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INSIDE:• U.S. voices support for Odesa-Brody pipeline — page 3. • Kyiv’s traffic and cars: a sign of changing reality — page 10. •A New Yorker’s Absolute Adventures in California — page 11.

Published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profit association Vol. LXIX HE KRAINIANNo. 23 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2003 EEKLY$1/$2 in Ukraine Rada OKs Ukrainian troops for Iraq T U Yushchenko’sW visit to Canada by Roman Woronowycz ticipation. He underscored that the recom- Kyiv Press Bureau mendation by the NSDC to send Ukrainian troops came only after the United Nations offers vision of Ukraine’s future KYIV – Ukraine’s Parliament on June 5 Security Council had approved Resolution by Oksana Zakydalsky approved the deployment of a Ukrainian 1483, which lifted U.N. sanctions against Special to The Ukrainian Weekly military force to take part in the U.S. stabi- Iraq and supported the development of an lization force for Iraq. TORONTO – Viktor Yushchenko, international force to stabilize the country. leader of the political coalition Our By a vote of 273 for and 103 against, “The requirements of Ukrainian law the lawmakers gave the go-ahead to an Ukraine, came to Canada with a purpose were fulfilled with the approval of – to acquaint both the Canadian and agreement meshed together between the Resolution 1483,” explained Mr. Marchuk, United States, Great Britain and Poland in Ukrainian communities with the current whose purpose was to convince critics in political situation in Ukraine and to show which 1,800 Ukrainian troops will be part the Verkhovna Rada of the U.S.-led inva- that Our Ukraine is a reformist and dem- of a 10-nation force that will perform sion of Iraq that Ukraine would not ocratic body with a vision for the future. peacekeeping operations and security work become part of an “occupying force.” His short but intensive working visit as the rebuilding effort in the war-torn And there were many such critics, led on May 10-17, included stopovers in country begins. by representatives of the Communist Party. Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. He was The Tymoshenko Bloc voted in near Heorhii Kriuchkov, a leading member of invited to Canada by the East West unanimity against the proposal, as did a the Communist faction and chairman of Institute of Canada, a think-tank that pro- majority of the Our Ukraine Bloc, while the Rada’s Foreign Relations Committee, motes change in societies in transition the Socialist and Communist faction did said that while his committee approved the whose current director is Derek Fraser, not participate in the voting at all. vote by 7-2 because Ukraine’s participa- former Canadian Ambassador to The decision came a week after tion in the stabilization force was “in the Ukraine. Ukraine’s National Security and Defense best interest of the country,” he believed Mr. Yushchenko arrived with National Council had approved a request made by that the doubts that were being voiced Deputy Oleh Rybachuk, who has worked the United States, which was supported by need to be taken into account. as Mr. Yushchenko’s assistant since their the Verkhovna Rada Committee on “Whether we realize it or not, this will banking days. Mr. Yushchenko’s wife, Foreign Relations the day before the final make Ukraine part of the occupation of Kateryna Chymachenko Yushchenko, vote. Iraq,” explained Mr. Kriuchkov. “British accompanied her husband and, occasion- Speaking before the Rada prior to the Prime Minister Tony Blair today has been ally, they were joined in public by their vote on June 5, Secretary of the National forced to explain to his people the reason two young daughters. Viktor Yushchenko speaks in Toronto. Security and Defense Council Yevhen Our Ukraine was formed from an Marchuk made the case for Ukraine’s par- (Continued on page 9) alliance of 10 political parties in January acceptance as a candidate for president 2002 and received 24.7 percent of the of Ukraine. vote in the parliamentary elections on Mr. Yushchenko met with several March 31, 2002. Since the elections it members of provincial Parliaments and has been involved with an opposition provincial cabinet ministers, federal MPs coalition that includes the Communist and cabinet ministers, including Bill Support group established Party, Socialist Party and the Yulia Graham, minister of foreign affairs, and Tymoshenko bloc. he had dozens of business meetings. for St. George Schools in NYC At his press conference, Mr. Among those meetings was one with NEW YORK – Following more In addition to addressing everyday Yushchenko described the purpose of his the president and members of the Ontario than a decade of financial troubles, financial needs, renovating school visit as follows, “Of course, we under- Beekeepers Association (Mr. Yushchenko the Ukrainian community centered facilities, developing a pre-school stand that Ukrainian problems can only is an amateur beekeper). In Montreal Mr. around St. George Ukrainian Catholic program and registering new students, be solved by Ukrainians themselves. Yushchenko met with a Ukrainian Church in New York City has formed the foundation has formed a special They will have to make their choice, find Canadian Congress delegation headed by a charitable foundation to lend sup- Endowment Fund which will ensure within themselves the will and the President Eugene Czolij; in Ottawa he port to both St. George School and St. not only the scholastic improvement strength to take the responsibility for gave a lecture at the University of Ottawa George Academy. of the two schools but also their long- changing that which is responsible for on Ukraine’s foreign relations; and in On May 15 the New York term survival. The foundation seeks to the ills of Ukrainian society. But also Toronto he spoke at a well-attended Secretary of State accepted for filing garner a databank of alumni in order important to the political processes in Empire Club luncheon where his talk was the Certificate of Incorporation of a to establish an Alumni Association. Ukraine will be the position of our titled “Ukraine at the Crossroads: not-for-profit charitable corporation The legal work for the foundation neighbors and our partners, those with Democracy or Totalitarianism.” named St. George Ukrainian Catholic was performed pro bono by Askold S. whom we have friendly, traditional and “The key question is: What ails Schools Foundation, Ltd. Lozynskyj, who is also in charge of historical ties. It is precisely with such a Ukraine today? The image of Ukraine is The list of incorporators includes: its Endowment Fund. mission that I have made a number of a state with a corrupt government, where Bishop Basil Losten; the Rev. Philip All interested in joining the Alumni visits to European countries – Poland, freedom of speech does not exist, where Sandrick, pastor of St. George Germany, the Czech Republic, the there is political harassment and censor- Church; Oksana Bodnar, chair of the Association or contributing towards the Endowment Fund may contact the Baltics – to the U.S.A. and Russia, and ship, where the Constitution is ignored. St. George Parents’ Association; as now to Canada. I have been describing foundation at 24 E. Seventh St., New The government today has a 6 percent well as the principals of the two our position to the current situation in York, New York 10003 or Mr. confidence rating – the lowest level in 12 schools, Sister Chrysostom Lukiw and Ukraine and explaining our plans on how Lozynskyj at 225 East 11th St., New years. The principal political conflict is Peter P. Shyshka. to get out of the current quagmire. That not between the government and the The foundation is in process of York, NY 10003; telephone: (212) is the mission with which I have come to 254-2260; fax, (212) 979-1011; e- opposition, but between the regime and submitting an application for recog- Canada – to meet with members of the the citizen,” he said. nition of its tax-exempt status as a mail, [email protected]. government and Parliament, with the Mr. Yushchenko went on to describe 501 (c) (3) entity under the Internal The goal of the Endowment Fund business world and the Ukrainian com- the economic situation – the problem of Revenue Code. This status will is $3 million which through invest- munity – in order to build a bridge of the “shadowization” of the economy, enable other not-for-profit or busi- ments will provide for the improve- understanding.” where close to 40 percent of the econo- ness corporations and the general ment as well as the long-term func- Summing up, one can say that Mr. my is underground, widespread poverty, public desiring tax deductibility to tioning of both St. George School and Yushchenko came to get what today is unemployment, a low quality of life support the foundation. St. George Academy. called “face time” – to make oneself visi- ble in order to prepare the ground for (Continued on page 6) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2003 No. 23

ANALYSIS NEWSBRIEFS Bush in Krakow calls NEWSBRIEFS Rada asked to approve troops for Iraq Musiyaka (European Choice), Nestor Shufrych (Social Democratic Party- for trans-Atlantic unity KYIV – President Leonid Kuchma has United), Taras Chornovil, and Yuriy requested that the Verkhovna Rada Karmazin (Our Ukraine). On May 16 by Jan Maksymiuk motto: for your freedom and ours.” approve sending a Ukrainian peacekeeping Holos Ukrainy published a letter from a RFE/RL Poland, Belarus and Ukraine Report Apparently addressing the fears in contingent to the Polish-administered sta- group of 33 predominantly right-wing Poland that the close U.S.-Polish partner- bilization sector in Iraq, Interfax reported lawmakers requesting that Poland aban- U.S. President George W. Bush visited ship may tarnish Warsaw’s relations with on June 2, quoting Parliament Chairman don the quest for “one-sided apologies” Krakow where he delivered a keynote the European Union, Mr. Bush stressed Volodymyr Lytvyn. Kyiv reportedly wants for the Volyn massacre from Ukraine. “To speech on U.S.-European relations at that Poland’s future was in the EU. to dispatch a brigade of 1,600 to 1,700 achieve mutual understanding, Poland Wawel Royal Castle, the seat of Polish “Poland struggled for decades to gain troops to Iraq that would include two needs to revise cardinally its anti- kings from the 11th to the 17th centuries. freedom and to fully participate in life in motorized infantry battalions. The agency Ukrainian prejudices,” the letter said. That Speaking ahead of a meeting with Europe,” he said. “And soon you will be added that Ukraine’s 448-strong anti- letter was signed by Hryhorii European leaders at the Group of Eight (G- a member of the European Union. ... nuclear, -biological and -chemical (NBC) Omelchenko, Levko Lukianenko, Stepan 8) summit in Evian, France, Bush called Poland is a good citizen of Europe and battalion currently deployed in Kuwait Khmara, Yaroslav Kendzior and Andriy for U.S.-European unity in the face of cur- Poland is a close friend of America – and might be included in the Ukrainian contin- Shkil, among others. Polish and Ukrainian rent challenges. He said there is no conflict there is no conflict between the two.” gent in Iraq. President Kuchma told jour- Presidents Aleksander Kwasniewski and between the United States and Europe. In an interview with Polish Television nalists in Kyiv on May 28 that he is certain Leonid Kuchma agreed in February to “This is no time to stir up divisions in a before his address in Krakow, President the Rada will endorse a decision taken ear- organize a joint commemoration of the great alliance,” PAP quoted him as saying. Bush commented on French President lier this month by the National Security massacre. (RFE/RL Newsline) “I have come to Krakow to state the Jacques Chirac’s derogatory statement and Defense Council to send a contingent intentions of my country,” President earlier this year that some Central and of Ukrainian peacekeepers to the Polish Issue of east-west divide resurfaces Bush said. “The United States is commit- Eastern European countries that voiced stabilization sector in Iraq, Interfax report- KYIV – President Leonid Kuchma ted to a strong Atlantic alliance, to ensure official support for the U.S. action in Iraq ed. “I am convinced, taking into account said at a May 28 news conference that he our security, to advance human freedom, missed an opportunity “to shut up.” the situation in Parliament, that the deci- fears there might be attempts in next and to keep peace in the world.” “I think that it is unfortunate that some sion to dispatch [the contingent] will be year’s presidential election to pit voters in The U.S. president took an evidently European states attempted to wipe adopted,” Mr. Kuchma said. He said he is the east of the country against those in the conciliatory note toward European coun- Poland’s nose in the dirt for standing up aware that such a decision will be “per- tries that opposed the U.S.-led war on for its convictions,” Mr. Bush said. “I west, as was the case in previous presi- ceived ambiguously by Ukrainian society,” dential ballots in 1991, 1994 and 1999, Iraq, notably Germany and France, when don’t think you will be isolated [in the but added, “We have no right to stay aside he said, “We welcome, we need the help, EU]. I feel that Poland is too important a Interfax reported. Mr. Kuchma added that from global processes.” (RFE/RL such a negative, east-west division was the advice and the wisdom of our state. In my view, the days of sharp lec- Newsline) European friends and allies.” tures have passed. I think that Poland reinforced during the 2002 parliamentary “Europe and America will always be will be an important member of the EU Tymoshenko signals bid for presidency elections. (RFE/RL Newsline) joined by more than our interests,” he and that it will be received with open Kuchma: single opposition candidate added. arms. And so I think that this was just a KYIV – Yulia Tymoshenko, the leader Mr. Bush praised the role of Polish sol- momentary explosion of emotional rhet- of the eponymous opposition bloc, told KYIV – President Leonid Kuchma also diers in fighting terrorism. “In the battles oric.” the May 31-June 6 issue of the Kyiv- told journalists on May 28 that opposition of Afghanistan and Iraq, Polish forces In a step that has a chance to consider- based weekly Zerkalo Nedeli that she forces – Our Ukraine, the Yulia served with skill and honor,” he said. ably contribute to healing the U.S.- might consider running for the post of Tymoshenko Bloc, the Socialist Party, and “Poland rose to the moment. Again you European rift over Iraq, NATO decided Ukrainian president in 2004 if the opposi- the Communist Party – are unlikely to field have lived out the words of the Polish on June 2 to provide support in intelli- tion fails to agree on a single candidate. a joint presidential candidate in the 2004 gence, communications, logistics, move- “I never tire of asking [Our Ukraine election, Interfax reported. Mr. Kuchma Jan Maksymiuk is the Belarus, ment coordination, and force generation leader] Viktor Andriyovych [Yushchenko] suggested that Our Ukraine leader Viktor Ukraine and Poland specialist on the to the Polish-led stabilization force in when we will start full-fledged talks [on a Yushchenko made a mistake by not siding staff of RFE/RL Newsline. Iraq, Reuters reported. single, opposition-backed presidential with pro-presidential forces and not form- candidate],” Ms. Tymoshenko said. She ing a pro-government majority in the said Mr. Yushchenko and Socialist Party Verkhovna Rada after the 2002 parliamen- leader Oleksander Moroz refused to dis- tary elections. (RFE/RL Newsline) cuss the issue during their joint visit to Armenian cathedral Germany last month. (RFE/RL Newsline) Over 800 youths make pilgrimage to Univ Deputies divided over Volyn issue UNIV, Ukraine – Over 800 young pil- in Lviv is reconsecrated grims from throughout western Ukraine KYIV – A group of 39 national made a pilgrimage to the Ukrainian Religious Information Service of Ukraine The Armenian cathedral has a small deputies of the Verkhovna Rada published Greek-Catholic Monastery of the number of parishioners, but in recent an open letter in Holos Ukrainy on May Dormition in Univ, Lviv region. It ended LVIV – Karekin II, catholicos of all years it has served as a center for the 29 to condemn the massacre of Polish on May 18 with a pontifical liturgy cele- Armenians and head of the Armenian Armenian community in Lviv, which, civilians by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army brated by Bishop Yulian Gbur of Stryi. “I Apostolic Church, reconsecrated the according to the Rev. Thaddeus (UPA) in Volyn in 1943, Interfax reported. am going to ask for forgiveness and God’s Armenian Cathedral of the Dormition of Georgian, pastor of the cathedral, now The letter criticizes alleged attempts on grace” was a typical answer of the young the Mother of God in Lviv on May 18. numbers 1,500. According to the latest the part of some current politicians to people when asked: “Why are you making After 50 years in government possession, census of Ukraine, there are about 1,000 defend those who “sullied their hands the pilgrimage?” On the first day, the pil- the historic cathedral was recently people of Armenian descent in the city. with the blood of women and children” 60 grims covered 45 kilometers, which was a returned to the local Armenian communi- The Armenian Cathedral of the years ago as “immoral and exceptionally ty in the largest and most important city cynical.” Signatories included Parliament Dormition of the Mother of God in Lviv (Continued on page 14) in western Ukraine. was built 640 years ago. From the end of Chairman Volodymyr Lytvyn, Viktor Leonid Kravchuk, the president of the 17th century to the end of World War newly independent Ukraine, Charles II, it was in the possession of Armenian Aznavour, a French singer of Armenian Catholics. FOUNDED 1933 descent, and other representatives of In 1953, with the Armenian Catholic Armenia and the Armenian diaspora Church forbidden by the Soviet regime, THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY from around the globe were present at the cathedral was closed and the premis- An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., the ceremony. The ceremonial opening of es were used as a warehouse to store a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Yearly subscription rate: $55; for UNA members — $45. the church began with a procession of icons taken from churches throughout the about 1,000 people through Lviv’s his- area as well as artifacts from Lviv’s Periodicals postage paid at Parsippany, NJ 07054 and additional mailing offices. toric city center. National Museum. (ISSN — 0273-9348) After receiving the keys to the cathe- In 1991 the Lviv City Council decided dral from Nver Mkhitarian, president of The Weekly: UNA: to give the cathedral to the local Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 the Society of Armenians in Ukraine, Armenian Apostolic community, but the Catholicos Karekin performed the open- process of removing the icons and other Postmaster, send address changes to: Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz ing ritual, blessed the gates and the items was slow. The Ukrainian Weekly Editors: church, and celebrated a divine liturgy The community celebrated its first 2200 Route 10 Roman Woronowycz (Kyiv) inside the church. services, in the cathedral chapel, in the P.O. Box 280 Andrew Nynka The catholicos presented Mr. Mkhitarian spring of 2000. In June 2001 Pope John Parsippany, NJ 07054 Ika Koznarska Casanova (part time) with the Order of St. Gregory the Paul II visited the church. Illuminator (the founder of the Armenian In the spring of 2003, the rest of the The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com Church) for his contributions towards the complex was returned to the community The Ukrainian Weekly, June 8, 2003, No. 23, Vol. LXIX revival of the Church. He also knighted and now the church has been consecrat- Copyright © 2001 The Ukrainian Weekly Messrs. Aznavour and Kravchuk. ed for the second time in its history. No. 23 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2003 3

