (R-Ark.) and James Inhofe (R-Okla.). ued selective and politically motivated imprisonment of former decide whether to initial those same agree- It was introduced on June 10, in the aftermath of the Prime• “expresses Minister itsYulia concern Tymoshenko and disappointment unnecessarily that detracts the contin from ments with EU aspirant countries Moldova European Court of Human Rights ruling that Ms. Tymoshenko’s Ukraine’s otherwise strong relationship with Europe, the United and Georgia. imprisonment was “arbitrary and unlawful.” States, and the community of democracies.” Members of the committee questioned 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2013 No. 47 Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A. holds Sobor “Continue the legacy of St. Andrew the First-Called Apostle.” Ms. Kusmycz’s award was presented during a visit to Holy Trinity Cathedral in New York by Metropolitan Antony, and Dr. Lysyj’s award is to be presented to his wife, Daria, by Bishop Daniel during his visit to St. Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Minneapolis. Friday’s events began with divine liturgy at St. Andrew Memorial Church led by the Very Rev. John Harvey, dean of the Pennsylvania-Ohio Deanery of the Western Eparchy of the UOC-U.S.A., who was joined by approximately 20 cler- gymen from local parishes and deaneries concelebrating. Following liturgy, various meetings of the Sobor com- mittees were held at the Ukrainian Cultural Center and the Holiday Inn (located across the street from the center). Each delegate participated in at least two committee meetings (one in the morning and one in the afternoon), including Church Ministries, Missions, Seminary, Historical and Education Complex, Education, Publications, Parish Rejuvenation and Development, New Immigrant Issues, Interchurch Relations, Finance, Stewardship, Resolutions, Nominations and Constitution. Following the meetings, each committee prepared a UOC-U.S.A. report that was presented during the plenary session, The Council of the Metropolia of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A. where delegates were able to recommend resolutions and motions. The committee members are responsible for tak- SOUTH BOUND BROOK, N.J. – The Ukrainian Orthodox munity’s needs have changed since the first immigrants ing these reports and decisions by the Sobor to their home Church of the U.S.A. held its 20th regular Sobor at the arrived in the U.S. and the role that the Church played and parishes, and the official record – the Sobor minutes – will Metropolia Center of the Church on October 17-20. The tri- will play in community life. be sent to all parishes. (For more information, readers may ennial gathering of clergy and faithful is a forum for the dis- Bishop Daniel stated: “First, in spite of the continuous visit www.uocofusa.org.) cussion of the progress of the Church’s various ministries phenomenon of immigration, our Church is by no means One such decision, based on financial necessity, elimi- and for setting the course for its future direction. This any longer a Church of immigrants, or an ecclesiastical nated the hard-copy publication of the Ukrainian Orthodox year’s theme was “Am I my brother’s keeper?” entity of the diaspora, but a Church which is naturally, firm- Word, leaving readers with only the digital version. The Sobor officially opened on Thursday, October 17, ly and proudly rooted in the American soil. …” Parishes are asked to print out copies for those members with a divine liturgy at St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox “Secondly, there exists no longer a full homogeneity- who need them. Memorial Church that was led by Metropolitan Antony and likeness in our communities, the way it existed among the On Friday afternoon, a workshop/seminar on “The Role concelebrated by Bishop Daniel, with assistance from cler- first immigrant communities. Today there is a certain dif- of Women in the Orthodox Church” was presented by Carry gy from across the U.S. ference between first-generation immigrants and fourth- Frost, a Ph.D. candidate, and Dr. Kyriaki FitzGerald of Holy After a brunch that was held following divine liturgy, generation Ukrainian Americans. Also, the constantly Cross School of Theology in Brookline, Mass. delegates, clergy and participants, in procession, entered increasing number of interfaith marriages has caused a Participants of the fourth Youth Sobor then guided cler- the meeting room of the Ukrainian Cultural Center led by change in the composition of the membership of the gy and delegates of the Sobor on a Prayer Trail walk the icon of the Mother of God of Pochayiv. Metropolitan Church. A typical, well organized parish of our Metropolia, through the Metropolia grounds, ending at the Three Holy Antony opened the meeting with an invocation of the Holy presents an internal differentiation because of the differ- Hierarchs Chapel located within the St. Sophia Seminary. In Spirit to guide the Sobor, followed by the singing of the ence in terms of levels of generations from first to fifth and the evening, approximately 150 people gathered in the national anthems of the U.S. and Ukraine. A video message of ethnic and even religious origin of several of its mem- chapel for evening prayer and to hear Bishop Daniel reflect was played from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of bers,” he continued. on the theme of the Sobor. Constantinople, who greeted the clergy and delegates of “Thirdly, in the present new reality of the Church, there Bishop Daniel led divine liturgy on Saturday morning at the Sobor. is a serious problem with the youth. A certain number of St. Andrew Memorial Church; he was joined by the deans Metropolitan Antony reflected on the theme of the high school, college and university students, and young and clergy of the New York/New Jersey and Mid-Atlantic Sobor and noted how the Church, guided by the shepherd- adults, which means the people from 16 to 35 years of age, Deaneries. Later that morning, the Sobor heard reports ing of its hierarch, has journeyed with this theme recurring are somehow disconnecting themselves from the Church and remarks from various committees, including the par- throughout all of its ministries. “Our Lord Jesus Christ used and her life. This is a phenomenon occurring in all major ticipants of the Youth Sobor, who addressed the needs and examples that said if we clothed anyone who was naked, religious communities in the U.S.A., but its general charac- pastoral challenges facing youths and young adults. A new visited anyone in prison, even just gave a cup of cool water ter does not diminish the fact that it constitutes a sad phe- Metropolia Council was elected from the delegates of this in His name then it would be as if we had done it directly to nomenon, a major problem, and a grave concern for us. year’s Sobor. Him. The love your neighbor commandment, the story of “Fourthly, there is a new reality in the religious land- On Saturday afternoon, with the conclusion of the the Good Samaritan – all these infer that we are in some scape of contemporary America. This is the existence of the Sobor’s plenary session, an in-depth tour of the Metropolia sense our brother’s keeper, even as he or she is our keeper. 60 million people characterized as ‘un-churched.’ These Center was held, including the St. Sophia Seminary. In a culture that breathes and exhales independence, that’s people are not atheists at all. They are individuals who for (Election results will be published on the UOC-U.S.A. web- soaked in capitalism more than ‘community-ism,’ we tend various reasons are not connected with any Church or site, www.uofusa.org.) not to want others keeping watch over our souls much less organized religious body. Many were connected but at Approximately 300 people attended the Sobor’s con- the added responsibility of us having to care for them. As some point left their religious community. Others were cluding divine liturgy on Sunday, led by Metropolitan much as we may resist the idea that we are our brother’s never related to any religious body at all,” Bishop Daniel Antony and Bishop Daniel. The hierarchs were greeted by keeper, in God’s eyes we must be our brother’s keeper.” said. the Very Rev. Yuriy Siwko, pastor of St. Andrew Memorial The Sobor presidium was appointed, led by co-chairs A formal banquet concluded Thursday’s events with a Church, children of St. Andrew School of Religious and the Very Rev. John Nakonechny (St. Vladimir Ukrainian video display about the life of St. Sophia Ukrainian Ukrainian Studies, and members of the Pokrova Orthodox Cathedral in Parma, Ohio) and Dr. Paul Micevych Orthodox Theological Seminary, the ministry of the Sisterhood. During the liturgy, Bishop Daniel ordained sub- (St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Los Angeles), Orphanage Adoption program of the Church and a promo- deacon Theophan Mackey, a seminarian and parishioner of who were joined by secretaries and a parliamentarian. tional video about the ministry of the Ukrainian Orthodox St. Anthony of the Desert Ukrainian Orthodox Mission in Next on the agenda was the report of the president of League. Las Cruses, N.M., to the holy deaconate. the Consistory, Bishop Daniel, who introduced the direc- A representative of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of The hierarchs blessed a new icon, “The South Bound tors of the Consistory of Offices of Ministry: the Very Rev. America, Bishop Sevastianos, greeted the Sobor partici- Brook Icon of the Offering of First-Fruits,” gifted by iconog- Bazyl Zawierucha (Office of External Affairs and pants at the banquet. rapher Cheryl Pituch, her husband, Eugene, and his three Interchurch Relations); the Rev. Ivan Synevskyy (Office of The Council of Bishops announced the creation of a new brothers, Gregory, Gary and Stephen, in memory of their Public Relations and Publications); Protodeacon Dr. Ihor annual award, and presented The Great Benefactor – parents, Eugene and Julia Pituch. The icon will be on per- Mahlay (Office of Missions and Christian Charity); Natalie Blahodiynyky – of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which manent display in the rotunda of the Consistory, and will Kapeluck-Nixon (Office of Youth and Young Adult recognizes individuals, both clergy and laity, whose lifetime be reproduced for utilization and presentation in educa- Ministry); the Rev. Harry Linzinbigler (Office of Religious contributions to the welfare of the Church and her faithful tional programs in the Church’s deaneries by the Office of Education); the Rev. Vasyl Sendeha (Office of Adult and are exemplary. The inaugural recipients were Stewardship and Development. Family Ministry); Dr. Michael Andrec (Office of the Archive Protopresbyter William Diakiw, Emil Skocypec, Valentyna A farewell brunch closed the Sobor at the Ukrainian and Historical Information); and the Very Rev. Timothy Kuzmycz, Nadia Mirchuk and Dr. Anatolij Lysyj (posthu- Cultural Center, following divine liturgy. As participants Tomson (Office of Clergy Development). mously). and guests said their good-byes, the hierarchs expressed Each director, whose reports were sent to all delegates in The Rev. Diakiw, Mr. Skocypec and Ms. Mirchuk were their sincere gratitude to all who participated in the Sobor, advance of the Sobor, was able to make necessary additions present at the banquet and were visibly moved when and reminded them to build up their local communities, to their reports and answered questions from the delegates. receiving the medallions with the engraved likeness of St. reaching out to the world around them by living life reflec- Bishop Daniel examined the future of the Church, using Andrew the First-Called Apostle and the words “Great tive of God’s love and willingly being their brothers’ and the Sobor’s theme to illustrate the ways the Ukrainian com- Benefactor and Blahodiynyk”; on the back the medal reads, sisters’ keepers. No. 47 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2013 5

The Ukrainian National Association Forum SPOTLIGHT ON…

Nina Bilchuk, licensed insurance agent and UNA underwriter, has been a member of the UNA Home Office insurance staff since 1996.

