INSIDE: • The post-Soviet generation in – page 3. • Groundbreaking conference on the Holodomor – pages 9-10. • Ice sculptors from at Canadian festivals – page 13.

THEPublished U byKRAINIAN the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profitW associationEEKLY Vol. LXXVII No.10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2009 $1/$2 in Ukraine SBU raids offices of Naftohaz Rada dismisses Ohryzko demanding gas deal documents Foreign affairs minister is latest casualty of political battle by Zenon Zawada Tymoshenko alleges has been funneled by Zenon Zawada Press Bureau into the private coffers of President Kyiv Press Bureau Yushchenko and his political allies. KYIV – The war between billionaire Party of Regions politicians Yurii KYIV – Ukraine’s Parliament voted on businessman Dmytro Firtash and Prime Boiko and Serhii Liovochkin are also March 3 to dismiss Foreign Affairs Minister for control of involved in siphoning money from the Minister Volodymyr Ohryzko. The pro- Ukraine’s natural gas transport system re- natural gas trade through Mr. Firtash, the Western diplomat became the latest casu- ignited on March 4 when 12 masked offi- prime minister alleges. alty in the ongoing three-way battle cers of the Security Service of Ukraine Through her agreement reached with between the Presidential Secretariat, the (SBU) armed with assault weapons Mr. Putin, Ms. Tymoshenko succeeded in Cabinet of Ministers and pro-Russian stormed Naftohaz Ukrainy headquarters eliminating RosUkrEnergo, the opaque opposition forces. to make arrests and demand documents. intermediary established by President The Party of Regions of Ukraine The officers arrested Taras Shepitko, Yushchenko in January 2006 and con- (PRU), the Communist Party of Ukraine accusing him of participating in the theft trolled by Mr. Firtash that she alleges is (CPU) and 49 deputies of the Yulia of 6.3 billion cubic meters of natural gas, the structure through which billions of Tymoshenko Bloc (YTB) assembled 250 and demanded the original copy of the dollars are funneled. votes to dismiss Mr. Ohryzko, no longer January 19 natural gas agreement that As for the 11 billion cubic meters cur- willing to tolerate his pro-Washington Ms. Tymoshenko signed with Prime rently being fought over, Mr. Firtash positions and loyalty to President Viktor Minister Vladimir Putin, which she has alleges that natural gas belongs to him, a Yushchenko in his attacks against Prime yet to provide to the SBU or Parliament. position supported by President Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. While authorities allege the original Yushchenko, who controls the SBU and While contempt for Mr. Ohryzko from Zenon Zawada was necessary to confirm the pact’s con- approved of the March 3 raid. pro-Russian forces had long been boiling, Foreign Affairs Minister Volodymyr ditions, Ms. Tymoshenko and her allies Messrs. Boiko and Liovochkin also it was his recent criticism of Ms. Ohryzko was dismissed by the claim the criminal charges and subse- support returning the gas to Mr. Firtash, a Tymoshenko that pushed her over the on March 3. quent search were merely a pretext to position that caused a rift within the Party edge, prompting her to sacrifice him in the 49 deputies who voted to dismiss Mr. intimidate Naftohaz officials from aiding of Regions after its failed February exchange for support in canceling pre-term Ohryzko acted emotionally in defiance of the Cabinet’s attempts to eliminate the attempt to dismiss Ms. Tymoshenko from elections for the Ternopil Oblast Council, her instructions to abstain from the vote, corruption related to gas transit. her post. where her bloc faced big losses. “I think that very few naive politicians Meanwhile, Ms. Tymoshenko has “It was a so-called barter, in which the an assertion rejected by political observ- and journalists are left in Ukraine who alleged Mr. Firtash stole that gas, which Tymoshenko Bloc helped the Party of ers. would think that the special forces would the Ukrainian government purchased Regions dismiss Ohryzko, and in the next “I doubt that such a large group of act without the president’s command,” from Gazprom, and it’s merely her vote the Party of Regions helped the deputies, particularly those so closely Ms. Tymoshenko told journalists during responsibility as prime minister to reclaim Tymoshenko Bloc, which lacked enough linked to Tymoshenko, would act on emo- her March 4 visit to Paris. it for the Ukrainian people. votes, to cancel the election to the tions,” said Oleksander Palii, a political “As prime minister, I will painfully rap The conflict and ensuing chaos seemed Ternopil Oblast Council,” said Oleh expert with the Institute of Foreign Policy the hands of those who encroach upon to play right into the hands of Mr. Putin, Zarubinskyi, a national deputy with the at the Diplomatic Academy of the state property,” she added, referring to the who announced on March 5 that the Volodymyr Lytvyn Bloc, which didn’t Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 11 billion cubic meters of natural gas at Russian government would cut off natural support either vote. About four hours after the vote, Ms. the heart of the current conflict. gas supplies yet again if the Ukrainian Borys Kolesnikov, a top PRU national Tymoshenko continued to feign disap- Ukraine’s most powerful politicians government didn’t fulfill a $360 million deputy, claimed no trade was involved pointment with her deputies, as if they are fighting over control of the country’s obligation that was due March 7. and that both votes were a coincidence of truly defied her orders, telling reporters natural gas trade because it involves bil- common interests. that she understood what motivated them. lions of dollars in profit, which Ms. (Continued on page 5) Meanwhile, Ms. Tymoshenko claimed “They don’t agree with the foreign affairs minister sending abroad instruc- tions which shame the prime minister, the Ukrainian government and the state,” she Yushchenko and Tymoshenko pledge reforms in letter to IMF said. “I not only understand this, but also share their indignation.” by Pavel Korduban The IMF approved the stand-by loan for February 28). “However, today, when the political Eurasia Daily Monitor Ukraine last November. Its first $4.5 billion Eventually, the IMF postponed the allo- situation in the country is indefinite, and tranche arrived promptly for the National cation of the loan’s $1.845 billion second the economy is difficult, I would advise Ukrainian President Bank of Ukraine (NBU) to start refinancing tranche, which Ukraine expected on our deputies to find within themselves the and Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko have banks, several of which were about to col- February 15. The IMF mission left Kyiv. strength to curb their outrage and anger, managed to set their differences aside and lapse. This was the last thing that an economy and not surrender to their emotions.” agree on a reform package in an effort to Ms. Tymoshenko, however, intervened in teetering on the brink of collapse needed. Minutes after that statement, however, save the economy from imminent collapse. the process. She told the NBU to coordinate Ukraine has been the East European country Ms. Tymoshenko cleared the smoke- Mr. Yushchenko and Ms. Tymoshenko refinancing with her Cabinet, suspecting that most severely affected by the crisis. The screen and admitted that Mr. Ohryzko agreed on March 2 on the content of a letter banks were using the money for currency national currency lost some 50 percent of its was indeed a stick in her craw that she of intent to the International Monetary Fund speculation; and she orchestrated a no-confi- value from September 2008 to February. In was happy to be rid of. signaling their readiness to take measures in dence vote in NBU chief and Yushchenko January alone, inflation reached 2.9 percent, “As a minister, Ohryzko radically the economy to qualify for the continuation ally Volodymyr Stelmakh (see Eurasia Daily real wages dropped 12 percent, industrial didn’t suit me,” she told reporters. “This of IMF financing in the framework of a Monitor, January 30). output shrank 34.1 percent, and GDP con- is an unprofessional person, who system- $16.4 billion stand-by loan. Ms. Tymoshenko also refused to revise tracted by some 20 percent compared with atically engaged in provocations against Ukraine badly needs IMF money in order the 2009 state budget, which both Mr. the previous year after almost a decade of the government. But, at the same time, to avoid a default on its international obliga- Yushchenko and the IMF viewed as too steady growth that continued until last fall. understanding the faction’s disposition, in tions. The plan approved by Mr. Yushchenko optimistic. Finance Minister Viktor The lack of unity between President which all 155 individuals wanted to vote and Ms. Tymoshenko may be blocked, how- Pynzenyk, who had refused to sign the bud- Yushchenko and Prime Minister for Ohryzko’s dismissal, we asked that ever, by the opposition Party of Regions of get, resigned in protest against what he Tymoshenko had been one of the reasons the faction not vote.” Ukraine (PRU), which disagrees with sever- described as the domination of politics over al key provisions of the letter. professionalism in the government (ICTV, (Continued on page 19) (Continued on page 5) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2009 No. 10 ANALYSIS NEWSBRIEFS NATO-Ukraine partnership hobbled Taylor: Ukraine needs consolidation Tymoshenko said on March 3 that she is disappointed that some national deputies KYIV – Ukraine needs consolidation of of her bloc had backed the dismissal of ahead of NATO’s anniversary summit all branches of power to receive the sec- Foreign Affairs Minister Volodymyr ond tranche of the International Monetary Ohryzko. “I understand the motivation by Vladimir Socor Deutschland, February 21). Fund’s stand-by loan, U.S. Ambassador to France was even blunter. During and indignation of some of our deputies,” Eurasia Daily Monitor Ukraine William B. Taylor said on March she commented. “Thus, they have openly NATO’s recent Security Conference in 3. “If the president, the prime minister, the NATO’s most ambitious, most highly expressed disagreement with the unpro- Munich, French President Nicolas NBU [National Bank of Ukraine] governor developed, and for a time most promising Sarkozy took aim at Ukraine and NATO’s fessional activity of the minister, as the and the [Rada] speaker work jointly, if minister of foreign affairs of Ukraine partnership, the one with Ukraine, is slid- open door in one swipe: “If you see the they have an agreement of opinion, all this allowed himself to send instructions ing backward despite efforts at NATO light in the window, it does not mean that [points of the IMF stand-by arrangement] abroad that disgrace the prime minister, headquarters to keep it on track. you must go knocking at the door” could be fulfilled. And, after that, the IMF the Ukrainian government and the state Ukrainian authorities and certain Western (Ukrayinska Pravda, February 11). can really provide its assistance, as the itself. I not only understand, but to some European governments within NATO Such remarks undermine the credibili- matter concerns billions of dollars,” he extent share their indignation here,” Ms. share responsibility for the backsliding. ty of the alliance’s official Open Door said at a news conference in Kyiv. Mr. Tymoshenko stressed. “However, with The alliance’s upcoming summit will Policy and can compromise the chances Taylor also reported that he had talked to today’s political turbulence and the eco- have to book this setback among a host of of NATO-assisted reform efforts in the IMF representatives both in Ukraine nomic slump in the country taken into others that confound NATO on its 60th Ukraine. At the Krakow meeting, and in Washington. “They told me that account, I would advise the deputies to… anniversary. Ukrainian Defense Minister Yurii they were kindly surprised that there was a not give in to emissions. There is a fac- The pre-summit meeting of 26 allied Yekhanurov reminded the assembled real potential, like on Friday, on Monday tional discipline and an official stand of defense ministers held on February 19-20 defense ministers, “It is extremely impor- and, we hope, today there will be a meet- the political force, and no one is allowed in Krakow reviewed this troubled partner- tant to maintain the principle of NATO’s ing of the president and the prime minister, to violate it for any motives. It is neces- ship in a revamped NATO-Ukraine open door, which gives individual [aspi- representatives of the opposition, the NBU sary to have a well-balanced approach to Commission in the 26 + 1 format. rant] countries their chance to have their Chairing the proceedings, NATO governor to discuss all issues jointly,” the any decision and any voting to ensure security guaranteed” (RFE/RL, February ambassador noted. The IMF had post- stable work of the coalition and the Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer 20). gave assurances of “continue[d] support poned extension of the second tranche of Parliament,” she added. Forty-nine depu- Ukraine’s defense and security sector its loan to Ukraine (planned for February ties of the were for Ukraine’s [defense sector] reforms reforms have been stalled since 2005 and preparations for NATO membership.” 15), having called on Ukraine’s authorities among the 250 who voted on March 3 to amid the Orange crisis of institutions to cut the deficit, enhance monetary policy dismiss Mr. Ohryzko. (Ukrinform) The commission would monitor the (confounding the hopes invested in the implementation of Ukraine’s defense sec- and control the banking sector. On Orange project) and seem to have run out November 5, 2008, the IMF approved a Lytvyn Bloc against dismissal tor reforms and focus on the first Annual of resources since the onset of the eco- National Program (ANP) in that regard. two-year Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) KYIV – The Volodymyr Lytvyn Bloc nomic crisis in late 2008 in Ukraine. The for about $16.4 billion (U.S.) to help “We are determined to continue to devel- country’s defense budget has declined to did not vote for the dismissal of Ukraine’s op this strategic partnership,” Mr. de Ukrainian authorities restore financial and Foreign Affairs Minister Volodymyr 0.8 percent of GDP in 2008 and 2009, the economic stability. On November 10, Hoop Scheffer assured the Ukrainian del- lowest level since Ukraine became inde- Ohryzko, as this will lead to another con- egation (NATO release, February 20). 2008, the first tranche of $4.5 billion was frontation between the president and the pendent, according to statements by sent to Ukraine. (Ukrinform) Others struck a different note, howev- Ukrainian officials during the Krakow prime minister – since Mr. Ohryzko was er. German Defense Minister Franz-Josef ministerial meeting (Interfax-Ukraine, Rada dismisses foreign minister appointed by the president – said National Jung made it clear at the Krakow ministe- February 20). Deputy Oleh Zarubinsky, a Lytvyn Bloc rial meeting that Berlin did not want President Viktor Yushchenko lamented KYIV – The Verkhovna Rada on member. Asked by reporters whether the ANPs with membership-oriented content March 3 dismissed Volodymyr Ohryzko voting of the Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc for Ukraine and Georgia (Financial Times (Continued on page 20) as foreign affairs minister. A total of 250 (YTB) for the dismissal was a surprise national deputies backed the decision; for the Lytvyn Bloc, Mr. Zarubinsky 226 votes were required for the vote to noted that, to some extent, it was. “Even take effect. The bill to dismiss Mr. before the voting it was clear that some Ohryzko was initiated by the opposition processes were taking place in the NATO deliberates strategic concept Party of Regions of Ukraine and support- Tymoshenko Bloc, as the coalition [YTB, ed by the Communist Party of Ukraine Our Ukraine–People’s Self-Defense and and relations with Russia and 49 members of the Yulia Tymoshenko Lytvyn Bloc] had made a unanimous Bloc. (Ukrinform) decision not to back the dismissal of Mr. by Vladimir Socor Concept, however, would no longer give Ohryzko. The minister’s dismissal was Eurasia Daily Monitor that type of threat the short shrift. Mr. de PM on Ohryzko’s dismissal initiated by the Party of Regions and the Hoop Scheffer’s concept outline does at KYIV – Prime Minister Yulia NATO will hold its 60th anniversary least identify cyber defense as a high priori- (Continued on page 14) summit on April 2-4 on both sides of the ty for NATO, in the wake of the Russian Franco-German border. The summit is assaults on Estonia’s and Georgia’s Internet expected to adopt a basic document on systems during the 2007 political crisis and FOUNDED 1933 NATO’s concept, to be finalized after the the 2008 invasion, respectively. THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY anniversary event and replace the existing, The Krakow ministerial meeting An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., decade-old Strategic Concept. The alli- showed NATO policy toward Russia ance’s secretary general, Jaap de Hoop a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. reverting to business as usual, soon after Yearly subscription rate: $55; for UNA members — $45. Scheffer, presented a sketch of the new Russia’s invasion of Georgia (with ongo- concept at the meeting of allied defense ing militarization of the occupied territo- Periodicals postage paid at Parsippany, NJ 07054 and additional mailing offices. (ISSN — 0273-9348) ministers on February 19-20 in Krakow. ries there), suspension of gas deliveries to The document, not distributed publicly, Europe affecting NATO member-countries The Weekly: UNA: identifies six salient points, with particular (in their dual capacity as European Union Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 concentration on combating terrorism and members), and eviction of the U.S.-led related threats and challenges, nuclear pro- coalition from Kyrgyzstan’s Manas air Postmaster, send address changes to: liferation, cyber attacks, climate change base (critical to allied operations in The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz (in the context of energy-security policy), Afghanistan). 2200 Route 10 Editors: Matthew Dubas and other post-modern threats and chal- Nevertheless, “normalization” with P.O. Box 280 Zenon Zawada (Kyiv) lenges (Stratfor, “A Disappointing Russia proceeds de facto, without that Parsippany, NJ 07054 Summit,” February 20). label but also without a decent interval and Any secretary general must hew close to on Russian-defined terms. The terms basi- The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com; e-mail: [email protected] a common denominator among differing cally involve acceptance of those Russian views within NATO on policy issues. This faits accomplis in the hope that Russia The Ukrainian Weekly, March 8, 2009, No. 10, Vol. LXXVII will undoubtedly also be the case with the might ultimately deliver on some critical Copyright © 2009 The Ukrainian Weekly Strategic Concept at the coming summit. issue (Afghanistan, Iran, energy supplies) The alliance’s Western European tier seems for which the West feels dependent on politically and culturally wedded to percep- Moscow’s cooperation. tions of threat that took shape during the U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA preceding decade, mostly linked with non- repeated in Krakow the idea that it was state, non-military actors and forces. time to “reset the relationship with Russia Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3041 Western European governments seem for and move forward.” According to Mr. e-mail: [email protected] the most part reluctant to recognize the per- Gates the United States and NATO allies Maria Oscislawski, advertising manager (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 sistence of conventional military threats and need Russia in too many ways to ignore it e-mail: [email protected] pressures from Russia on neighboring coun- (AP, February 19, 20). He named three of Mariyka Pendzola, subscriptions (973) 292-9800, ext. 3042 tries and to draw the policy consequences e-mail: [email protected] for NATO. A properly updated Strategic (Continued on page 20) No. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2009 3 The post-Soviet generation: a roundtable with Lviv university students by Zenon Zawada developed and the economy strongly Kyiv Press Bureau developed, but that was only on paper,” she said. “They developed, but not in a The post-Soviet generation: This year’s way that they were supposed to have truly college freshmen, most of whom were developed.” born in 1991, represent the first genera- For eastern Ukrainians like Mr. tion of Ukrainians to have never known Nazarenko and Vladyslav Betsun, who the . The Weekly conducted was born in the Russian Federation, study- roundtable interviews with freshmen in ing at UCU has opened a new perspective Luhansk, Kyiv and Lviv to examine their on both Ukraine and the Soviet Union that views, acquired mostly from family, they might not have otherwise known had school and the mass media. This article is they chosen to study in their native the second in the series. regions. Although an Orthodox Christian raised LVIV – Roman Nazarenko, born and in Luhansk, the easternmost corner of raised in Symferopol, the capital of Ukraine, the soft-spoken Mr. Betsun said Ukraine’s Autonomous Republic of he chose to study at UCU because “I like Crimea, had numerous relatives in the Greek-Catholic denomination more.” Halychyna who were murdered and Living outside Luhansk for the first imprisoned by the Soviets. time, Mr. Betsun admits that he’s adjusting Returning to their native land to study to the attitudes in Lviv, which “significant- at the Ukrainian Catholic University, he ly differ from those there.” He added, “I Zenon Zawada has a unique insight into the bookends of never heard the and Ukrainian society and how starkly views only started speaking the true Ukrainian Lviv Oblast native Halyna Halaiko (right) has heard positive things about the of the Soviet Union can differ. language here,” he said. Soviet era, while Svitlana Mykhalkiv (left) said the Soviet Union brought almost A mixed view has emerged in his own Whether it’s their recent exposure to no good for Ukraine. Both are freshmen at the Ukrainian Catholic University. mind as a result. “It’s hard to say” whether Lviv or something already inside of them brochures and T-shirts with the hammer the Soviet era deserves condemnation, said that led them to Lviv to pursue their stud- and sickle. Mr. Nazarenko, born four months before ies, both Mr. Nazarenko and Mr. Betsun Her parents said they were married in a Ukraine declared independence. Only had fairly critical views of the Soviet secret Catholic ceremony, and some cou- some Communist statues should be Union, which is unusual for eastern ples even signed the legal documents for removed, and only the main streets Ukrainians. marriage without ever having a church renamed, he commented. “I imagine these were times of a certain ceremony. “They sharply react to even sitting grayness and uniformity,” said Mr. Betsun, Naturally, the UCU freshmen were famil- down and considering whether it’s needed born in May 1988. “The individual point iar with the valiant efforts of Metropolitans or not,” Mr. Nazarenko said of how of view was not accepted; rather, every- Josyf Slipyj and Andrey Sheptytsky to pre- Crimeans respond to Ukrainianization. “I thing was done for social understanding.” serve the Ukrainian Catholic Church in the think we need to sit at a roundtable and Spirituality was suppressed, and Soviet resolve such issues, because we can’t leave authorities made sure citizens didn’t know underground and abroad. everything as is, nor change everything. what was happening in the rest of the “Thanks to them the Ukrainian Catholic What’s needed is some …,” he said before world, he said. “They were always told, Church exists to this day,” said Halyna trailing off. you live well, you have all the best and Halaiko, a freshman student from the Lviv This year’s freshmen at Ukraine’s col- everything is bad abroad, like zombies,” Oblast village of Yaseniv in the Brody dis- leges and universities, most of whom were Mr. Betsun said. “Everyone had money, trict. born in 1991, represent the first generation but they couldn’t spend it because there Contrary to the confident nationalism of Ukrainians who never knew the Soviet wasn’t anything to buy. My parents had trumpeted by her colleague, Ms. Halaiko Union. quite a negative attitude.” offered a more balanced view of the Soviet Roundtable discussions with freshmen What Mr. Nazarenko most associated era. Though her parents were critics, she at the Ukrainian Catholic University heard others speak positively. with the Soviet Union was its prohibition Lviv native Natalia Sholovii said (UCU) in Lviv, the largest private univer- “Allegedly there was stability, people of freedom of thought, freedom of reli- Ukrainians need to look forward and sity in Ukraine, revealed that those stu- received money, they could live, and were gion, freedom of speech and individual leave the past behind. dents who are Lviv natives harbor views freedoms. able to buy their own home for kopeks,” of the Soviet Union largely reflective of The Soviets forbid embracing one’s eth- she said. “For example, in our time we the Halychyna region, which led the nic identity, such as Ukrainian literature, can’t buy a home for kopeks. Back then, dreadful lines at stores,” she said, repeat- Ukrainian resistance to Communism dur- orthography and writing, he said. they could trade or buy.” ing what her mother had told her. “Certain ing World War II. Like his colleague, Mr. Nazarenko However, Ms. Mykhalkiv was quick to items and products were unavailable, espe- “There was nothing that good about the stressed how many manifestations of correct Ms. Halaiko’s comments, pointing cially if they were related to clothes or Soviet Union,” said Svitlana Mykhalkiv, a Ukrainian spirituality were suppressed and out that Soviet residents could gain an everyday items. Then they gave them to Lviv native born nine months before severely punished. “People constantly apartment only after waiting a certain peri- your acquaintance under the counter, or Ukrainian independence. “There were only lived in some danger, understanding that od of time. (In fact, it was common to wait through an arrangement. Now you go and repressions, arrests, reprisals against any wrong move today or tomorrow and 20 to 30 years.) nationalists, and I see nothing positive in your life, or the lives of those close to you, “But there were drawbacks, such as (Continued on page 18) it.” could be hanging on a thread,” Mr. Even those Soviet achievements Nazarenko said. embraced by many Ukrainians, such as Born three weeks before Ukrainian industrial development, are really exam- independence was gained on August 24, Quotable notes ples of the system’s failure, she said. “The 1991, all Lviv native Natalia Sholovii saw Question: Everyone is tired of endless infighting between the president textbooks told us heavy industry strongly of the Soviet Union was a pile of leftover and the prime minister. The country’s reputation is suffering. Polls show that 80 percent of Ukrainians want Ukraine to have a single pair of strong hands. Doesn’t that frighten you? Viktor Yushchenko: No, it does not frighten me. It shows that the structure that was introduced to the Constitution is deeply irrational. The people who initi- ated the constitutional reforms dreamt of one thing: When the star of the third term of presidency stopped shining for them, they did everything to give the president’s powers to the prime minister ... and a part of them was transferred to Parliament. There was one serious mistake made. We lost the balance of power. A single unstable institution such as the Parliament of Ukraine cannot form stable politics and stable power. Instability cannot breed stability. But the Parliament received a mandate from the people, and today two mega-parties are polarizing it. And the institute of stability that the presidency used to represent is out of the game today. That’s why I would say that polls show us one thing. We have to seriously reconstruct political order in the country, and to find the answer we have to choose the most democratic method. I am deeply convinced that a national refer- endum on the Constitution can be the only compromise that suits all political powers.