U.S. expresses strong support Controversy continues over dismissal of Odesa-Brody oil pipeline by Roman Woronowycz “The tanker accident off the coast of of cobym Romanma Woronowycznder of Ukrsao thanin ehis’ Russians Na counterpart.val Forces Kyiv Press Bureau Spain heightened the already acute Kyiv Press Bureau Yet, what may have been most deci- awareness that growing tanker traffic sive was Admiral Yezhel’s staunchly pro- KYIV – The United States came out increases the chances of environmental KYIV – Controversy continued to sur- Ukrainian stance in matters involving strongly in support of completing the disasters on Europe’s shores, explained round the dismissal of Admiral Mykhailo relations between the two navies in Odesa-Brody-Plotsk oil pipeline during Mr. Pascual. “European environmental Yezhel, commander of the Ukrainian Sevastopol. an energy conference in Kyiv on May 28, standards have also increased demand for Naval Forces, whom President Leonid According to a commentary in Dzvin giving reason to believe that oil could higher value light crude oil.” Kuchma unexpectedly relieved of duty Sevastopolia of May 18, written by its edi- indeed soon flow through Ukraine from In an interview published in Business during a trip to Sevastopol at the end of tor, Mykola Huk, Admiral Yezhel intention- the Caspian Sea to Western Europe. World Week several days later, Mr. Pascual April. On May 21 Admiral Yezhel was ally wrote all his holiday greetings to the U.S. Ambassador Carlos Pascual stat- continued on the topic and said that while arrested on charges of corruption for the Russian BSF during navy holidays in the ed during a major presentation that mov- Odesa-Brody could operate profitably illegal transfer of military holdings. Ukrainian language; demanded that his sub- ing oil from the Caspian Sea to markets today, the most efficient option for trans- The firing came on the eve of a trip by ordinates communicate in the Ukrainian lan- in Europe is now economically viable for porting Caspian oil would be for Poland to Russian President Vladimir Putin to the guage and built a memorial to the Ukrainian Ukraine and in Europe’s interest. complete the pipeline from Brody through Crimean region, which has led to much bard Taras Shevchenko on Prymorskyi “Despite concerns that Odesa-Brody its territory northwest to the city of Plotsk speculation that the move was done in Boulevard, while attempting to have 50th could never be commercially viable, and on to Gdansk, the country’s main port deference to the Russian leader’s visit. Anniversary Square in Sevastopol renamed global market trends now favor develop- city on the Baltic Sea. This would give On May 22 Mr. Kuchma appointed Hetman Sahaidachny Square. ment of this project,” explained Mr. easy access to transit by water to Germany Vice-Admiral Ihor Kniaz to replace Mr. The newspaper noted that, with Pascual. and the rest of Western Europe. Yezhel as head of the Ukrainian navy, but Admiral Yezhel’s departure, the annual The U.S. ambassador, speaking during Mr. Pascual stated that a recent not before a wave of criticism had May 9 Victory Day celebrations in the sixth international conference European Union contribution of 2 million engulfed Admiral Yezhel’s firing – most Sevastopol this year took on a Russian “Energy Security of Europe in the 21st euros to the project would do much to notably accusations by the editor of the coloration: all commands to Ukrainian Century,” noted that global economic cir- spur it forward. He also noted that two local newspaper, Dzvin Sevastopolia (Bell naval cadets were given in Russian, a cumstances had changed since President U.S.-based companies, Conaco Philips, of Sevastopol), which is published by the Russian vice-admiral opened the parade Leonid Kuchma had decided to pursue which owns an oil refinery in the Czech Ukrainian Prosvita Society, that President and “Sevastopol, The City of Russian the completion of an oil terminal at Republic and ChevronTexaco, which has Kuchma had bowed to pressure from his Sailors,” was the song that began the Odesa and a pipeline to carry crude oil to oil-extracting rights in the Caspian Sea, Russian counterpart in making the deci- official banquet in the evening. the Polish border in defiance of heated favored transporting oil via the Odesa- sion to fire the pro-Ukrainian admiral. Anatolii Danilov, assistant director of criticism from Ukrainian politicians. The Brody line. There are long-standing disagreements the Nakhimov Naval Institute in voices in opposition had stated that there The U.S. diplomat said that if talks between the head of the Russian Black Sevastopol, which is a Ukrainian naval was no demand for the pipeline and that were “effective and aggressive,” oil Sea Fleet (BSF), Vice-Admiral Vladimir academy, would not comment on the spe- its construction would serve no purpose could stream through the pipeline by the Masorin, and Admiral Yezhel on various cific reasons for the dismissal of Admiral except as a pork barrel project. end of the year. issues, including control of the naviga- Yezhel, a longtime acquaintance and his Ambassador Pascual gave several rea- During the Kyiv energy conference, tional systems and traffic in and around former boss. He said the only informa- sons for the new opportunity for Ukraine, representatives from the EU and Poland the bays and ports of the area. tion he had was obtained in the press. one of which was a recent analysis by the met with Ukrtransnafta officials, the state- Last year, the Ukrainian navy ceded Mr. Danilov said he had seen no out- auditing firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, owned public corporation responsible for some authority to the Russian BSF over ward evidence of friction between the which showed the project could be prof- the Odesa-Brody pipeline, to announce navigation within the four bays found in commanders of the Ukrainian navy and itable. that a tripartite group had been established Sevastopol in order to better organize the Russian BSF. He maintained, howev- He noted that, more so than earlier, to carry out a business plan that search and rescue operations. According er, that the Ukrainian Naval Forces and Europe was looking for diversification of PricewaterhouseCoopers had approved. It to Volodymyr Prytula, director of the his academy continue to function in the its energy resources and that the demand included the transportation of oil to the Monitoring Committee on Press Ukrainian language and that he had not for Caspian light-sweet crude oil in Czech Republic, Germany and Austria Freedoms in Crimea, the Ukrainian naval noted any significant changes in policy Central and Western Europe had been from the Odesa-Brody pipeline through an Forces and the Russian BSF were battling after Admiral Yezhel’s firing. established, with Germany already already functioning transportation line, the for control of navigational stations and As for the charges against Admiral importing the energy source. Druzhba pipeline, until the Brody-Plotsk equipment, and navigational dominance. Yezhel – that he had abused his authority Secondly, he stated that today it had segment was constructed. Dzvin Sevastopolia charged that the as a military official and had been derelict become cheaper to ship via land than via UkrTransNafta Chairman Oleksander presidential edict to dismiss Admiral in his military service – Mr. Prytula the Bosphorus Strait, and, thirdly, the Todiichuk said he expected to have 4.5- Yezhel came after the friction between observed that it was commonly rumored strait was extremely over-used and 5.0 tons of Caspian crude oil running the two navy commanders came to a that the Ukrainian admiral had business “reaching its historic limits,” which through the Odesa-Brody pipeline on an head over stories critical of the Russian and land interests. He also noted that required the development of an alterna- annual basis by the end of this year and presence in Sevastopol that had appeared Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense in a major tive route. the first part of 2004, according to in the Ukrainian naval newspaper, Flot reorganization recently had given the navy Finally, Mr. Pascual said that Central Interfax-Ukraine. He noted that one Ukrainy (The Ukrainian Fleet), which the charge over the property and land holdings Europe had the refining capacity to han- Czech refinery had already agreed to take head of the Russian BSF wanted stopped. formerly held by the Crimean Army Corps. dle about 11 million tons of Caspian oil 2 million tons from the pipeline and con- The stories included details of Russia’s However, Mr. Prytula noted that even if from the Odesa-Brody pipeline without firmed that Chevron and British attempts to subvert the formation of the Admiral Yezhel is found guilty of the illegal the need for additional investment. Petroleum fully supported the effort. Ukrainian navy in the early 1990s. sale of government land and property, every “Germany and the Czech Republic “We have never been so close to a “I believe that this was the last of a military leader in every military district of have expressed an interest in importing positive result,” noted Mr. Todiichuk. complex set of reasons, which led to his Ukraine could be found guilty of the same about 7 million tons of light-sweet As The Weekly was going to press, dismissal and was a result of Russian charges and that, whether guilty or not, the Caspian crude now and Odesa-Brody Interfax-Ukraine reported on a develop- pressure from above,” explained real reason for Admiral Yezhel’s troubles lie could deliver it without additional invest- ment that would make the Odesa-Brody Volodymyr Prytula, the director of the in the political atmosphere of Sevastopol ment. Odesa-Brody could deliver an pipeline an immediate success. It stated Monitoring Committee on Press and relations between Kyiv and Moscow. additional 4 million tons of Caspian that on June 4 Russia’s Deputy Prime Freedoms in the Crimea. Given that Sevastopol remains a bub- crude oil to German and Austrian refiner- Minister Viktor Khristenko, who chairs Mr. Prytula explained that Vice- bling cauldron of Ukrainian-Russian polit- ies with minimal investment,” explained an energy committee in the Russian gov- Admiral Masorin had written a letter to ical and military disputes, Mr. Prytula said the U.S. envoy. ernment, had announced approval of a Admiral Yezhel in response to a recent he was pleased that President Kuchma had Mr. Pascual, in seemingly urging the draft proposal that would provide for 84 story to demand that he maintain better chosen the Crimean-born Vice-Admiral Central European countries towards use million tones of Russian crude oil to flow control over publications over which he Kniaz to replace Admiral Yezhel. He of the Odesa-Brody energy transportation through the Odesa-Brody line in an has influence, to “exclude publication of explained that the newly appointed naval line, also noted that the land-based route agreement that would run through 2018. materials that do not stimulate the devel- commander is among the first higher-rank- was environmentally safer and more The agreement must still receive full opment of friendship and good neighbor- ing officers to jump from the Russian secure. government approval. liness” between the two navies. The letter Black Sea Fleet to the newly established was obtained by Dzvin Sevastopolia and Ukrainian navy in 1992. published, which led to a broader piece “It was the most difficult period for on censorship by Radio Liberty. the Ukrainian navy and so I believe he Quotable notes Mr. Prytula explained in an exclusive can be characterized as a true Ukrainian “During the past 13 years in Poland, all ruling teams without exception have interview with The Ukrainian Weekly that patriot,” Mr. Prytula added. spoken so often and so much that there cannot be a strong, independent Poland enmity on a professional level had long Vice-Admiral Kniaz was commander without a strong, independent Ukraine, that all the Poles, including children, existed between the leaders of the BSF and of the Donuzlav Naval Base in northern have become convinced about this.” the Ukrainian navy. For one, Admiral Yezhel Crimea before he was named to head the out-ranked Vice-Admiral Masorin, even Navy by President Kuchma. Prior to that – Jacek Cichocki, director of the Warsaw-based, government-sponsored though the Russian BSF force in Sevastopol he was assigned to Naval Headquarters Center for Eastern Studies, during a meeting with Ukrainian opposition leader was much larger than the Ukrainian navy. in Sevastopol. He left the Russian Black Yulia Tymoshenko in Warsaw, as quoted by the Ukrainska Pravda website on Also, Mr. Yezhel was a dynamic figure in Sea Fleet for the Ukrainian Naval Forces May 9 and reported by RFE/RL Poland, Belarus and Ukraine Report. Sevastopol who had considerable influence, in December 1992, six months after they and many friends and interests, much more were formed. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2003 No. 23