by Irene Jarosewich insurance policy for you; now, with the exception of term life, there are policies that you can buy at age 90, 95. That’s Underwriter. That title sounds a bit scary, Nina. a huge change. What is underwriting? You’ve been with the UNA Home Office now for 17 I know, I know. It does sound scary. Basically, it means I years. What insight has this given you? make sure that applicants for life insurance are, what we Only after I came to the UNA did I begin to appreciate call, insurable. I check for insurability. I review an appli- fully the purpose of this organization, to help people cant’s information and check that medical and financial achieve financial stability and help immigrants, their chil- criteria are met. Many policies require medical exams. We dren by keeping important parts of our Ukrainian culture review if people can afford the premiums. People some- alive. In my role as sales agent, that’s what I try to pass on. times hesitate to share medical and financial information. That generations of Ukrainians have kept this going for a We are diligent about privacy. I understand. People need reason. The purpose of a fraternal is to focus on people, to feel comfortable that their information will not be dis- and those who buy a policy from the UNA will benefit from Nina Bilchuk closed. We are vigilant in safeguarding personal informa- this focus. That’s the difference between being a fraternal tion. We have strict security policies in our insurance and simply being a for-profit insurance company. We care operations. My goal is not to make this process of review both about our members and our community. scary for new applicants, however, there are quite strin- “Generations of Ukrainians gent state regulations that we, as a registered fraternal Recent immigrants appear to be somewhat hesitant society in New Jersey, follow in each assessment of an about purchasing life insurance. Has this been your have kept this going for application. On top of that, we need to conform to the reg- experience? a reason. The purpose of ulations in each of the 15 states where we are registered There are many new ideas that an immigrant must a fraternal is to focus on to do business. absorb, and life insurance is only one of many. Then there That sounds like an awful lot of regulations … is misinformation – life insurance is sometimes incorrect- people, and those who buy ly translated as “protektsia” from “protection,” that you are Yes. A lot. Yet, life insurance has always been regulated a policy from the UNA will paying for protection – and that can have a really negative in order to assure that people’s money is safe for the long meaning. However, any and all these issues can be dis- benefit from this focus. term. And that’s good. But, there have been many other cussed with an agent or branch secretary you trust. The changes to the insurance industry in recent years that we That’s the difference Home Office staff is bilingual – and this is important since need to keep up with – partly because of the economic cri- our community is diverse. UNA annuity products tend to between being a fraternal sis, but also because of technology, and the fact that people be more popular with newer immigrants. Saving for the now live longer. In 2001, the entire life insurance industry and simply being a for-profit future, guaranteed growth and guaranteed payout, these switched over to new mortality tables. The UNA has are attractive elements. insurance company. We care implemented changes in our life insurance products so they comply with industry standards. Life expectancy has Nina Bilchuk can be reached both about our members and been raised to 120 years. Ten years ago, for example, if you at (800) 253-9862 ext. 3025 or via email at our community.” were 85 years old, it would have been difficult to find an [email protected]. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2013 No. 47

COMMENTARY The Ukrainian Weekly Sharing our nation’s story Yanukovych excels We’ve written before in this space about the Holodomor and the importance of telling the world the true story of the Famine-Genocide that ravaged Ukraine. This in Orwellian doublethink week, we’d like to highlight several successful efforts by our community to do just by Taras Kuzio – with less than two weeks to go before the that. Vilnius deadline – it is clearer than ever On page 10 of this issue, readers will see a story about a unique interactive work- “The party seeks power entirely for its that Mr. Yanukovych does not understand shop on the Holodomor – utilizing art, photography, historical artifacts, film, survi- own sake. We are not interested in the good the concept of “selective use of justice,” of vors’ testimony – for students of Chicago-area Ukrainian studies schools. Mykola of others; we are interested solely in power.” which the most blatant example is the Mischenko, president of the Ukrainian Genocide Famine Foundation-USA, told the – George Orwell, “1984” Tymoshenko case. A few days ago Mr. students, “You are the ambassadors and you have a task: tell your friends, your Yanukovych fired back, saying “all citizens teachers, tell everyone about the terrible tragedy, the Holodomor, forced by Stalin on On a recent episode of “Saturday Night are equal before the law. In Ukraine, rule by Ukraine in 1932-1933.” Our suggestion to the organizers of this praiseworthy proj- Live” (SNL), the Ukrainian cleaner, played laws and the rule of law, applies to every- ect: try to hold such workshops for other students, not just students of our schools. by the ever excellent Kate McKinnon, jokes one.” Last week, the work of New York state’s Capital District Holodomor Ukrainian that with the U.S. government closed down Examples of such doublethink are count- Genocide Commemoration Committee figured prominently on our front page. The she is thinking of returning to Ukraine less. A few days ago President Yanukovych goal of the commemorations in Albany was, as Dr. Andrij Baran put it, “to commem- where the government is more “stable.” said that Ukrainian “mass media play an orate and to educate.” The Ukrainian American community’s commemorative event Ukraine is not only more “stable,” but its important role in establishing democratic on Empire State Plaza, as well as the subsequent solemn procession and memorial politics are far more surreal, in a manner society” at a time when media freedom in service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, attracted a lot of media that befits George Orwell’s well-known Ukraine has been on the decline each year attention, thus ensuring that the general public learned about this genocide of our novels “1984” and “Animal Farm.” during his presidency. Ukraine is ranked nation. The biggest obstacle for U.S. and fourth out of six Eastern Partnership coun- Moreover, the Capital District committee is pushing incorporation of the study of European policymakers in understanding tries in media freedom with CIS Customs the Holodomor into the mandatory genocide curriculum in the state’s schools – a Ukraine and Eurasia has always been the Union member Armenia higher and only project that is likewise being pursued in Massachusetts by a group of dedicated major disconnect between what is said and Azerbaijan and Belarus below. We would Ukrainian community activists as well as others across North America. what actual steps are undertaken by all applaud, if it was not for the fact that Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and the Ukrainian World Congress, Ukrainian leaders. This is incredibly frus- Ukraine resembles Orwell’s “Animal Farm,” via their “Share the Story” project, have been posting the accounts of Holodomor trating – even for long-term Ukraine watch- where some are more equal than others, as survivors. The goal is to post 80 stories for the 80th anniversary of the genocidal ers such as me – and last year I began col- they were in the Soviet Union. Famine. This is an invaluable contribution to oral history. The survivors’ stories are lecting examples of such Orwellian double- At a recent event I attended I asked told on video with English subtitles; translations (English) and transcripts think (http://blog.taraskuzio.net/2013/ Prime Minister Azarov why Ukrainians did (Ukrainian) are also made available in pdf form (see http://www.sharethestory.ca/ 01/23/sovokistan/), not believe the presi- index.html or http://www.ucc.ca/programs/projects/holodomor/share-the- which, as Orwell dent was committed story/). wrote in “1984,” Ukrainian politics to fighting corruption, And, it’s not just our organizations that can do good work in this field of endeavor. means “the power of resembles George regardless of official Take, for example, Nadia Deychakiwsky of Ohio. She authored a guest column posted holding two contra- Orwell’s “1984,” rhetoric. He replied on Cleveland.com titled “Ukrainian Famine-Genocide still lacks awareness” (see dictory beliefs in one’s robustly that his gov- http://www.cleveland.com/opinion/index.ssf/2013/11/ukrainian_famine-geno- mind simultaneously, only better. ernment had done cide_nadi.html) and informed readers they that could learn more by attending a and accepting both of more to fight corrup- local screening of Yuriy Luhovy’s award-winning documentary “Genocide Revealed.” them.” tion in the last three years than had been Certainly there are other Ukrainian community members in the United States and Of course, the key to this doublethink is undertaken in the last two decades. Canada who could write letters, commentaries, etc. on this topic. Local newspapers in the Soviet mind-set that cannot see a Unfortunately, it slipped his mind that he are the most open to this type of reader input. contradiction between saying one thing had been a government member for six of As we mark yet another somber anniversary of the Holodomor, we see that our and doing another, between, for example, those years. community is making progress in informing others about our nation’s genocide. working on legislation permitting Yulia Mr. Azarov and other members of the Let’s keep us these essential efforts. Tymoshenko to travel to Germany while at Ukrainian government may not have the same time opening additional criminal availed themselves of the opportunity to cases against her. As written in Orwell’s read a book authored by their president, “1984”: “To tell deliberate lies while genu- because no such books exist. After Mr. inely believing in them, to forget any fact Yanukovych declared huge royalties for Nov. Turning the pages back... that has become inconvenient and then, books on his last two tax returns, Ukrainian when it becomes necessary again, to draw television stations scoured Ukrainian book- it back from oblivion for just as long as it is Thirty-five years ago, on November 26, 1978, approximately stores to no avail; either they had been sold needed, to deny the existence of objective 26 8,000 people attended a rally in New York at the Mission of the out or, as is more than likely, they were reality and all the while to take account of Soviet Union to the United Nations, located on East 67th Street, never published. the reality which one denies – all this is 1978 to condemn Soviet violations of human rights in Ukraine. President Yanukovych’s last two annual indispensably necessary.” The protest was organized by Ukrainian groups throughout official salaries have been 757, 000 hrv, President Viktor Yanukovych’s and the New York area and was the culmination of the four-day while his declared income in those two Prime Minister Nikolai Azarov’s words are meeting of the World Congress of Free Ukrainians (WCFU) that was held at the Americana years was 17 million and 20 million hrv. not to be taken as representing the policies Hotel in New York. Joining the protest were representatives of the Belarusian, Estonian, The differences between his official salaries they will actually implement. The most Latvian and Lithuanian communities. and declared incomes were $2 million and frustrating example of this has been the $2.4 million, which was allegedly received The column of protesters stretched from the Americana Hotel on 52nd Street (between stringing along of EU policymakers over Seventh and Sixth avenues) to East 67th Street, at one point spanning more than 10 city blocks. from royalties paid for his hard-to-find Ms. Tymoshenko, whose release from books. Unluckily for him, the Donetsk pub- Guest speakers included former Soviet political prisoners Nadia Svitlychna, Leonid imprisonment is a requirement for Ukraine lishing house that allegedly paid him the Plyushch and Gen. Petro Grigorenko, who were joined by Simas Kudirka, a Lithuanian, Dr. to receive an Association Agreement on royalties does not actually publish books, Vitaut Kipel of the Belarusian community, Janis Riekstins of Latvia and Paul Saar of Estonia. November 28-29 in Vilnius. and therefore the entire falsity was an exer- Mr. Plyushch, who was committed by the Soviets to the Dnipropetrovsk psychiatric asy- For the last two years there has been an cise in Orwellian doublethink. lum, told the crowd that Soviet government leaders feared the small number of dissidents. Orwellian tennis match of “will they” or In contrast to the difficulty in finding his “Their weapons are words, and the government is afraid of words.” “won’t they” release her. Today [this com- books, the location of his palaces can be Ms. Svitlychna urged the crowd to join together not only for one demonstration, but for mentary was posted on November 17 – ed.] a continuous struggle, for then “will the strongest concentration camp in the world be easily found thanks to Google Earth. destroyed.” Commenting on the human rights movement in the Soviet Union, Ms. Indeed, it is very likely that members of Svitlychna added, “A smart person once said that there will be no more wars, only a strug- Dr. Taras Kuzio is research associate at the government have been invited to gle for peace, and not one stone will be left unturned.” the Center for Political and Regional President Yanukovych’s palatial Mezhyhiria While in front of the Soviet Mission to the U.N., representatives of the world congresses Studies, Canadian Institute of Ukrainian mansion outside Kyiv which Prof. of Ukrainians, Latvians, Lithuanians, Belarusians and Estonians, received permission to Studies, University of Alberta, and non-resi- Alexander Motyl of Rutgers University approach the Soviet Mission in hopes of presenting a memorandum on decolonization. dent fellow at the Center for Transatlantic described as “a nightmarish amalgam of When the representatives reached within 100 feet of the building Patrolman George Relations, School of Advanced International nouveau riche kitsch, late Ottoman excess, Hardy stopped the group with notice that the Soviet officials did not want to meet with Relations, Johns Hopkins University. Disneyland vulgarity and Donald Trump them and that they would not receive the memorandum. The article above is reprinted from the tastelessness.” The grounds include a mas- Minutes after returning from the Mission, police forcibly dispersed the remaining 2,000 blog “Current Politics in Ukraine” (http:// sive hunting preserve, tennis courts, a fake protesters from the area of East 67th Street. Three protesters were arrested and at least ukraineanalysis.wordpress.com/) created Spanish galleon and undoubtedly other four were hospitalized with head lacerations, bruises and concussions. by the Stasiuk Program for the Study of facilities to reduce the stress of overworked Police Capt. Mat Coyle said that the protesters were unruly, having thrown eggs and Contemporary Ukraine, a program of the Ukrainian officials. Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies at (Continued on page 7) the University of Alberta. (Continued on page 14) No. 47 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2013 7