– President Viktor Yushchenko in an interview conducted by Vitaly Sych and Vladyslav Betsun (left) of Luhansk and Roman Nazarenko (right) of Symferopol Andriy Smirnov of Korrespondent. Korrespondent magazine, the Russian- gained new perspectives on Ukraine and the Soviet era after choosing to study at language sister publication of the Kyiv Post, interviewed the president on the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv. February 12; the interview was published in the Kyiv Post on February 25. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2009 No. 10

OBITUARY: Iwan Prynada, 59, Young journalist murdered in Moscow U.S. Army veteran, SUSTA activist was Sevastopol native, USA/USA alumna by Jerry Zinycz PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Anastasiya one in journalism, said Dr. Bohdan A. NORTH PORT, Fla. – Iwan Uke Baburova, 25, an alumna of the USA/ Oryshkevich, founder of USA/USA. Prynada, 59, former U.S. Army Specialist USA Program for students from She had competed in the final fourth 5 and a decorated Vietnam War veteran, Ukraine, was killed in Moscow on stage of the Ukrainian Economics was the first Ukrainian American veteran January 19 – murdered in broad day- Olympiad, had superior grades and was to be interred in the new Sarasota light along with human rights lawyer fluent in English. National Cemetery. The cemetery was Stanislav Markelov. Dr. Oryshkevich added that Ms. officially opened in December 2008. It was the latest in a series of mur- Baburova did not win a scholarship There are about 800,000 veterans ders in Russia in which journalists and through his organization’s program but residing in Florida. About 1,500 veterans rights activists have been targeted. entered the Moscow Institute of are laid to rest daily in the United States, As reported in The Economist on International Relations (MGIMO), therefore, Congress extended the U.S. February 5, “The next day, a party of which prepares students for careers in National Cemetery System. Russian nationalists brought cham- the field of diplomacy. Ultimately, Being in poor health, Mr. Prynada pagne to the murder scene to celebrate however, she left the institute and moved to Florida last year, hoping that the the ‘elimination’ of their enemies.” The aimed for a career in journalism. warm weather would improve his health. newsmagazine added that Ms. She wound up working at Novaya He was employed by U.S. Department of Baburova’s death “was part of a con- Gazeta, seen as one of Russia’s most State Bureau of Diplomatic Security. tinuing battle between fascists and anti- openly critical newspapers. The paper, He was very active in the 15th fascists in Russia, which is seldom so which was co-founded by Mikhail Congressional District in New Jersey in plainly revealed to the outside world.” Gorbachev, has now lost four journal- presidential and congressional campaigns Ms. Baburova was a graduate of ists in the past eight years. and as director of field operations for School No. 3 in her native Sevastopol, The Economist wrote: “It is still not nationalities. He was a lifelong member Crimea. She attended the USA/USA clear why Anastasiya Baburova was of the Fraternal Order of Police in Seminar 2000. Founded in 1992, USA/ shot in the head. Was she a target – Washington, D.C. While in college he USA (Ukrainian Students’ Association along with Stanislav Markelov, a served as president of the Federation of in the United States) is a program of the human-rights lawyer who was shot sec- Ukrainian Student Organizations of Iwan Prynada in his youth. Coordinating Committee to Aid onds earlier? Was she an accidental America (known by its Ukrainian acro- Ukraine, Inc., a 501 (c) 3 organization. victim, in the wrong place at the wrong nym as SUSTA). comrade. The following day, during The mission of the USA/USA Program time? Or did she try to grab and disarm Mr. Prynada showed his pride in his divine liturgy at St. Mary’s Ukrainian is to help talented young Ukrainians the killer after he shot her companion?” heritage by using “Uke” as his middle Catholic Church, UAV members provided receive a world-class education and to Her obituary may be read at: http:// name. As far as it is known, he was the the color guard and acted as pallbearers. use it for the betterment of Ukraine. www.economist.com/obituary/display- only U.S. Army soldier who insisted that Mr. Prynada was laid to rest with full In her application materials to the story.cfm?story_id=13055783. his “dog tags” be stamped “UC,” desig- military honors by the U.S. Army and the program, Ms. Baburova showed an A note on the USA/USA website nating Ukrainian Catholic. UAV at Sarasota National Cemetery. interest in democracy, human rights and (www.ukrainianscholarships.org/) notes In accordance with tradition of the The marker on his grave will read: international exchange. She wanted to that the “USA/USA community is sad- Ukrainian American Veterans, after the “Iwan ‘Uke’ Prynada; U.S. Army Spec 5, combine a career in diplomacy with dened by Anastasiya Baburova’s death.” panakhyda (memorial service), UAV Post 1971-1974; Vietnam War Veteran.” 40 members bid farewell to their deceased Surviving are his mother, Rose Prynada of Carteret, N.J., and his sisters, Christina Australian UYA campground destroyed Jerry Zinycz is public relations officer Prynada-Demydenko and Bohdanna Gott, for Ukrainian American Veterans Post 40 a U.S. Navy Reserve Officer, both of of North Port, Fla. Maryland. by wildfi res outlines plan to rebuild PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Reports by wit- friendships, just like their parents and others nesses confirm that brushfires in southeast- from previous generations have done, noted ern Australia consumed the Ukrainian Youth a release by the national executive of the OSCE comments on verdict Association’s “Oselia Karpaty” campground UYA of Australia. last month. A plan to rebuild has been outlined and in Politkovskaya murder case The devastation from the firestorm will begin as soon as practical. While insur- destroyed the landscape as well as the facili- ance will cover some of the costs, it was Organization for Security Affairs Ministry detective, Sergey ties that were built by UYA members more never imagined that a total reconstruction of and Cooperation in Europe Hajikurbanov. The jury found all of the than 45 years ago. The hall has been reduced the campground might ever be required. accused not guilty. All four were freed in to a pile of twisted metal, the old kitchen The UYA has launched an appeal to help VIENNA – The representative on free- the courtroom. was flattened, with the chimney still stand- rebuild the Oselia Karpaty and the national dom of the media of the Organization for “So far, no high-profile case of a mur- ing, and the new administration center was executive of the Ukrainian American Youth Security and Cooperation in Europe dered journalist, including gutted and will need to be rebuilt. Association (UAYA) has joined in the relief (OSCE), Miklos Haraszti, commenting Politkovskaya’s, resulted in the accusa- The Karpaty grounds were purchased in effort. on the acquittal of those accused in the tion of the masterminds. In most cases, 1963 by the UYA and since then have been For more information on donations, murder of Anna Politkovskaya, on not even the perpetrators can be found or developed into an outdoor education center contact: February 19 expressed dismay at the fail- punished,” said Mr. Haraszti. for its members. Named the “Australian SUMA Yonkers Federal Credit Union, ure to counter years of violence against “There can be no true freedom of the Carpathians,” the hills are reminiscent of the Attn: Australia Karpaty Relief Fund, 125 investigative journalists in Russia. press as long as the brightest journalists Carpathian Mountains in western Ukraine. Corporate Blvd., Yonkers, NY 10701; “The Politkovskaya verdict tops the across the country fear being killed for Throughout the years, the campground Account No. 495-77, Name: UAYA long history of inability of Russia’s doing their job,” he stated. has grown and developed with the addition Australia Karpaty Relief Fund; authorities to provide safety to embattled “Official silence about the acute safety of new facilities, built with the help of three 914-220-4900. journalists,” said Mr. Haraszti. “This crisis of Russia’s journalists has to be generations of volunteers. The grounds have Self Reliance NY Federal Credit Union, amounts to a practical impunity for the broken,” Mr. Haraszti said. “The situation hosted summer camps and classes for local 108 Second Ave., New York, NY 10003; murder and physical assault of those cov- can be improved only if the government young people, as well as thousands from Account No. 4032500, Name: UAYA ering corruption and human rights addresses the problem forcefully and various parts of Australia and from all cor- Australia Karpaty Relief Fund; issues.” vocally. This needs to be done at the high- ners of the world. 212-473-7310. On trial were the brothers Jabrail and est level.” With the passing of time, the children For wire transfers contact: Members Ibragim Makhmudov; Lt. Col. Pavel Internationally known Russian investi- will once again run through the native wil- United Corporate F.C.U., Account No. Ryaguzov, an acting officer with the gative journalist Anna Politkovskaya was derness of the Australian Karpaty, swim in 221381715, P.O. Box 15021, Albany, NY Moscow branch of the Federal Security shot on October 7, 2006, as she entered the Acheron River and gather around a tra- 12212-5021; 800-342-4328; credit to Self Service (FSB); and a former Internal her Moscow apartment building. ditional campfire, singing songs, toasting Reliance (NY) F.C.U., Account No. marshmallows and watching skits put on by 226078379; final credit to UAYA Australia members. They will be able to forge lifelong Karpaty Relief Fund, Account No. 4032500. MAY WE HELP YOU? To reach The Ukrainian Weekly call (973) 292-9800, 1933 issues needed and dial the appropriate extension (as listed below). The Ukrainian Weekly is searching for original issues of this newspaper published in 1933 Editorial – 3049, 3088 • Production – 3063, 3069 in order to scan them for our digital archives. Administration – 3041 • Advertising – 3040 • Subscriptions – 3042 If you have original copies of newspapers from 1933, please contact the editorial staff at 973-292-9800, ext. 3049, or [email protected]. No. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2009 5