CCRF’s Hartford chapter honors IN MEMORIAM: Martha Kulchytsky-Andriuk, individuals, institutions with awards Ukrainian community activist, opera singer HARTFORD, Conn. – The greater for CCRF whose riveting photos of by Yuriy Kulchytsky Hartford chapter of the Children of Ukrainian orphans and children undergo- Chornobyl Relief Fund on Sunday, May ing treatment for cancer helped to inspire PARMA, Ohio – Martha Kulchytsky- 18, hosted a gala awards dinner honoring new initiatives among CCRF donors and Andriuk (1935-2003) was born to and several individuals and institutions for volunteers. surrounded by music: her mother, Stefania, performed in the renowned their outstanding support of the Fund’s On behalf of the Holy Trinity Blavatsky Troupe in Lviv, her father, medical mission. Orthodox Church in Danbury, Conn., the Yaroslav, had a beautiful tenor voice. At The honorees included Olympic and Rev. Luke Mihaly accepted an award for a very early age she took piano lessons. World Champion Viktor Petrenko, who his parishioners who have organized a launched the “Viktory for Kids” ice skat- Yet, the congenial atmosphere was series of very successful fund-raisers, soon broken by the clouds of World War ing gala in 2001 that raised over including the annual Holy Trinity 5-kilo- $120,000 for CCRF to create a neonatal II. Her father, a teacher, was arrested by meter road race (now in its seventh year) the Bolsheviks in 1939 and executed in intensive care unit at the Odesa Regional to benefit CCRF. The Ukrainian National Children’s Hospital. 1943. Her mother died in 1942 of Home of New Haven, Conn., was hon- typhoid. Together with her brother, Yuri, Also honored was award-winning ored for its generous gift of over $71,000 photographer Joseph Sywenkyj, a native young Martha was left at the mercy of turbulent events and good members of of Windham, Conn., and a former intern (Continued on page 12) the family, two maternal aunts and them- selves only teenagers. Martha Kulchytsky-Andriuk As the furious Eastern front moved class. She devoted her time to the westward, so did Martha, her aunts and her brother. Having escaped the Reds, Ukrainian community, the Church and they ended up in a displaced persons Plast Ukrainian Scouting organization, in camp in Berchtesgaden. Circumstances which all her sons were active. Devoted forced the aunts to send the two orphans to her art, Ms. Kulchytsky-Andriuk to a relative in America, where they would use every occasion to improve it. hoped to eventually retrieve them. The Her home was a song without end. She relative, advanced in age, placed Martha belonged to prestigious symphony clubs, and Yuri in the St. Basil Ukrainian opera societies and schools, participated Orphanage in Philadelphia. in competitions and operas, operettas and When the aunts arrived in America, as plays. promised they took the children from the Her mastery of complete operas orphanage and life began to appear more included “Madama Butterfly,” “La normal. Music could be heard again as Traviata,” “Rigoletto,” “Lucia de Martha practiced her piano daily. Lammermoor,” and Norma. In her reper- Of course, financially life was diffi- toire were found famous arias from “La cult. Both orphans were sent to attend St. Bohéme,” “Tosca,” “Marriage of Figaro,” and the mad scene from “Ombra Ulana Slabicky Michael’s School and had to work clean- Lepere,” about which Martha’s reviewer Seen at the banquet are: (from left) photojournalist Joseph Sywenkyj, Svitlana ing the cafeteria tables and floors as pay- wrote, “...would all madness were as Pohoreltsev, Connecticut state Sen. John Fonfara, Ukrainian ice dancing cham- ment for their tuition. The cost of private enjoyable as her performance of this pion Olena Hrushyna, Consul General of Ukraine Serhiy Pohoreltzev, Nina voice instructors and Cleveland Institute Petrenko and World and Olympic Champion Viktor Petrenko. of Music lessons kept Ms. Kulchytsky aria.” Martha also performed lighter busy working as a secretary by day, and songs from “Porgy and Bess,” and practicing and studying by night. Yet she Steven Foster, which, according to a was no novice – while still in Germany reviewer, displayed her, “... lovely, gra- The Ukrainian Weekly announces a special section she had performed in “Koza Dereza,” cious warmth.” The reviewer noted also and later in Cleveland as Cio-Cio San in that when she sang the Victor Herbert “Madame Butterfly.” lyrics, “ ‘I want to be a prima donna; I Congratulations,Congratulations, In 1959, our “Butterfly” married her want to shine upon the stage,’ “she truly “Lt. Pinkerton,” – Capt. Wasyl Andriuk. did.” Graduates!Graduates! Their blissful years were interrupted by Ms. Kulchytsky-Andriuk’s Ukrainian the Cuban Missile Crisis and fear of a repertoire was enormous. She was espe- Every year tens of thousands of students throughout North America nuclear war. Her husband was called into cially concerned with preserving and receive undergraduate and graduate degrees at colleges and universi- service, leaving her with two sons in performing the songs that touched every- ties, cresting a pinnacle of personal achievement. And then there are hospitable Texas. But as the winds of the one, and especially her Ukrainian heart. those who graduate high school or complete the “matura” in our Cold War dissipated and with the return Countless concerts, benefits and church schools of Ukrainian studies. of her husband, life resumed as before, events saw her perform to standing ova- and the couple had a third son. tions. As a member of the Lysenko The Ukrainian Weekly’s special section – Congratulations, After settling in Washington, Ms. Graduates! – offers readers of The Ukrainian Weekly the opportuni- Andriuk taught a Ukrainian kindergarten (Continued on page 16) ty to place a note congratulating family members and dear friends on their recent achievements. This annual section will be published on July 6, 2003. FATHER'S DAY DINNER To place an ad congratulating a recent graduate, please send us the following by June 25: at SOYUZIVKA • your note of congratulations, in Ukrainian or English, which should be no more than 50 words, including names; Sunday, June 15, 2003 • in English, the full name of the graduate, the degree completed or diploma received, along with the date it was presented, a list of awards and honors given the graduate, and the name and location of The UNA’s ALBANY, NY, DISTRICT the school; (UNA Branches: Amsterdam, Cohoes, Ozone Park, Watervliet/Troy) • a photo of the graduate (optional); • payment for the ad; INVITES • your daytime phone number. its members, friends and all Ukrainian community members The ad sizes for the greeting are a 1/8 page horizontal for $100 to come and enjoy dinner and a program honoring fathers. or a 1/4 page for $180. Please make checks payable to The Ukrainian Weekly SOYUZIVKA NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT – and mail along with above information to: The Ukrainian Weekly – Congratulations Graduates! SUPPORT OUR SOYUZIVKA 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280 Parsippany, NJ 07054 Attn. Maria O. To reserve the group dinner: For further information, please call in Albany area call Nick Fil, (518) 785-7596 (973) 292-9800 ext. 3040 in Kerhonkson, call Stefanie Hawryluk, (845) 687-7033 No. 23 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2003 5 Commemorations of 1943 events in Volyn: perspective of Ukrainians in Poland

by Oksana Zakydalsky German administration joined the parti- Why has the 60th anniversary of the Special to The Ukrainian Weekly sans en masse – about 5,000 Ukrainian Volyn events been given such a high pro- policemen left their positions for the UPA. file and not the more significant 50th TORONTO – The commemorations of The Germans then formed police divisions anniversary in 1993? Mr. Tyma gave some the 60th anniversary of the so-called 1943 from local Poles. Thus, when the Germans possible immediate reasons. events in Volyn, during which the began their pacification after the defeat at The first is the issue of Jedwabne, a Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is Stalingrad, it was mostly Poles who were town in northeast Poland, where Prof. Jan accused of destroying Polish settlements T. Gross, in his book “Sasiedzi” (pub- and murdering from 30,000 to 60,000 in the administration. Volyn was the region where both lished in English by the Princeton Poles (see Taras Kuzio’s article: “How University Press in 2001 as “Neighbors: Poland is commemorating the Volyn Ukrainian and Polish partisans (the Armia Krajowa, or AK) were very active. The The Destruction of the Jewish Community events of 1943 the wrong way,” The in Jedwabne, Poland”), charged that Poles Ukrainian Weekly, May 25) which are behavior of the Polish underground murdered Jews in 1941. scheduled to take place in July of this towards the Ukrainian population was In his review of the book for the Times year, are of great concern to Ukrainians provocative and insulting (e.g., “go back Literary Supplement, Adam Brumberg living today in Poland. to where you belong – east of the Zbruch wrote: “Gross’s scrupulously documented As Dr. Kuzio wrote, the friendly rela- river”). Both sides pursued policies that study challenges another cherished myth: tions since independence between Poland were mutually exclusive and fought over the noble attempts of most Poles to save and Ukraine are coming under increasing the same territory. By 1942 the AK was Jews.” This was a big shock for all Poles stress, with the commemoration plans anticipating a war with Ukrainians over because it showed that Poles were not bringing to the fore issues that have not territory and the sizeable Polish partisan Petro Tyma of the Organization of Uk- only victims of Nazi terror but, even with- been adequately dealt with by either presence in Volyn could not but remind rainians in Poland. out the inspiration of the Germans, had Poland or Ukraine. Petro Tyma, secretary Ukrainians of Polish territorial claims. perpetrated their own atrocities against the of the Organization of Ukrainians in Although there are scholarly publica- Germans and the subsequent revenge Jews, and not Jews who had been brought Poland (OUP) was in Toronto recently to tions in Poland that deal more objectively actions by Ukrainians. into Poland from Germany, but Jews with explain the political context of the com- with Polish-Ukrainian relations, they The characteristics of the German whom they had lived side by side. memorations and outline their conse- come out in small editions and do not get occupation of Volyn were different from For this, Polish President Aleksander quences both for Ukraine and Ukrainians to the general public, whereas popular lit- those in Halychyna. Volyn was in the Kwasniewski apologized in the name of in Poland. erature, with its negative images of Reichskomissariat, and there was no the nation, but some politicians, and even Ukrainians in Poland not only believe Ukrainians, is widely circulated – even Ukrainian Central Committee influence. It the head of the Polish Catholic Church, that the consequences of the commemora- was a more unstable region – it was in through kiosks in churches. That is the lit- tions will weigh heavily on their commu- Cardinal Jozef Glemp, claim that it never western Volyn that the UPA arose. After erature that is used by parliamentarians happened, that it was the Germans who nity, but that they will have a long term the creation of the UPA in 1942, and recommended in schools, Mr. Tyma impact on the image of Ukraine in Europe. Ukrainians who served in the local related. (Continued on page 15) “Few Ukrainians outside Poland under- stand how important for Poles, for their image of Ukrainians and Ukraine today, have been the events which took place during the war and immediate post-war period on the territories in which both Poles and Ukrainians lived. These events, which are passed on from generation to generation, have, apart from historical memory, a political context (or even sev- eral political contexts),” Mr. Tyma said. For Poles, the question of victims of Volyn is an important one, both for the elite and the general consciousness, Mr. Tyma said. And is not limited to a few engaged individuals. It is not organiza- tions that are behind the July commemo- rations, but the president, the ministers and the public media, which ensures that it will have wide publicity. During the years of Communist Poland, there was censorship of, not only the crimes of the Soviet or Polish Communists, but also the Ukrainian- Polish conflict on territories that after 1944 became part of the USSR. Yet one could always condemn Ukrainian bour- geois nationalists or the Ukrainian resist- ance which had been active in Zakerzonnia (ethnic Ukrainian lands that are part of Poland); there was no censor- ship on portraying the bestiality of Ukrainians in countless films and books. After the elimination of censorship in Poland in 1989, previously repressed memories flooded the market – stories of 500,000 victims of Ukrainian terror and a Polish genocide began to circulate. The leading role in perpetuating the negative stereotype of Ukrainians has been played by Poles who were resettled from the eastern borderlands, called Kresy by the Poles. There is a whole milieu in Poland – organizations, families, testi- monies, publications – which wants to foist its interpretation on others. The wide network of Kresy organizations became even more active after the fall of commu- nism, and the Kresy organizations are powerful in Poland and can put on the pressure, Mr. Tyma explained. Their ver- sion of events during the war in Volyn is selective and many issues don’t get included: pre-war Polish politics versus the Ukrainian population, German occu- pation policies, NKVD provocations, the participation of Poles in repressive actions against Ukrainians organized by the 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2003 No. 23

NEWS AND VIEWS THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY Our most precious community resource Philadelphia community library