PASTORAL STATEMENT From a Canadian Angle 80th anniversary of the Holodomor by Oksana Bashuk Hepburn To the beloved clergy and faithful of the century preserved – albeit deeply within Ukrainian Orthodox Churches beyond the the conscience and social fabric of the borders of Ukraine in North and South nation – that self-identity, which serves as America, Europe, Australia and New the foundation for nation-building in Running with Chrystia Zealand on the occasion of the 80th anniver- Ukraine today and tomorrow into what will sary of the genocidal famine in Ukraine certainly be one of the most important, 1932-1933. productive and freedom-loving nations of the world. Dearly beloved brothers and sisters, We pray to God this day – to the Helper Glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus of the helpless, the Hope of the hopeless, Christ! Glory forever! the Savior of the storm-tossed, the Haven Once again we have come to the annual of the voyager, the Healer of the sick. We commemoration of the victims of one of, if stand before Him in humility and beseech not the worst, acts of genocide ever com- His eternal blessings upon us and that He mitted against mankind – the purposefully will grant eternal rest where the Light of created and perpetrated 1932-1933 artifi- His Countenance shines upon those we cial and genocidal famine in Ukraine, mas- remember. May their souls rest in eternal terminded by Joseph Stalin himself and happiness and their memory be eternal in managed by those who devoted their lives God’s Heavenly Kingdom. to him and carried out every command – As your spiritual fathers, we call you all regardless of what the consequences were to personal prayer and actions, which will for not only the 7 to 10 million Ukrainian serve to remember our brothers and sis- men, women and children who succumbed ters. Fast for an entire day to reach – in a to the Famine, but also for the countless minimal way – a better comprehension of thousands or even more millions of what they endured for months, each day Ukrainians and others who dared to chal- suffering more until the end finally came. Chrystia Freeland and Justin Trudeau. lenge the “plan” of the day – all throughout During these holy days prior to the great I am pleased with many policies of grant workers a chance to become citizens. the Stalin era. The Famine was a part of the feast of the Nativity of our Lord – Philip’s Canada’s Conservative government. What’s She does not. master plan to destroy the mind (intelli- Fast – set aside a sum of your riches daily – best, it supports democratic values and Ms. Freeland exudes confidence. She’s at gentsia), the soul (the church and her cler- and make a Nativity gift to the establish- European integration for Ukraine. Shortly home in debate and policy considerations gy) and the spirit (farmers and villagers, ment of national memorials – or – to your after ex-Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko of local, national and international issues. who embodied the national culture and local food bank to aid those in your own was illegally imprisoned, Prime Minister She has first-hand knowledge of the global ancient traditions) of the Ukrainian nation. communities who know none of the riches Stephen Harper took a lead among demo- political reality honed by head-to-head dis- We call to mind those who were too long you enjoy on a daily basis. If our memory cratic heads of state. He wrote to President cussions with warring dessert tribal chiefs, forgotten – many of them relatives, neigh- of those who perished in the Famine does Viktor Yanukovych, warning of “serious dinners with the richest oligarchs while bors, co-workers and friends of a significant not result in a willingness to act some way consequences” should he continue tram- Kalashnikov-armed guards lingered about, number of people still alive today. In spite in their name, it will mean little to us. pling on the rule of law. (The Canadian and working to solve, with top leaders, the of the fact that the government of the for- As always, we pray for you, we pray for Group for Democracy in Ukraine lobbied economic concerns of ordinary citizens, mer Soviet Union and those of other nations our Ukrainian nation, which still endures for this letter. I’m a founding member.) particularly the shrinking middle class. Her in the world deliberately attempted – and in an extremely difficult path to true democ- Prime Minister Harper repeated the mes- ideas have turned into books, articles and some cases still do today – to eradicate the racy and we ask for your prayers for us. sage once again last week. commentaries for such media outlets as memory of this horrific disaster from his- May the Grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus However, it’s my children’s dear friend CNN and the Globe and Mail. torical annals – we again make the promise Christ, the Love of God the Father and the Chrystia Freeland that I’m rooting for. Her She tempers her worldliness and jour- that we will never forget. We will not allow Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you considerable achievements spell “star.” nalistic sharpness with knowledge of day- their martyrdom to go without meaning. all. And, after hearing her discuss political to-day matters familiar to most Canadians. We will remind the world’s political leaders + YURIJ issues central to many Canadians with her A mother of three school-aged children that they no longer have unlimited and Metropolitan, Ukrainian Orthodox Liberal Party leader, Justin Trudeau, I want who, like many Torontonian kids attend unquestioned power to destroy life. We will Church of Canada her elected to Canada’s Parliament. Saturday school to learn their mother remind mankind of the sanctity of life and On November 25 the voters of Toronto tongue, she demonstrates flexibility and the God-given rights of every individual + ANTONY Center will make a choice between her and sensitivity, both desirable qualities in a pol- human being. We call to mind the words of Metropolitan, Ukrainian Orthodox the other candidates. Since 1993 the riding itician of a diverse multicultural society. Edmund Burke: “Those who don’t know (or Church of the U.S.A., and locum tenens has been held by Liberals, but in 2011 the She and Mr. Trudeau are comfortable ignore – George Santayana) history are des- Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Diaspora party was devastated – primarily due to a with one another. The immigration ques- tined (condemned) to repeat it.” leader not up to the job. Now the son of one tions keep coming up: the anguish of divid- Our deceased brothers and sisters did + IOAN of Canada’s outstanding prime ministers, ed families, years of backlogs due to foreign not perish in vain. Today they are com- Archbishop, Ukrainian Orthodox Church with intelligence and pizzazz to boot, is service cuts, financial extortions from crim- memorated also throughout Ukraine, in Diaspora leading the party. The younger Mr. Trudeau inal agents and, once in Canada, years of regardless of the attempts of some power- is working on a Liberal comeback. Having poverty and re-qualification due to lack of ful political figures to prevent it. Although + JEREMIAH talent like Ms. Freeland on his team, helps. professional equivalencies. They promise a stifled, the memory of those victims and Ukrainian Orthodox Eparchy of Brazil Both participated in a recent telephone shift from the Conservatives’ “short-sight- the memory of the Famine itself festered and South America discussion with the press. Most questions ed” approach. She wants “full Canadian citi- beneath the surface consciousness of the dealt with immigration. Mr. Trudeau zens,” not a supply of cheap labor designed people of Ukraine and maintained, regard- + ANDRIY attacked Quebec’s misguided Charter of to satisfy short-term needs of the corporate less of all efforts of the 74 years of a godless Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada Values, which pits religious symbols sector. Her words and tone say “elect me.” regime, maintained a self-identity, which against jobs, and the federal government The duo tackled the difficult job situation, led to the independence of the nation – an + ILARION for focusing on bringing in workers to recognizing that the world has changed for independence achieved without the shed- Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada Canada instead of nurturing future citizens. the middle class. Despite doing as they’re ding of blood. The endurance of the horror Ms. Freeland illustrated with her own told – go to school and work hard – young of the Famine – and other almost incredible + DANIEL story. Her great-grandfather, a Glasgow people cannot find jobs and feel betrayed. conditions of life through most of the 20th Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A. Scot, settled in Canada’s west. His son Job-creation incentives are used to out- returned to the United Kingdom during source rather than create jobs at home. The World War II and brought back a war exceptions are in resource-based economies actions were a reprisal from the September bride. Their son, Chrystia’s father, fell in like Alberta’s Fort MacMurry, where salaries Turning... 1977 protest at the Soviet Mission, where love with a Ukrainian whose family fled the are 50 percent better. New directions in ravages of that war. The point of the story? education and training will be offered by the (Continued from page 6) four police officers were injured. A formal protest was filed by Dr. Askold Lozynskyj Previous immigrants settled in Canada to Liberals. They will rework tax incentives to put down roots, work, participate and ensure real benefits for both the private sec- firecrackers at the Soviet Mission building, for what he called “excessive and undue prosper – the classic Canadian immigration tor and individuals to remedy the job crisis. but they unintentionally landed among the police actions.” model. The Conservatives, Ms. Freeland If elected. policemen, endangering their safety and Source: “8,000 attend decolonization says, want to change this by denying immi- I asked about the global war between that of the horse-mounted officers. One rally in New York; Svitlychna, Plyushch, democracy and autocracy being waged in police officer suffered a contusion to his Kudirka speak, Scuffle breaks out, 3 arrested, Ukraine as symbolized by Yulia right index finger. 4 hurt,” The Ukrainian Weekly, December 3, Oksana Bashuk Hepburn may be con- Many demonstrators felt that the police 1978. tacted at [email protected]. (Continued on page 14) 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2013 No. 47