and provocative character. Such policies Constitution, which clearly specifies that The session turned into target practice Rada dismisses... from Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Ministry government organs can’t interfere with for pro-Russian politicians, who demon- (Continued from page 1) caused an understandable shock through- elections once they are called. strated they won’t soon forget the Foreign While she continued to insist the 49 out the whole world,” the statement “Our current government is preparing Affairs Ministry’s support for Georgia deputies couldn’t hold back their emo- noted. for dictatorship, because the will of the during the South Ossetian war. tion, political observers and opponents Indeed the Tymoshenko Bloc’s alliance people is absolutely an empty matter,” PRU National Deputy Oleksander alike stressed that no vote involving so with the pro-Russian forces to dismiss Mr. Tiahnybok commented. Yefremov denounced Mr. Ohryzko for many lawmakers occurs without Ms. Mr. Ohryzko enraged those allies within Although the Constitution is clear on accepting on March 2 the Order of Honor Tymoshenko’s approval. Our Ukraine – People’s Self-Defense who election rules, Ukrainian laws are contra- from the Georgian government, which he “Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko agreed to form the de facto National dictory on the appointment and dismissal said was “earned on the lives and blood personally made the decision to dismiss Development, Stability and Order of officials such as the foreign affairs of people,” drawing a confident response Ohryzko,” said Viacheslav Kyrylenko, Coalition. minister. from the former minister. leader of the “For Ukraine!” group of the The day after the vote, former Foreign The controversial Cabinet of Ministers “I have quite a lot of orders from for- Our Ukraine – People’s Self-Defense par- Affairs Minister , a leader law, though largely limiting the presi- eign states, but I will wear that order with liamentary faction. of the Our Ukraine faction loyal to Ms. dent’s authority, states that the foreign enormous moral satisfaction, because we demonstrated to Georgia…,” Mr. Ohryzko “That part of Our Ukraine – People’s Tymoshenko, joined Mr. Ohryzko in affairs and defense ministers can be dis- said before the parliamentary chair cut off Self Defense which belongs to the [de meeting with Tymoshenko Bloc lawmak- missed only at the president’s request. his response. facto] coalition, if it truly adheres to patri- ers to demand that they return the dis- Meanwhile, the Constitution indicates the president’s approval is required only to Meanwhile, fellow PRU National otic principles, not in words but actions, missed minister to his post by canceling nominate these two ministers for appoint- Deputy Hanna Herman criticized Mr. today should decide to abandon the coali- the parliamentary vote. ment, not to dismiss them. Furthermore, Ohryzko’s February 17 meeting with tion,” he added. “We deeply respect Borys Ivanovych, the Constitutional Court ruled in December Russian Ambassador to Ukraine Viktor Ms. Tymoshenko had been at odds but to issue an ultimatum – return Ohryzko or there won’t be a coalition – is 2007 that Parliament can dismiss either Chernomyrdin, who was warned that with Mr. Ohryzko ever since the incorrect,” said Serhii Mischenko, a YTB minister without the president’s approval. statements denigrating Ukraine and its Verkhovna Rada elected her prime minis- national deputy. However that court decision was reached leaders could lead to a persona non-grata ter in December 2007 and she immediate- Though the Tymoshenko Bloc said the before the Cabinet of Ministers law went declaration. ly tapped her confidante Hryhorii day of the vote it would consider restor- into effect last year. “Your reaction to his statement was Nemyria as vice prime minister for ing Mr. Ohryzko if he apologized for the Ms. Tymoshenko stands accused not issued at that very moment when the European integration. circular distributed to diplomats, Mr. only of breaking numerous Ukrainian prime minister attempted to obtain credit Mr. Nemyria accompanies Ms. Mischenko said the former minister indi- laws as a result of the March 3 events, but from Russia for Ukraine,” she lectured Tymoshenko on all her foreign visits and cated at the meeting he didn’t intend to her bloc’s coalition agreement with Our Mr. Ohryzko. “Maybe she would have handles her foreign policy initiatives. apologize. Ukraine – People’s Self-Defense, which obtained this credit under better condi- However the escalating competition Among those most upset by the March is still legally binding despite the coali- tions than those under which we request- between the government’s two foreign 3 parliamentary session was Oleh tion’s disintegration, was violated too. ed from the International Monetary Fund policy teams, one led by Mr. Ohryzko and Tiahnybok, leader of the nationalist The pact states that all personnel deci- on such unfavorable conditions.” the other by Mr. Nemyria, reached its Svoboda party that stood to make enor- sions, as well as the voting regimen in A career diplomat who graduated from Rubicon during the South Ossetian war in mous gains in the pre-term Ternopil Parliament, must be agreed upon. the international relations department at August 2008. Oblast Council election that had been During the March 3 session, pro-Rus- Shevchenko State University in Kyiv, Mr. After Ms. Tymoshenko refrained from scheduled for March 15. sian lawmakers criticized Mr. Ohryzko on Ohryzko served as a press attaché at the condemning the Russian aggression, tak- Svoboda stood to gain anywhere various fronts, especially blaming him for Soviet Foreign Ministry before becoming ing the more moderate European Union between 23 and 33 percent of the vote, what they characterized as Ukraine’s an advisor to the Austrian and German stance, the Presidential Secretariat, with according to various polls, and would defeat in its conflict with the Romanian Embassies shortly after Ukrainian inde- Mr. Ohryzko in tow, began its attack cam- have finished in first place ahead of the government over the delimitation of pendence. paign to cast Ms. Tymoshenko as a Tymoshenko Bloc, estimated to have the Serpents Island and its surrounding He was Ukraine’s ambassador to betrayer of national interests who re- support of 18.5 percent of voters. waters in the Black Sea. Austria for five years before temporarily aligned herself with the Kremlin. The Ternopil vote would have served Defending his record at the parliamen- leading the Foreign Affairs Ministry fol- As the Presidential Secretariat intensi- as a primary election among Ukraine’s tary podium, Mr. Ohryzko assured the lowing Mr. Tarasyuk’s dismissal in fied such accusations against Ms. pro-Western political forces leading into public that “Ukraine didn’t lose a single December 2006. Tymoshenko, particularly during the nat- the January 2010 presidential election, centimeter of its territory” or access to the President Yushchenko tapped Mr. ural gas negotiations with Russian Prime said Yurii Syrotiuk, the press spokesman natural gas and oil supplies in the sea Ohryzko to lead the Foreign Affairs Minister Vladimir Putin in January, the for Svoboda. shelf. Ministry when the Democratic Forces last straw appeared to have been the The YTB’s loss in that election could “It’s interesting that the line recognized Coalition was formed in December 2007 Foreign Affairs Ministry’s deeds follow- have hurt Ms. Tymoshenko’s standing by the court practically coincides with the under Ms. Tymoshenko’s leadership. ing the famously emotional February 10 among voters and boosted the ability of line that Romania rejected in 1987 in During Mr. Ohryzko’s brief tenure as meeting of the National Security and to compete for the negotiations with the Soviet Union,” Mr. foreign affairs minister, which began in Defense Council (NSDC). presidential post, Mr. Palii said. Ohryzko said. “As we all heard, it was December 2007, the ministry succeeded A circular titled “Regarding the NSDC Numerous facts point to the declared a great victory.” in arranging for a European Union Review of Ukraine’s Energy Security,” Tymoshenko Bloc wanting to avoid a loss That didn’t satisfy Communist Petro Association Agreement, expected to be signed by Mr. Ohryzko and sent to 31 in that election at all costs. Tsybenko, who absurdly accused Mr. signed in 2009, and began working Embassies and Consulates, instructed dip- Of the 84 pre-term elections scheduled Ohryzko of betraying state interests. toward creating a free trade zone. lomats to distribute a briefing prepared by for March 15, the Tymoshenko Bloc Following his accusation, it remained For the first time, Ukraine also began NSDC Assistant Secretary Stepan pushed to cancel only the Ternopil Oblast unclear how a verdict by an International negotiations with the European Union on Havrysh about the February 10 meeting Council election, the largest election slat- Court could be interpreted as a minister’s creating a visa-free regime for Ukrainian to high-ranking officials and journalists. ed for that date. Another Ternopil elec- betrayal of state interests. citizens. Mr. Havrysh’s briefing stated that the tion, for the Zboriv City Council chair, is prime minister’s allegations about the still on track. role of the NSDC in corrupt energy The Tymoshenko Bloc’s sudden oppo- schemes were false, as were as her claims sition surfaced two months after 152 of SBU raids... President Yushchenko indicated his seri- the NSDC was angling to return the faction’s 156 deputies voted to ousness in pursuing his claim on natural (Continued from page 1) RosUkrEnergo to the natural gas market approve the same Ternopil Oblast Council gas even further. and forcing the government to denounce pre-term election at the December 18, While Ms. Tymoshenko held an awards The day after the Naftohaz raid, SBU its gas agreement with Russia. 2008, session of Parliament, support by a ceremony on the day after the raid to officials visited the headquarters of The circular also referred to Mr. total of 370 deputies. honor those Naftohaz employees who UkrTransHaz, the natural gas transit sys- Havrysh’s statements to reporters labeling In hastily canceling the election only were targeted by the SBU officers, tem of Ukraine. Ms. Tymoshenko an unconscionable liar 12 days in advance, the government has who also broke the law in revealing to the wasted 10 million hrv spent months ago press the results of the NSDC meeting, to hold the election. Dear students, UNA members! which had always been confidential and Svoboda nationalists compared Prime contained secret information. Minister Tymoshenko’s interference to Days after the circular’s instructions the anti-democratic tactics employed by You can find UNA scholarship applications were reported in the press, the Foreign former Presidential Administration Chair on our website Affairs Ministry confirmed it had fol- Viktor Medvedchuk, who attempted to lowed orders from the NSDC in distribut- undermine the Mukachiv election of 2004 ing the circular with references to the but never crossed the line as Ms. www.unamember.com Havrysh briefing and requested diplomats Tymoshenko did. to share it among high-ranking officials “As much as Medvedchuk wanted to under and media. cancel the election, he competed in the “It has reached the point that Ukraine’s election, resorting to bribes and falsifica- MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS Foreign Affairs Ministry is sending out tions instead,” Mr. Syrotiuk said. “This is letters which ask that the prime minister’s the first time in Ukrainian history that deeds be considered mistaken and not pre-term elections were called and subse- conforming with reality,” the Tymoshenko quently canceled in clear violation of the Insure and Bloc said in a March 4 statement on Mr. Ukrainian Constitution.” Join the UNA! Ohryzko’s dismissal. Only judges are allowed to cancel pre- be sure. “This notice carries a blatantly coarse term elections, according to the 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2009 No. 10

NEWS AND VIEWS THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY An ominous March 3 Ukraine: a post-genocidal society by Iryna Shtogrin of civil society and a genuine national In a single parliamentary session on March 3, two precedents were set by the Yulia RFE/RL elite in Ukraine. Tymoshenko Bloc and the Party of Regions of Ukraine which threaten not only the At the same time, this attitude turns the future of Ukrainian democracy, but its viability as an independent state based on Distrust of government and future average Ukrainian into a libertarian. They Western values. uncertainty are just two of the most con- view even the slightest attempt by politi- The dismissal of Volodymyr Ohryzko from his post as foreign affairs minister is a spicuous features of the post-genocidal cians to elevate themselves with sarcasm, disturbing indication of the expanded influence Russia has gained in Ukrainian poli- syndrome that psychologists have identi- and they sense the slightest false note in tics since the South Ossetian war. The Russians called the bluff of the U.S. govern- fied in modern Ukrainians some 75 years officials’ speeches about their “love of the ment and NATO, which demonstrated that Georgia and Ukraine just aren’t worth it, after the Famine of 1932-1933. people” and their promises to solve the and subsequently restored their status in Ukraine as the main foreign partner to reckon On a more intimate level, Famine sur- problems of average citizens. with – a reality Ms. Tymoshenko has adjusted to with remarkable nimbleness. vivors still value every breadcrumb, and One must remember that, aside from Mr. Ohryzko’s dismissal arrived just two weeks after he warned Russian their descendants greet guests with tables the natural psychological reaction to sur- Ambassador to Ukraine Viktor Chernomyrdin that he could be asked to leave if he overloaded with a variety of dishes. In vived horrors, Ukrainians for decades continued to denigrate President Viktor Yushchenko and the Ukrainian people. In a one form or another, Ukrainians will uni- were not allowed to speak about the developed, European country, Mr. Ohryzko would be a national hero for standing up versally impress on each other the impor- Famine – it could have cost them not only to a rude bully. In Ukraine, a post-genocidal state that hasn’t been allowed to recover tance of “having something to eat.” their liberty but also their lives. its national identity, Mr. Ohryzko was criticized far more than praised. Doctors describe a number of symp- Former dissident and political prisoner Among the top reasons that Ms. Tymoshenko approved of Mr. Ohryzko’s ouster toms of the post-genocidal syndrome that Yevhen Sverstiuk recalls seeing fear in was his role in undermining her position and image abroad in the ongoing conflict are not directly unconnected to the trau- countrymen’s eyes when he asked them over natural gas with President Yushchenko and his allies, including Mr. ma, but which can still seriously under- about the 1932-1933 Famine even after RosUkrEnergo himself, Dmytro Firtash. Earning points with the Russian government, mine the sufferer’s health. Victims feel perestroika. People asked whether they as well as eastern and southern Ukrainian voters ahead of the January presidential pain in places that are not supposed to would be executed. Many said they still election, proved an appetizing side item as well. (Within an hour of Mr. Ohryzko’s hurt and experience nightmares and hid- feared being punished for speaking out. dismissal, a joyful Mr. Chernomyrdin was already swaggering, telling reporters, “Let den anxieties that steal their ability to That was despite the fact that they’d been them think first, then speak, and not flap their tongues.”) laugh and enjoy life. invited by the village council to speak on Mr. Ohryzko was as good as foreign ministers get, accomplishing quite a bit amidst Taras Vozniak, the editor of Yi maga- the subject, and the entire project solicit- the turbulence within the Ukrainian government. During his brief tenure, Ukraine zine, has described the experience as ing their views had been authorized by secured a European Union Association Agreement, which will be signed in 2009, and “such a trauma that, for people who sur- the regional government. for the first time began talks on a visa-free regime for its citizens traveling to Europe. vived, it is very difficult to remember A philosopher, Mr. Sverstiuk believes In dealing with Ms. Tymoshenko, Mr. Ohryzko was caught between a rock and a what happened.” He compares it to the that the time has come when Ukrainians hard place. When she became prime minister in December 2007, she immediately effects of rape: “[Victims] don’t want to can cry over their painful experiences. appointed her foreign affairs guru Hryhorii Nemyria as vice prime minister for testify, or to remember. They want to They can process the past by talking European integration. Essentially, Mr. Nemyria’s been serving as Ms. Tymoshenko’s erase the tragedy from their memory.” about the Famine, identifying all the vil- personal counterweight to Mr. Ohryzko. And, in such a scenario, Mr. Ohryzko had lit- Having survived a famine that was lages where people died, naming all of tle choice but to serve the president’s interests in the nasty conflict that emerged. brought about by the policies of the the victims and taking steps toward clo- Unfortunately, a seasoned diplomat with enormous potential became a wasted Soviet government, Ukrainians now ques- sure. pawn in a destructive game. Rather than trying to appease the Verkhovna Rada, whose tion the very notion of government. They After crying out about their trauma, contempt for the Ukrainian president was only further aroused by Ms. Tymoshenko, have, if not fear, then a feeling of perma- the Presidential Secretariat should simply allow Volodymyr Khandohii to remain serv- nent uncertainty about the future. With people should wipe their tears and get to ing as the acting minister of foreign affairs. each shift in political direction or change work, said Sverstiuk. Otherwise, they risk The destructive game got more ruinous when the next vote following Mr. of political leaders, Ukrainians rush to the danger of becoming spiritual beggars. Ohryzko’s ouster involved the Party of Regions supporting the Tymoshenko Bloc in buy the necessary essentials – just in The world values the brave. By telling the canceling the Ternopil Oblast Council pre-term election scheduled for March 15 – this case. truth and overcoming their fear, after the YTB voted overwhelmingly in favor of this very election back in December. The memory of their ancestors – who Ukrainians overcome their inferiority It’s no coincidence that out of 84 pre-term elections scheduled nationally for March were robbed of food by their own people complexes. 15, the Tymoshenko Bloc singled out the Ternopil election, where polls indicated the on orders from the Kremlin – forces many Writer Ivan Dzyuba calls the Famine a Svoboda nationalist party would finish in first place and take control of the oblast Ukrainians always to keep something for blow to Ukraine’s future. And the only council. Canceling an election 12 days before it’s to be held – out of fear of losing a “black day” and never truly reveal way to fight back is to free oneself of this seats – demonstrates outrageous contempt for the most basic democratic principles. themselves fully, even to close acquain- heavy burden of genetic memory by It’s an unprecedented gambit in Ukrainian history that deserves swift condemnation tances. revealing the entire truth. from international election monitors and an appropriate ruling from Ukraine’s appel- That same instinct compels Ukrainians The late American researcher James E. late courts, which ought to restore the election. to stockpile food and to invite anyone Mace began the process by defining The decision to cancel the election after more than 7 million hrv have been spent who stops by their home to sit down for a Ukraine as a post-genocidal society. Dr. and hundreds of thousands of ballots have already been printed reveals a despotic ten- meal. Ukrainians tend to rely on them- Mace believed Ukraine would be incapa- dency within Ms. Tymoshenko. The prime minister must not forget that millions of selves, living by their wits and soothing ble of further development until the entire Ukrainians supported the Orange Revolution to get rid of despots and authoritarians, themselves with the eternal saying, “God truth of the Famine was told. not bring new ones into power. willing.” That idea has been confirmed by the Academician Myroslav Popovych sur- experiences of other nations that suffered vived the Holodomor and believes that similar traumas, defeats and the burden of other survivors can never really forget. penance. Society returns to successful March He said, “conditions then were such that development through awareness and Turning the pages back... all people who belong to that generation acceptance of its national memory and carry this taint.” But he also asserted that history. “personality always wins out in the end – The best that the current government 8 in Kyiv can do to commemorate those Three years ago, on March 8, 2006, the U.S. House of I wouldn’t say that I have become more Representatives passed legislation HR 1053 – with 417 votes in obedient or completely focused on earthly killed by the Famine is to create the con- 2006 favor, two against and three abstaining – to graduate Ukraine from problems.” ditions so that all Ukrainians could feel the Jackson-Vanik Amendment and establish normal trade rela- But the most important thing that certain and security. Little is required in tions between Ukraine and the United States. (The Jackson-Vanik Ukrainians carry from those terrible times order to achieve this – just respect for Amendment was enacted in 1974 in reaction to the severe restrictions the Soviet Union had is a complete revulsion toward totalitarian human rights, abiding by the rule of law placed on its citizens, most notably those of Jewish descent. For more than a decade, regimes. and hard work. Ukraine had been granted annual waivers of Jackson-Vanik trade restrictions.) “Ukrainians still lack a political culture The bill, sponsored by Jim Gerlach (R-Pa.) and 61 co-sponsors, received no votes from because of their history, but we have a Iryna Shtogrin is a correspondent with Virgil H. Goode (R-Va.) and Gene Taylor (D-Miss.); answering present, but not voting were huge drive toward liberty,” Dr. Popovych RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service. The views Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), Alcee Hastings (D-Fla.) and Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio). noted. “I don’t know whether you can expressed in this commentary are the The Senate passed a similar bill in November 2005, and President George W. Bush call this ‘famine memory,’ but it is cer- author’s own and do not necessarily signed the bill into law on March 23, 2006. tainly a total aversion to totalitarian men- reflect those of RFE/RL. The bill was drafted in recognition of the progress that Ukraine had made in building a tality.” Copyright 2008, RFE/RL Inc. democracy and a market economy. This was in addition to the U.S. granting Ukraine market Ukrainian society is highly individual- Reprinted with the permission of Radio economy status on February 17, 2006, and the WTO bilateral protocol signed on March 6, istic, partly because its history has incor- Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 2006. porated the terrible experience of death Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington DC In promoting his bill on the floor of the House, Rep. Gerlach stated that HR 1053 “is and survival of famine. Old notions such 20036; www.rferl.org. See http://www. another important step for Ukraine as it becomes a partner in the global economy.” as “my home is my castle” and “I’m my rferl.org/content/commentary_Ukraine_ “The message we are sending by making this relationship permanent is priceless to the own boss” have hampered the formation Postgenocidal_Society/1357424.html. people of Ukraine. It strongly reaffirms our long-term partnership and support as Ukraine continues down the path of reform and democracy,” he added. “President [Viktor] Yushchenko has continuously called for this action that we take today Visit our archive online: www.ukrweekly.com (Continued on page 8) No. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2009 7