This week’s issue of our newspaper carries a front-page story announcing the establishment of a not-for-profit charitable foundation whose goal is to support two marking its 45th anniversary community institutions with a long and illustrious history. We speak of St. George by Dzvinka Zacharczuk In the 1980s the Ukrainian community School and St. George Academy in New York City. formed a special committee under the lead- The elementary and secondary schools affiliated with St. George Ukrainian PHILADELPHIA – The recent show- ership of Dr. Alexander Chernyk and pur- Catholic Parish – founded, respectively, in 1941 and 1946 – have been experiencing ing of the film “Music Man” on network chased a building which became known as financial difficulties for over a decade. The situation reached a crisis point in TV – which presents the town’s librarian the Ukrainian Educational and Cultural November of 1999 when it was announced that the schools were to close down the as the guardian of culture and knowledge Center in Jenkintown, Pa. By 1984, along following June. A group of determined parents, however, came to the rescue. – brought to mind our own Ukrainian with over 30 other Ukrainian organizations, Organizing a “save our schools” movement, they vowed to preserve the St. George community library in Philadelphia. the Plast and Ridna Shkola Library moved schools and to raise the funds needed to accomplish that goal. Forty-five years ago a Plast troop into the new facility. In 1991 the second Apparently their work has borne fruit. The schools did not close down as had been named Chortopolokhy chose to maintain a president of UECC, Borys Zacharczuk threatened and serious work has continued to secure their future. The most recent estab- book collection that became the Plast established a nine-member Library Board, lishment of the St. George Ukrainian Catholic Schools Foundation, Ltd., along with the library. The troop evolved into the first headed by Martha Tarnavska, a distin- announcement that the foundation has set up an Endowment Fund are sure signs that Chortopolokhy Plast sorority with, inter- guished librarian, as well as one of the orig- this is a vibrant school community. The fund, which seeks to raise $3 million, aims to estingly enough, a large number of librari- inal members of the Chortopoloky troop. ensure not only the school’s functioning in the near term, but also its long-term survival. ans in it, membership. So, thanks to their Housed in the UECC and incorporated Perhaps the best news of all is that it seems all segments of the community are dedication and meticulous professional as a UECC program, the library grew and involved in the foundation: it includes not only parents and school administrators, but handling of the book collection, it grew was modernized. Today, it offers the latest also the pastor of St. George Church and the leader of the Stamford Eparchy of the into what it is today: the Ukrainian Ukrainian publications, as well as English- Ukrainian Catholic Church, Bishop Basil Losten. Such a list of incorporators can only Library at the Ukrainian Educational and language publications about Ukraine, portend success in achieving the foundation’s goals. Cultural Center in Philadelphia. English translations of Ukrainian literature Across the Hudson River, in New Jersey, another school was in the news earlier Housing 16,000 volumes, today this is and periodicals from both Ukraine and the this year: St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic School in Newark. Founded in 1939, the largest Ukrainian community library diaspora, videos, audiotapes and Internet the school was threatened with closing unless a newly organized yet extremely vocal in the United States. group of parents and supporters could raise $250,000 by April 15. If that feat was services. It serves the reading needs of the The growth began when in 1964 the Ukrainian school on Saturday, while on accomplished, the pastor and parish council promised, the school would be open dur- Chortopolokhy librarians made an alliance ing academic year 2003-2004. In mid-April it was publicly announced that St. John’s weekdays it hosts visits from nursery school between the Plast library and Ridna children in its children’s corner, which con- would reopen for the next academic year as $180,000 already had been collected and Shkola, the historic Ukrainian Saturday the prospects of collecting the remainder were excellent. tains the latest selection of Ukrainian books. school organization. Ridna Shkola, in The library is open four days a week Since then, there has been some backtracking on the pastor’s and parish trustees’ part, need of school library, solved the problem but the parents’ resolve remains strong and their efforts to maintain the school remain on with both day and evening hours. It gives by making annual contributions of a mini- parents on the go a place to catch their track. Most recently, the Committee for the Development of St. John’s School (as the ad mum of $500 toward the purchase of hoc parents’ group had been called) has been reconstituted as a school advisory board and breath as they wait for their children – the books at the Plast library, hence satisfying its leaders were formally elected. That bodes well for the future of St. John’s School. library provides them with a comfortable the need of its students. The key ingredient, however, is support from sources outside the parish communi- chair and a look at Ukrainian publications The collection became known as the ty, as it has been clearly stated that St. John’s Parish alone cannot afford to keep the from around the world. Many Ukrainian Plast and Ridna Shkola Library and was school functioning, and beyond the parents whose children are enrolled at St. John’s, organizations and especially the senior cit- housed in the parsonage next door to many of whom are members of the latest wave of immigrants to this country and right izens’ groups are provided with a rich Christ the King Ukrainian Catholic now cannot afford to pay full tuition. (Continued on page 9) Our sincere hope, is that members of our Ukrainian American community, our Church in Philadelphia. community institutions and our organizations will be ready and willing to step up to the plate and support our most precious resource: our children, whether they are in New York, or New Jersey, or anywhere else within our hromada. These are the next Ernie Eves (who is as the guests learned, generations of our community, and their upbringing should be of concern to us all. Yushchenko’s... of Ukrainian heritage), as well as federal (Continued from page 1) cabinet ministers Sheila Copps and where people flee the country, forced to Eugene Augustine, Sen. A. Raynell work illegally to survive. He laid the Andreychuk, and City Councillor Gloria June blame for the situation on the regime of Lindsay Luby. Turning the pages back... President Leonid Kuchma. He pointed As well, there were many friends-of- out that reform in Ukraine is possible and Ukrainians politicians among the crowd 9 referred to the success he had as prime as there is a mayoral race on in Toronto, minister (from December 1999 to April a provincial election around the corner and a federal “regime change” coming It was one year ago that The Ukrainian Weekly reported that 2001) with the “Reforms for Prosperity” 2002 soon. In all, it showed that the Ukrainian Rep. Sander Levin (D-Mich.) had introduced House Resolution program. But he was dismissed from his community in Canada’s largest city is 4723 (H.R. 4723), proposing to graduate Ukraine from the post, he said, “by the president, with the well integrated into the larger Canadian Jackson-Vanik amendment of the 1974 Trade Act, which limited support of the oligarchs and the U.S. trade with countries that do not allow free emigration of their citizens. Communists. The first [group] did not society and influential in political The legislation was designed to protect the interests of Jewish communities in totalitarian want to lose its huge profits through the processes at all levels. regimes and ensure their freedom to emigrate. As a successor of the former Soviet Union, liquidation of shadow turnover, the sec- Although the festivities began at 6 Ukraine, too, was required to adhere to the Jackson-Vanik Amendment with a yearly waiver ond – its traditional electorate through p.m. it was not until 10 p.m. that Mr. enacted by the U.S. president. Since re-establishing independence in 1991, however, Ukraine the raising of the standard of living.” He Yushchenko was allowed to give his has reformed its laws significantly and has successfully eliminated the obstacles to emigra- said that the only hope for Ukraine is to keynote address (he took it in good tion of its citizens imposed by the Soviet Union. consolidate the reform and democratic humor – “what am I to say, as everything Rep. Levin’s House Resolution, 4723, which he introduced on May 14, 2002, proposed forces and to get rid of the present cor- has already been said and people are still to relieve Ukraine from the required evaluation process. This resolution would have rupt regime. talking?” – he asked when he finally got allowed Ukraine to expand trade with the United States, as well as to remove the Cold War- Although the concerns raised by Mr. up to speak). era stigma connected to the Jackson-Vanik Amendment. Yushchenko were not new to people who The politicians who spoke were some- “Since gaining independence in 1991, Ukraine has taken important steps toward the creation have been following the events in what rambling, and there was excess ver- of democratic institutions and free-market economy and, as a member-state of the Organization Ukraine in the last few years, his sharp bosity from people who introduced them. for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), is committed to developing a system of gov- criticism of the Kuchma administration Greetings from various Ukrainian organi- ernance in accordance with the principles regarding human rights and humanitarian affairs that and uncompromising stand on the need zations – which could have been left to are set forth in the final act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (also for regime change, were not entirely next day’s lunch, specifically organized known as the Helsinki Final Act), stated H.R. 4723. expected. Mr. Yushchenko’s reputation, for Mr. Yushchenko’s meeting with the H.R. 4723 was a result of the Ukrainian National Information Service’s active work on which preceded him, was one of a person Ukrainian community – also took up a Capitol Hill advocating this issue. UNIS has met with members of the Trade Subcommittee who was not 100 percent certain of his chunk of time. of the House Ways and Means Committee, as well as members of the Congressional position as the “leader of the opposition.” The evening proceedings were further Ukrainian Caucus and provided them with information regarding the economic achieve- After his public appearances in Canada, lengthened by the fact that many of the ments and democratic reforms in Ukraine. The NCSJ (formerly known as National Council there is no doubt that the “Yushchenko speeches, as well as the emceeing, were in two languages. However, there was no on Soviet Jewry), a U.S. organization dealing with the problems faced by Jewish communi- for President” campaign is now in full swing. English translation provided for Mr. ties in the former Soviet Union, agreed in mid-January of 2002 that the Jewish Ukrainian Yushchenko’s keynote address, which was community is indeed experiencing a renaissance, while expressing hope for a speedier The high point of Mr. Yushchenko’s delivered in Ukrainian. For the duration of process regarding restitution of former synagogues and communal property. visit to Toronto was to be a banquet Mr. Yushchenko’s speech, which went over To date, the provisions of Jackson-Vanik have not been rescinded. organized by the UCC and the UCC 30 minutes many of the guests at the head Toronto Branch and attended by over table sat uncomprehending and stonefaced, Source: “Levin introduces bill to graduate Ukraine from 1974 Jackson-Vanik trade 1,000 people. The head table included staring over the somewhat embarrassed restrictions,” by Serhiy Zhykharev, Ukrainian National Information Service, The Ukrainian members of the Canadian political elite crowd. Weekly, June 9, 2002, Vol. LXX, No. 23. in Toronto, headed by Premier of Ontario No. 23 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2003 7

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Washington Notebook can cooperate in various literary projects. Do not speak Please note that, unlike you, I do not Ukrainian National Information Service claim to speak on behalf of the entire on my behalf Ukrainian community. Therefore, gentle- Dear Editor: men, do not speak on my and our behalf. Re U.S. broadcasts to Ukraine As a member of the Ukrainian commu- Taras Hunczak nity in the United States, I was shocked and Chatham, N.J. by Serhiy Zhykharev Congressional Ukrainian Caucus. A letter offended by Yuriy Tarnawsky’s and Zenon signed by the caucus co-chairs and sever- Mazurkevich’s statements in The Ukrainian WASHINGTON – Since the al caucus members was sent to the BBG Weekly in which they equate their personal announcement in early February 2003 chairman. In their letter, the caucus frustrations in Ukraine with the experiences A viewpoint that the Broadcasting Board of Governors members indicated that “only Voice of and attitudes of “many of us,” to quote Mr. (BBG) recommended a reduction in America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Tarnawsky – meaning the Ukrainians of the from one of “us” funds to the Ukrainian services of Voice Liberty broadcasting services are capable diaspora. On the basis of their limited expe- Dear Editor: of America (VOA) and Radio Free of providing Ukrainians with a balanced rience, which may be the result of their own Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), the and comprehensive perspective about In response to the letter from Zenon individualism and not the flaws of “the Ukrainian Congress Committee of events occurring in Ukraine. A democrat- Mazurkevich (May 11), I’d like to mother country,” the authors divide the America’s (UCCA) Washington bureau, ic, market-oriented Ukraine, with a free express my opinion. Ukrainians into “us” and “them.” the Ukrainian National Information and vibrant media, integrated with the Regarding the concept of “us” and Mr. Tarnawsky complains that there are Service (UNIS), has begun a feverish Euro-Atlantic community remains a top only a few individuals with whom he “them” – this affects each reader. I consider campaign to reverse this proposal. strategic priority for the United States. “managed to strike up a friendship,” but myself an “us,” as I have been experienc- The four-pronged approach brings The Voice of America and Radio Free he says that the “fact is that the difference ing the growth and tribulation of the turn- forth the weight of the Ukrainian Europe/Radio Liberty must continue to between [him] and Ukraine is enormous.” of-the-century emigrants. They came American community and its organiza- play a fundamental role in facilitating Furthermore, he says that he has “a hard because of the oppressive life in Austro- tions, the Congressional Ukrainian such positive changes in Ukraine.” time having a close relationship with Hungary or Poland. Very few were author- Caucus, other ethnic American organiza- In response to the caucus letter, Mr. many people [he] met in Ukraine.” So Mr. ized to leave the Soviet Union. They could- tions, as well as the non-governmental Tomlinson also welcomed the Members’ Tarnawsky has a personal problem, but n’t better themselves at home, so they emi- sector in Ukraine. Each group in its own “high evaluation of the role of U.S. inter- why elevate it to the national level? grated. Here in America they were recog- capacity has informed the BBG about the national broadcasting” and agreed that After reading this long conversation, I nized as “Polacks,” Russians or “green- inherent need to sustain international “broadcasting to Ukraine remains impor- am quite aware that the problem is not horns.” Although many were illiterate, they broadcasting programs to Ukraine for the tant to the BGG.” “the mother country,” or the division into understood unity. So they got together, near future, especially in light of the Members of the caucus are also “us” and “them,” but the problem of Mr. organized their religious way of life, then upcoming October 2004 presidential actively discussing the issue with their Tarnawsky as a writer who sees only his their fraternal organizations, which brought election in Ukraine. colleagues and urging them to contact the way of writing as the only way to the them Ukrainianization. With their lasting In a statement released by the BBG on BBG and urge support of the Ukrainian future. He makes his position clear when commitment to maintain their heritage, February 3, announcing the cutbacks in broadcasts at previous levels. he says: “I’ve no doubt that, in a genera- they taught their children so that today the President Bush’s FY 2004 budget Meanwhile, the UCCA Kyiv bureau tion or two, assuming that Ukrainian cul- “us” group has gained prestige. request, BBG Chairman Kenneth coordinated a campaign among profes- ture survives that long, the contribution of After World War II, the new arrivals Tomlinson stated that “the budget [reduc- sional journalist unions and other non- the émigré Ukrainians [obviously referring became “them.” They brought their youth tion] means an end to most Voice of governmental organizations (NGOs) in to the New York Group of which Mr. organizations, their educational societies, America (VOA) and Radio Free Ukraine in order to inform them of the Tarnawsky was one of the founding mem- their charitable organizations and their Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) broad- proposed budgetary reductions and for- bers, although I doubt that other members self-identity. Their children knew casting to the democracies of Eastern ward the opinion of Ukrainian civic soci- of that group share Mr. Tarnawsky’s Ukrainian life only at home. Verkhovyna Europe where free speech is practiced ety members to the members of the views] will be recognized as being key, was a reawakening center, once a year. and where the process of joining the BBG. The bureau received multiple let- such that it changed fundamentally the In the meantime, the hromadas (com- NATO alliance is under way.” ters from the non-governmental sector in face of Ukrainian culture and has made it munities) were falling apart. Local inter- The statement stipulates the reduction Ukraine, which addressed the subjects of the way it’ll be at that time. Because if this est was defeated, and nationally the atti- of many Central and East European serv- the proposed funding reductions and weren’t true, then what would be called tude was “let someone else do it!” ices, virtually eliminating many of them, urged BBG members to reconsider their Ukrainian culture then wouldn’t be worthy With the demise of the “us” group, the while the Ukrainian services of VOA decision. Such letters were received from of that name.” His message, bordering on “them” group has become the new “us,” would be reduced by 50 percent (from the National Journalists’ Union of messianism, tells the reader that this is the and with the arrival of the new immigrants two hours of broadcasting to a proposed Ukraine, “Borysten” magazine, and sev- only correct way for the Ukrainian culture since August 1991 the new “us” don’t one hour per day), as well as a reduction eral other organizations. to develop. Obviously it would be unfair know how to defend their assimilation. in operational costs in the RFE/RL The common opinion expressed in all to accuse the author of modesty. I’m happy that I’m still one of the old Ukrainian service. Though many of the of the letters was that VOA and RFE/RL While one can discuss and disagree with “us.” European services are being cut back, the play an extremely important role as a Mr. Tarnawsky about the genre of mod- overall budget for BBG is expected to tool shaping public opinion in Ukraine as ernism and its influence on society, his Wasyll Gina rise by 9.5 percent with programming an easily accessible source of independ- statement on the alleged “illiteracy” of the New Haven, Conn. increases to the Middle East and ent, objective and unbiased information, current Ukrainian literary ‘elite’ ” is shock- Southeast Asia to fight the war on inter- which otherwise would be unavailable to ing, leaving one speechless. His speaking national terrorism. many in Ukraine. in such harsh language about individuals Learning of the drastic cutbacks to the Ukrainian Congress Committee of with whom he should be debating various Ukraine must elect VOA and RFE/RL broadcasts, the UCCA America President Michael Sawkiw Jr. literary issues tells me that he is restricted penned a letter to Mr. Tomlinson. The also provided testimony before the U.S. to his imaginary creative world. There are patriotic people letter, dated March 12, provided argu- House of Representatives Subcommittee other pearls of wisdom about the Ukrainian Dear Editor: ments in favor of maintaining the level of on Commerce, Justice, State and culture and society which leave one pro- funding to VOA and RFE/RL. “The When will Ukrainians be masters of Judiciary of the Appropriations foundly disappointed. importance of Voice of America’s and their own country? Are we destined to for- Committee on April 11, regarding this Mr. Tarnawsky’s message was very Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s role ever be puppets of Russia? Our current issue. “Reducing funding to the clear to Mr. Mazurkevich who, in his let- as a provider of objective information to Russian lackeys who control Ukraine will Ukrainian service of the Voice of ter to the Editor, wrote: “So there is a the public is even greater in the context completely destroy the country. Are they America and Radio Free Europe/Radio great fragility in the current cultural elite. of next year’s presidential elections in unaware of the millions of victims who Liberty would reduce airtime and affect As Mr. Tarnawsky points out, in many Ukraine,” stated the UCCA letter. coverage of important issues in Ukraine,” were murdered by the Russians? The “Thus, at this critical juncture in U.S.- cases they are merely ‘poseurs’ mimick- answer is that, of course, they know! They the UCCA president told the ing culture.” After this rude and insensi- Ukrainian relations, a reduction of the Subcommittee. “In combination with the are merely continuing Russia’s plan to Voice of America and Radio Free tive statement, the author would have us destroy Ukraine’s independence. Ukraine current conditions in the Ukrainian Europe/Radio Liberty Ukraine services is “better educated, more cultured, more must purge itself of these traitors and elect media, such changes would deplete the ill-advised and signifies a lack of interest productive,...” separate ourselves from patriotic people who love Ukraine. influx of objective and diverse informa- in sustained democratic development in “them,” the people of Ukraine, until they The Communist Party and the other tion to the Ukrainian public.” Ukraine,” the UCCA letter continued. catch up with us. What utter nonsense! political parties that support Russia’s poli- Citing the crucially important 2004 As somebody who spent a lot of time cy should be made illegal. BBG Executive Director Brian T. presidential election in Ukraine, the in Ukraine, I would like to conclude by In memory of the millions of Conniff responded to the UCCA letter by UCCA argued in its testimony that the saying that I know quite a few individuals Ukrainians who gave their lives for their thanking the representative organization reduction of funds to these radio stations who contributed to the Ukrainian social beloved Ukraine, we must cleanse our for its high regard and esteem of the “comes at precisely the wrong time.” The and cultural life and found a lot of friends country and regain our freedom. It is time Ukrainian broadcasts and assured that UCCA recommended to members of the with whom they continue to cooperate on the Ukrainians united and followed the these items would be brought to the subcommittee that they refrain from various projects. Only yesterday, for example of our Kozaks who formed a attention of the BBG members during the authorizing the proposed budgetary example, Bohdan Boychuk, one of the strong, proud and glorious nation. annual budgetary review meeting. reductions for the Ukrainian services of founders of the New York Group, who An influential component in the cam- VOA and RFE/RL. lives mostly in Kyiv, told me that he Markian Solonynka paign to maintain VOA and RFE/RL found many friends there with whom he Matawan, N.J Ukrainian radio services is the (Continued on page 14) 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2003 No. 23 No. 23 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2003 9