REFLECTIONS Yara Arts Group crosses borders: From Capt. John Smith to Donetsk by Virlana Tkacz This September Yara Arts Group presented “Capt. John Smith Goes to Ukraine,” an original theatre piece featuring Bob Holman, poet and founder of the Bowery Poetry Club, Susan Hwang, New York performance artist and musician, and Julian Kytasty the legendary bandurist, in Lviv and Kyiv. I first had the idea to do this show several years ago when I heard Mr. Kytasty play a duma and Mr. Holman, a great performer, “translate” it. Basically, Mr. Holman impro- vised in English on what he thought the piece Mr. Kytasty was performing might be about – and Mr. Holman does not understand any Ukrainian. Here was a ridiculously radical approach to translation that produced some fabulous poems. I just had to get involved. Messrs. Holman and Kytasty were fun to watch on stage, but I thought the performances would be stronger if they were part of a play, and they portrayed characters. As I lis- tened to this duma sitting in the dark old Bowery Poetry Club, an idea floated into my head – Mr. Holman should play Capt. John Smith. Hadn’t I read somewhere something about a Ukrainian connection? He sure seemed like a char- Volodymyr Klyuzko acter straight out of an epic song. I went to the library a few Yara’s “Capt. John Smith Goes to Ukraine” with Susan Hwang, Bob Holman and Julian Kytasty at Les Kurbas days later and checked out some books on Smith. As I read Theater Center in Kyiv. I slowly realized there was something to this idea. I am interested in projects that reach deep into history projections and space. I had brought photographer booklet with many of the translations. We also did a pre- and re-envision our perception of the past, creating a new Volodymyr Klyuzko to the Rare Books Division with me sentation on “Epic Songs, Dumas, Hip Hop and the Oral vision of ourselves in the present. I believe that the best and the library allowed us to photograph Smith’s book. We Tradition” at the Honchar Museum in Kyiv. modern art does this. For instance, Igor Stravinsky’s “Rites were especially interested in the nine engravings that were On September 30, right after our American performers of Spring” is based on ancient folk rituals and songs, but pasted into the book. The work of John Payne, one of the were on their way to New York, I got on a train to Donetsk cast in such a completely different light that they changed first master engravers in England, depicted scenes that with designer Volodymyr Klyuzko. On the way in Kharkiv our picture of both the past and our modern moment. most interested us: the three single-handed combats Smith we met Mr. Zhadan who was to work with us on our new Most Americans know that Capt. John Smith founded wins, the ceremony in which a Transylvanian prince names project “Underground Dreams” for Izolyatsia, a cultural Jamestown in 1607 and have heard about his relationship him a captain, Smith’s enslavement and escape. We decid- organization in Donetsk. I had had this idea that I wanted with Pocahontas. But this production focuses on his ed to use the engravings as projections in our shows – but to create a tunnel as an entrance into a show. As you “other” history – his adventures fighting in the Turkish to enliven them by turning them into animations. walked through the tunnel you would hear people whisper wars in Eastern Europe before he came to America and his This look was perfect for the wildly funny songs Ms. their dreams and hopes. Mr. Zhadan was going to help us unexpected journey through Ukraine in 1603. In 1630 Hwang had written for the show. I had asked her to play all write texts for the workshop – the first draft of this show. Smith published “The True Travels, Adventures and the women Smith mentions (Pocahontas was not the only He had put up a notice on the web saying that we were Observations of Captaine John Smith in Europe, Asia, woman who rescued him). Ms. Hwang wanted to develop a going to be in Donetsk and people could come and talk to Affrica and America, from Anno Domini 1593 to 1629.” character that would bring modern sensibilities into a his- us about their dreams. He called it his “self-writing book” and it is one of the torical context, allowing for a 21st century reaction to 17th When we arrived at the designated meeting place there first autobiographies in English. Most people read only the century events and brought an accordion to our first was a long line of young people. Mr. Zhadan and I inter- last part about his experiences in Virginia, but Smith’s for- rehearsal. The show immediately acquired a post-modern viewed them one or two at time, recording their stories gotten eastern stories fascinated me. What really struck me Monty-Python-esque tone that delighted the audiences at while Mr. Klyuzko photographed them. Most were in their was that Smith was telling similar stories of battles, Dzyga for the 20th Lviv Book Forum, Gogolfest and our early 20s, were overwhelmingly positive about Donetsk enslavement and escapes across the Black Sea that I had week-long run at the Les Kurbas Theater Center in Kyiv. and their hopes, and to our great surprise most spoke to us heard Mr. Kytasty sing in the dumy. Presented in Ukrainian and English, “Capt. John Smith in Ukrainian. We decided to create an installation based on At the same time, Smith’s stories were so outrageous Goes to Ukraine” echoed Smith’s travels across many these interviews. We made cubes with their photographs. that they seemed comedic. I could certainly see why many boundaries and is a visually and sonically striking piece As you approached each cube you could hear the stories people considered Smith a braggart who could not be that made both insiders and outsiders reconsider their the people in the photographs told us. believed. Smith’s book at times feels like a jumble of own versions of themselves – and together we laughed. Then we started a workshop for young performers with bizarre events in outrageously named places. But when I The show struck a chord and attracted a lot of media atten- a local actor, Mykola Huseinov. We met for 10 days and kept reading books on this subject, I noticed that opinions tion. I was interviewed for an hour on TVI (http://tvi.ua/ worked on the dreams they would relate in the tunnel. I had shifted as scholars discovered that the historical program/2013/09/04/homo_sapiens_vid_4092013) and also staged a series of poems about trees with this group. events Smith described actually happened. our production was featured in major articles in Ukrainsky Mr. Kluyzko worked on projections, while Yevhen Kopyov The place names Smith mentions in the East were Tyzhden (the newsweekly in Ukraine affiliated with the did the lights and Mykola Shkaraban, an actor I brought bizarrely spelled, but even I could recognize some. This Economist), Ukraina Moloda, Ukrainska Cultural, Kultural i from Kyiv, performed the poetry Mr. Zhadan had written June in the Rare Books Division of the New York Public Zhyttia, Korrespondent. for the piece. Library I finally saw the original edition of the Smith book. Yara also created a series of special events in Ukraine, Although it had been incredibly cold in the large factory On one page there is the list of towns he traveled through such as “New York’s Poetry Club Live in Lviv & Kyiv.” Mr. spaces during our preparations, the day of our perfor- as he headed west after his escape from slavery near the Holman, who founded the Bowery Poetry Club, kicked off mance was a beautiful golden autumn day. The audience Azov Sea. He mentions: “Drohobus, Ostroge, Lasco, Halico the evening by reading his own poems which were also entered our performance by walking on a path of yellow and Collonia.” By then I knew that Collonia is how read in Ukrainian translations by Kateryna Babkina. Serhiy leaves and into a labyrinth of the dreams of the young peo- Kolomyia is listed on old maps. After this list, Smith com- Zhadan was the first Ukrainian poet to read at the Bowery ple of Donetsk. The tunnel opened into large space lit up by ments that though these places were destroyed by the when he came to New York in 2005 to work with Yara on a a colorful projection and the performances stripped away wars and were “countries rather to be pitied, than envied,” show at La MaMa. He read several poems from that the layers of time in the Donetsk steppe, one by one. After “in all his life he seldome met with more respect, mirth, appearance, while I read the English translations I had we heard contemporary young people talk about their city content and entertainment….” done with Wanda Phipps. Ms. Babkina was the most recent and their hopes, there was a scene with an engineer from Smith is an icon of American history. The colonies he Ukrainian poet to appear at the Bowery Poetry Club. She Wales who arrived in the area in 19th century in which he established included not only Englishmen and Native peo- read there in April when she came to work on our Video revealed his dreams of building a new world. Then shots ple, but also Eastern Europeans and many others whose Poetry Event at Kinofest. from Dziga Vertov’s film “Enthusiasm: Symphony of story is rarely told. Smith’s own tale is tempered by his She is a wickedly funny reader of her own poetry; Ms. Donbas” were juxtaposed with traditional bagpipes. constant exposure to “others,” making his reactions some- Hwang and I read English translations of Ms. Babkina’s Going back even further in time, there was a scene times more nuanced than we expect. By entwining Smith’s poems I had done with Ms. Phipps. Ms. Hwang also sang based on a story from the mediaeval chronicles about “self-writing book” with traditional material from several original songs such as “Parking” with Mr. Kytasty. steppe nomads in this area and the power of a scent. This Ukrainian dumy and poetry by a Crimean Tatar Khan, I Then Mr. Kytasty and I read our own poems and we con- led to fragments of poems about trees intertwined with stretched the boundaries of our material to tell a new story cluded the event with all of us singing Ms. Hwang’s song ancient songs. Leaves fell for 150 million years in this area as our artists explored the creation of new world on stage. “Crossroads of the World” from the Smith play. to create the rich veins of coal. But “the growth of 50,000 I am interested in multilingual communication that goes The event took place at the Kurbas Theater in Lviv as years is destroyed in a few careless seasons.” In the final beyond language. I start with poetry, which crystallizes a part of the 20th Lviv Publishing Forum and was repeated moments a small boy claims he saw megaliths in the cultural moment, but then I expand it to create translations at the National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy under steppe. Then the gate opened and daylight filled the dream of the poetic images into light, movement, sound, music, the sponsorship of the U.S. Embassy. We put together a space… No. 47 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2013 9

NEWS AND VIEWS UUARC puts LEPP grant to good use for Ukraine’s hospitals by Larissa Kyj group therapy for men of all ages addicted to alcohol and drugs. The therapy includes This spring and late summer, the United the 12-step program of Alcoholics Ukrainian American Relief Committee Inc. Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. (UUARC) sent six 40-foot containers full of Since 2004, over 650 men have completed furnishings and medical equipment to the program. The facilities of the center Caritas Drohobych and four medical facili- have a capacity for 50 (30 in Nazareth and ties: Tyvriv Central Raion Hospital, 20 in Our House). Pidvolochysk Central Raion Hospital, The center is free of charge to partici- Tlumach Central Raion Hospital and pants, therefore they are required to help Mykolayiv Communal Raion Hospital. The maintain the facilities. The individuals reno- contents of the six containers has been val- vate and maintain the donated and acquired ued at $804,000. farming facilities, farm the land, and raise In 2012 the UUARC received a Limited chickens and pigs. This work, along with pri- Excess Property Program (LEPP) grant vate and government donations, allow the from the United States Agency for facility to sustain itself. The work of the indi- International Development (USAID). Under viduals provides not only economic support this grant, U.S. government-owned excess (especially food for the participants), but property may be selected by the grantee for also builds self-esteem in the individuals Volunteers of the United Ukrainian American Relief Committee at work in preparing a sum of up to $1 million per year for two and re-enforces skills to help integrate them a shipment of supplies to hospitals in Ukraine. years. The UUARC grant was submitted to back into the community. help equip the five facilities in Ukraine This highly successful program has the tion which involved endless hours of volun- Most of these volunteers traveled many mentioned above. potential to increase in size, but is in dire teer work. Certain items required paid hours from Northeast Philadelphia because Unfortunately, Ukraine has a very seri- need of equipment and supplies. The pro- experts to dismantle and appropriately pack local volunteers were not available and the ous alcohol abuse problem and the services gram has proven its sustainability and them for shipment. This was truly a major work had to be done during normal busi- provided by the government have been value, and should be supported as a model undertaking by the UUARC. The effort was ness hours. The facilities personnel at ineffective. In 2004 Caritas Drohobych for other such rehabilitation and outreach spearheaded by UUARC’s office director, Walter Reed also were very helpful. established the Nazareth Rehabilitation centers in Ukraine. USAID agreed and, Motrja Watters, and Yury Nakonechny. The UUARC also thanks Ambassador Center (RC), a center open to socially based on this information, accepted the The board of directors thanks Ms. Olexander Motsyk and First Secretary unprotected individuals, those suffering UUARC’s proposal. Watters and Mr. Nakonechny for their Oresta Starak for their help with the neces- from alcohol and drug addiction, and HIV- In 2011 the U.S. Army’s flagship medical hours upon hours of volunteer work and sary customs papers, since there were sev- infected individuals. In 2009 Our House center, the Walter Reed Army Medical the following volunteers for their input into eral months this year when nothing could was established as a half-way house for Center was closed. The UUARC along with this project: Michael Datsenko, Ken Deans, be sent to Ukraine. graduates of Nazareth RC, to re-socialize other selected NGOs was able to obtain Col. Bernard DeKoning, Sonia Okruch- Many additional expenses were associat- them for re-entrance into the community. some of the contents of this huge facility. DeKoning, Tatiana DeKoning, Yuriy Didula, ed with this project. Pallets, packaging mate- In January 2010 the Synod of Bishops of Among the items obtained by UUARC for Stefan Dubenko, Anne Marie Gogoniat, rials, dismantling and the expert crating had the Ukrainian Catholic Church recognized shipment to Ukraine were stainless steel Brian Holuj, Lew Iwaskiw (board member), to be paid for. Three of the containers were Nazareth RC as the model for creating a commercial kitchen furnishings, a gym set, Mychajlo Kowalysko, Larissa Kyj (board paid for by a grant from Counterpart network of rehabilitation centers for alco- mattresses and box springs, night stands, president), Myroslaw Kyj, Justin Mailer, International, and three were covered from hol and drug addiction victims in Ukraine. lockers, couches, tables and chairs, two full Maksym Olah, Tamara Patrylak, Oksana the general funds of the UUARC. The Nazareth program provides psycho- six body refrigeration morgue units, medi- Romanyk, Danylo Schwabiuk, Alanna If you would like to help cover some of logical counseling, and individual and cal cabinets, operating lights, rehabilitation Watters, David Watters, Jurij Woloshyn these expenses, please send your tax- equipment and a host of other useful items. (board member), Mark Zaharchuk, Dr. deductable contributions (noting “LEPP Larissa Kyj is president of the United The collection of items from the 9,500- Nestor Zarichny (board member), Stefan Grant”) to: UUARC, 1206 Cottman Ave., Ukrainian American Relief Committee. room facility required sorting and organiza- Yaremchuk and Ivan Yaworsky. Philadelphia, PA 19111.