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

from it. Ukrainians are no exception. Ignatieff, racism University faculties already live in a mini-socialist state; union members want in Canada their outlandish benefits; and seniors want their pensions. Those who desire free Dear Editor: healthcare overlook the consequences – poorer treatment, overcrowded hospitals Two colors Michael Ignatieff’s removal of Borys and long waiting lists. Government lar- Wrzesnewskyj from his shadow Cabinet gesse is tempting, but it would eventually The woman calling from Barcelona, to represent Kvitka’s first love and the puts Canada’s ugly underbelly of racism at destroy this country. Obama supporters Spain, wanted to thank the family of instrument that made her father a virtuo- the center stage of world revulsion. Despite should be reminded that socialism is in Kvitka Cisyk for Kvitka’s beautiful so in Lviv and the U.S. – to perform, as all the rhetoric of a multi-ethnic democracy, conflict with the human spirit and the Ukrainian songs. She noted that the well as other musicians and singers. despite all the laws and constitutional provi- tragic history of Soviet Ukraine proves it. recording of those songs in America so All the performers are recent immi- sions against racism, the leader of Canada’s President Obama’s foreign policy is many years ago kept Ukrainian song grants from Ukraine, and at the first eve- second largest party has been allowed to let not good for Ukraine. His overtures to alive when it was silenced in Ukraine. ning in Brooklyn over a year ago, the his personal bigotry overcome better judg- Iran are frightening. Russia will be part of She spoke of missing her native Lviv entire audience was recent immigrants ment. For those who doubt Mr. Ignatieff is any negotiation with Iran, and Russia Oblast, and how now, after several years who knew very little about Kvitka. racist, try my simple test: Take out the name wants control of Ukraine and Georgia. in Spain, she cannot return to her home- Subsequent evenings were held in “Ukraine” and insert another country – Mr. Obama’s reaction to Russia’s inva- land – how she belongs either in Spain or Lindenhurst, N.Y., Philadelphia and New Italy, France, Israel – if it sounds racist for sion of Georgia was telling. He called for in Ukraine. York City. The “Unforgettable Kvitka” one, it’s racist for all. “restraint on both sides,” whereas Sen. Kvitka’s choice of songs for her two evening in New York was held at the It is important for Canadians to declare John McCain condemned Russia immedi- albums, “Kvitka Songs of Ukraine” Ukrainian Museum, and was attended by such behavior anathema and remove Mr. ately. The Bush administration was sup- (1980) and “Kvitka Two Colors” (1989), Kvitka’s husband, Ed Rakowicz, and Ignatieff as Liberal Party misleader. portive of Ukraine and Georgia. had a way of capturing the sense of their son, Eddie Rakowicz, who turned I urge Ukrainians to protest directly to Mr. Obama is planning to “reset the but- anguish that comes from being separated 18 last October. Canadian prosecutors demanding prosecu- ton” on foreign policy. He is rethinking the from home, and her affecting voice con- All the evenings are sponsored by the tion under Canada’s anti-racism statutes. If missile defense program to please Russia. veyed that sense long after the last note Ukrainian American Coordinating you’re near a Canadian Consulate or trade As a result, Eastern Europe would be more had faded. Council. “It is important to us to bring mission, go there, picket, hand out flyers vulnerable to Russian threats. Mr. Obama’s Kvitka was my first cousin, and this the new Ukrainian immigrants in and leave letters of protest. Make sure statements on the Iraq war expose him as a month marks the 11th anniversary of her Brooklyn and New York’s environs into everyone understands that racism is alive in defeatist and an opportunist. We won the death at the age of 44. the established Ukrainian diaspora com- Canada, encouraged by the leader of its sec- Iraq war despite Mr. Obama and Joe Biden. Her music, although definitive of munity,” said Ihor Gawdiak, president of ond largest party and accepted by the lead- It was amusing to read Mr. Fedynsky’s Ukrainian folk in the West, was not well the UACC. “We’ve been working with ers of its ruling government. column describing his ecstasy at this his- known in Ukraine. In the 1990s you Sasha Guttmacher on a number of initia- In the interim, we should boycott torical inauguration. It was unfortunate could find third-generation cassettes of tives. He fell in love with Kvitka, and Canadian goods the same way we boycot- that it had to include criticism of President her albums in certain types of homes, and ted goods from South Africa and other rac- since we all love Kvitka’s artistry, we George W. Bush. Mr. Fedynsky will have occasionally you would hear her on the thought it was a good idea to revive her ist states. No more Canadian bacon, no some difficult years ahead excusing and radio. She traveled to Ukraine only once, more Bombardier planes or trains, no more memory in the U.S. and promote her in obfuscating for Mr. Obama. How pathetic in 1983, and never fulfilled her dream of Ukraine.” maple leafs. As long as Canada tolerates that Mr. Fedynsky had to instruct Al Gore performing concerts in the birthplace of racism, we will not tolerate Canada. That collaboration resulted in an regarding the Holodomor. Mr. Gore was a her parents. October 20, 2008, “Unforgettable Peter Borisow senator when two Republican presidents Nowadays you can pick up a Kvitka Kvitka” evening in Kyiv, at the Ukraine Los Angeles signed proclamations to commemorate the CD on Independence Square in Kyiv’s House, attended by First Lady Kateryna Ukrainian Famine. It was in his interest to center. Yushchenko and Vasyl Vovkun, Ukraine’s The letter-writer is president of the care only when he visited Ukraine. Mr. It was in Kyiv that the Ukrainian-born minister of culture and tourism. Fedynsky states that Mr. Bush ignored this Hollywood Trident Foundation. producer Alexander Guttmacher first Ukraine’s legendary Nina Matvienko part of Ukrainian history. I can send him heard Kvitka, while riding in a taxicab. and her daughter Antonina, opera diva photos of President Bush and Vice- He was captivated, and subsequently dis- Maria Stefiuk, pop singer Maria President Dick Cheney laying ceremonial mayed to learn that she had passed away Burmaka, VV front man Oleh Skrypka gifts at the Holodomor memorial during a few years earlier. and virtuoso violinist Serhiy Okhrymchuk their April 2008 visit in support of The core beliefs Back in the United States, where he performed for free in the standing-room- Ukraine’s effort to join NATO. I have yet lives, he set about learning as much as he only hall, which included diplomats, gov- of Barack Obama to see any indication Mr. Obama will be could about Kvitka. His study of Kvitka similarly supportive of Ukraine. ernment officials, fellow musicians and resulted in the first of several evenings in Westerners who had grown up listening Dear Editor: Lydia Kossak Kernitsky her memory, called “Unforgettable to Kvitka’s music. Colts Neck, N.J. Kvitka.” The first evening was held in Nina Matvienko said backstage that Having read Andrew Fedynsky’s recent Brooklyn, N.Y., in January 2008, in the column (February 8), I must say that it is a Kvitka encapsulated all that was beauti- building that houses Davidzon Radio, an ful about Ukrainian song. “Monuments mystery to me why any Ukrainian American A.M. radio station that caters to recent would have voted for Barack Obama. His should be placed in Kvitka’s honor for We welcome your opinion immigrants from Ukraine. keeping Ukrainian music alive,” said Ms. core beliefs are the very antithesis of what Mr. Guttmacher is an accomplished we as Ukrainian Americans nurture in our The Ukrainian Weekly welcomes letters Matvienko. “I realized that I was nothing to the editor and commentaries on a vari- pianist, and the evening featured the tell- when my own daughter chose to sing souls – a Christian respect for human life, a ing of Kvitka’s life story by Svitlana need for self-reliance and self-determina- ety of topics of concern to the Ukrainian Kvitka’s songs before she would sing my Makhno, a member of New York’s tion, and a deep commitment to a strong American and Ukrainian Canadian com- own,” she added ruefully. munities. Opinions expressed by colum- Dumka Choir, interspersed with musical foreign policy. Even Mrs. Yushchenko conceded the nists, commentators and letter-writers are interpretations of her songs. Mr. It is a surprise to see photos of people their own and do not necessarily reflect Guttmacher always chooses a violinist – (Continued on page 20) expressing grief over the Holodomor that the opinions of either The Weekly edito- contain some of the same people who rial staff or its publisher, the Ukrainian endorsed a man for president who voted National Association. for partial birth abortion. Why would Mr. Letters should be typed and signed (anon- Obama be concerned about genocide ymous letters are not published). Letters are when he condones infanticide? accepted also via e-mail at staff@ukrweek- What happened to our self-reliance as ly.com. The daytime phone number and immigrants that some would vote for a address of the letter-writer must be given for verification purposes. Please note that a man who will take this country on a march daytime phone number is essential in order to socialism? Could it be that the root for editors to contact letter-writers regarding cause is personal “realpolitik?” After all, it clarifications or questions. is in the interest of many people to increase Please note: THE LENGTH OF LETTERS government spending because they benefit CANNOT EXCEED 500 WORDS.

Need a back issue? If you’d like to obtain a back issue of The Ukrainian Weekly, send $2 per copy (first-class postage included) to: Administration, The Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280 Parsippany, NJ 07054. Credit Nina Matvienko honors Kvitka Cisyk at Ukraine House in Kyiv. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2009 No. 10

for years… This bill will spark further Turning... reforms in Ukraine,” noted Rep. Sander Registration being accepted (Continued from page 6) Levin (D-Mich.), co-chair of the cuacus. and certainly the timing is appropriate His fellow co-chair, Rep. Weldon, added because in several weeks Ukraine will elect that the Jackson-Vanik Amendment has for Ukrainian Days in D.C. a new [Verkhovna] Rada. This sends a sig- been “the No. 1 priority for the U.S. by Michael Sawkiw Later that evening Ukrainian Days partic- Congress-Ukrainian Parliament [Rada] nal that Ukraine now has the full and equal Ukrainian National Information Service ipants are invited to a congressional recep- respect of the government of the people of exchange program for years.” tion in the U.S. Senate hosted by the Central the United States,” Rep. Curt Weldon Another voice heard by members of WASHINGTON – Ukrainian Days, to be and East European Coalition (CEEC). The (R-Pa.) noted. Congress was that of the American Jewish held in Washington, on March 25-26, are reception will celebrate the 10th and fifth “Congress should demonstrate support Committee. David A Harris, executive direc- intended to promote the concerns of the anniversaries, respectively, of the first two for Ukraine and permanent normal trade tor of the AJC, called the passage of legisla- Ukrainian American community, as well as rounds of NATO enlargement, as well as a relations (PNTR)” with that country, Rep. tion graduating Ukraine from the Jackson- to establish better relations with elected rep- policy dialogue regarding the upcoming Ben Cardin (D-Md.) stated. Vanik Amendment a “landmark measure” resentatives in Congress. NATO summit and the alliance’s 60th anni- As part of the political process, the U.S.- that “is a sound U.S. endorsement of demo- During the two-day event, participants of versary. Invited speakers and guests include Ukraine Foundation initiated the Jackson- cratic trends in Ukraine.” Ukrainian Days will meet with their respec- U.S. government officials, former secretar- Vanik Graduation Coalition. Separately, the In August 2005 the AJC had sent a letter tive members of the House of ies of state and members of Congress. Ukrainian Congress Committee of America to all members of Congress urging the grad- Representatives and Senate in order to com- On Thursday, March 26, participants of and its Washington bureau, the Ukrainian uation of Ukraine from the Jackson-Vanik municate to them issues that concern the Ukrainian Days will participate in a break- National Information Service, had advocat- Amendment. Ukrainian American community and estab- fast meeting in the Rayburn House Office ed the repeal of Jackson-Vanik restrictions lish closer communications with their offic- Building with members of the Congressional for several years. Source: “House overwhelmingly OKs bill es. Ukrainian Caucus (CUC), an officially reg- “We [the Congressional Ukrainian to graduate Ukraine from Jackson-Vanik On Wednesday, March 25, the Ukrainian istered group within the U.S. House of Caucus together with the Ukrainian commu- trade restrictions,” The Ukrainian Weekly, National Information Service (UNIS) will Representatives that is interested in enhanc- nity] have been working on this legislation March 12, 2006. organize a briefing session at 10:30 a.m. at ing relations between Ukraine and the the Heritage Foundation by U.S. govern- United States. ment officials from the State Department In the evening of March 26 a reception and non-governmental organizations will be held at the Embassy of Ukraine, (NGOs), including the Victims of where Ukrainian Days participants will have Communism Memorial Foundation. a chance to meet Ukrainian diplomats and Of particular interest will be a discussion discuss their ideas regarding U.S.-Ukraine about topics of concern to the community, relations. including: increased U.S. foreign assistance A Ukrainian Days registration fee of $75 to Ukraine; energy security for Ukraine; will cover expenses associated with the NATO enlargement; continued advocacy of event. For further information, including the Famine-Genocide of 1932-1933; as well hotel accommodations and Ukrainian Days as, the overall context of U.S.-Ukraine rela- registration forms, readers may contact the tions. Briefing papers will be supplied to all Ukrainian National Information Service at the participants of Ukrainian Days by UNIS. 202-547-0018 or [email protected].