lization force two weeks ago after unoffi- Rada OKs... cial overtures from Washington had been (Continued from page 1) made several weeks earlier. Washington 28th Annual Verkhovyna Ukrainian Festival for the invasion. This war has not yet been initiated the effort to provide Iraq an inter- July 11, 12, 13 officially declared over. There are still national stabilization force to reduce its attendant risks and they are considerable. presence in the country. Poland, as one of At Verkhovyna Mountain View Resort Formally, our troops are going into an area the active combatants – along with the Glen Spey, New York that is still at war.” United States, Britain and Australia – in the Mr. Marchuk rejected the assertions lev- international coalition that overthrew the The Largest Ukrainian Festival in the United States eled by Mr. Kriuchkov and similar opin- regime of Saddam Hussein, has control ions expressed by other national deputies, over one of the three administrative sectors Performing: Roma Pryma-Bohachevsky Dance Workshop, Poltava Dance into which the U.S. has divided the country. including Oleksander Turchynov of the Ensemble from Canada, Ron Kohut and Burya with his Mr. Barabolya show, The 1,800 troops that Ukraine will con- Tymoshenko Bloc. Bands Fata Morgana, Oberehy, Vidlunnia and Burya (Friday and Saturday). tribute to the stabilization force will be Mr. Marchuk stated that the specific Performers from the United States, Ukraine and Canada. A carnival beginning reason for sending Ukrainians to be part of deployed in the Polish zone of responsibil- July 9 with rides for children. Vendors, exhibits, food, drink, camping. the stabilization force was to maintain the ity, located southeast of Baghdad. The peace, not to take part in war. deployment will include two mechanized “There is no combat going on in Iraq divisions, along with the 19th Special For more information and the latest update please visit today and there will not be any in the Battalion, which specializes in the neutral- www.verkhovyna.org • e-mail: [email protected] • 845-853-1323 future, which the stabilization force will ization of nuclear, biological and chemical ensure,” explained Mr. Marchuk. (NBC) threats and is already stationed in The national security chief emphasized the neighboring country of Kuwait. that Ukraine had previously had commer- About 20 Ukrainian military officers cial interests in Iraq that amounted to $293 will join the united command executing million (U.S.), even while sanctions were the U.N. resolution on the stabilization in effect, with 36 Ukrainian companies force. Ultimately, however, Ukraine’s working in the country. He said that with force will be subordinate to the General Iraq expected to receive some $13 billion Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces. in oil exports in the next year, Ukraine The Ukrainian troops who will deploy would be wise to position itself to re-estab- to Iraq will do so only voluntarily and after lish the trading partnership. passing extensive physical examinations, Mr. Marchuk added that if Ukraine noted Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense. The expected to be part of the rebuilding of the troops are expected to be ready for deploy- war-devastated country it needed to make ment within 20 days, with part of the con- a peacekeeping commitment as well. tingent on its way as early as June 12. “If Ukraine does not take part in the sta- Mr. Marchuk noted that any political bilization force, it is axiomatic that no changes in the situation in Iraq could be Ukrainian company will take part in the cause to withdraw Ukraine’s military force. bid for rebuilding contracts,” explained The United States Embassy issued a Mr. Marchuk. statement after the Verkhovna Rada vote in Ukraine officially received an invitation which it welcomed the decision to deploy from Poland to become part of the stabi- troops as part of the Iraq stabilization force.

guage, as well as English-language publi- Philadelphia... cations with Ukrainian subject matter or (Continued from page 6) authored by Ukrainian ethnics; make source of reading and research material. available the source of information about The most enthusiastic visitors to the library Ukraine to the general public; work fully with Ukrainian schools, youth groups or are the new emigrants from Ukraine, since any other general or academic organiza- they are the most avid readers. tions providing them with whatever mate- The Ukrainian Library at the Ukrainian rial is at the Library’s disposal.” Educational and Cultural Center is well- This library, which so richly serves the governed by a special board of directors, vast Ukrainian community in Philadel- presently headed by Sofia Hewryk, man- phia and the neighboring area is celebrat- aged by a dedicated librarian, Halyna ing its 45th anniversary. May it grow and Kluk, and helped by scores of volunteers. prosper for many years to come and be It firmly upholds the commitment to its the “oceans of knowledge” as written by charter: “To compile books, periodicals Ivan Franko and “give to those who dive and other materials in the Ukrainian lan- into them riches beyond belief.”

La MaMa Experimental Theatre and Yara Arts Group present Branch 95 of SWAN UNWLA A new theatre piece based on Oleh Lysheha’s Ukrainian poem

June 12-29 Woud like to sincerely thank and offer our Thurs-Sunday at 8 P.M. appreciation to: plus matinee on Sunday at 3 P.M.

La MaMa, 74 East 4th St. New York City; (212) 475-7710 ; $15 Self Reliance New York Federal Credit Union

and its Kerhonkson, NY, Branch KUPALA in the Garden for the sponsoring of “The World of the 21st Century Woman” contemporary musicians, performers Weekend Conference and artist react to pagan rituals, held at Soyuzivka on the weekend of April 4-6, 2003. songs, art and anarchy.

Saturday, June 21, 8 PM - FREE With gratitude and respect

La Plaza Cultural Garden Marianna Zajac, Conference Chairperson E. 2th St. & Ave. C Vera Staruch, Conference Co-Chairperson www.brama.com/yara 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2003 No. 23 Kyiv’s traffic jams and cars signal a new reality in Ukraine found in Kyiv today – and throughout mobile sold in Ukraine with a sticker Ukraine, for that matter. price of some $5,000. The Lada, the The Soviet (now Russian-made) Lada dominant passenger vehicle in the Soviet and Volga models remain, but they are era, remains the new car of choice in much less apparent. Czech-made Skoda, Ukraine, with a market share of 50 per- German-made Volkswagen, Opel, Audi, cent. BMW and Mercedes Benz automobiles, Increasingly, however, foreign cars as well as models by Datsun, Nissan and have made inroads, with Daewoo, Lexus made in Japan have displaced Skoda, Volkswagen, Toyota and Nissan them to a large extent as the purchasing following the Lada in registered sales power of Kyivans has increased and over the last four months in a recent sur- banks have become comfortable with vey conducted by a Kyiv consulting extending loans to automobile pur- firm. And that is an important reason chasers. behind the decision to move manufactur- A recent surge in sales of imported ing operations, at least in part, into cars has now been followed by the move Ukraine. of European car manufacturers into the “A core reason for this situation is the Ukrainian market. Ukraine’s auto indus- fact that economic indicators are truly on try, never much to speak of in the first the rise and consumers are living better,” place, has shown strong growth recently explained Oleksander Ryabukhin, assis- after a decade spent in the doldrums, tant general director of Inter Car, an with several of the European carmakers importer of Volkswagens into Ukraine. having announced in the last five months However, Mr. Ryabukhin noted that that they will begin doing final assembly the most recent spike in import car pur- in country. chases also coincided with reports in the The latest foreign automobile manu- mass media that Ukraine would again facturer to do so was Spain’s little- raise import tariffs in the near future to known Seat, which produces a cousin of stimulate much-needed budget revenues the Volkswagen. On May 21 the Spanish and to deflate demand for imported carmaker announced its intention to products. move into the Ukrainian market. It joins “Consumers who planned to buy cars a host of other foreign manufacturers in the near future are now attempting to already here, including many of the do so as quickly as possible, to get them largest corporations in Europe, among for the cheaper price,” explained Mr. them Volkswagen, Opel and Daimler Ryabukhin. Chrysler, as well as Skoda and Daewoo. It is the ability to produce a car more An essential part of the reason these inexpensively in a market that has a corporations have decided to make the huge potential that has led the European move into Ukraine is that the auto manu- car manufacturers to Ukraine. facturing set realizes the economic Volkswagen joined a growing list of potential contained within the country’s carmakers in Ukraine on April 10 when population of 48 million and wants to it announced that it was shifting its pri- prepare itself to harvest the treasure orities and would concentrate on produc- trove of potential auto buyers. No less ing its Golf, Passat, Bora and Polo mod- important, by hauling in partially assem- els for sale in Ukraine in country, with bled car components and doing final production expected to begin in July of assembly in plants located throughout this year. Last year the Czech firm the country, foreign car manufacturers Skoda, which is wholly owned by bypass legislation that slaps on hefty Traffic in Kyiv reflects the growing number of cars in Ukraine’s capital. Volkswagen, led the German giant into value-added taxes and import tariffs, the Ukrainian market when it began which can hike the cost of a car by near- assembling two models at a plant in the by Roman Woronowycz city center of Kyiv barely inches forward ly 30 percent. small town of Solomonovo in Kyiv Press Bureau during business hours. On a Friday after- Nonetheless, these moves remain Zakarpattia Oblast, producing 2,010 noon, it can take more than 30 minutes risky. Simply entering the country mar- KYIV – Less than a decade ago, a vehicles in its first year. to travel the Khreschatyk, a one-kilome- ket gives these firms no guarantees that A week before the Volkswagen traffic jam even in this city of nearly 3 car sales and market shares will increase, million was a novelty. A relatively mod- ter stretch of road considered the city’s announcement, another German firm, main thoroughfare. even if unit prices for their products Adam Opel AG, signed a five-year est number of cars cruised the streets of decrease. the capital, mostly pollution-spewing The city has simply filled up with agreement for a joint venture with Volodymyr Punchak, 53, who has AvtoZAZ, to assemble Opel’s Astra, Soviet-era Lada, Moskvych and Volga cars. People are buying new and used owned several Ladas over the years, Vectra and Corsa model lines in models. automobiles in ever greater numbers. greatly admires the elegant Mercedes Zaporizhia. Opel expects 4,000 to 4,500 Today, the scene has changed quite But what is most striking is not so much Benz and husky Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles to roll off the ZAZ assembly dramatically. Traffic on the streets of the the number of vehicles as the variety models that are plentiful in Kyiv. lines this year, with up to 20,000 vehi- However, when it came time to purchase cles in final assembly here within two a new car he opted for the economical years, according to Opel spokesman ZAZ Daewoo Lanos, produced since Richard Colcomba. By manufacturing in 1998 at the single plant of the Zaporizhia country the company hopes to save Auto Works (ZAZ) in joint production Ukrainian buyers 8 percent to 10 percent with the Daewoo Corp. ZAZ once was off the current sticker price for an Ukraine’s only automobile manufactur- imported version of its product. ing plant and home of the country’s only The grandfather of foreign automobile homegrown product, the Zaporozhets, manufacturers in Ukraine is Daewoo today called the ZAZ- Daewoo Slavuta. Motors, the South Korean conglomerate Mr. Punchak picked the Lanos, which that is now bankrupt. Its Ukrainian oper- goes for just over $7,000, because that is ations, begun in 1998 also in conjunction what his budget realistically allowed. with AvtoZAZ, never added up to much, “I would love to own a jeep, the although it did initiate production of the Toyota Land Cruiser or an American car, new Slavuta. but the Lanos is what I can afford,” In January of this year, a Swiss invest- explained Mr. Punchak, who will wait ment firm, Hirsch and Cie, acquired six weeks to receive his new car as back- Daewoo’s Ukrainian assets, after such orders are processed. international multinationals as General Nonetheless, even the economical Motors, Daimler Chrysler and Ford Lanos is a step up for most Ukrainian car backed away from proposals offered buyers, who are more accustomed to them. The secretive and little-known paying anywhere from a couple of hun- Swiss firm, which many here suspect is dred dollars to a couple of thousand dol- simply a front organization for a Russian lars, but little more, for used vehicles. investor, entered into a joint agreement They remain the most popular types of with UkrAvto, the company that owns 80 vehicles sold in the country. percent of AvtoZAZ, to continue to pro- Ukrainians, however, also keep buy- The old and the new on Kyiv’s busy streets: a BMW passes a Soviet-era Lada. ing the Russian Lada, the cheapest auto- (Continued on page 16) No. 23 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2003 11 New York native provides Absolute Adventures in California for outdoors enthusiasts