for the EU Association Agreement or not, future in Europe, develops the rule of law underscored the “enormous strategic con- Senate hearing... Dr. Cohen said he thinks that Mr. and property rights, and becomes a fully sequences for U.S. interests” in what hap- (Continued from page 1) Yanukovych “will shoot himself and democratic country.” pens between Ukraine and the EU, urging Ukraine in the foot.” “Unfortunately,” he added, the current “a clear U.S. strategy” in supporting the EU’s Eastern Partnership, which must also President Yanukovych had her sen- Having visited Ms. Tymoshenko in pris- U.S. administration “did not view the future include taking “a leading role in addressing tenced to seven years in prison “without on recently, he said that he is not optimistic of Ukraine with due seriousness,” avoiding the security concerns” of these East any serious legal grounds,” he said, suggest- about the possibility of her release. Mr. high-level state visits, economic deal-mak- European countries. ing that if the EU decides not to sign the AA Yanukovych is more interested in being re- ing and adequate public diplomacy, he said, “In Ukraine, this means intensifying mili- in Vilnius, the agreement could possibly be elected in 2015 than in the future well- pointing out that while Presidents Vladimir being of his country, and he does not want a Putin and Yanukovych had met many times, tary-to-military cooperation, deepening signed in 2015, after the next Ukrainian intelligence ties and laying the groundwork presidential elections. freed Ms. Tymoshenko to possibly interfere “American officials made their trips to with this in any way, he said. Ukraine scarce, and the level of U.S. visitors for long-term influence with security struc- Dr. Aslund said he has been in close tures which could either advance or under- touch with Ukraine ever since he first visit- Dr. Cohen stressed that it is in the U.S. in the country lower than necessary.” national interest that Ukraine “anchors its Mr. Wilson of the Atlantic Council also mine Ukraine’s European future,” he said. ed the country in 1985. He was an econom- “It also means supporting Ukraine’s efforts ic advisor to the Kyiv government from to ensure its energy security, and buttress 1994 to 1997, continues to follow its eco- its sovereignty and territorial integrity, nomic and political development, and has including in Crimea.” written extensively on Ukraine, authoring Ukraine is “by far the most important” of one book and editing two other volumes. the eastern countries involved the EU nego- Dr. Cohen pointed out that, unlike the EU, tiations, and President Yanukovych knows Moscow does not demand any reforms from this, which is leading him to do the “bare Ukraine, including the rule of law and anti- minimum” to meet EU conditions, which corruption measures. “These demands may results in his not acting decisively to end annoy some Ukrainian elites and high-rank- selective justice and to release Ms. ing officials, making domination by Moscow Tymoshenko from prison, Mr. Wilson said. more palatable than European integration Mr. Yanukovych’s primary concern is re- in the eyes of a myopic few,” he said. election in 2015, he added. In the long term, however, Ukraine “Therefore, the challenge in Vilnius is to remains hesitant to enter the Customs lock in Ukraine’s European choice while Union with Russia because this would mean gaining leverage to more effectively check subjugation to and not just cooperation anti-democratic behavior and ensure that with Moscow, he said, adding: “The impla- Ukrainians have a genuinely free choice in cability of the Russian position and the their 2015 presidential elections,” Mr. potential loss of economic and eventually Yaro Bihun Wilson said. state sovereignty defeated the Ukrainian Damon Wilson (right), executive vice president of the Atlantic Council, joins with two of Among the many people attending elite’s desire, if any existed, to join the his Washington think tank colleagues – Anders Aslund (left), senior fellow at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hear- Customs Union and the Eurasian Union.” Peterson Institute for International Economics, and Ariel Cohen (center), senior research ing were the ambassadors of some of the As for President Yanukovych’s most fellow at the Heritage Foundation – in testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations countries involved, including Ukrainian probable decision on the question of going Committee about the European Union’s upcoming Eastern Partnership Summit. Ambassador Olexander Motsyk. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2013 No. 47 Chicago Ukrainian school students participate in Holodomor workshop

Ukrainian Genocide Famine Foundation Survivor Olena Skyba shares her mem- President Mykola Mischenko addresses Students are served a small piece of bread with honey and water to commemorate oirs and describes her life during the the students. those who had perished in the Holodomor. Holodomor

by Motria Melnyk With the commemoration of the 80th Institute of Modern Art on two consecutive Committee of UGFF, welcomed the stu- anniversary of the Holodomor, the Saturdays, October 19, and October 26, with dents and posed the question “Have you CHICAGO – The Ukrainian Genocide Famine Education Committee designed and imple- the participation of over 200 students. Its ever felt pangs of hunger? Imagine not eat- Foundation-U.S.A. (UGFF) directed by mented an interactive workshop, purpose was to build an understanding of ing for days, weeks… Go back with me to President Mykola Mischenko has worked tena- “Holodomor 1932-1933,” for Chicago area the Holodomor as a genocide against the Eastern Ukraine in 1932-1933… a little girl ciously for 14 years toward promoting pub- Ukrainian studies schools of St. Nicholas Ukrainian people that was artificially creat- is sitting on her mother’s lap whimpering lic awareness of the atrocities that occurred Cathedral, St. Volodymyr Ukrainian ed by famine during the Stalin regime. for food. She hasn’t eaten for days. Her during the Holodomor Famine Genocide of Orthodox Cathedral, St. Joseph the Entering the Ukrainian National mother, unable to find food to feed her, 1932-1933. The Education Committee is an Betrothed Ukrainian Catholic Church and Museum, the students were immersed into holds her and rocks her until the little girl important component of the UGFF with the the Ukrainian American Youth Association, an exhibition of expressive works of art, is silent forever. This is just one story of the mission to foster, support and encourage Dmytro Vitovsky Branch. photography and historical artifacts docu- Holodomor, during which 17 people per- the study of the Ukrainian Genocide in both This workshop was held at the Ukrainian menting the years 1932-1933. ished every minute, 25,000 died every day.” American and Ukrainian schools. National Museum and the Ukrainian Motria Melnyk, chair of the Education A documentary film produced by Ms. Melnyk followed. The short, intense film was created as a resource in the curriculum of genocide studies in Illinois public schools; it informs students aabout the Holodomor in a concise, factual way. As the screen turned black, the students remained affected, quiet, melancholy and reflective. Art teacher and UGFF member Marta Kozbur created a hands-on art project. Using wheat as the subject, she explained and demonstrated the process of print- making: creating an image, inking the plate and transferring the image to the paper. As the students were engaged in their own creative way of depicting wheat, Ms. Kozbur addressed them, “The sheaf of wheat represents life; even the smallest kernel could offer the hope of new life to those victims of the Holodomor. And through your art, the life of those who died will be commemorated.” Stepping into the galleries of the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art and the exhibit “Artists Respond to Genocides,” the students were impacted by the artists’ creative portrayals of the devastation and anguish of innocent people murdered (Continued on page 18)

An example of student printmaking project. No. 47 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2013 11 Authors present books at various Washington venues by Yaro Bihun Center in Kyiv, and her husband, historian Vladyslav Hrynevych, discussed her multi- WASHINGTON – Members of the volume undertaking, “Chronicle of Ukrainian community in the Washington Collectivization and Holodomor in area and others interested in Ukrainian Ukraine, 1927-1933.” history and literature were treated to four Nadia Diuk book presentations in the first 10 days of November. In her presentation, Dr. Diuk said that in Nadia Diuk, vice-president for Europe, her study of how the next young genera- Eurasia, Africa, Latin America and the tion will determine the future course of Caribbean at the National Endowment for development in Russia, Ukraine and Democracy (NED), presented and dis- Azerbaijan is based on many years of cussed her book, “The Next Generation in research and interviews with 18- to Russia, Ukraine, and Azerbaijan: Youth, 35-year-olds in those three countries. She Politics, Identity and Change,” on noted that since they separated from the November 1 at the Embassy of Ukraine Soviet Union, these three nations have and discussed how they can be expected developed in their own separate ways. to effect the future development of their Before, the Soviet education system was countries. the same all over the union; since indepen- Two days later at the Ukrainian dence, they developed in their own ways. Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Thanks to Boris Yeltsin, she said, Russia Family, Alexander Motyl presented his lat- brought in a younger generation to gov- est novel, “Sweet Snow,” set during the ernment faster than in the other two 1932-1933 Holodomor in Ukraine. He was countries. Unfortunately, they can’t truly Yaro Bihun joined by a fellow New Yorker, Ukrainian operate and reform that system now run Nadia Diuk discusses her newly published book “The Next Generation in Russia, poet Vasyl Makhno, who shared some of by big money. Young Russians are much Ukraine, and Azerbaijan: Youth, Politics, Identity and Change.” his latest poetic fantasies with the audi- better off financially than young ence. Ukrainians and Azerbaijanis; they are In conclusion, Dr. Diuk said that one Alexander Motyl can expect young people to change, “but On November 7 at the Woodrow Wilson learning more foreign languages and are The author of five earlier novels – you shouldn’t expect them automatically International Center for Scholars, one of more knowledgeable in such areas as “Whiskey Priest,” “Who Killed Andrei to be democratic.” Their demands should Ukraine’s most popular contemporary business, accounting and banking. Warhol?,” “Flippancy,” “The Jew Who Was be taken into consideration, however, so writers, Yuri Vynnychuk, discussed the dif- The new young Ukrainian generation, Ukrainian” and “My Orchidea” – Dr. Motyl that they feel there is a place for them in ficulties he and other writers had to over- unlike the Russians and Azerbaijanis, have discussed and read some moving excerpts the political system. In bringing them into come during the Soviet period and since stronger anti-establishment sentiments and from his latest novel “Sweet Snow” during then, and read excerpts from his latest do not rate their current and former presi- the system, she added, they should be his presentation here. novel, “Tango of Death.” dents highly. The use of Ukraine’s native lan- judged on their merit and not just their The story describes how four foreigners And on November 10 at St. Andrew’s guage among the younger generation is loyalty. traveling through Ukraine during the Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, historian down, she said, as is their level of pride of The book presentation was sponsored Holodomor are arrested by the Soviet secu- Lyudmyla Hrynevych, who heads the their country, down to 10 percent – much by The Washington Group (TWG) Cultural newly created Holodomor Research lower than in the other two countries. Fund. (Continued on page 14) 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2013 No. 47