“Read, learn, study, my brothers” campaign launched in Canada OTTAWA – With the assistance of provide an essential service in every com- Members of Parliament James Bezan, Judy munity right across Canada. By encourag- Wasylycia-Leis and Borys Wrzesnewskyj, ing people to make use of libraries, we hope the Ukrainian Canadian community has to ensure the ongoing vitality of these cen- posted thousands of postcards across ters of learning. And, by asking Canadians Canada inviting people to make use of their of Ukrainian heritage to go to a library on public and university libraries on March 9, March 9, the 195th anniversary of the 195th birthday of Taras Shevchenko. Shevchenko’s birth, we also want to make Known as “the bard of Ukraine,” Taras sure that books on Ukraine and Ukrainian Shevchenko’s poetry has inspired Canadian themes are taken out and read. Ukrainians over many generations. In one We want to underscore the contribution of his most famous poems, he called upon Ukrainians have made to Canada while also his fellow Ukrainians to learn from others recalling the long struggle Ukrainians while not forgetting their own. waged to secure their independence so that Ukrainian Canadian Civil Liberties they can now enjoy human rights and civil Association Chair Dr. Lubomyr Luciuk liberties of the sort that we in Canada some- commented: “We believe public libraries times taken for granted.”

The front of a postcard honoring Taras Shevchenko and urging people across Canada to make use of their public and university libraries.

To subscribe to The Ukrainian Weekly, call 973-292-9800, ext. 3042 No. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2009 9 HURI conference breaks new ground in Holodomor studies by Peter T. Woloschuk CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – The Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute (HURI) held its international conference, “The Great Famine in Ukraine: The Holodomor and Its Consequences, 1933 to the Present,” on November 17-18, 2008. The concept and organization of the conference were described in the article “International Conference at Harvard to Analyze Ongoing Impact of Holodomor” (The Ukrainian Weekly, November 9, 2008). The event drew 30 of the world’s most noted experts on the Holodomor and an audience of near- ly 120 scholars, students, diplomats and community representatives. The scholars began their discussions with the premise that the Holodomor was one of the defining events of 20th century European history. The participants spent two days sharing information on their latest research, analyzing the ongoing impact of this cata- clysmic tragedy on Ukraine, on Europe, and on both the 20th and 21st centuries. They stressed the crucial impact that the release of archival documents dealing with the Famine after the fall of the Soviet Union The participants of the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute’s conference on the Holodomor: (standing from left) in Ukraine and the Russian Federation has Lubomyr Hajda, Heorhii Kasianov, Brian Boeck, Roman Szporluk, Yuri Shapoval, Liudmyla Hrynevych, Michael Flier, had on Holodomor studies and emphasized Hennadii Boriak, Roman Wysocki, Felix Wemheuer, Serhii Plokhii, Karel Berkhoff, Halyna Hryn, Valerii Vasylyev, George the fact that this recently released material Grabowicz, (seated) Oleh Wolowyna, Yuri Shevchuk, Oleg Khlevniuk, Andrea Graziosi. Nicolas Werth, Hiroaki Kuromiya, makes it impossible to deny or ignore the Anne Applebaum and Roman Serbyn scope of the tragedy. Finally, they also out- lined the main areas for ongoing research whom attended this conference – were able many of the almost 120 people who attend- with the 50th anniversary commemorations, and stressed that this undertaking is vital for to put together a reliable and strong recon- ed the conference – among whom were including the work of Robert Conquest, an understanding of contemporary Ukraine struction of the events leading to the many professors from Harvard as well as James Mace and Adam Ulam which led to and contemporary Europe. Holodomor, its developments, its relation- from many other universities – participat- the publication of “The Harvest of Sorrow” The conference was one of a half dozen ships with the overall Soviet picture and ed,” added Prof. Graziosi. in 1986 by Oxford University Press and HURI-sponsored events commemorating other national and regional tragedies, and “The concluding roundtable pointed at other works; the memorial exhibition of the 75th anniversary, which included a sym- its tragic balance.” some of the Holodomor’s peculiarities – Holodomor materials in Harvard’s Widener posium in the fall of 2007; the performance “Following James Mace’s intuition on such as the fact that its victims were almost Library (1984-1986) and the subsequent of selections from an opera about the the necessity of looking at Ukrainian histo- entirely peasants – at its relations with publication of a major catalogue of the Holodomor by Virko Baley, the publication ry as the history of a ‘post-genocidal’ soci- Soviet and German history, and, again, at exhibit; and, finally, HURI’s International of a monograph of the research papers pre- ety,” Prof. Graziosi pointed out, “the time the role the Holodomor is playing in con- Symposium on the Ukrainian Terror Famine sented at HURI’s 70th anniversary has now come to look at the Holodomor’s temporary Ukraine.” held on the occasion of its 70th anniversary. Holodomor conference; the New England consequences on subsequent Ukrainian and “It seems fair to conclude,” Prof. Prof. Flier concluded by saying that the premiere screening of the documentary Soviet history for the past 75 years.” Graziosi stated, “that the conference ful- goal of the conference was to examine the film, “The Living” (Zhyvi) on the survivors “Participants analyzed these consequenc- filled its tasks, opening new research direc- Holodomor “viewed as a historical event of the Famine today; and the commission- es on three different levels,” Prof. Graziosi tions and outlining some of the most impor- intrinsically and comparatively; to contex- ing of noted historian Anne Applebaum, said: “First, short-term, namely the years tant paths that scholars will be following for tualize the Holodomor, and to consider its author of “Gulag: A History,” to write a immediately following 1933, with special the foreseeable future. The publication of its consequences in the short term, midterm book on the Holodomor that will take into attention devoted to rural and urban devel- proceedings will thus be a crucial contribu- and long term.” account the new sources that have become opments, the relations[hip] between the tion to Holodomor studies and their future Prof. Graziosi, as the author of the con- available since the collapse of the Soviet Holodomor and the persecution of developments.” cept, spoke next and reminded the assem- Union and will address current scholarly Ukrainian culture and intellectuals, and the Karel Berkhoff, associate professor at the bled scholars that they were meeting in a debates about the Holodomor concerning impact the tragedy had in neighboring Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies scientific spirit and that the ongoing discov- genocide, intentionality and statistics. countries, especially those with large in Amsterdam, Holland, commented: “The ery of documents and other tangible evi- In assessing the work of the two days, Ukrainian populations such as Poland; sec- Holodomor Conference offered scholars dence has led to a growing consensus on Andrea Graziosi, professor of contemporary ond, middle-term, 1939-1953, when other and laypeople alike an outstanding survey the intentionality and sheer magnitude of history at the University of Naples, human catastrophes – war, Nazi occupation of today’s knowledge and understanding of the Holodomor, underscoring that this is a “Federico II,” in Italy, and co-organizer and the Shoah, the 1946-1947 hunger and Ukraine’s Great Famine. It also gave the clear proof of scholarship. He said that with HURI Associate Director Lubomyr the post-war Stalinist repression – added people who investigate it, and, unfortunate- scholars now had two options in dealing with the assembled evidence: to do interpre- Hajda of the conference, emphasized that, their weight to that of the Holodomor, form- ly, they are still small in number, an excel- tive work on the material at hand or to “Over the past two decades scholars have ing in many people’s minds the image of an lent opportunity not only to present their investigate the ongoing consequences on basically come to an understanding of the uninterrupted ‘time of suffering,’ extending findings, but also to meet, inspire and assist Ukraine, on Russia and on Europe as a mechanisms behind the 1931-1934 famine from 1929 to 1953; third long-term, that is each other over the course of these two whole. and the political decisions made by Stalin 1953 to the present, with the focus on the days.” “Ukraine has suffered several traumas of and the Soviet leadership that transformed hidden consciousness of the Holodomor Oleg Khlevniuk, senior research fellow great magnitude which have worked their the resulting famine in Ukraine and the and its legacy among Soviet Ukrainian at the State Archive of the Russian way into the very psyche of her people,” Kuban into the 1932-1933 Holodomor.” leaders and intellectuals, as well as on the Federation in Moscow, observed: “It was an Prof. Graziosi said, “and concrete studies of “Ukraine, thus, suffered a terrible trau- role played by the Holodomor first in the important conference. It deepened our this impact will help the country in its ma, that was soon repeated by a series of crisis of Soviet Ukraine and then in national understanding of the consequences of the efforts to reclaim its history and identity, other tragic blows,” Prof. Graziosi pointed state-building after 1991.” Holodomor, and added a new dimension in and in its future growth and development.” out. “[Ukraine’s] contemporary history is in Prof. Graziosi said, “A special session the historiography of the Great Famine. As Ukraine’s consul general in New York many ways the result of these combined was devoted to the demographic impact of for future projects, it seems to me, a com- City, Mykola Kyrychenko, extended greet- traumas, and an understanding of their the Holodomor over the years, up to the parative analysis of the Holodomor will be ings and briefly addressed the attendees. impact over both society, in its many com- present, and its connection with the other very important.” “The Holodomor was one of the worst ponents, and individuals (mentalities, etc.) demographic catastrophes that hit Ukraine The conference was opened by Michael catastrophes in human history. It was is essential to grasp her 20th century histo- after 1933 (again war, Nazi occupation and S. Flier, Oleksandr Potebnja Professor of planned by Stalin and the Soviet govern- ry. The HURI conference gathered the best the Shoah, and the 1946-1947 Famine, as Ukrainian Philology and director of ment as a systematic extermination of the specialists on the Holodomor from Ukraine, well as the reversion of life expectancy pos- Harvard’s Ukrainian Research Institute. He Ukrainian nation. The Holodomor was Russia, France, Italy, the Netherlands and itive trends after 1965, and the later dramat- welcomed all the participants and reminded nothing less than genocide,” he said. He the United States. Together, we tried to ic drop in the birth rate).” He explained them that the Ukrainian Holodomor “was then went on to outline the steps that move the agenda of Holodomor studies to that,“As a result, Ukraine, having suffered one of the greatest human tragedies of all President Viktor Yushchenko and the an entirely new stage.” all of these tragedies, is the only European times.” Ukrainian government had taken to com- “Our goal was to shift the focus of nation that has endured an almost halving He then gave a brief overview of the his- memorate the 75th anniversary of the forced research from what happened ‘then,’ to of its actual contemporary population in toriography of the Holodomor, emphasizing starvation of Ukrainians and gave an over- what happened ‘after then’; that is to recon- comparison to what this population would the Soviet cover-up and ongoing denial; the view of their efforts to have the internation- struct the Holodomor’s impacts in subse- have been if the country had had a history efforts of the post-World War II Ukrainian al community officially recognize the quent years and decades,” Prof. Graziosi like that of Italy or France.” diaspora and the testimony of eyewitnesses Holodomor as genocide. continued. “This has become possible “Each session [at the conference] was and survivors who made it to the West; the because, in recent years, scholars – many of the occasion for very lively debate, in which concrete steps taken by HURI connected (Continued on page 10) 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2009 No. 10