by Andrew Nynka choice. The company, which Ms. Kuncio and “There are so many great things to do her partner bought in early 2002, organ- PARSIPPANY, N.J. – For Long and it’s all so close,” Ms. Kuncio said izes a wide variety of events for people Island native Taissa Kuncio, leaving the recently in New York City, referring to who might otherwise lack the time or Ukrainian community in New York and the various activities her company inclination to do so on their own. moving across the United States to own organizes in and around San Francisco. “They’re busy people and don’t have and run an outdoor adventure company From the more extreme skydiving, the time to plan out a weekend,” Ms. in San Francisco just seemed like the climbing and whitewater rafting outings Kuncio said about much of her clien- right thing to do. tele. “All they need to do is come – we After all, the 24-year-old had already to kayaking alongside leopard sharks or under a lunar eclipse, Ms. Kuncio says take care of everything for them.” climbed Bolivia’s 19,870-foot-high Currently, the group has some 200 the company helps expose people to Mount Huayna Potosi and traveled dues-paying members and encourages “all of the natural wonders that the [San throughout Southeast Asia, Australia guests to come and experience the and South America. Francisco] region has to offer.” atmosphere, whether it be through a Now, a year after having taken over “Absolute Adventures is all about more strenuous event, such as skiing and the reins of Absolute Adventures with a connecting with others, making great caving, or through a more social atmos- college friend, membership in the com- new friends and enjoying the best the phere, such as a night of fine dining and pany has tripled and the move, Ms. Bay Area has to offer,” the Absolute wine tasting. In the past the company Kuncio says, was definitely a good Adventures website says. has also organized moonlit steam train rides through the Santa Cruz Mountains and ski trips throughout the Sierra Nevada mountain range, often staying in a ski cabin on the shore of California’s Donner Lake. Many of the more social events, which are often done on weeknights, provide a way for the adventure compa- Taissa Kuncio of Absolute Adventures. ny to build trust and a relationship with prospective clients. “Climbing with at an early age. As a member of Plast people you barely know can be unnerv- Ukrainian Scouting Organization she ing,” Ms. Kuncio said. “The dinners spent many summers at the organiza- together give people an opportunity to tion’s Vovcha Tropa campground in get to know us, become familiar with upstate New York. us and trust us.” That same interest in the outdoors and A member of the Ukrainian National travel led Ms. Kuncio to Australia, Association, Ms. Kuncio had been trav- Thailand, Malaysia, Tibet, Nepal, Peru, eling after graduating from Stanford Cambodia and Laos after her college University with a biology degree when graduation. At Stanford Ms. Kuncio was her hiking buddy and college friend not only a member of an NCAA champi- Carissa Zenorini, a National Collegiate onship cross-country team but was also Athletic Association (NCAA) spring on the university’s cycling and water ski- board champion and member of the ing teams. U.S. National Diving Team, contacted As much as it might seem to be a her about Absolute Adventures. dream job – Ms. Kuncio and her part- “I was thinking about doing some ner both take part in the events the work with a wildlife rehabilitation cen- company organizes – Ms. Kuncio says ter, working with gibbons in Thailand,” the work, such as sailing under the Ms. Kuncio said. But after several Golden Gate Bridge or skiing in the weeks, Ms. Kuncio and Ms. Zenorini – Rocky Mountains for example, does a 25-year-old from Demarest, N.J., and have its downsides. also a Stanford University graduate – “Finding time to do this stuff for finally agreed to buy the adventure myself,” Ms. Kuncio says, is difficult. company. There is also a matter of marketing, It was a decision based largely on the accounting and other business work type of lifestyle Ms. Kuncio wanted to that Ms. Kuncio says she doesn’t really live. “Get out and do it,” the company care for. Although she says business is philosophy says. And indeed, Ms. not bad, the pair must also work second Kuncio has and does. jobs in order to make ends meet. Though she says it was in college But despite the downsides, the two that backpacking and the outdoors first have forged ahead with business and significantly influenced her, an intro- Absolute Adventures currently plans to An Absolute Adventures rafting trip down California’s American River. duction to nature and the outdoors came expand. According to Ms. Kuncio, the company is looking into the possibility of organizing mountain bike tours in South America and would also like to hold more corporate events. “People still want to get outside, but the economy has really hurt us,” Ms. Kuncio said, referring to the number of corporate events the adventure company has organized. “[The outings] are great team-building activities, and we’re hop- ing to expand on our corporate busi- ness.” While participation in the different outings is open to the public, a mem- bership plan provides discounts on trips, as well as to local sports leagues, gear stores and fitness clubs. Additionally, the company offers an online calendar of events to let people know about future trips, and, Ms. Kuncio says, special outings for groups of seven or more people can be organ- ized. To learn more about Absolute Adventures please visit the company’s website at www.absoluteadv.com or call Ms. Kuncio at (415) 793-4948 or Ms. Zenorini at (415) 505-5964. The two can also be reached by e-mail at A skydiving instructor and an Absolute Adventures client (bottom) free-fall over California. [email protected]. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2003 No. 23

CCRF’s Hartford... CLACLASSSSIFIEDIFIEDSS (Continued from page 4) TO PLACE YOUR ADVERTISEMENT CALL MARIA OSCISLAWSKI, (973) 292-9800 x 3040 to CCRF to purchase state-of-the-art medical technology for the Ivano- Frankivsk Regional Children’s Hospital. SERVICES MERCHANDISE The dinner was moderated by Hartford chapter co-chairs Irene Oleksiak and Natalie Korsheniuk- Pollock who thanked all the donors and ECONOMY AIIRFARES guests who packed the banquet hall at + tax the Ukrainian National Home in Hartford (round trip) YEVSHANDistributor of fine Ukrainian products - Cassettes, Compact Lviv/Odesa $652 + tax discs - Videos - Language tapes & Dictionaries - Computer to celebrate the achievements of CCRF one way $430 fonts for PC & MAC - Imported Icons - Ukrainian Stationery and to mobilize new support for medical + tax - Cookbooks - Food parcels to Ukraine programs in Ukraine. Ukraine’s consul Kyiv $457 (round trip) + tax Call for a free catalog general in New York, Serhiy Pohoreltzev, one way $391 and his wife, Svitlana, traveled from Fregata Travel 1-800-265-9858 New York City to express their nation’s 250 West 57 Street, #1211 VISA - MASTERCARD - AMEX ACCEPTED gratitude for CCRF’s work and to praise New York, NY 10107 FAX ORDERS ACCEPTED (514) 630-9960 the efforts of Mr. Petrenko and the other Tel.: 212-541-5707 Fax: 212-262-3220 BOX 325, BEACONSFIELD, QUEBEC honorees. * Restrictions apply CANADA - H9W 5T8 Since 1990, CCRF has launched 30 airlifts and 14 sea shipments, delivering ãéçÉàç ëíÄêìï APON VIDEO COMPACT DISCs over $50 million worth of humanitarian èðÓÙÂÒ¥ÈÌËÈ ÔðÓ‰‡‚ˆ¸ FROM UKRAINE: VHS $25, CDs 12, RBC FINANCIAL aid, medical technology and training pro- Á‡·ÂÁÔ˜ÂÌÌfl ìçë CASS. $ 7.00 grams to Ukrainian hospitals and orphan- LONGIN STARUCH In need of a first or second mortgage, ages that specialize in the treatment of You can purchase beautiful Easter Hayivky, VHS Licensed Agent behind on your bills, working full time? Apon 7805, performed by ENS of Lviv TV. children stricken with thyroid cancer, Ukrainian National Ass’n, Inc. We are a leading financial institution leukemia, birth defects and life-threaten- * * * that specializes in Mortgage and Debt Mother’s Day songs, VHS Apon 7804, as well as 50 ing illnesses. Mr. Pohoreltzev acknowl- Consolidation. To explore what is tel. 800-673-5150 • 845-626-2058 other VHS tapes. edged the fund as one of the most effec- financially available to you, give us a e-mail: [email protected] tive and professional organizations aid- New Compact Discs: SOFIA ROTARU 2669: call today at (866) 506-2696 to apply. SYNU ANHEL ANHEL MIJ 2605, POPULAR ing Ukraine. SONGS 2606 PRICE $12.98 EACH. In accepting his award, Mr. Petrenko Exclusive representative of the Ukrainian TV and PROFESSIONALS began his speech in Ukrainian, thanking The radio companies for U.S. and Canada the crowd for their warm greeting and Apon Record Company for the award, then continued his LUNA BAND P.O. Box 3082, Long Island City remarks in English in deference to the Music for weddings, zabavas, NY, 11103 Tel. 718-721-5599 culturally diverse audience. “Although festivals. anniversary celebrations. We convert European video to American, and I’ve traveled across the world as an inter- OLES KUZYSZYN phone/fax: (732) 636-5406 vice-versa. Cost $20.00 LAW OFFICIES OF national skater, I will always have a spe- ZENON B. MASNYJ, ESQ. e-mail: [email protected] Since 1983 cial place in my heart for Ukraine and

• Serious Personal Injury for my hometown of Odesa,” said Mr. éäëÄçÄ íêàíüä • Real Estate/Coop Closings Petrenko. He thanked all the volunteers WEST2282 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ARKA Ont., Canada M6S 1N9 • Business Representation and donors who contributed to the suc- èðÓÙÂÒ¥ÈÌËÈ ÔðÓ‰‡‚ˆ¸ • Securities Arbitration Á‡·ÂÁÔ˜ÂÌÌfl ìçë Fine Gifts • Divorces cess of the Viktory for Kids program, • Wills & Probate OKSANA TRYTJAK Authentic Ukrainian Handicrafts and who helped him to realize his dream Licensed Agent Art, Books, CDs, Ceramics Andrew R. CHORNY 157 SECOND AVENUE of creating a model neonatal unit in his Ukrainian National Ass’n, Inc. Embroidered Goods and Supplies Manager NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10003 homeland. “As the father of a young Gold Jewellery, Icons, Magazines (212) 477-3002 child, I know the importance of what you (By Appointment Only) 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280 Parsippany, NJ 07054 Newspapers, Pysankas and Supplies are doing,” he said. Tel.: (973) 292-9800 (Ext. 3071) • Fax: (973) 292-0900 All Services to Ukraine, Mail-orders Mr. Petrenko received a standing ova- e-mail: [email protected] tion and was obviously moved by the Tel.: (416) 762-8751 Fax: (416) 767-6839 crowd’s response. After the program, he e-mail: [email protected] www.westarka.com ATTORNEY graciously signed autographs and met with well-wishers. Mr. Petrenko was JERRY joined by his wife Nina, also an accom- Ukrainian Book Store plished skater and Olympic trainer, his Largest selection of Ukrainian Books, Dance KUZEMCZAK agent Liz Desevo, and the Ukrainian ice- supplies, Easter egg supplies, Music, Icons, accidents at work dancing championship pair of Olena Greeting cards, Giftwear, and much more. • • automobile accidents Hrushyna and Ruslan Honcharov. 10215-97st slip and fall Speaking on behalf of the CCRF • National Office, Dr. Zenon Matkiwsky Edmonton, AB T5J 2N9 medical malpractice FIRST• CONSULTATION IS FREE. praised the Ukrainian community of Toll free: 1-866-422-4255 Connecticut as a “stronghold” and “an www.ukrainianbookstore.com Fees collected only after engine of ingenuity” for CCRF. “From personal injury case is successful. Danbury to Willimantic, from Bridgeport to New Britain to New London, you FIRST QUALITY ALSO: have reached out to local corporations UKRAINIAN TRADITIONAL-STYLE • DWI and political leaders, medical centers, • real estate universities and civic associations to find criminal and civil cases new sources of support from within and SERVINGMONUMENTS NY/NJ/CT REGION CEMETERIES • • traffic offenses from beyond the Ukrainian community,” OBLAST • matrimonial matters Dr. Matkiwsky said. The co-founder and general consultation chairman of CCRF’s board of directors MEMORIALS • went on to say, “In countless ways, you P.O. BOX 746 have made us stronger, and you have Chester, NY 10918 WELT & DAVID given us new hope that we can improve 1373 Broad St, Clifton, N.J. 07013 845-469-4247 the lives of a new generation of BILINGUAL HOME APPOINTMENTS (973) 773-9800 Ukrainian children.” Most of the proceeds from the May 18 OPPORTUNITY FOR RENT event were designated for the Ivano- Frankivsk Regional Children’s Hospital, to build on the success of the Ukrainian EARN EXTRA INCOME! National Home of New Haven, Conn., Wanted: Director of the choir of the Ukrainian Wildwood Crest, NJ that provided a generous grant of $71,000 The Ukrainian Weekly is looking Orthodox Church of the Holy Ascension in “VILLA TAMARA” to modernize the local newborn intensive for advertising sales agents. Maplewood, N.J. Responsible for choir direc- care unit. Attorney Irene Romanelli pre- tion at the weekly Holy Liturgy on Sunday and 3 bedrooms, kitchen and bath. For additional information contact all major church holidays. $500.00/Wk. For reservation ask sented an award to the president of the Maria Oscislawski, Advertising for Zirka up to June 20. Ukrainian National Home of New Haven, Manager, The Ukrainian Weekly, Salary negotiable. Tel.: 203-775-3276; Conn., Paul Paluha who helped lead the Interested parties please contact Fr. Oleh Hucul ask after June 20 association’s campaign for CCRF. Dr. (973) 292-9800, ext 3040. at (732) 356-2560. 609-522-7467 (Continued on page 13) No. 23 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2003 13