Kwasniewski warns Kyiv of risk political views” should come to the opposi- Commission’s decision to ban the holding NEWSBRIEFS tion-organized event, and he urged support- of a referendum and the intimidation of KYIV – A senior envoy of the European (Continued from page 2) ers planning to attend the rally to bring people, “we have collected 3 million signa- Union has warned Ukraine not to miss its Ukrainian national flags and EU flags tures needed to hold a referendum on chance to sign a key deal with the bloc at a instead of political banners. Ukraine’s oppo- hope that on November 21, the Verkhovna determining Ukraine’s foreign economic Vilnius summit on November 28-29, it was sition said on November 13 it was planning Rada would adopt three European integra- integration.” He added: “The Communist reported on November 14. Aleksander the rally to urge Parliament to adopt a pack- Party of Ukraine has repeatedly warned tion laws required for Ukraine to sign an Kwasniewski was speaking one day after age of laws, including one allowing Ms. that the signing of the Association Association Agreement with the European Ukraine’s Parliament failed to agree on a bill Tymoshenko to receive medical treatment Agreement with the EU on the terms pro- Union in Vilnius. In a statement in Brussels that would have allowed imprisoned former in Germany. (RFE/RL, with reporting by posed by Brussels and the IMF on November 20, following his visit to Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko to seek Agence France-Presse, UNIAN and RFE/RL’s [International Monetary Fund] is a betrayal Ukraine on November 18-20, he said: “I am medical treatment abroad. “Failure to sign Ukrainian Service) of the Ukrainian people and a betrayal of encouraged to see the determination of the in Vilnius would mean postponing the national interests, a road to the loss of eco- Holodomor commemorated in Paris president [Viktor Yanukovych] and of agreement for an indefinite number of nomic and political sovereignty of our speaker of the Parliament [Volodymyr] years,” Mr. Kwasniewski told the Ukrainian KYIV – On November 17, Paris hosted country.” He noted that the signing of the Rybak in cooperation with all parliamenta- news agency UNIAN. The EU considers Ms. commemorative events to mark the 80th Association Agreement could lead to the ry factions to adopt key legislation on Tymoshenko’s conviction for abuse of office anniversary of the Holodomor, the Famine- disappearance of industrial branches, the November 21, 2013, on parliamentary to have been politically motivated and has Genocide of 1932-1933 in Ukraine. bankruptcy of thousands of small and elections, a new law on the Procurator made her release a prerequisite for Kyiv to According to the Ukrainian Embassy in medium-sized enterprises and the unem- General’s Office and a new law on the med- clinch an Association Agreement. Mr. France, the memory of the Holodomor’s ployment of hundreds of thousands of ical treatment of prisoners abroad,” reads Kwasniewski also warned that Russia, victims was honored during a ceremony of Ukrainian citizens. Mr. Symonenko said the statement. He said that the EU’s com- which wants Ukraine to join its Customs laying flowers at the Arc de Triomphe. The that the EU’s requirements include the fur- mitment to bring EU-Ukraine relations to a Union with Belarus and Kazakhstan, was event was attended by Ukraine’s ambassa- ther introduction of harmful pension new quality, opening up new opportunities “making a mistake” by trying to prevent dor to France, Oleksander Kupchyshyn; the reforms, the implementation of deadly for the Ukrainian people, is firm. “I appreci- Ukraine from signing the agreement. Paris-based eparch for Ukrainian Greek- healthcare reforms and the deprivation of ate the considerable progress which has President Viktor Yanukovych said on Catholics of France, Benelux and veterans, retirees, Chornobyl clean-up been made during the last months in this November 14 he would only sign a law that Switzerland, Bishop Borys Gudziak; the workers and others of their benefits. “The regard,” Mr. Fule said, speaking about the could not be abused to evade criminal chairman of the Representative Committee last constitutional rights of citizens to efforts made by the Ukrainian side in fulfill- responsibility – suggesting Ms. Tymoshenko of Ukrainians in France, Natalia Pasternak; social protection from the state will be ing the criteria for signing the Association would be expected to return to Ukraine heads of Ukrainian organizations in France eliminated. Europe cynically demands an Agreement. The purpose of Mr. Fule’s visit after treatment and continue serving her and other European countries, diplomats, increase in such impossibly high tariffs for was to discuss the implementation of sentence. Opposition supporters have representatives of Ukrainians abroad, gas, water and electricity for most people, agreements reached during a phone con- already rejected this option. Meanwhile, French and Ukrainian social, political and which implies a sharp rise in prices for versation on November 15 between Vitali Klitschko, the leader of the opposition cultural activists, and journalists. high-quality goods and products, and a European Commission President Jose Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Reforms (Ukrinform) sharp deterioration in the lives of our citi- Manuel Barroso and President Yanukovych who has announced his candidacy for presi- zens,” Mr. Symonenko said, adding that the about ensuring the signing of the dent, urged supporters to attend a pro-EU Yushchenko: Yulia’s fate can wait EU demands that Ukraine open its borders Association Agreement in Vilnius. rally in Kyiv on November 24. He said that KYIV – The main thing right now is the for “their trash and genetically modified (Ukrinform) “all people of Ukraine regardless of their successful completion of the Ukrainian- products,” while postponing the facilitation European dialogue in Vilnius, while of the visa regime for Ukraine until a later European integration laws and the fate of date. (Ukrinform) Yulia Tymoshenko should be considered Yatsenyuk denied a meeting with Yulia after the Eastern Partnership summit, for- mer Ukrainian President Viktor KYIV – The leader of the Ukrainian TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL WALTER HONCHARYK (973) 292-9800 x3040 Yushchenko told Channel 5 in an interview opposition in Parliament has not been or e-mail [email protected] over the weekend of November 16-17. At allowed to meet with jailed former Prime the same time, he said, the government and Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, it was report- the opposition will not be able to solve the ed on November 15. Arseniy Yatsenyuk, SERVICES PROFESSIONALS issue of the ex-premier individually. As head of the opposition Batkivshchyna fac- reported, the European Union has stated tion, and National Deputy Iryna Lutsenko that Ukraine has not yet fulfilled all the cri- and her husband, former Internal Affairs teria set for its association, in particular, a Minister Yuriy Lutsenko, were denied a solution to the case of Yulia Tymoshenko. meeting with Ms. Tymoshenko in a Kharkiv Meanwhile, the European Parliament hospital. Mr. Yatsenyuk said the action was extended the Cox/Kwasniewski mission to a warning of “a breakdown” of the Ukraine until the end of November, when European Union’s Eastern Partnership the Eastern Partnership Summit is to be summit in Vilnius later this month in which held in Vilnius. (Ukrinform) the EU hopes to sign an Association Agreement with Ukraine. Meanwhile, in Symonenko sees a betrayal Kyiv, President Viktor Yanukovych spoke KYIV – The signing by Ukraine of an on the phone with European Commission Association Agreement with the European President Jose Manuel Barroso to discuss Union on the current terms will lead the the upcoming summit. Mr. Yanukovych also country to the loss of its economic sover- met with Jean-Claude Mignon, president of eignty, according to Petro Symonenko, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council leader of the Communist Party faction in of Europe. No details of either meeting Parliament. Speaking from the Verkhovna were available. (RFE/RL, based on report- Rada’s rostrum on November 19, he said ing by Interfax, ITAR-TASS, and the that despite the Central Election Associated Press)

SERVICES

OPPORTUNITIES

EARN EXTRA INCOME! The Ukrainian Weekly is looking for advertising sales agents. For additional information contact Walter Honcharyk, Advertising Manager, The Ukrainian Weekly, 973-292-9800, ext 3040. No. 47 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2013 13 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2013 No. 47

Authors present... Yuri Vynnychuk Mr. Vynnychuk’s appearance at the Woodrow Wilson (Continued from page 11) Center was a part of the 11th installment of the Contemporary Ukrainian Literature series sponsored by rity police but flee when the police truck crashes, killing the Kennan Institute and Columbia University’s Harriman the driver and their guard. They try to hide in what turns Institute. out to be a field of decaying, starved, naked human bodies. His novel featured in the presentation – “Tango of In the excerpt from the novel that Dr. Motyl read, the Death” – and the excerpts he read describe life in western four – a German nobleman from Berlin, a Polish diplomat Ukraine during the German invasion of World War II, from Lviv, a Jewish communist journalist from New York including the long, 10-day defense of Lviv. It was the BBC and a Ukrainian nationalist from Vienna – are astonished Ukrainian Book of the Year in 2012. when the skeletal remains of the young woman around In his presentation, Mr. Vynnychuk also described the which they were trying to hide begins to speak to them, difficult time he had under the Soviet Union in trying to and they try to quiet her, fearing that the noise may be a independent writer and still get his work published. attract the security police searching for them. One original method he discovered and used successfully Dr. Makhno, who joined in after Dr. Motyl’s presenta- was pretending that the works he was turning in were tion, was born in Ukraine and emigrated to the United not his but his translation of a made-up foreign-language States and now lives in New York. He is the author of nine novels or poems. And it worked, he said. collections of poetry, including his most recent, “I Want to Be Jazz” and “Rock ‘n Roll.” His poems and essays have Liudmyla and Vladyslav Hrynevych been translated into 20 languages, and he is the recipient of the 2013 International Morava Poetry Prize. Historian Liudmyla Hrynevych’s “Chronicle of This session was organized by the Washington branch Collectivization and Holodomor in Ukraine, 1927-1933” of the Shevchenko Scientific Society (NTSh), the is the result of many years of research – much of it in the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family now available secret official Soviet archives. The first Library and TWG. book of Volume 1 was published in 2008, followed by the

Yaro Bihun Alexander Motyl responds to questions during the pre- sentation of his new novel, “Sweet Snow.” Sitting next to him is co-presenter poet Vasyl Makhno.

second and third book of that first volume in 2012 – some 1,500 pages in all. The complete work is expected to con- sist of about a dozen volumes. In the meantime, this year she published a separate book specifically about the famine in 1928-1929. Her husband, Vladyslav Hrynevych, last year published his own work focusing on the beginning of World War II in Ukraine, specifically about the social and political atmosphere in Ukraine at the beginning of the war in 1939 to June 1941. This book presentation was organized by the NTSh. The Holodomor will once again be in the focus of press coverage in Washington December 4, when the ground- breaking ceremony at the Ukrainian Holodomor Memorial site is scheduled to take place. The start of the construction was made possible a month ago when Ukrainian entrepreneur Dmytro Firtash announced that he will donate $2.5 million for its construction. Asked by a member of the audience at the book pre- sentation whether it is a good idea to accept money for the Holodomor Memorial from a controversial oligarch, Historian Lyudmyla Hrynevych discusses her multi-vol- Liudmyla Hrynevych replied, “yes.” It would be a “way Yuri Vynnychuk reads excerpts from his novel “Tango ume undertaking, “Chronicle of Collectivization and toward developing mutual understanding” and “progress of Death.” Holodomor in Ukraine, 1927-1933.” towards a dialogue,” she said.

Journalistic investigations published photographs of an Yanukovych... officer in the Kyiv Police Department to Combat Organized Running with Chrystia Crime who organized 30 highly inebriated homeless people (Continued from page 6) (Continued from page 7) to stage a raucous protest that forced the cancellation of the Unfortunately for the president and the prime minister, movie. On other occasions it proved impossible to screen the Tymoshenko. Is the Liberal party pressuring Canada’s gov- Mezhihiria is viewed by Ukrainians an example of rampant movie when there was either an electricity blackout, or tear ernment to keep convincing Ukraine’s president to grant corruption; understandably, therefore, the authorities are gas canisters or stink bombs were thrown inside the hall, or her freedom? Or, will Mr. Yanukovych dig in and miss the highly sensitive to publicity surrounding the president’s police searches were made for “explosives.” In Ukraine, ruled chance to integrate with Europe and revert to Soviet-like lavish lifestyle in a country with widespread poverty and by an Orwellian political force, those tasked with combating rule? Mr. Trudeau is well briefed on this delicate foreign wage arrears. crime are protecting those who are abusing their high offices policy issue, even hopeful. He says there are discussions Two years ago Ukraine adopted a widely praised law on by censoring publicity about President Yanukovych’s palatial taking place behind the scenes. access to public information that covered everybody, appetites (besides Mezhyhiria, there are equally sumptuous He is less positive on the issue of the Holodomor, the although it would seem the president remains above the Carpathian and Crimean palaces). Soviet Famine-Genocide designed by Ukraine-haters to law. Photographs of Mezhyhiria are widely available on the In August, journalists travelling to Berlin to show the eradicate the Ukrainian nation. It is being undermined by Internet in a country where nearly half the population is movie were detained at Kyiv’s airport by border guards, the Canadian Human Rights Museum. Many Canadians con- wired. (Perhaps not surprisingly one never sees the presi- who have not been reformed since the Soviet era when sider this to be a betrayal of such values as equal treatment dent clutching an i-Pad, laptop or smartphone.) they were part of the KGB. They searched the journalists’ and fairness. Mr. Trudeau indicates that the matter is out of Nevertheless, this has not stopped business owners laptops for “state secrets” and confiscated DVD copies of the opposition’s hands. seeking to keep on good terms with the president from the movie. Presumably, Ukraine’s security services have Liberals under Mr. Trudeau’s leadership aim to con- removing editors such as Ihor Huzhva for publishing pho- never heard of the Cloud, Google Drive or Dropbox. vince the public that they are on the comeback. They have tographs of the palace in the high-circulation Segodnya Is Mr. Yanukovych, therefore, somebody who will even- far to go. At the top of their game in the early 2000s, they newspaper. tually come around in the next two weeks to understand- held a 170-seat majority but plunged to the current In a scene straight out of Orwell’s “1984,” the authorities ing the errors of his ways in imprisoning Ms. Tymoshenko? 35-seat low. When asked how this comeback will happen, have been paranoid enough about the public hearing about Indeed, after Vilnius, can we honestly expect the Ukrainian Mr. Trudeau assures, “I win things; just wait ‘til the next their lavish lifestyles that they have attempted to censor a president to replace the Ukrainian Orwellian system he election.” He sounds almost like his father. When confront- movie about Mezhyhiria with the illegal use of law enforce- rules over and where he plays a star role with a European ed by doubters, one of Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau’s ment officers in 20 cities around Ukraine. In the Soviet opera? legendary expressions was, “just watch me”. And he deliv- Union, members of the “New Class,” as Milovan Djilas I doubt it. After all, as the Ukrainian cleaning lady on ered. described them, could hide from public view in gated com- SNL said, Ukraine’s “stability” and politics are far more sur- The next federal elections are still far away. However, munities, but this is impossible in today’s wired and glo- real than in America. I would add that they are also far with a strong candidate like Ms. Freeland, the Liberal lead- balized world. Mezhyhiria can be found on Google Earth, more lucrative for those who are in power and therefore er is building a strong team. She’s keen to begin the job and among many places on the net. the powers will opt for “stability” over change. calls for your vote on November 25. No. 47 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2013 15