he brilliantly tried to blame the Famine on HURI conference... nationalist factors in Ukraine in an effort to (Continued from page 9) consolidate its imperial power. One of his Background, dynamics greatest fears was the loss of Ukraine because it would mean the end of the Soviet The first session of the conference, Union and he used ‘preventive repression’ chaired by George G. Grabowicz, Dmytro to hold onto the country.” Čyzevs’kyj Professor of Ukrainian Stalin and the Kremlin came to view Literature, Harvard University, focused on Russian culture, modernization and state the background to the Holodomor and the control as the guarantors of the new imperi- dymanics of the tragedy. al state and forced the Soviet Ukrainian Liudmyla Hrynevych (senior research government to attack Ukrainian national- fellow, Institute of History of Ukraine, ism, which was equated with bourgeois National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine) reactionism. In the entire Soviet Union, presented her research on the span of time Ukrainians were the only ones who were leading up to and including the Famine of forced to do so. 1932-1933 in a talk titled “The Holodomor “The use of Famine was just one tool in Time and Place: A Chronology,” empha- used by the Soviet government to break the sizing how an examination of the little Ukrainian identity,” Mr. Yefimenko con- known famine of 1928-1929 brings a deep- cluded. “Attacks on national communism, er understanding of the Holodomor. She culture, an independent economy and even pointed out that although the two catastro- distinctive school textbooks coincided with Prof. Michael S. Flier phes were different in impact and scope, this effort.” there were a number of similarities, particu- Brian Boeck (assistant professor of his- The afternoon Hiroaki Kuromiya (professor of history, larly in the way that Soviet government tory, DePaul University) presented a case Indiana University) reported on what hap- The second session, chaired by Terry officials treated the famines in Ukraine and study of Soviet nationality policy in the pened in Ukraine’s cities. He discussed the manipulated media to suppress any news of Martin (George F. Baker III Professor of region of Kuban, an area with a significant imposition of the internal passport system, the events as far as possible and to discredit Russian Studies, Harvard), concerned the Ukrainian population in the southern part emphasizing the fact that it re-enserfed the those reports that managed to surface. immediate aftermath of the Famine and the of the Russian Federation. In the Kuban, peasants in the countryside and gave the The government did acknowledge the period up to the beginning of World War II. archival material is just now being government the tool to wage its campaign of fact that crop failures occurred in 1928-1929 Yuri Shapoval (head of the Department explored, scholarly publications are still terror in the late 1930s against the urban but minimized their impact. The official of Ethnopolitics, Kuras Institute of Political lacking, and research is uneven at best. population. He stressed that the outcome of line was that there were food shortages in and Ethnic Studies, National Academy of However, the speaker sifted through avail- the Famine included institutionalization of the steppe regions of Ukraine but nowhere Sciences of Ukraine) discussed the repres- able information to paint a grim picture of an inequality between the cities and the else. Although aid was given to victims of sions carried out by the GPU (secret police) countryside; the introduction of ration cards, the famine in other parts of the Soviet the Famine’s impact in that region and to in Ukraine in 1933-1934 and how the Great but only for city residents; and the rise of the Union, Ukrainians were forced to fend for demonstrate how the Ukrainian character Famine was linked to this activity. He pre- nomenklatura. themselves and aid offered by Germany and drew the particular attention of the Soviet sented a chronology of the known measures Prof. Kuromiya took a broad approach other European countries for Ukraine was regime. taken by Moscow to force Ukrainian com- focusing on high-level diplomatic docu- refused. At the time Germany was the He emphasized the fact that the Kuban pliance with the new Soviet reality, particu- ments concerning Ukraine. He pointed out Soviet Union’s primary market and regular was the only other region in the Soviet larly in the areas of industrialization and col- that Stalin was afraid of Japan in the Far deliveries of foodstuffs and precious metals Union that received the same treatment as lectivization. East, particularly as it moved into were not only maintained during the period Ukraine. “Villages were blacklisted, the bor- The goal of Soviet officials was to crush Manchuria. In his opinion, Stalin’s signing of famine but were actually increased. ders were sealed, and all foodstuffs were whatever opposition there was to Soviet of a non-aggression pact with Poland in In 1928 6,000 Ukrainian workers were confiscated,” he said. At the same time the power in Ukraine, and this was carried out summoned to Moscow to be engaged in the Ukrainian language was banned from the by the GPU; first, by arresting those accused 1932 and his outreach to Germany and government’s propaganda efforts in Ukraine schools, Ukrainian language books and of resisting the government seizure of grain Finland lessened his fear and paranoia of to crush all opposition and in 1929 leading newspapers disappeared, and manifestations and other foodstuffs; second, by carrying out external interference, and opened the door Ukrainian writers were summoned for the of Ukrainian culture were forbidden.” the seizures; and third, by arresting those for his actions against Ukraine, since he same purpose. In spite of these efforts, it “Although the official number of known accused of dissatisfaction with the regime’s knew that Poland would not interfere. was clear that Ukrainians were not happy deaths is still ridiculously low,” Prof. Boeck procurement policies and of broader acts of Finally, Alexander Babyonyshev (pseud- with the Soviet government, that their oppo- said, “it is clear that the Kuban was singled counterinsurgency. In this way, grain pro- onym Sergei Maksudov; associate, Davis sition increased, particularly in the begin- out for brutal treatment because of its curement policy led directly to the wide- Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies, ning of the effort to collectivize agricultural Ukrainian character and it should be pointed spread repression of nationalist sentiments Harvard University) looked at the impact of production and even Pravda obliquely com- out that, as a result of the Holodomor and in Ukraine. the Famine on the individual in Ukraine. mented on ongoing Ukrainian recalcitrance. the various repressions, that distinctiveness However, Dr. Shapoval pointed out that Collectivization destroyed the peasants’ ties Hennadii Yefimenko (senior research fel- all but disappeared.” resistance was fierce and quoted Ukrainian to the land and their core principles of self- low, Institute of History of Ukraine, The discussant for the session Nicolas Communist Party Secretary Stanislav Kosior worth and pride of ownership – in effect, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine) Werth (National Center for Scientific as saying that “even famine had not taught their spirits were broken. He looked at the explored the nationalities question, which Research, Paris), pointed out that the process the Ukrainian peasants good sense.” He also rise of crime in the countryside and pointed in his opinion is inseparable from the eco- of the historiographical study of the Famine pointed out that ultimately the Famine did out the utter hopelessness of the situation nomic and agricultural policies of the shows how and why Stalin’s tyrannical bru- break the back of Ukrainian resistance and because the perpetrators of the crime Kremlin at the time. He said that “the attack tality worked. He stressed that much work that the Soviet government moved in remained in power and even made mention- on and destruction of Ukrainian nationalism still needed to be done with local archives 1934-1935 to destroy the vestiges of the ear- ing the Famine a capital offense. in 1933 was the logical continuation of and at the local level to show how Ukraine lier Ukrainianization policy. A summary and discussion of the session Stalin’s policies which moved away from and the Kuban were treated differently than Next, Stanislav Kulchytskyi (deputy was provided by Oleg Khlevniuk (State Lenin’s practices.” the rest of the USSR and said that as this director, Institute of History of Ukraine, Archive of the Russian Federation). He “Stalin had great experience with the work is done a truer understanding of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine) stressed the fact that it was important to look nationality question, having served as the magnitude of the calamity would be possi- described the aftereffects of the Famine in both at the political and international factors director of the Commissariate for ble. He also emphasized that of the 5,000 the villages of Ukraine, and pointed out right that motivated Stalin in his decisions to take Nationalities in the Russian Federal Soviet anti-government uprisings that occurred in from the start that Soviet authorities wanted action against Ukraine. He emphasized the Socialist Republic from 1918 to 1923,” he the year before the Famine, more than half the same complete control over agricultural fact that the Bolsheviks always regarded the said. “He was suspicious of Ukrainians and occurred in Ukraine. production that it had attained over industri- peasantry as ultraconservative and the main al production. They tried cooperatives, they counterrevolutionary force. tried artels, they tried collectivization, and Collectivization and the Famine were the they even exiled more than 2 million more price that the peasantry paid for wringing productive farmers from Ukraine – this was the concession of private plots from the the so-called dekurkulizatsia (or dekulakiza- state, and these two realities shaped the tion policy) – and the harder they tried, the future evolution of the peasantry and the more agricultural production fell. destruction of human individuality. He Ultimately, they had to retreat and com- pointed out that in the 20 years after the promise and the small private plots that the Famine more than 50 million people were government was forced to tolerate were the convicted of major crimes in the Soviet most productive section of the agrarian Union and more than 20 million were sent economy. Basically, the Famine destroyed to penal camps or faced firing squads. agricultural production in Ukraine, the most Finally, Dr. Khlevniuk stressed that the fertile region of Europe, and by the 1950s Famine was responsible for the lowering of and 1960s the Soviet government had to expectations and that in the late 1930s and resort to the expedient of importing grain in 1940s no one complained about their rations order to feed its population. even though it was clear that people were Dr. Kulchytskyi also pointed out that the perpetually hungry and did not have the Famine policy was adopted after the govern- strength to fulfill their quotas. ment had already been forced to back down and that there were political as well as eco- Next week: More on the sessions of the Dr. Yuri Shapoval Prof. Andrea Graziosi nomic reasons for its imposition. Harvard conference on the Holodomor. No. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2009 11 THE MUSIC SCENE: A feast of authentic kobzar music by Bohdan Klid from the 16th through 18th appearance together. Both perform regu- centuries. Particularly larly throughout Ukraine, in solo appear- EDMONTON, Alberta – Taras noteworthy was the fact ances, playing together, and in the Chorea Kompanichenko and Jurij Fedynskyj, two that the lyrics to some of Kozacky. musicians who are at the forefront of the the songs were written by Mr. Kompanichenko was a student of kobzar (itinerant bard) tradition, recently leading Church figures and Mykola Budnyk and Heorhii Tkachenko, treated audiences in western Canada and notables of the early mod- the fathers of the Ukrainian traditional Toronto to a sumptuous banquet of large- ern period. Of the many instrument revival. He researches and ly medieval and early modern repertoire elegant and striking num- performs the full kobzar repertoire of epic from Ukraine’s forgotten, destroyed and bers, especially memorable songs and has studied Ukraine’s music nearly lost musical heritage. were “S namy Boh” (God history, focusing on the traditions of the The two kobzars appeared in concert is with us), a monody from early church, post-Renaissance culture, and at other venues in Edmonton, medieval times; the duma including the Kozak Baroque, as well as Calgary, Regina, Winnipeg and Toronto on the period of the Ruin, Romanticism and the early 20th-century. from February 1-15, singing and playing which is attributed to Many of the lyrics to the songs per- for the most part previously unheard reli- Hetman Ivan Mazepa; “Oi formed by the two kobzars were identi- gious, historical and lyrical songs before na Hori Vohon Horyt” (A fied by Mr. Kompanichenko in archives enraptured audiences. fire burns on the hill), a and old collections, which are not widely The performances of the two kobzars suite dedicated to Ukraine’s known. Music to some of the lyrics was were truly memorable. Not only was the fallen heroes; and “Pyite well-known or reconstructed. However, repertoire new and interesting, but its pre- Brattia, Popyite” (Drink, Mr. Kompanichenko has also written sentation was masterfully performed on My Brothers, Drink) a 17th music to some of the texts, interpreting instruments rarely seen or heard in North century banquet song. the spirit of the times when they were America. Eleven of the songs sung For the most part, Mr. Kompanichenko authored. His works have appeared on by the two kobzari, includ- Yurij Fedynskyj many CDs released in Ukraine, most on played on the Veresai 12-string kobza (a ing those mentioned above, traditional Ukrainian stringed instrument compilation CDs. A solo disk titled are to appear on a soon-to-be released CD went to visit his family in North Carolina. “Kobzarsko-Lirnytska Tradytsiya” (The of the lute family) and on occasion the in Ukraine of the six-man ensemble While many of the appearances of the kolisna lira (hurdy-gurdy). kobza- and hurdy-gurdy-playing tradi- Chorea Kozacky (Kozak Dance), to which two kobzars at the schools and universi- tion), containing a selection of traditional Mr. Fedynskyj played on the kobzar both Mr. Kompanichenko and Mr. ties were circumscribed by the tight bandura, Veresai kobza, drum, and basso- kobzar repertoire performed by Mr. Fedynskyj belong. schedule, their afternoon and evening Kompanichenko, was issued in 2002. la, mainly in accompanying roles. The kobzars’ schedule in Canada was concerts were generally free from sched- Many of the songs sung were per- Mr. Fedynskyj was born in the United packed with appearances. Their first was uling constraints. The two performers States and studied bandura initially under formed as duets, with Mr. Kompanichenko a concert in Edmonton sponsored by the gave generously of their time, and audi- singing the lead and Mr. Fedynskyj the Julian Kytasty, who plays and researches Ukrainian National Federation on ences received them enthusiastically. harmony. In their duets, Mr. traditional Ukrainian music in the U.S. February 1. Several appearances followed Because many of the songs were Kompanichenko’s voice was pleasing to For the past eight years he has lived in at the University of Alberta, most in con- unknown, they required an introduction the ear and strong, while Mr. Fedynskyj’s Kyiv, studying the traditions of the junction with International Week, includ- by the kobzars. This was done in added harmony, balance and depth to the kobzari. In Ukraine, he was involved in ing performing at the finale concert. Ukrainian by Mr. Kompanichenko and in sound. the creation of ethno-music projects such Particularly memorable were the mini- English by Mr. Fedynskyj. Explanations as the group Karpatyany, who study the While most in the Ukrainian diaspora about the instruments were also helpful. are familiar with the bandura and its concerts hosted by the Folkways Alive/ music of the Carpathian region, and is a Ethnomusicology Center and the Kule This was Mr. Kompanichenko’s and sounds, and the way songs are sung by Mr. Fedynskyj’s first North American (Continued on page 20) our bandura ensembles and individual Centre for Ukrainian and Canadian performers, those who had a chance to Folklore. hear these two musicians sing and play The two also visited students in two of on the kobza are struck by some notable Prof. Natalia Pylypiuk’s classes: differences. The major ones are that in Ukrainian Literature for Children and the style and sound their performances have Ukrainian Speaking World. In addition, much in common with minstrel-like sing- they performed at Grant MacEwan ing and playing in the European early- College, five times before students of modern tradition. Edmonton’s bilingual Ukrainian-English Their performances were also more school program and also managed to pay intimate, and at times this writer felt as if a visit to Ivan Franko School of Ukrainian he were not in an audience but in a small Studies students on the morning of their group or circle of friends. I also felt as if departure from Edmonton. we were going back in time to a world of After leaving Edmonton on February 7 minstrels performing in castles, church the kobzari appeared at a private gathering squares and fairs before groups of church- in Banff before a concert in Calgary on men, knights, Kozak noblemen and mili- February 8 sponsored by the Ukrainian tary leaders. Canadian Congress (UCC). Afterwards, The repertoire that the two performed they performed in Regina on February 10, before Canadian audiences consisted sponsored by the UCC, before leaving for largely of religious psalms and chants, Winnipeg on February 11. The next day some dating back to Rus’-Ukraine, and they appeared before music students at historical ballads and epic songs, mostly Sisler High School and that evening at a concert sponsored by the UCC, the Rozmai Ukrainian Dance Company and the Centre for Ukrainian Canadian Studies at the University of Manitoba. On February 13 the two per- formed at St Andrew’s College at the University of Manitoba. Before leaving for Toronto they also briefly visited the archives and library of the Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Center (Oseredok), where they had a chance to glance at the Oleksander Koshetz collection. In Toronto, the two appeared at concerts orga- nized by musicologist and renowned bandura player Victor Mishalow on February 14 and 15. Following this, Mr. Kompanichenko returned Taras Kompanichenko to Kyiv while Mr. Fedynskyj 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2009 No. 10 Art works by Chrystyna Kinal exhibited in Washington by Yaro Bihun chairmanship of the art department at Special to The Ukrainian Weekly Luther Rice College in Alexandria, and heading the arts program at the Brent WASHINGTON – “We looked in the Elementary School for gifted and talented camera lens and saw our future.” children in Washington. That is how artist Chrystyna Kinal She has also found time to raise a fam- begins to describe “Family Portrait,” one ily and work as an artist over the past 30 of her works featured at an art exhibit years – maintaining a home studio, exhib- here at the Chevy Chase Community iting extensively in the Washington area Center. and working with such area artists groups Sponsored by the Chevy Chase as Gallery West, the Printmakers Gallery Citizens Association and the Washington and Percy Martin’s WD Workshop, Department of Parks and Recreation, the among others. exhibit also includes the works of two In 1986 her husband’s professional other Washington-area artists – Beth assignment took the family for 13 years Cartland and Mariah Josephy. to London, where Ms. Kinal continued The four large faces that dominate the her artistic career, exhibiting her work portrait were adapted from a small black- and traveling in Europe. She also headed and-white photo portrait of her Ukrainian the artists’ section of the Ukrainian refugee family taken in Munich in 1949, Catholic University, a leading Ukrainian on the eve of their departure to the United academic/cultural institution in London, States. The two large faces above are her akin to what the Ukrainian Institute of Yaro Bihun parents and the two young girls below America is in New York City. Eugenia and Charles Osgood listen to artist Chrystyna Kinal describing the gen- with large ribbons in their hair are little Returning to the United States, Ms. esis of one of her paintings, “Family Portrait,” during the reception at the open- Chrystyna and her sister. Kinal re-established her artistic presence ing of an art exhibit at the Chevy Chase Community Center in Washington. The Being one of the subjects in the photo in the Washington area. Most recently, original photo portrait on which the work was based can be seen, partially as well as the artist of its conversion, this included becoming the director of obscured, on the chair below. Chrystyna Kinal views the piece this The Washington Group’s Cultural Fund, way: which presents concerts, art exhibits, women, from the artist’s visit last year to the images, sounds and memories of the “The young hopeful couple with their book presentations, lectures and other India, where she visited her daughter, a major cities in her life: New York, two beautiful little girls as they appear in Ukrainian-centered cultural events. U.S. Foreign Service officer; London and Paris. the original photo morphed into a some- Her works are in private collections “Ionesco’s Chairs” – inspired by his The exhibition at the Chevy Chase what macabre staring portrait of individu- throughout the United States, in Great play staged here a few years ago; Community Center (5601 Connecticut als isolated in their individual personal Britain, France, Uzbekistan and India. “Therese’s Tresses/After the Opera” – Ave. N.W.), which opened February 13, grief and suffering,” she said. “Little did Two of her prints featured in the 1980 inspired by the opulence of her daughter- can be viewed until March 21 from 10 we know what was in store for us,” she Washington Women’s Art Center annual in-law’s auburn hair; a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, and from 10 said, adding: “But, little does anyone calendar are in the permanent collection “Metropolis Memories” – inspired by a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. know what’s in store for them in the of the Library of Congress. future... Life.” Her five works at the Chevy Chase In her case, life, indeed, was written exhibit are acrylic, collage and mixed with a capital “L.” It would include an media. In addition to “Family Portrait,” arts degree from Barbard College, a they include the following with Ms. BOOK REVIEW: Past meets Master’s degree in arts and fine arts edu- Kinal’s personal explanations: cation from Columbia University, the “Abundance” – inspired by Indian present in ‘My Grandfather’s Mill’ “My Grandfather’s Mill; Journey to Freedom,” by Andrew Melnyk. Xlibris. 398 pp., $19.99 U.S./$24.99 Canadians; hard- cover, $29.99 U.S./$34.99 Canadian. A Ukrainian Summer by Alex Chumak Appears May 3, 2009, in The Ukrainian Weekly It seems that Andrew Melnyk has it all. As a high school principal in Ontario, he had phenomenal success in preventing young people from dropping out from school. As a father, his two sons have Travel to Ukraine and learn about your heritage... achieved tremendous success – one son is a doctor, while the other is the head of the his- Focus on Ukrainian studies, and earn college credit... tory department in a secondary school. His relationship with his wife reads like a love- Or relax and enjoy the activities story – they have been married since 1969. at the ever-popular Soyuzivka... These appear to be ingredients of a suc- cessful man – a good marriage, exemplary children and a challenging career. How will you enjoy your Ukrainian summer? However, there was something missing Read our special section for information from those in the in his life. Mr. Melnyk struggled to define it, but each time he came close it became elu- know on great destinations and unique activities! sive. Elusive until 1993, when a group of teachers from the Toronto area invited him Holodomor and survival under totalitarian EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING DEADLINE: APRIL 13 to accompany them to Ukraine to teach pro- regimes. Mr. Melnyk’s family, coupled with SUBMIT ARTICLES ON UPCOMING SUMMER CAMPS, COURSES, spective school principals how to administer accounts from his wife’s relatives, all give schools. WORKSHOPS AND OTHER EVENTS (NOT MORE THAN 250 WORDS, personal eyewitness descriptions of survival, Mr. Melnyk then found what was eluding TYPED AND DOUBLE-SPACED) PLUS PHOTOS. escape and eventual return to an indepen- him – the search for his and his wife’s roots. dent Ukraine to assess these occurrences on TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A FREE ONE-LINE LISTING IN OUR SUMMER This was the motivation for him to write a their present-day lives. Contrasting the past EVENTS CALENDAR (INDICATE DATE, TYPE OF EVENT AND PLACE). personal history – “My Grandfather’s Mill.” with the present is the basis of this book. What appears to be a personal account is “My Grandfather’s Mill” is a fascinating SEND EDITORIAL COPY TO: in fact a history of Ukraine, Canada, the read – it puts into perspective THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY U.S. and Europe interwoven with personal what many families have experienced. On 2200 ROUTE 10, P.O. BOX 280, observations. The author has succeeded in the one hand Mr. Melnyk’s book is an origi- contributing to the history of Ukrainians in PARSIPPANY, NJ 07054 nal, on the other, every Ukrainian who emi- North America, albeit on a personal basis. OR E-MAIL IT TO: [email protected] grated to Canada or the U.S. can claim some His ability to juxtapose historical events sense of ownership. In short, it is a universal with personal experiences is exceptional. story. FOR ADVERTISING RATES & INFORMATION: The reader is taken on quite a journey: CALL 973-292-9800 (EXT. 3040) OR E-MAIL: [email protected] Each of the book’s 20 chapters examines escaping Nazism and Communism; surviv- the family trek in historical detail. Part 1 ing the ravages of world wars; life in dis- deals with Mr. Melnyk’s and his wife’s fam- placed persons camps; the impact of the ily trees and family constellations. In Part 2 the reader’s eyes are opened to “the war to THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY Alex Chumak is a former school trust- ee and a lecturer at Ryerson University. (Continued on page 19) No. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2009 13 Ice sculptors from Ukraine compete in Canadian festivals by Oksana Zakydalsky after the end of the competition and the presentation of the first prize, it created a TORONTO – February is the month of cloud over the achievement of the winter festivals in Canada, when artists Ukrainian team. from many countries take part in ice and The invitation to the Ottawa competi- snow sculpture competitions. For the first tion was issued by organizers thanks to time, sculptors from Ukraine competed in the fact that Ukraine’s ambassador to three international ice sculpting competi- Canada had seen such a competition the tions (in Quebec City on February 1-9, in previous year and wanted a Ukrainian Ottawa on February 6-8 and in Rouyn- presence. Myroslav Dedyshyn’s ice sculp- Noranda, Quebec, on February 19-22). ture “Angel,” was carved out of eight The Ukrainian contingent included blocks of ice each 1 x .5 x .25 meters in Orest Dzyndra from Lviv, Serhiy size. He worked solo, with help only in Kliapetura from Kamianets-Podilskyi and lifting the blocks. The use of electrical Petro Romaniuk from Kyiv, who compet- saws and mechanical lifting equipment ed as a team in the Quebec City competi- was allowed and the sculpture had to be tion. Myroslav Dedyshyn, also from Lviv, completed within 28 hours, spread over took part in the Ottawa solo ice sculpting three days. contest. The ice sculptures were evaluated by The Quebec City festival is the largest judges on the basis of the initial impres- winter carnival in the world, with three sion of the work, technical skill, com- sculpting competitions. The Ukrainian plexity and design, as well as the success- Yurij Luhovy team took part in the international contest ful embodiment of a creative idea. Out of Ice sculptors (from left) Myroslaw Dedyshyn, Serhiy Kliapetura, Orest Dzyndra, which had 11 teams, each from a different a possible 100 points, Mr. Dedyshyn’s Petro Romaniuk. country. It was Mr. Romaniuk, who often “Angel” received 90.2 points and won works in Estonia, who found out about second place in the competition. the Quebec City competition and, encour- It is worth noting that the trip was aged by his Estonian colleagues, formed financed by the artists themselves and a Ukrainian team and applied. The team was organized through personal contacts. submitted its project – “Vertep” – to the Some establishments in Ukraine assisted festival; the project was accepted and an the artists in their preparations. A Lviv ice invitation was issued. cream company, which has a -45° freezer, In the snow sculpture competition, gave them blocks of snow to practice each team is given a huge block of their designs. The art center Dzyga in pressed snow out of which it hacks out its Lviv made space available and fed them design. Only spades and axes are allowed; while they worked on their models. In no mechanical or electric equipment can Canada, the group’s itinerary was orga- be used. The Ukrainian project turned out nized by the Embassy of Ukraine, while to be 4 x 6.4 meters large and took the the Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto com- team four days and one night to complete. munities (as well as James Slobodian of It featured six traditional vertep person- Rouyn-Noranda) helped with their month- ages – a goat (symbol of prosperity), long stay. death, angel, king, shepherd and a Jewish The artists were in Toronto from moneylender. The composition was beau- February 9 to 16 and, although they did tifully arranged and brought together by not have any sculpting events planned, putting the personages in a boat – not a they gave presentations about their work traditional element, but one signifying at the University of Toronto and the transporting a Ukrainian vertep to Ukrainian Canadian Art Foundation gal- Canada. It won first prize – best in the lery. show – as selected by the visiting public. Mr. Dedyshyn said that being in Sculptor Myroslav Dedyshyn with his prize. It was unfortunate that the sculptors Canada and being able to see the ice and were not more judicious in their selection snow sculpture work here (none of the of the moneylender character for their artists had ever been to North America) presentation of the vertep. Taken out of was the most useful part of the adventure. the context of traditional folk theater, Seeing experienced sculptors and well- meant to amuse and entertain, it was established competitions with interesting interpreted by several viewers as stereo- compositions and the sculptural possibili- typing. A complaint was made to the fes- ties of snow and ice was a discovery the tival organizers, who apologized and said sculptors would be able to use in the that they had not realized the significance future. of the figure. The incident was reported (Other sculptures by the artists can be in two newspapers. seen on the website www.orestdzyndra. Although this controversy took place com.ua).