Mihaly and his parish for validating the CCRF’s Hartford... observation of famed anthropologist Dr. (Continued from page 12) Margaret Meade: “Never underestimate Matkiwsky announced that CCRF had the power of a small, determined group of just purchased a pediatric ultrasound and people to change the world.” other vital equipment to supplement the Among the other celebrities attending large CCRF shipment that reached Ivano- the awards dinner were state Sen. John Frankivsk last fall. Fonfara, attorney Igor Sikorsky Jr. (son CCRF’s Executive Director Alexander of the Kyiv-born aviation pioneer and Kuzma presented the award to Mr. inventor of the helicopter), acclaimed Sywenkyj for his photographic documen- children’s entertainer Rob Gottfried, and Moki Kokoris, who a month earlier tary work at the Zaluchia Orphanage for It is with great sorrow, that we inform family and friends, that on Sunday, Disabled Children and his photographs of became the first woman of Ukrainian Ukrainian children suffering from AIDS. descent to reach the North Pole. June 1, 2003, our beloved Mother, Baba, Sister and Aunt “You captured the essence of the orphans’ At the conclusion of the banquet, several lives at Zaluchia, and you portrayed them individuals stepped forward to offer addi- Bohdana Topolnycky with heart-rending clarity,” said Mr. Kuzma. tional financial support for CCRF. Among It was information from the Hartford them were Ivan Zakoworotny of Winsted, born Bohdana Harmatij in Lviv, Ukraine, died peacefully at the age of 77 at chapter and Mr. Sywenkyj’s photographs Conn., who pledged $5,000 for a medical that helped draw international attention program in Kharkiv, and Bohdan and Ella her home in South Hero, Vermont, surrounded by her closest family. to the deplorable conditions in which the Sowa of New Haven, who donated $1,000. She was the loving wife of the late Dr. Roman Topolnycky. She is survived by Zaluchia orphans lived. Since 2000, CCRF is continuing its campaign to her sons: Dr. Ernie Topolnycky and his companion Joyce; Dr. Andrew CCRF has mobilized an intensive cam- expand its hospital partnerships in 14 paign that provided the orphanage with Ukrainian oblasts. To support this effort, Topolnycky and his wife, June; grandchildren Andrea, Diana, Nicholas and major capital improvements, including a tax-deductible donations may be sent to Alicia; sister Olha Mychajliw with her family; wife, children and grandchildren new roof and floors, industrial laundry CCRF, 272 Old Short Hills Road, Short of her deceased brother Oleh Harmatij, and relatives in America and Ukraine. equipment, medicine, clothing, bedding, Hills, NJ 07078. To volunteer, please call and a variety of technical assistance. (973) 376-5140 or (860) 652-0458, or Bohdana was an extremely devoted wife and mother as well as an active In accepting his award, the Rev. Mihaly consult the fund’s website at: www.chil- church parishioner. She was an accomplished needlepoint artist, who also told the audience that it was a privilege to drenofchornobyl.org. expressed her creativity through floral arranging and collecting Ukrainian art. support the CCRF relief effort. “Truly, you Following the Hartford CCRF awards are engaged in holy work,” the Rev. banquet, several honorees and guests Everlasting Memory/Vichnaya Pam’jat! Mihaly said. A graduate of Yale University greeted the crowd. Funeral services were held at St. John’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in and St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Seminary, the Rev. Mihaly has worked closely with the Tonawanda, N.Y., on June 6, 2003, followed interment at Mount Calvary business community in Danbury to secure Cemetery in Buffalo, N.Y., on June 7, 2003. corporate sponsorships and press coverage Corrections In lieu of flowers, family and friends are encouraged to make donations in for the annual 5-kilometer road race. • In the latest “Focus on Philately” Defying the small size of their parish, column (June 1) the captions for Figures memory of Bohdana Topolnycky to the Soyuzivka Renaissance Fund. the 40 families active in Holy Trinity 7 and 8 were reversed. Ukrainian National Foundation • Due to a scanning error, the com- Orthodox Church have raised thousands of Soyuzivka Renaissance Fund dollars for CCRF and helped attract sup- plete dates of the Conference on port from this affluent area of Connecticut. Ukrainian Subjects at the University of 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280 In his introductory remarks before present- Illinois at Champaign-Urbana were not Parsippany, NJ 07054 ing the award, Andrij Rudko, the president properly listed. The dates for the confer- E-mail: [email protected] of Vantage Enterprises hailed the Rev. ence are June 16-21. 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2003 No. 23

consequences for our nation and national Washington... security.” (Continued from page 7) While the Ukrainian American com- Furthermore, the UCCA, as a member munity understands that U.S. homeland organization of the Washington-based security and strategic interests in the Central and East European Coalition (a Middle East as well as Southeast Asia coalition of ethnic representative organi- have acquired new significance and zations), expressed its concerns to high- importance, the Ukrainian National ranking government officials in meetings Information Service believes that reduc- held in Washington. The coalition disput- tions in strategically important factors ed the BBG assumptions that all the for democratic development in Ukraine countries of Central and Eastern Europe may result in negative repercussions and are on their way to becoming NATO not only slow the progress of Ukraine’s members, whereby many aspirant coun- reforms, but compromise the achieve- tries to NATO rely on American support ments of previously implemented pro- for increased citizen awareness of NATO grams. goals and responsibilities. Maintaining the level of funding for In a letter to Sen. Richard Lugar, the next several years would allow chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Ukraine to solidify its reforms and con- Committee, the coalition stipulated: “To tinue on the road to a well-developed close or reduce the European services in society based on strong democratic prin- this age of uncertainty and terrorism is to ciples. This outcome is a paramount goal invite serious misunderstandings about of U.S. policy in the region and its real- the American people and their policies, ization would allow the United States to misunderstandings that may have serious have a stable partner there.

CHISINAU – The Moldovan Customs NEWSBRIEFS Department on May 22 notified the (Continued from page 2) Transdniester authorities that, as of May trial for many. On arrival at Univ, the pil- 25, Ukraine will only recognize new grims spent the night in prayer and, led by Moldovan customs seals at border-cross- the monastery’s Studite monks, processed ing points on its territory, Infotag report- with candles to Monastic Hill. During the ed. The Ukrainian and Moldovan customs underground period of the Ukrainian authorities signed an agreement to this Greek-Catholic Church, liturgies were effect in Kyiv on May 15 and the accord celebrated and religious were buried on is to go into effect on May 25. Last year Moldova changed its customs seals in an the hill. At the liturgy on Sunday, three attempt to curb smuggling from new priests were ordained, including one Transdniester, but the Ukrainian authori- priest for the Belarusian Greek-Catholic ties until earlier this month refused to Church. (Religious Information Service of acknowledge the change at customs posts Ukraine) on the Ukraine-Transdniester border. The Kyiv to recognize Moldova’s customs seals accord with Ukraine marks a “big victory for Moldova,” according to the DPA news

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fact that, in the process of national consol- Commemorations... idation and nation-building, there are The next issue of The Ukrainian Weekly’s (Continued from page 5) unsolved questions regarding internal murdered the Jews, that Poles had nothing Ukrainian (East-West) as well as external to do with it. (with other nations) relations in Ukraine. Another recent sore point is the issue The continuation of the negative stereo- of the Lychakiv Cemetery in Lviv, where typing of Ukrainians and the further dis- semination of one-sided evaluations of the WeddingWedding the official dedication in May 2002 of the Polish section of the cemetery was to Volyn events is of particular concern to have taken place with the participation of Ukrainians in Poland. As Mr. Tyma said, “Living dispersed among the Polish popu- Announcements the presidents of Poland and Ukraine but Announcements was called off when the Lviv City lation we will continuously have to explain: will appear on June 22, 2003. Council balked at the wording of the who killed whom, why, that these were not For a wedding announcement to be included in that issue, our parents who were not born in Volyn.” commemorative plaque and refused per- all information must be received in our offices by June 10, 2003. mission to have it installed. It was a per- The fact that officially Poland has promised sonal embarrassment for President many things to redress the wrongs of World Along with wedding announcements, we will include greetings from friends, Kwasniewski, who is considered the War II – compensation for those interned at family members, bridesmaids and ushers – from all those most pro-Ukrainian among political the concentration camp at Jaworzno in who wish to share in the excitement of a new marriage. leaders in Poland. Hence, when the peo- 1947-1949, restitution of confiscated prop- Also welcome are anniversary and engagement ple who promote the negative image of erty seized during Akcja Wisla, no interfer- announcements and greetings Ukrainians began to be aggressive about ence with the commemoration of UPA bur- ial sites in Poland – but delivered little, Rates for announcements and greetings: the Volyn commemorations, there was no One-column wedding announcement: $100 reaction from presidential circles, Mr. shows there is a reluctance on the part of the Poles to acknowledge other views and Two-column wedding announcement: $200 Tyma explained. Several months after Wedding greeting: $75 the Lychakiv debacle, representatives of others’ needs. the Kresy organizations began meeting * * * For further information or to request a brochure, with government ministers to plan the please call (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 (Maria). Note: Issue No. 28 of the magazine Yi Volyn commemorations. Could Volyn be Visit www.ukrweekly.com to view a wedding announcement sample page. “revenge” for Lychakiv? There could [ï] contains a comprehensive collection of also be some rational psychological articles on the topic Volyn 1943 in issues involved, Mr. Tyma said, as, for Ukrainian. The issue can be found on the example, the fact that the family of the Internet at: http://www.ji-magazine.lviv.ua. president’s wife is from Volyn. Yi, which bill itself as an independent Among Ukrainians in Poland there is culturological publication, is published concern about how Ukraine will react to in Lviv. Its editor is Taras Wozniak. The Polish pressure to force an “apology” and magazine usually publishes issues on one make the Ukrainian president acknowl- main topic; the one devoted to Volyn edge Ukrainian responsibility for the 1943 has articles by Taras Hunczak, killings in Volyn. There is a serious Yaroslav Isaievych, Natalia Yakovenko imbalance in the preparedness and under- and others. standing of the importance of this sup- posedly two-way question. On the Ukrainian side there is no official policy TO ALL MEMBERS with respect to events of World War II, and the Soviet version of the war is still OF UNA BRANCH 177 widely accepted. On the other hand, the Polish side has a focused aim: to prove Please be advised that Branch that there was genocide against the Polish 177 has merged with Branch inhabitants of Volyn, organized and 206 as of June 1, 2003. All directed by the UPA. The Poles have inquiries and requests for been working long and have dedicated a lot of resources to researching the issue, changes should be sent to to finding documents, gathering testi- Mrs. Irene Sarachmon. monies and publishing their work, according to Mr. Tyma. Mrs. Irene Sarachmon Although Ukrainian historians (such as P.O. Box 1044 Prof. Yaroslav Isaievych) claim that the Woonsocket, RI 02895 Polish side is ignorant of the facts and lets (401) 766-3669 stereotypes rule, Mr. Tyma believes that Ukrainian historians often reject Polish research blankly without having the facts to back this up. Their main position is the dismissal of collective responsibility of the Ukrainian nation for both “real and imagined crimes” in Volyn perpetrated by the few. They maintain that only separate UPA units took part in the destruction of Polish settlements in Volyn and it is they who are responsible, not the UPA as a whole. But this is a problematic position, as the status of the UPA has not been settled in Ukraine and the rehabilitation of the UPA has not been completed. Bearing in mind the politicization in Ukraine of the acknowledgement of the UPA as a nation- al liberation force, any UPA implication in the killings will be bad for Our Ukraine leader Viktor Yushchenko, as it can be used to discredit him in the parts of Ukraine where the Soviet version of World War II is still the dominant one – something that has probably not escaped the notice of the “hardball players” in the presidential administration. Mr. Tyma concluded that what will happen with the commemorations will depend on several factors: on the one hand, the actions and behavior of President Kwasniewski and the leading politicians in the ruling coalition in the Polish Sejm and, from the Ukrainian side, on the personalities involved and their agendas. This issue brings to the fore the 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2003 No. 23

Ukraine’s standard of living continues to Kyiv’s traffic... rise and consumers find more money in The Ukrainian Institute of America (Continued from page 10) their pockets, the more expensive European car made in Ukraine will cordially invites you to a duce the current Daewoo model line at come to dominate the market. the ZAZ plant. “People here also give priority to new A key part of the agreement was that models that have quality, give them Hirsch and Cie could withhold invest- comfort as well as various options and ment until production hit 50,000 units. are built to last,” Ms. Yakovleva said. Jazz Concert However, with the current boom in Daewoo popularity, that time may come featuring sooner than they had expected. AvtoZAZ-Daewoo originally project- ed sales of 40,000 units in 2003, but Martha Kulchytsky-Andriuk... with delivery of its popular Lanos cur- (Continued from page 4) rently backlogged by at least a month, it Opera Company, she performed the lead- could exceed planned production con- ing role of Odarka in “Zaporzhets za siderably before the year is over. Dunaiem.” Her beloved opera, “Madama JOHN STETCH Maryna Yakovleva, assistant director Butterfly,” translated into Ukrainian, was Hear the critically acclaimed Canadian-born of marketing and purchasing for also performed by her. EvroCar, which is the Ukrainian partner pianist performing his own jazz compositions – But there was yet another side to the for Volkswagen operations in Ukraine, deceased. Ms. Kulchytsky-Andriuk, enjoy an evening of solo jazz piano featuring said that Daewoo has suddenly become raised in the turmoil of war, remained popular because it is a recognizable and untouched by the terrible events that sur- interpretations of Ukrainian folkloric music, well-known model that has been on the rounded her formative years. She often Ukrainian market for some time. But she improvisations and jazz standards. proudly declared, “We survived.” She did underscored that the most important rea- much more than that. But she was lively, son for its current popularity lies in its humorous, playful, kind and generous. inexpensive price tag in combination Friday, June 20, 2003 with Ukrainian import quotas that have Her generosity extended to anony- mously sponsoring a new orphan every at 8:00 p.m. been placed on Russian-made automo- biles such as the Lada as part of the eco- year, serving as a camp counselor for sick nomic war that is continuing between children in Paul Newman’s Hole in the Donation: $20 Kyiv and Moscow. Wall Gang Summer Camp. She served as “The production of [Ladas] in vice-president of the Children of Ukraine (assembled in Rivne) cannot Chornobyl Relief Fund, and gave count- UKRAINIAN INSTITUTE OF AMERICA compensate fully for what the market less concerts and benefits on its behalf. 2 East 79th Street, NYC 10021 demands, so a niche opened in this price Believing in the Ukrainian communi- 212.288.8660 www.brama.com/uia range for the Lanos, which fits there ty, the Andriuks donated $10,000 each to nicely,” explained Ms. Yakovleva. the Harvard Ukrainian Studies Fund, the Yet, Ms. Yakovleva said that as Children of Chornobyl Relief Fund and Holy Family Shrine in Washington. Ms. Kulchytsky-Andriuk’s death on April 7, although premature, was made Need a back issue? easier by the love expressed by her sons, If you’d like to obtain a back issue of The Ukrainian Weekly, Oleh, Mark and Andrew, who during her send $2 per copy (first-class postage included) to: Administration, The Ukrainian Weekly, illness were her constant companions. She was laid to rest beside her husband 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. in Washington. No. 23 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2003 17

THE ARTS SCENE Rem exhibits his works in Yonkers

LUBOMYR KUZMA

RETROSPECTIVE ART EXHIBITION

Tempera and encaustic paintings

JUNE 13 - 29, 2003 GALLERY HOURS 12 TO 6 P.M. DAILY (closed Mondays)

OPENING RECEPTION FRIDAY, JUNE 13 6 TO 9 P.M.