OUR COMMUNITIES

A view of Siesta Key Beach. St. Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in North Port, Fla. Sarasota: A tropical and cultural paradise with a vibrant Ukrainian community

by Jurij Baranowskyj North Port. In the 1980s the community expanded to include the St. Andrew SARASOTA, Fla. – On the southwest Condominium Complex, and eventually it coast of Florida, in the area of Sarasota, became so large that a new church had to there is a land of beautiful white sandy be built in 1992 for the Catholics. beaches, lush tropical vegetation and St. Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church is palms, azure Gulf waters and breathtaking now the shining jewel of our community, sunsets. This coast has been blessed with with traditional architecture, paintings the nicest beaches in the nation, such as and icons, a wonderful young pastor and a Siesta Key, Lido, Longboat Key, Manasota great choir. Maintaining our Ukrainian Key, Gasparilla Island, Boca Grande and heritage, while enjoying all the wonderful others. features that this part of the southwest What distinguishes our Sarasota com- coast of Florida has to offer, it seems that munity is everything else that has devel- life just doesn’t get any better. oped around this tropical paradise, a cul- This area is one of America’s most tural jewel on the Gulf Coast: the Sarasota desirable places to vacation, live and Symphony, Opera and Ballet, the Van retire. The clean air and sunny climate Wezel Performing Arts Center, the famous have made it world-famous as a center for Ringling Art Museum with its renowned the good life. In fact, Forbes has named gallery of Renaissance and Baroque art. Sarasota as one of the best places for busi- There are multiple theatrical playhouses, ness; Money magazine recognized it as the the Venice Community Theater, art and nation’s best “small city,” one of the best movie festivals. These are cultural offer- places to retire and one of the cities with Michael Yarymovych ings you would find in a city five times as the best health-care systems. At the 50th anniversary celebrations of North Port, Fla., in 2009, the “Ukrainians on large, but here they are enjoyed without It is a diverse area with big-city ameni- Parade” float won best of show. the traffic, pollution, crime and high prices. ties, but has a much lower cost of living – Located just south of Sarasota, the fast- there’s no Florida state income tax, there This year the state of Florida is celebrat- ties of all the benefits of living in the state growing city of North Port is home to a are reasonable real estate values at this ing the 500th anniversary of its discovery of Florida, and thus to promote increased vibrant and active Ukrainian community. It time. Plus there is excellent year-round by the Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon. migrations of families of Ukrainian descent has become a gathering point for newer golfing, tennis, biking, boating and fishing Upon landing on its beautiful shores dur- to our neighborhoods on the Southwest and earlier immigrants, young and older for the avid sportsmen. With the active ing the Easter spring season, his impres- Gulf Coast. Ukrainian patriots who want to pursue and friendly Ukrainian community, those sion was one of a “land of flowers,” thus, he So, baby-boomers, empty-nesters, retir- their interests and associations with their of us who are lucky to live here are busy named the coastal area “La Florida.” ees, come to Sarasota – to vacation, to heritage through church activities, con- having too much fun to think about getting The state population is growing, and it work, to build, to live part-year, full year or certs, lectures, zabavy and, yes, varenyky. old. is estimated that in coming years the state retire. Life is better in flip-flops on glorious We have social and cultural clubs, and Our corner of paradise extends from St. will add 1 million people every four to five sunny, sunny days. established churches of the Catholic, Petersburg to greater Sarasota, including years. The tourism industry also estimates We welcome you to Floridaaah. Orthodox, Pentecostal and other Christian Bradenton, Osprey, Venice, North Port and that Florida will be visited by over 90 mil- Vitayemo ! denominations. The initial focal center of Englewood, to Fort Myers and Naples. This lion people, the majority of whom are For additional information, readers may activity since the 1970s was the St. region is easily accessed by air via Tampa, repeat visitors and 20 percent are foreign- visit our website: www.ukrainiansofsw- Andrew Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Sarasota or Fort Myers international air- ers. This undoubtedly will improve the florida.org. Center, popularly called “Oseredok,” in ports. There is even the opportunity to overall real estate and business climate, as bring automobiles from the north via the tourism is the major source of income for EDITOR’S NOTE: Want to tell others Dr. Jurij Baranowskyj is in charge of pub- very convenient overnight Amtrak Auto the state. about your community? Send us a story lic relations for the Men’s Social Club based Train from the Washington, D.C., area to The aim of this article is to entice and and photos (or direct questions) to in Sarasota, Fla. the Orlando area. inform our northern Ukrainian communi- [email protected].

that while the benefits stemming from policy on Ukraine is immutable. tion in the Tymoshenko case, somewhat Kyiv tests... signing the AA will appear only in the long In fact, the EU might still consider lifting tamper the likelihood of such an outcome. (Continued from page 2) term, a shrewd politician like Ms. its “red line” on Ms. Tymoshenko and Nonetheless, for now, the prospects that Tymoshenko might use Ukraine’s current instead pledge to support Ukraine and sign the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement will issue of “selective justice” (see EDM, economic downturn and Russian pressure the Association Agreement at the Vilnius be signed at the end of the month still November 12). On November 13, the on Kyiv as campaign issues with which to summit – while at the same time applying remain relatively high. Ukrainian Parliament failed to pass a bill to attack Mr. Yanukovych in the upcoming conditionality to Ukraine’s further develop- allow Ms. Tymoshenko to leave prison for spring 2015 presidential elections. This ment and democratization efforts. But the The article above is reprinted from medical treatment in Germany (RFE/RL, line of argument, however, rests on the continuing lack of consensus among EU Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from November 13). assumptions that Mr. Putin’s promises and member states, coupled with the Ukrainian its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, The Ukrainian authorities likely reason threats are credible, and that the West’s authorities’ record of insufficient coopera- www.jamestown.org. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2013 No. 47

KGB agents and Kuchmists,” it has also authority is like getting to the sky on all didn’t rise up against the Communist ter- Outspoken... occasionally included “komsomoltsi” fours,” Mr. Tiahnybok said, adding, “Truly, ror. They merely studied the statutes of the (Continued from page 3) (Komsomol members) in that mix, but this is all a pitiful deceit, not lustration, Communist Party,” Mr. Drozdov wrote in a carefully phrased as “Komsomol leaders” in because even in the former German column published on November 16 on the gazeta.ua website. ness, was a high-ranking local party execu- light of the history of Mr. Tiahnybok, and Democratic Republic, where the harshest now Ms. Farion. lustration occurred, such categories of citi- “She is the party. She devotedly carries tive in Dnipropetrovsk. The day after the documents were pub- zens weren’t affected. Otherwise, Angela the truth to others, yet fears the truth about Ms. Tymoshenko’s most trusted confi- lished on zaxid.net, Mr. Tiahnybok pub- Merkel would not have become German herself. She can sophisticatedly – using the dante, Oleksander Turchynov, rose through lished a defense of Ms. Farion on the chancellor.” wealth of Ukrainian epithets and compari- the Komsomol ranks to become a local Ukrayinska Pravda website in which he Mr. Tiahnybok offered his defense of Ms. sons – smear her opponent with you-know- executive committee leader. stressed that his party’s lustration policy – Farion without directly acknowledging her what, but won’t accept analogous deeds Even Oleh Tiahnybok, the founder and both in legislation and in the party program party involvement. against herself,” Mr. Drozdov wrote. chair of the nationalist Svoboda party who – is limited to the leaders of the Communist But whether Ms. Farion was a “She can berate everyone left and right, often rails against the Komsomol “nomen- Party, not rank-and-file former members Komsomol or Communist, member or lead- but will call everyone who says even one klatura” that makes up the Ukrainian oli- who number in the millions in Ukraine. er, is not important, critics said. What’s dis- crooked word against her a kham [boor]. garchy today, admitted to being a “I’ll give my arm to be sawed off that she turbing, they say, is that she lied about it, She will fight hysterically for the indispens- Komsomol member for about five years, doesn’t fall under any of these categories,” insulting journalists in the process, and able necessity of lustration, but not for her- until 1989. he wrote. “That would have been well- then refused to take responsibility for her self and members of her own party. “It was impossible to gain admission to known without any papers from the lies when the evidence came out, continu- Because she is chosen, motivated by the the institute without being in the archives. People here remember well who ing to degrade the press as “hyenas.” truth, consecrated by the blood of her Komsomol,” he told the zaxid.net news site in in Lviv belonged to the high-ranking, In that sense, the behavior of Ms. Farion, ancestors, lit by the Leader’s light and a 2009 interview, referring to the Lviv State Communist-Komsomol nomenklatura or, and the Svoboda party as a whole, is identi- blessed by the party card.” Medical Institute to which he gained admis- God forbid, persecuted Ukrainians with ide- cal to that of the Communist Party mem- The newly revealed documents became sion in 1985 at the age of 17. “I returned ological motives.” bers she enjoys demonizing, said Ostap the latest in a series of embarrassing scan- from the army in 1989 and re-entered the Instead, Ms. Farion has earned the high- Drozdov, a Lviv television talk show host dals for the Svoboda party. institute just as events of the national-libera- est respect and trust of her people, earning and longtime critic of the Svoboda party. In September, Lviv’s most popular news- tion revolution began. We all amicably almost 70 percent of the vote to represent “This is a usual dialectic of Ukrainian paper, Ekspres, published several articles burned our Komsomol cards and left.” her single-mandate district in the city of existence, when those ready to die for alleging extensive financial corruption in the So, while the Svoboda party’s language Lviv, he wrote. Ukraine 25 years ago didn’t organize any Svoboda party. Most notably, Ekspres on lustration has been harsh against what “And no matter how much all her perse- anti-Soviet demonstrations, risked nothing alleged that the party’s economic council it refers to as “the three K’s of ‘komunisty,’ cutors rage, for them to reach such moral for Ukraine, didn’t publish any samvydav, chair, National Deputy Ihor Kryvetskyi, is among Lviv’s biggest gangsters, allegedly responsible for crimes such as drug traffick- ing, a business possibly inherited from his role in the alleged murder of a rival gangster. These claims were confirmed by former law enforcement officers of the organized crime division that Ekspres reportedly con- sulted. In response, Svoboda spokesman Oleksander Aronets said the Expres arti- cles were paid fabrications by the Party of Regions ahead of the 2015 presidential election campaign. The Ekspres articles also allege that Svoboda national deputies do business with the Communist Party deputies, some- thing Mr. Aronets also denied. On November 8 an Ivano-Frankivsk court set a $42,000 bail on the arrest of City Council Deputy Volodymyr Kolkovskyi, who was charged in October 2012 of accepting a $10,000 bribe for enabling a land purchase, among other possible crimes. He fled to Croatia after the charges were filed and has since been arrested and returned to Ivano-Frankivsk. He claims the video evidence of the bribe is a forgery. What Svoboda doesn’t deny is the outra- geous views of some of its members who cause scandals every few months. For example, Oleksiy Kurinniy, a local party leader and lecturer of international law at the National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy, proposed this year that those deemed by the government as Ukrainophobes should lose custody of their children.