Start of the snow sculpture. The snow sculpture “Vertep.” 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2009 No. 10

said on March 2, commenting on the NEWSBRIEFS statement made by the Russian presi- CLACLASSSSIFIEDIFIEDSS (Continued from page 2) dent’s chief property manager, Vladimir Communist Party. (Ukrinform) Kozhyn, who said that Ukraine unreason- TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL MARIA OSCISLAWSKI (973) 292-9800 x 3040 ably claims ownership of the former OR E-MAIL [email protected] President to pick new candidate USSR’s assets abroad. According to Mr. Kyrylych, one of the first international KYIV – President Viktor Yushchenko multilateral treaties concluded by Ukraine will decide on a candidate for the foreign SERVICES with the Commonwealth of Independent affairs minister’s post within the time States was an agreement on legal succes- period specified by the Constitution, the sion relative to the government debt and president’s press secretary, Iryna assets of the former USSR dated Vannykova, said on March 3. She noted December 4, 1991. The MFA press secre- that the Verkhovna Rada resolution on the tary recalled that a number of agreements dismissal of Foreign Affairs Minister and treaties to that effect had been con- Volodymyr Ohryzko was untimely and cluded, and they clearly and definitely groundless. “It is absolutely unreasonable confirmed Ukraine’s right to the men- amid the aggravation of the economic tioned share of this property. In 1994 downturn in the country to weaken the country’s foreign policy direction and Ukraine and Russia signed an agreement create new sources of tension. With these on regulating the issues of succession of decisions the Parliament shatters the foreign debt and assets of the former Ukraine’s domestic policy balance, pro- USSR, but the document was not ratified voking another struggle over positions by the Ukrainian Parliament. Mr. instead of effective work. With its votes Kyrylych also noted that this is linked to the Tymoshenko Bloc faction has violated the fact that Russia, contrary to the com- agreements on coordinated actions mitments undertaken, has not provided reached during the latest meeting involv- Ukraine with data on the size of Soviet ing the president, the prime minister, the gold and Forex reserves, the Diamond Verkhovna Rada speaker and the NBU Fund, foreign property and bank accounts. [National Bank of Ukraine] governor,” “Thus, the statements on all foreign prop- PROFESSIONALS she noted. (Ukrinform) erty of the former USSR allegedly belonging only to Russia are far removed Kravchuk: Yushchenko should resign from the truth and indicate an attempt to ignore Ukraine’s property rights, includ- KYIV – The first president of indepen- ing for foreign property of the former dent Ukraine, , called USSR,” Mr. Kyrylych noted. Mr. Kozhyn on President Viktor Yushchenko to resign. had earlier claimed that Russia was not Speaking on the Ukraine TV channel on going to step back in a dispute with February 25, he said: “Real patriotism on Ukraine regarding the USSR’s foreign the part of the president is to deeply ana- debt. Russia is a successor of the USSR lyze the situation and his own stand, and and suggested a so-called “zero option” make a relevant decision. You should tell that everyone has agreed with, he noted. yourself: Viktor Andriyovych, I have “Russia undertook all the debts of all for- done everything I could and I can’t do mer Soviet republics and all foreign debts anything else.” Mr. Kravchuk considers went to Russia. Everyone has agreed on Mr. Yushchenko unable to restore an effi- that – except for Ukraine,” Mr. Kozhyn cient system of power in the country. stated. (Ukrinform) “You, Viktor Andriyovych, are today unable to improve the situation, to create Naftohaz to pay for deliveries together with the Parliament an efficient system of power,” he said. Mr. Kravchuk KYIV – The national joint stock com- said he believes that authority in the pany Naftohaz Ukrainy promised on country has been destroyed and that it is March 3 that it will pay for the natural Driver with a 6-passenger GEORGE B. KORDUBA impossible to overcome the crisis without gas supplies delivered in February before minivan for hire. Counsellor at Law an effective involvement of the authori- the end of the week, and Russia’s Reasonable rates. ties. According to him, Mr. Yushchenko Gazprom promised not to impose fines or Emphasis on Real Estate, Wills, Trusts and Elder Law cut deliveries. The agreement was reached Tel. 973-919-9582 Ward Witty Drive, P.O. Box 249 focused major attention on how to hold MONTVILLE, NJ 07045 on to power and for that purpose he is by phone between Naftohaz head Oleh Hours by Appointment Tel.: (973) 335-4555 even ready to make use of the global Dubyna and Gazprom head Alexey MERCHANDISE financial downturn. He also expressed his Miller, the ICTV Ukrainian television opinion that Mr. Yushchenko deliberately channel reported. It was reported that escalates the economic situation in the Gazprom could cut by a quarter the sup- country to place all responsibility on the ply of natural gas to Ukrainian consum- Cabinet of Ministers. He believes that Mr. ers. The Russian monopoly said that Kyiv Yushchenko’s resignation could prevent a owes $1.5 billion (U.S.) for gas. lot of problems, appease society and (Ukrinform) restore hope for a real way out of the cri- sis. Pre-term presidential elections, Mr. Yanchuk film wins at festival Kravchuk said, would help the country KYIV – Ukrainian film director Oles overcome the crisis. Verkhovna Rada Yanchuk won the Henri-Langlois Prize Chairman Volodymyr Lytvyn said he (first prize for a European film) for his FOR SALE believes Mr. Kravchuk’s appeal to Mr. film about the Holodomor titled Yushchenko will exacerbate the political “Famine-33” at the Vincennes Cinema confrontation in Ukraine. Speaking on Festival in France on February 3. Mr. Cemetery Crypt For Sale Channel 5 TV, he said, “There will be no Yanchuk spoke at a press conference in Venice Memorial Gardens, Venice, FL early presidential elections and no imple- Kyiv on February 17 and noted that his Ukrainian Section, Top Level mentation of the appeal made by film is the first feature film about the Kravchuk. Though, I don’t rule out snap Famine-Genocide of 1932-1933. He Please call Irene presidential elections, they will depend added that the film is used as part of the 713.789.0239 not on the appeals of separate politicians, school curriculum in Ukraine and that it groups of politicians or political parties, will be translated into several languages, but will depend on further developments.” including Russian. (UNIAN) OPPORTUNITY He added that the situation might get out of control and that authorities might have 40,000 deaths due to alcoholism to agree on early presidential and parlia- mentary elections. (Ukrinform) KYIV – Each year more than 40,000 EARN EXTRA INCOME! Ukrainians die because of alcoholism – The Ukrainian Weekly is looking Kyiv claims right to Soviet property the cause of death for nearly one-third of Ukrainian males each year – according to for advertising sales agents. KYIV – According to Ukraine’s the Ukrainian Health Council and the For additional information contact Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), World Health Organization. Ukrainian Maria Oscislawski, Advertising Russia is ignoring Ukraine’s rights to the doctors treat some 700,000 alcohol- Manager, The Ukrainian Weekly, foreign property of the former USSR. dependent patients. Dr. Tetiana Ukraine’s share of the foreign assets and Shmihirovska, who runs a private clinic (973) 292-9800, ext 3040. liabilities of the former USSR is over 16 percent, MFA spokesman Vasyl Kyrylych, (Continued on page 15) No. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2009 15