YONKERS, N.Y. – During an exhibition sponsored on April 13 by UNWLA Branch 30, every visitor was overwhelmed by the beauty, craftsmanship and recurring Ukrainian themes clearly dominating each creation by Rem Bahautdyn. At St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, art enthusiasts were UKRAINIAN 2 EAST 79TH STREET enveloped by compositions reflecting the artist’s love and understanding of NEW YORK, N.Y. 10021 Ukraine’s history, traditions and legends. His personal demeanor and exuber- INSTITUTE ant approach to life belie his age and all that he has lived through, yet the (212) 288-8660 diverse elements of his life experiences pour out in each vibrant and original OF AMERICA work of art. Mr. Bahautdyn, a master with brass and silver reliefs, and a multi- talented artist, is far from exhausting his inventory of images he wants to cre- ate, and he enthusiastically spoke of new techniques and media for future compositions. The verbal images he created for his listeners left all yearning to see these forthcoming masterpieces. The artist is seen above with Nadia Cwiach (left) and Olga Rudyk of the local UNWLA. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2003 No. 23 UKEUKELLODEONODEON FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

Jousting in the 21st century: only at Medieval Times! by Justin Stasiuk

LYNDHURST, NJ. – On Friday, May 23, the sixth grade from St. John’s School in Newark, N.J., visited the Middle Ages. Impossible you say? Not if you are lucky enough to visit Medieval Times, a great big castle built in the New Jersey Meadowlands, where you can take a trip back in time. The entire sixth grade class waited patiently for months before our trip going 800 years back in time; and the consensus was that it was well worth the wait. Inside the walls of the Medieval Times castle we saw knights in shining armor and on horseback, dun- geons, sword fights, banquets, medieval games and screaming fans. The tournament arena is where the knights joust and fight with swords, and it is the cen- ter of attraction. Jousting is a medieval sport where knights, separat- ed by a fence, gallop on horses toward each other with long wooden sticks called lances. The object of this sport is to strike your opponent with the lance and knock him off the horse. I’ve seen jousting in the movies, but in real life it is just awesome! At the arena, after being welcomed by the kind, we all ate as much food as we wanted, including chicken, ribs and other “goodies,” and best of all, we ate with our hands, because in the Middle Ages people did not use forks, knives and spoons to eat their food. The sixth grade class with their teacher, Mrs. Luba Batka (front and center), and Father Before the jousting and sword fights started we were Leonard Ratushniak (standing in back row). all assigned a knight to root for during the tournament. It was excit- ing to root for your knight, even if he did not win the tournament. St. Nicholas students send greetings to UKELODEON By the time I came home, I was so hoarse from cheering for my knight that I could barely tell my parents how much fun I had. Our class trip to Medieval Times was great. While I am sad that many of the students in the sixth grade will not be coming back to St. John’s next year, I am happy that we will all share the memory of our great last class trip together to Medieval Times.

CHECK IT OUT: On page 11 of this issue read about a young Ukrainian American originally from the metropolitan New York area, a former member of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization, who today owns a unique business called Absolute Adventures PASSAIC, N.J. – The students of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic School from kindergarten through eighth based in San Francisco. grade sent greetings to readers of The Ukrainian Weekly, and especially to their peers, the readers of UKELODEON, via the group photo above taken in front of their school building. No. 23 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2003 19 PETRO PYTAYE ASKS: Mishanyna To solve this month’s Mishanyna – which celebrates the upcoming end of What will you be doing this summer? the school year and the imminent arrival of summertime – find the words Sviatoslav Serediak, 12, UKELODEON’s roving reporter that you see capitalized in the following text within the Mishanyna grid Leonardo, N.J.: Petro Pytaye asked a few of our I will go to camp below. (Remember: words can appear written left to right, right to left, up readers, age 11 and 12, to reply to for a couple of weeks. Then I will and down, or even diagonally). the question: What will you be go to Ukraine for one month. The doing this summer? rest of the time I will stay home Well, the 2002-2003 SCHOOL YEAR is almost over. Soon it’ll be Following are some of the and do nothing! GRADUATION time for many of our readers, or time for that final responses he got. ASSEMBLY when school lets out for the summer. Paul Hadzewycz, 11, After saying GOOD-BYE to your friends at school, where will you be Gregory Fat, age 11, Morristown, N.J.: I’ll be doing headed? Perhaps you are off to the MOUNTAINS to enjoy the scenery and Trenton, N.J.: During the sum- many things. First, I will go to fresh air, or to the SEASHORE for some FUN in the SUN, or some other mer I am going to Plast camp. I am Soyuzivka for two weeks – two looking forward to being a “yunak” weeks of swimming, hiking, etc. interesting place for VACATION. Maybe you’ll be spending time at a sum- for the first time and also the Then, right after that, I will attend mer CAMP or WORKSHOP. “vechirka” (dance). I am also on a Plast camp for three weeks as a (And why not let us know how you’re doing this summer? Become a swim team so I will swim five days “yunak.” I look forward to this UKELODEON REPORTER and share stories of your exploits with fellow a week in a 50-meter pool in camp as one of the highlights of READERS!) Princeton. I am looking forward to my vacation. Then, for the rest of winning medals this summer. And, the summer, I will be going every Whatever your DESTINATION or your INCLINATION, we wish you a lastly, I will also look forward to weekend – and for a whole week or great time with your summertime FRIENDS – many of whom you probably having friends at my house, having two – to Lake George, where we have not seen since the previous summer. And isn’t that one of the best parties, staying up ldate to have have a boat. things of all about summer? No matter where you go, or what you do, there fun. Of all these things I look for- are things to share with good friends from NEAR and FAR. ward to camp and the “vechirka” Daria Hapon, 11, Millburn, the most. N.J.: I will go to camp and then fly We hope our young readers enjoy the summer, because, before you know it, it’ll be SEPTEMBER and time to start a new school year. But for now, it’s Volodymir Vlasyuk, 12, to Germany and France to visit my relatives. Otherwise, I will just “no more pencils, no more books...” and thoughts of a GREAT time ahead. Greenbrook, N.J.: I am going to stay home and watch TV. I am Ukraine this summer to visit my looking forward to Germany. A happy summer to you all! (But do keep in touch.) grandparents and other relatives. I am looking forward to building a Markian Martynetz, 12, fort out of wood in which we will South Orange, N.J.: I will be at Z E P A R T F R E T R O P E R play games and “attack” people. I’ll go swimming in a lake. When I Plast camp this summer. R E A D E R S A Z I N A G R O return from Ukraine, I will go to Afterwards I will be going to New T R I T I A R Z R T A E R G P Dorney Park in Pennsylvania. Of York to camp with my family at these things I am most looking for- Raquette Lake. About a week or so P S U E S C H O O L Y E A R E ward to playing at my fort. after that I will be traveling, this O I N A E E O N O I T A C A V time to Wildwood, where we will Christina Wirstiuk, age 12, play at the beach. I look forward to H D I S A R P L Y W O O T D U Fort Washington, Pa.: For the being with my friends at Plast S R I N S A L T E R D C O U K summer I will be going to my camp. house in the Poconos (mountains K D U I H T A M E T A O Y A E in Pennsylvania) and different PS: Petro Pytaye did NOT get R F R A O M A Y A M L L E T L camps. I will also be going to ANY answers to the question Wildwood for “Ukie Week.” Of all posed in print in the preview issue O U T T R U B I P U B E R I O these things I am looking forward of UKELODEON. (What did you W A T N E D O S T M U E M O D to Plast camp the most. wish your Mom on Mother’s Day, and what will you wish your Dad N A E U O Y U T E U R N R N E Michael Jablonskyj, 12, on Father’s Day? Be creative!) N A N O T N T S I D I S O N O Edison, N.J.: I will be going to Come on readers! UKELODEON Plast camp. Then we’re going on will print your responses. Really! R U G M D E S T I N A T I O N vacation to North Carolina. I’m All you have to do is take the time S N O I T A N I L C N I R A P looking forward to the fun. to send them in!

OUR NEXT ISSUE: UKELODEON is published on the second Our name: UKELODEON Sunday of every month. To make it into our next issue, dated July 13, UKELODEON: it rhymes with nickelodeon. Yes, that’s a kids’ net- please send in your materials by July 4. work (spelled with a capital “N”), but the original word referred to We especially encourage kids and teens to submit articles and see an early movie theater that charged a nickel for admission. their names in print! BECOME A UKELODEON REPORTER! Please drop us a line: According to The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, the root of the word, “odeon,” is from the Greek UKELODEON “oideion,” a small building used for public performances of music The Ukrainian Weekly and poetry. 2200 Route 10 - P.O. Box 280 Parsippany, NJ 07054 Our UKELODEON is envisioned as a public space where our fax, (973) 644-9510 youth, from kindergartners to teens, can come to learn, to share telephone, (973) 292-9800 information, to relate their experiences, and to keep in touch with e-mail to [email protected] each other. Its contents will be shaped by the young readers of the next generation. (We ask all contributors to please include a daytime phone number.) 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2003 No. 23

PREVIEW OF EVENTS

Sunday, June 12-29 Ukrainian Catholic Church, Broadway and Soyuzivka’s Datebook Shonnard Place. Festival schedule: June June 2-5 Barabolya and Ron Cahute NEW YORK: LaMaMa Experimental 13, 6-10 p.m.; June 14, 1-10 p.m.; June 15, Clergy Retreat, Stamford Theater and Yara Arts Group present 1-7 p.m. The three-day event will feature Eparchy August 2, Saturday “Swan,” a new theater piece based on free outdoor entertainment, demonstra- Oleh Lysheha’s eponymous Ukrainian Soyuzivka Summer Zabava tions of Ukrainian arts and crafts, June 8-13 poem, performed in English in a transla- Ukrainian food, carnival rides, amuse- with BURYA tion by Ms. Tkacz and Wanda Phipps. The UNA Seniors Week ments and exhibits. (On Saturday, June 14, theater piece, which opens on June 12 and at 1-4 p.m., there will be “Pay One Price” August 3, Sunday will run through June 29, is created by June 15, Sunday bracelets at $10 for all the carnival rides.) UNWLA Day director Virlana Tack, designer Watoku For more information visit the website Father’s Day and Kick-off Ueno, musician Paul Brantley, vocalist www.brama.com/yonkers-ukrainianfest or of the Summer Heritage August 3-8 Meredith Wright, video director Andrea call (914) 375-4418. Concert Series with Zorepad Odezynska and actors Andrew Colteaux Dance ensemble of Watervliet, Soyuzivka Scuba Diving Course and Soomi Kim. Performances: Thursday- Saturday, June 14 NY, and Holy Trinity Ukrainian Sunday, 8 p.m.; matinee, Sundays, 3 p.m. School Dance Group of August 9, Saturday Tickets, $15. La MaMa is located at 74 E. NEW YORK: The Shevchenko Scientific Kerhonkson, N.Y., and the Soyuzivka Summer Zabava with Fourth St.; telephone, (212) 475-7710; Society is holding a lecture by Dr. Pavlo vocal ensemble “Generations” NA ZDOROVYA website, www.brama.com/yara. Hrytsenko, chair, dialectology department, Art Exhibit with Ducia Institute of Ukrainian Language, National June 21-July 3 Friday- Sunday, June 13-15 Academy of Sciences, on the topic “The Hanushevsky; ceramics European Charter of Regional, or Minority Tennis Camp and the paintings YONKERS, N.Y.: The 18th annual Languages: Is There a Threat to the of Anatolij Burtovyj Ukrainian Heritage Festival, which cele- Ukrainian Language Today?” The lecture June 22-29 Ulster County Caesar Salad brates Ukrainian art, culture, music and will be held at the Shevchenko Scientific Day Camp, Tabir Ptashat No. 1 Festival dance, drawing over 10,000 people from Society, 63 Fourth Ave. (between Ninth the area and neighboring states, will be and 10th streets) at 5 p.m. For additional June 28, Saturday held on the grounds of St. Michael August 10-16 information call (212) 254-5130. Soyuzivka Summer Zabava with VIDLUNNIA Club Suzie-Q Week June 29-July 6 August 10-23 PLEASE NOTE REQUIREMENTS: Day Camp, Tabir Ptashat No. 2 Traditional Ukrainian Folk Dance Camp with Roma Preview of Events is a listing of Ukrainian community events open to the July 4-6 Pryma Bohachevsky public. It is a service provided at minimal cost ($10 per submission) by The Fourth of July Weekend and Ukrainian Weekly to the Ukrainian community. Payment must be received Zabavas with MONTAGE, August 16, Saturday prior to publication. TEMPO and Philadelphia Funk Miss Soyuzivka Weekend and To have an event listed in Preview of Events please send information, in Authority (10-piece funk dance Zabava with English, written in Preview format, i.e., in a brief paragraph that includes the band) FATA MORGANA date, place, type of event, sponsor, admission, full names of persons and/or Music with Philadelphia Funk organizations involved, and a phone number to be published for readers who Brothers (five-piece funk band) August 17, Sunday may require additional information. Items should be no more than 100 words long; all submissions are subject to editing. Items not written in Preview for- July 6, Sunday Summer Heritage Concert No. 4 mat or submitted without all required information will not be published. Summer Heritage Concert No. 2 featuring Dumka Choir Preview items must be received no later than one week before the desired July 6- 19 August 23, Saturday date of publication. No information will be taken over the phone. Items will be Boys’ and Girls’ Recreational Camp Ukrainian Independence Day published only once, unless otherwise indicated. Please include payment of Celebration – Dance Camp $10 for each time the item is to appear and indicate date(s) of issue(s) in which July 12, Saturday Recital and Zabava the item is to be published. Also, please include the phone number of a person Soyuzivka Summer Zabava who may be contacted by The Weekly during daytime hours. Information August 25- September 1 should be sent to: Preview of Events, The Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Route 10, July 13- 18 Labor Day Week P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Chemney Camp, Session No. 1 August 30- 31 July 19, Saturday Labor Day Weekend – Zabavas Soyuzivka Summer Zabava with with FATA MORGANA and VORONY TEMPO Children’s Weekend - Bounce House and Games for Kids Summer Heritage Concert with UKRAINA Dance Ensemble July 20-25 from Canada Chemney Camp, Session No. 2 September 8-11 July 20- August 2 Regensburg Reunion Sports Camp September 12-14 July 26, Saturday KLK Weekend and Annual Meeting Soyuzivka Summer Zabava Bayreuth Gymnasium Reunion with SVITANOK September 18-21 July 27, Sunday Reunion of Salzburg Gymnasium Summer Heritage Concert No. 3

August 1-3 September 26-28 Soyuzivka Sports Jamboree Conference of Spartanky Weekend. Plast Sorority Softball, Soccer, Volleyball and Hockey/Rollerblade September 28-30 Tournaments Reunion of Mittenwald Music by Ihor Bachynskyj, Gymnasium