Kwasniewski... (Continued from page 1) on industrial production and trade with Russia. Russia had been angered by the proposed deal, and has warned Kyiv of trade repercussions. Also on November 21, the government proposed setting up a three-party trade commission between Ukraine, the European Union and Russia.” Some news sources, however, ques- tioned whether Kyiv was, once again, bluff- ing. Roman Olearchyk of The Financial Times wrote: “Stefan Fule, the EU’s enlargement commissioner, is racing back to Kyiv on Thursday [November 21], mak- ing his second visit to the Ukrainian capital this week. His mission: to rescue historic association and free trade agreements that both sides say they hope to sign in Vilnius during an Eastern Partnership Summit next week. His chances: slim. Or perhaps that is just what Viktor Yanukovych, Ukraine’s president, wants him to think.” No. 47 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2013 17 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2013 No. 47 Ukrainian Federal Credit Union pays $500,000 anniversary bonus dividend

Vasiliy Baziuk The Ukrainian Federal Credit Union’s board of directors and senior executives in a photo taken at its 60th anniversary banquet (from left): Bogdan Zakharchishin, assistant treasurer; Tamara Denysenko, board member; Wasyl Kornylo, president and board chairman; Yaroslav Fatyak, first vice-president; Yaroslav Kirik, second vice-president; Barbara Gutierrez, treasurer; Roman G. Omecinskyj, CFO; Tanya Dashkevich, COO; and Oleg Lebedko, CEO.

by Valeriy Guy thanking our members for their support October 24, after the credit union held its Journal’s 2013 list of credit unions by asset over the years. Our members are the own- anniversary banquet on October 19. size. Additionally, Ukrainian FCU ranked in ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Ukrainian Federal ers of the credit union, and we are proud to Ukrainian FCU is a full-service financial the top 10, in 2012 and 2013, in the New Credit Union (Ukrainian FCU) paid a special return our earning to them,” said Oleg institution founded in 1953 by Ukrainian York Credit Union Performance & Trends anniversary bonus dividend to its members Lebedko, CEO. Americans in Rochester, N.Y. Today report released by the Credit Union in celebration of its 60th anniversary. The The amount of the dividend was based on Ukrainian FCU has seven branches nation- Association of New York and Callahan & dividend was paid to more than 15,000 eli- the total loan and savings relationship of the wide and serves nearly 18,000 members Associates. gible members. member with the credit union. Dividends with assets of $170 million. Ukrainian FCU For more information readers may visit “The anniversary dividend is our way of were deposited into members’ accounts on ranked seventh on the Rochester Business www.rufcu.org/anniversary.php.

Tutoring Wanted gives meaning and provokes thought. You Looking for an adult or a teenager Chicago Ukrainian... start to think: did we really do this? Can (Continued from page 10) humans actually be capable of such horrific to teach a young child Ukrainian monstrosity?” after school in Bayside, NY. around the world. An example of this was The students were then served lunch, a Terms to be agreed upon. the installation of a pole of human skulls small piece of bread with honey and water. Please email [email protected] from floor to ceiling. This exhibit commemo- Lida Tkaczuk, vice-president of the rates the 80th anniversary of the Ukrainian National Museum and UGFF, or call (718) 224-7740. Holodomor while also exploring other geno- remarked to the students: “As we share cides from around the world. On display is this bread, think how grateful those victims the model of the Holodomor Memorial in of the Holodomor would have been for a Washington, designed by Larysa Kurylas. piece of bread… let us remember and com- Luba Markewycz, a long-time educator memorate all those that have perished.” and member of the UGFF, engaged the stu- Nicholas Skyba, a member of UGFF, dents by sharing her reflections of the introduced his mother, Olena Skyba, and exhibit. After viewing the exhibit, the stu- Tatyana Harbuz, two survivors of the dents chose one painting or sculpture and Holodomor and, respectively, natives of responded to it through personal observa- Poltava and Kharkiv. Ms. Skyba recalled, “It tions and by writing excerpts in a response was spring, and there was nothing to eat. journal created by Ms. Kozbur. We lay on a field and ate grass. We didn’t “Point of Entry” by sculptor Dominic have the strength to pull it with our hands Sansone elicited the following response so we pulled it with our teeth.” Thus, the from one student: “This is the piece of art students heard the terrible truth about that attracted me the most when I first how the Stalin regime attempted to destroy walked into the room. Seeing the faces the Ukrainian nation. impaled with the look of death and embed- In conclusion, each student was given a ded in soil really struck me deeply. We Holodomor button and a certificate of deliberately numb ourselves by violent workshop completion as UGFF President games about war and death, but Sansone’s Mischenko addressed the students. “You choice to make a piece with horrifying are the ambassadors and you have a task, images makes people really think about tell your friends, your teachers, tell every- this tragedy of genocide. Looking at his one about the terrible tragedy, the sculpture doesn’t make you treat genocide Holodomor, forced by Stalin on Ukraine in as just another war or death – it actually 1932-1933,” he stated.

Students listen to the stories of Holodomor survivors at the Ukrainian National Museum. No. 47 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2013 19

November 28 Lecture by Taras Kuzio, “Has Ukraine Finally Left the December 5 Gala event, “Andrivsky Vechir,” Ukrainian Cultural and Ottawa Crossroads? Viktor Yanukovych, Vladimir Putin and Winnipeg Educational Center - Oseredok, www.oseredok.org Europe.” University of Ottawa, [email protected] or 613-562-5800 ext. 3692 December 6 Concert, featuring pianists Aleksandra Kasman and Roman Alexandria, VA Lopatynskyi, The Washington Group Cultural fund, The November 29 Book presentation by Daniel Hryhorczuk, “Caught in the Lyceum, 301-229-2615 or [email protected] Chicago Current,” Ukrainian National Museum, 312-421-8020 December 6- Art exhibit, “Ceramics/Glass,” Ukrainian Institute of November 29 Morska Zabava (dance), with music by Svitanok, February 2 Modern Art, 773-227-5522 or www.uima-chicago.org Whippany, NJ Chornomortsi Plast Fraternity, Ukrainian American Chicago Cultural Center of New Jersey, [email protected] December 7 Girls Night Out fundraiser, Iskra School of Ukrainian November 30 Book presentation by Alexander Motyl, “Sweet Snow,” Palatine, IL Dance, Ukrainian American Youth Association Center, Coral Gables, FL Books and Books, 305-798-0190 or [email protected] www.cym.org/us-palatine

December 1 Thanksgiving Celebration, Ukrainian America Club of December 7 Presentation by Virlana Tkacz, “Yara and the Hutsul Miami Miami, [email protected] or 305-635-6374 Toronto Koliada,” St. Vladimir’s Institute, 416-912-3766

December 1 Banquet fund-raiser, Toronto Friends of the Ukrainian December 7 Presentation by Stanislav Menzelevskyi, “The VUFKU Toronto Catholic University, Ukrainian National Federation New York Heritage: The Question of Restoration and Popularization Trident Hall, 416-239-2495 or www.ucef.org of Ukrainian Film,” Shevchenko Scientific Society, 212-254-5130 or www.shevchenko.org December 1 Holodomor presentation by Alexander Motyl, Ukrainian Miami National Women’s League of America Branch 17, December 7-8 Christmas bazaar, Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Silver Spring, MD 240-669-8566 Church, 305-798-0190 or [email protected] December 7-8 Christmas bazaar, The Ukrainian Museum, December 3 Lecture by Iryna Vushko, “From Promise to Terror: New York 212-228-0110 or www.ukrainianmuseum.org New York Ukrainian Socialists Between Imperial Austria, Poland December 8 75th anniversary celebration, St. Nicholas Ukrainian and Soviet Ukraine,” Columbia University, Philadelphia Catholic Church, [email protected] [email protected] or 212-854-4697 December 12-13 Ukraine in Washington gala event, U.S.-Ukraine December 4 Groundbreaking ceremony, Holodomor Memorial Washington Foundation with the Embassy of Ukraine, National Press Washington monument, Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, Club, Willard Hotel, www.usukraine.org/gala or Phoenix Park Hotel, www.ucca.org or 202-524-6555 [email protected]

December 5 Panel presentation, “Contextualizing the Holodomor: Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events Stanford, CA Observations on the 80th Anniversary of the Ukrainian advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions Famine of 1932-1933,” Stanford University, from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors 650-725-2563 or [email protected] and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected]. 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2013 No. 47

PREVIEW OF EVENTS

Friday, December 6 Saturday, December 14 ALEXANDRIA, Va.: The Washington Group WASHINGTON: The Taras Shevchenko Cultural Fund, together with The School of Ukrainian Studies will host a International Charitable Fund of the Mykolai Show and Holiday Bazaar. Students Vladimir Horowitz Competition, will present will present a Mykolai show at noon. Sviatyi Aleksandra Kasman, second prize winner, Mykolai (St. Nicholas) will then meet with and Roman Lopatynskyi, first prize winner, each grade/age group (non-students wel- of the eighth International Competition for come). The Heavenly Office is open 9:15- Young Pianists in Memory of Vladimir 11:45 a.m.; only one item per child ($2 fee), Horowitz, in a program featuring works by labeled with child’s name, grade/age). A Beethoven, Prokofiev, Rachmaninoff, Liszt bazaar/bake sale will be held at 9:30. a.m. and Brahms. A reception to meet the artists to noon, offering a variety of home-baked will take place immediately following the treats and holiday foods, books, gift items. performance. The event begins at 7 p.m. at Location: Ukrainian Catholic National The Lyceum, 201 South Washington St. Shrine of the Holy Family, 4250 Harewood Suggested donation: $20; free for students; Road NE, Washington DC 20017. For fur- unreserved seating. For more information ther information visit ukrainianschoolba- e-mail [email protected]. Event zaar.weebly.com or contact Lada contact phone: 301-229-2615; venue phone: Onyshkevych at [email protected] or 410- 703-838-4994. 730-8108.

PREVIEW OF EVENTS GUIDELINES 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 Ukrainian Weekly to the Ukrainian community. To have an event listed in Preview of Events please send information, in English, written in Preview format, i.e., in a brief paragraph that includes the date, place, type of event, sponsor, admission, full names of persons and/or organizations involved, and a phone number to be published for readers who may require additional information. Items should be no more than 100 words long; longer submissions are subject to editing. Items not written in Preview format or submitted without all required information will not be published. Preview items must be received no later than one week before the desired date of publication. No information will be taken over the phone. Items will be published only once, unless otherwise indicated. Please include payment for each time the item is to appear and 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 may be contacted by The Weekly during daytime hours, as well as their complete mailing address. Information should be sent to: [email protected]; payment should be sent to Preview of Events, The Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. NB: If e-mailing, please do not send items as attachments; simply type the text into the body of the e-mail message.