Zlenko emphasized that the program par- nations comes from this,” he said. He and newspapers. He wrote 10 novels, 20 NEWSBRIEFS ticipants must find extra sources of reve- added that the crime committed in Huta plays, as well as hundreds of short novels (Continued from page 14) nues for implementation of the Eastern Pieniacka had destroyed trust between and stories. In 1978 the manor museum in Lviv, told RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service Partnership initiative, because “$15 mil- Ukrainians and Poles for tens of years, as of Sholem Aleichem was opened in that villagers are most at risk because lion (U.S.) a year for each country is there were accusations that the Poles of Pereyaslav-Khmelnytskyi on the occasion nearly all households make their own obviously insufficient.” He emphasized Huta Pieniacka had been killed by of the 120th anniversary of his birthday. alcohol, which often leads to poisoning. that the Eastern Partnership must be Ukrainian nationalists. Mr. Yushchenko, In 1997 a monument to the writer was (RFE/RL) transparent and guarantee the top level of in turn, said that both nations had a diffi- opened in Kyiv, while in 1999 the Cabinet political association, as well as progress cult past. “I want to say that, despite all of Ministers decided to open a museum in 2,000-3,000 emigrate to the U.S. of relations in key areas: political, eco- the difficulties in our past, I am deeply his honor in Kyiv. (Ukrinform) nomic, security and humanitarian. “When convinced that Ukrainians have offered KYIV – The U.S. Embassy issues implementation of the Eastern Partnership Poles their hand of friendship and mutual Bank sells controlling stake to state 2,000 to 3,000 immigration visas for begins, we will be able to conclude that understanding forever,” he said. On KYIV – Shareholders of one of Ukrainian citizens annually, said John the European policy on Eastern European February 28, 1944, German secret police Ukraine’s largest banks, Rodovid Bank, Armstrong, U.S. deputy consul general to countries brought about certain political divisions destroyed the village of Huta have made a decision to transfer to state Ukraine. According to the diplomat, “a changes, so that the EU would directly Pieniacka and killed several hundred ownership no less than 50 percent plus major part of immigration visas are issued influence developments in the region,” Poles who lived there. According to some one shares of its property assets. In addi- based on family ties, and less based on Mr. Zlenko underscored. (Ukrinform) Ukrainian historians, referring to Polish tion, shareholders expect that the state jobs.” Mr. Armstrong noted that immigra- documents, German forces destroyed the will buy out the bank’s additional issue tion visas were issued to many PC pro- Great Britain to help Ukraine join EU village after six to eight German police- grammers, who are much sought after in stocks in exchange for government KYIV – Great Britain is willing to help men were killed in a fight against “Polish the United States. (Ukrinform) stocks. The decisions were made on Ukraine attain European Union member- and Bolshevik divisions” on February 23, 1944. On February 27 the German forces February 26 at the bank’s extraordinary Kyiv 13th in office real estate price ship, John Grogan, head of the Ukraine- general shareholders meeting. According Great Britain Interparliamentary Group, entered the village and burnt 172 residen- KYIV – Kyiv ranked the 13th in the tial houses, killing 500 to 1,000 people. to Rodovid Bank’s representatives, the told the Europe-Ukraine International state will obtain a controlling stake, how- rating of cities with the most expensive Forum on February 26. He said that mem- (Ukrinform, Radio Liberty) office real estate in the world, the Delo ever the current investor of the bank (Istil bership perspectives must be provided to Ivasiuk named Hero of Ukraine Group) will have a blocking stake with newspaper reported in late February. Ukraine in the nearest future. The British Cushman & Wakefield published an the right of redemption. “This will be co- MP also noted that his country welcomes KYIV – Ukrainian President Viktor existence of the state and the private annual rating of cities with the highest the decision to admit Ukraine to the Yushchenko on March 2 bestowed on the investor, and control diversification from rent price for office premises. The European Economic Committee. late composer Volodymyr Ivasiuk the title both sides. Upon the expiration of time Ukrainian capital rose by three positions (Ukrinform) of the Hero of Ukraine. Ivasiuk (March 4, needed to restore the bank’s financial over last year and ranked 13th with a rent 1949 - May 1979) was a beloved position, the state share will be bought price per square meter of 686 euros per Ukraine’s importance to Europe Ukrainian composer and poet, one of the out,” the bank underlined. (Ukrinform) year. Despite the sharp drop in prices on KYIV – Ukraine’s membership in the founders of Ukrainian pop music, author the real estate market in late 2008, office European Union is important not only for of 107 songs, 53 instrumental music piec- S&P lowers ratings on cities, Crimea rent in Kyiv rose in price by 14 percent Kyiv, but also for Europe, the head of the es and the music to several plays. This during 2008. (Ukrinform) Ukraine-EU delegation and member of year marks the 30th anniversary of KYIV – Standard & Poor’s Ratings Ivasiuk’s tragic death – an unsolved mur- Services on February 26 lowered its long- Tarasyuk on Eastern Partnership the European Parliament, Adrian Severin, said at the third Europe-Ukraine der that took place sometime between term issuer credit ratings for the KYIV – Ukraine backs the idea of the International Forum in Kyiv on February April 24, 1979, when he disappeared, and Ukrainian cities of Kyiv, Lviv, Eastern Partnership, but this should not 26. “Ukraine’s membership is important May 18, 1979, when his mutilated body Dnipropetrovsk, Ivano-Frankivsk, replace its major goal of joining the for the European Union, first and fore- was found hanging from a tree in a Luhansk and Odesa, and the Autonomous European Union, Borys Tarasyuk, chair- most, from the view of collective security. restricted forest near Lviv. His death was Republic of Crimea to CCC+ from B and man of the Verkhovna Rada’s Committee Secondly, integration will help EU states officially ruled a suicide. Ukrainians, removed them from CreditWatch follow- for European Integration, told the press find a common way out of crisis,” he however, saw the hand of the KGB. ing the downgrade of the sovereign rating on February 26, commenting on the out- said. Mr. Severin also said that further (Ukrinform, Radio Liberty) on Ukraine. The outlooks on all seven local and regional governments (LRGs), come of the meeting of the EU-Ukraine steps of Ukraine’s integration with the Sholem Aleichem Museum in Kyiv Parliamentary Cooperation Committee in European community should be deter- which were negative before the Brussels on February 25. According to mined at the forum. (Ukrinform) KYIV – A museum dedicated to CreditWatch placement, remain negative. Mr. Tarasyuk, the meeting participants Sholem Aleichem was opened in a depart- The ratings had been placed on also discussed the prospect of signing an GUAM headquarters opened in Kyiv ment of Kyiv’s History Museum on CreditWatch with negative implications on February 16. S&P says future rating association agreement. “We drew a line in KYIV – Azerbaijan’s Foreign Affairs March 2, according to the press service of actions regarding Ukraine could bring defining the title of this instrument at the Minister Elmar Mammadyarov noted on the Kyiv City State Administration. Paris summit, we now have to draw a line February 27 at the opening ceremony in Sholem Aleichem (Sholem Naumovich some differentiation in future rating under its essence,” he noted. Mr. Tarasyuk Kyiv of the headquarters of the Rabinovich, 1859-1916) is a famous actions on Ukrainian LRGs to reflect their also said that the Eastern Partnership pol- Organization for Democracy and Jewish writer born in the family of a mer- various credit features. On February 25, icy should get the necessary financing, Economic Development (ODED), which chant in Pereyaslav (currently Pereyaslav- Standard & Poor’s cut Ukraine’s long- adding that currently this funding is insuf- functions under the aegis of GUAM Khmelnytskyi, Kyiv Oblast). His career and short-term foreign currency sovereign ficient as 300 million euros are earmarked (Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Moldova), as a writer started in the late 1870s when credit ratings to CCC+/C from B/B, and until 2013 for all six countries in the pro- that thanks to the unveiling of the head- some of his articles written in the Hebrew its local currency ratings to B-/C from gram. Referring to visa issues, the nation- quarters, young democratic states will be language were published in magazines B+/B. (Ukrinform) al deputy underscored that Ukraine is able to successfully accomplish tasks. In ready to work hard and back the efforts of particular, this concerns settlement of fro- the European Commission to achieve a zen conflicts in Georgia (Abkhazia, South common goal: the introduction of a visa- Ossetia), Azerbaijan (Nagorno Karabakh) free regime for Ukrainians as early as and Moldova (Transdnistria). He 2012 (by the date of Ukraine’s and expressed hope that GUAM would work Poland’s hosting of the UEFA 2012 soc- fruitfully to ensure the safety of energy cer championship). (Ukrinform) supplies. According to Grigol Vashadze, Zlenko: no alternative to EU foreign affairs minister of Georgia, who currently holds the GUAM presidency, KYIV – The Eastern Partnership initia- the ODED has achieved significant tive should not be considered by the results over the past few years, including European community as an alternative to the creation of a free trade zone and a the enlargement of the European Union, firm legislative basis that helps tackle nor should it weaken Ukraine’s relations many issues, both economic and in the with the EU, said Ukraine’s former area of culture/tourism. (Ukrinform) Foreign Affairs Minister Anatolii Zlenko. Presidents commemorate victims Addressing delegates to the third Europe- Ukraine International Forum on February KYIV – Presidents Viktor Yushchenko 27, he said Ukraine should take part in of Ukraine and Lech Kaczynski of Poland the Eastern Partnership to the extent that commemorated the victims of the village it corresponds to the policy of European of Huta Pieniacka, located in the Brody integration and contributes to domestic area of the Lviv Oblast, which was reforms. At the same time, he said, “The burned by German forces 65 years ago. Eastern Partnership must take into The two leaders laid wreaths at the local account the factors of principles like dif- monument on February 28. Mr. Kaczynski ferentiation and joint responsibility.” He said that there had been many grand explained that the point is there should events in the joint history of Ukrainians not be one standard approach to all six and Poles. “But today, we talk about the member-countries of this initiative, since same difficult moments for both nations, they have “different potentials and differ- and it is good that we can talk about this ent levels of European integration.” Mr. now, because a real friendship between 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2009 No. 10 No. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2009 17 Gala Celebration of Spring to be held at The Ukrainian Museum by Marta Baczynsky Stawnychy, with the help and support of members of the Special Events Committee NEW YORK – On the evening of on the board of trustees, as well as volun- Saturday, March 21, the lights in The teers. Ukrainian Museum in New York City will Ms. Trytjak explained: “This event is sparkle invitingly, welcoming guests to a being held to give our friends and supporters party – a Gala Celebration of Spring. a chance to enjoy the museum in a social The event promises to be a glittering, environment outside of its regularly sched- exciting affair within the framework of a uled programming. We want people to come cocktail party during which guests will and see how great the Museum is and to enjoy musical performances while sipping make it their home. Through this exciting wine and champagne, sampling hors outreach to our community we look to con- d’oeuvres, or teasing their palates with delectable desserts from a Viennese table. nect with new friends, new supporters, espe- The highlight of the gala will be an art cially with people in the younger generation auction – the works generously donated by because, after all, they will be the inheritors artists, as well as families and friends of art- of this extraordinary institution.” ists. The auction will be unique due to the The musical program to be presented at fact that it will be held in the museum’s gal- the Gala Celebration of Spring will no doubt leries, allowing the overall art experience to satisfy jazz aficionados as well as devotees be an important component of the entire of gentle music for the soul. The organizers of the event booked the Askold Buk Trio, a event. Jacques Hnizdovsky’s “Geranium” (1984, woodcut, 9 by 14 1/8 inches). The museum’s two current exhibitions – prominent jazz group to provide fiery and captivating rhythms. Askold Buk is a highly the exuberant works of Futurist David Natalia Pohrebinska, Roma Rainey, munity, and it is part of the life of the com- Burliuk in the show “Futurism and After: acclaimed guitarist, whose compositions and performances have been heard on ABC Christina Saj, George Thaddeus Saj, Tamara munity. Events such as these are our way of David Burliuk, 1882-1967” and the rich Skrypka, Valeriy Skrypka, Ilona Sochynsky embracing our friends and supporters. We artistic legacy of Mychajlo Moroz in the Primetime and the Emmy-winning PBS series “Frontline.” His music has been part and Marta Hirniak Voyevidka. hope to see many new faces among our show titled “A Generous Vision: A Major Francis Archipenko Gray donated a print guests at this event so that we can show Gift of Works by Mychajlo Moroz” – will of many independent films and TV com- mercials and his CD “Volcano” has been of the renowned sculptor Alexander them that the museum is a great place for provide an elegant setting for the evening. Archipenko, while Mary Burliuk, the grand- them and their families to enjoy and also to Making sure that everyone has an enjoy- part of over 20 national and international jazz and smooth jazz playlists. daughter of David Burliuk, gave a watercol- appreciate their heritage and take pride in able time will be master of ceremonies Marc or painted by the famous Futurist. The their Ukrainian roots.” Chuma. On the other end of the musical spectrum, violinist Marian Pidvirny will provide gen- museum also received three woodcuts by The Ukrainian Museum was founded in “The time of nature’s renewal is a won- Jacques Hnizdovsky from Stephanie tle, romantic tones and what he calls 1976 by the Ukrainian National Women’s derful occasion for friends of the museum to Hnizdovsky and daughter Mira, and an Ivan League of America. In 2005, through the “gypsy” music. Hailing from Ukraine, the gather in celebration. We especially wel- Marchuk painting from Oksana and Oleh efforts and generosity of the Ukrainian com- artist is often featured at the Soyzivka resort come the younger generation whose Lopatynsky. munity, the Museum began operations in a during the summer months. achievements and commitment to their And, if all these exciting works of art new, spacious and elegant facility at 222 E. During the event an enormous amount of Ukrainian heritage is admirable and augurs were not enough, the not-to-be outdone Sixth St. in New York City. The Museum is excitement will most certainly be generated well for the future of our institution,” said Ukrainian airline AeroSvit has donated two a not-for-profit institution of Ukrainian cul- by the art auction. Among the artists whose Dr. Jaroslaw Leshko, president of the muse- tickets to Ukraine to be bid on and pur- ture and history, devoted to providing infor- works will be up for bidding are: Dr. um’s board of trustees. chased by a lucky individual. mation, through exhibitions and education The event is organized by board mem- Alexander Motyl, Zenon Onyshkevych, Prof. Leshko expressed his gratitude to about the Ukrainian experience past and bers Oksana Trytjak and her co-chair Olha Arcadia Olenska Petryshyn, Lidia Piasetsky, all the above benefactors of the event for present. their largesse and support of this endeavor. For information about The Ukrainian The proceeds from the gala and the auction Museum and the Gala Celebration of Spring will benefit the museum’s ongoing opera- event call 212-228-0110; e-mail info@ tions and special projects. ukrainianmuseum.org; on log on to www. The organizers engaged master chef ukrainianmuseum.org. Andrij Sonevytsky (of Soyuzivka fame) and the company Sin Catering to provide a sumptuous buffet. In addition, there will be a Viennese table with delectable Ukrainian torts. These melt-in-your-mouth delights will be provided by museum friends – artists in their own right who continue the time- honored tradition of Ukrainian pastry art. The team of volunteers in this project is headed by Yaroslawa Luchechko, former chair of the Special Events Committee on the board of trustees. The season-appropriate design on the invitation for the event was the work of artist Sofika Zielyk. According to the museum’s director, Maria Shust, the Gala Celebration of Spring event offers a great opportunity for interac- tion with the community. “The Ukrainian George Thaddeus Saj’s “Fat Cat” (2008, David Burliuk’s “Santa Monica” (not dated, watercolor, 10.5 by 15 inches). Museum was built by the Ukrainian com- painted wood, 11 by 10 inches). 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2009 No. 10

Ms. Halaiko’s grandparents were Lemkos Union, the eastern Ukrainians were more Ms. Halaiko said she’s “happy to have The post-Soviet... who were deported to the village of Yaseniv able to acknowledge its advantages. There been born in Ukraine, considering its great (Continued from page 3) in the Brody district during Akcja Wisla of was stability that is presently lacking, Mr. history, which we can take pride in. Surely, buy whatever you can afford. But once it 1947. Betsun said; citizens felt more equal then, not every country has such a history.” wasn’t like that.” However, she said she doesn’t know Mr. Nazarenko said. She said she hopes Ukraine will continue While it wasn’t at all a priority among much of that history, what region they were “Undoubtedly, there were higher and to develop toward the European standard, freshmen in Luhansk, being able to freely from, how they were deported and who was lower strata, but I think currently the rift “and I hope I will also contribute my work speak the Ukrainian language and practice responsible. Her grandfather makes the trek between the two classes is a bit too large,” toward this, and everything in my power.” the culture is among the top reasons why to Lemkivschyna for an annual meeting, she added Mr. Nazarenko. At the same time, she acknowledged UCU students believe gaining independence said. “I simply know that he was resettled,” Members of the post-Soviet generation of Ukraine has a long way to go. Having visit- was so important. she said. “He speaks very little at all about eastern Ukrainians seemingly gained most ed Poland, she noticed a world of difference In the view of Ms. Mykhalkiv, an admirer that time.” of their knowledge of the Soviet Union from in merely crossing the border. “I immediate- Ms. Sholovii’s grandmother, an ethnic of Ukrainian nationalists, only true family and mass media, since students ly felt that I was back in Ukraine – every Ukrainian, also was deported to Ukraine Ukrainians speak the Ukrainian language almost unanimously said they received very one of our bumps and potholes,” Ms. during Akcja Wisla from territory that is wherever they may live. little information in school. Halaiko said. “There’s garbage everywhere now Polish. She also doesn’t know much Others said Ukrainians should at least Echoing his Luhansk peers, Mr. Betsun here, but everything is clean there.” about what happened or where she lived. said he studied “almost nothing” of the know the Ukrainian language, but not nec- “I heard from a lot of people that Lviv is To address such historical injustices, the Soviet Union in school, focusing mainly on essarily speak it as a measure of patriotism. a big trash can,” added Ms. Sholovii. Ukrainian government must take more steps Ukrainian and global history. “Wherever you go in Ukraine, garbage is “I believe that if you’re a true patriot, to remedy its Soviet past, in the view of Ms. Meanwhile, the Lviv students said they everywhere.” then even if you speak Russian but want to Mykhalkiv. The Soviet Union ought to be studied it rather extensively in school from That’s another burden Ukrainians have to be a patriot, then you can learn the lan- officially condemned, and the government unrevised texts. In her history book, pub- bear from the Soviets, which murdered 80 guage,” Ms. Sholovii said. “You live in should finally recognize the Ukrainian lished in 1995, Ms. Mykhalkiv said the percent of the nation’s intelligentsia, Ms. Ukraine all the same.” Insurgent Army of World War II as a force Soviet Union was portrayed positively and Mykhalkiv said. The Soviet occupation created a rift that fought for independence. falsely. Such remarks reflect the tendency of between eastern and western Ukraine, the Ms. Mykhalkiv’s fellow Halychany The Holodomor of 1932-1933 was the Halychyna residents to blame everything students acknowledged. Eastern Ukrainians didn’t share her fervor. In fact, Ms. Halaiko result of a poor harvest, after which peasants that is wrong on the Soviets, disregarding have a tendency to demonize western and Ms. Sholovii wanted Ukrainian leaders “had to give something to the collective the fact that Ukrainians have had 17 years to Ukrainians, said Ms. Halaiko, who was born to let bygones rest and move forward. farms” since much grain from Ukraine had get their house in order. in November 1988. “Ukraine is not in such an advantageous to be exported, her textbook said. The fam- In fact, while remaining saddled with “If you visit some eastern Ukrainian city position now – quite the opposite, and ine of 1946-1947 occurred because of poor Soviet burdens, Ms. Mykhalkiv noted that and acknowledge you’re from Lviv, they peaceful relations need to be established at growing conditions and droughts, resulting Ukrainians allowed the one good thing they will say immediately that you’re a present,” Ms. Sholovii said. “If we want a in a poor harvest. inherited from the Soviet Union to slip ‘Banderite,’” she said. “They believe that good future for our nation, then we simply “Nothing, not a word mentioned that it through their fingers – its nuclear weapons. only maniacs walk around here. That’s the need to somehow live with what we have at was manufactured, that they weren’t fam- “I don’t know why they did that, but that type of view that formed in the east about us present and not remind ourselves about what ines, but holodomors,” Ms. Mykhalkiv said. was all that Ukraine lost,” she said. “Nothing westerners.” was then. What was then is already in histo- Meanwhile, her textbook devoted a half- else was lost, and we only gained.” In his native Crimea, the Soviet forces ry, and you can’t do anything about it.” page to the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, Influencing Ms. Mykhalkiv’s categorical are even venerated as heroes who rescued Leave history alone and re-start from “almost nothing at all,” in her view. condemnation of everything Soviet is the them from the westerners, Mr. Nazarenko scratch, she said. The Lviv students were well aware of the large acreage owned by her grandparents said. Many Crimeans who have lived in “I believe that, for me, being a Ukrainian three artificial famines, but no one knew of that was promptly confiscated by invading Ukraine their entire lives and had their is simply doing everything positive that I the purges that began in 1937. Bolsheviks and incorporated into collective nationality listed as Ukrainian nevertheless can for the future of my nation, and not They knew Vasyl Stus was a dissident farms. consider themselves Russian. remembering anything bad and not con- writer who died in a Soviet prison, allegedly However, her confident rhetoric wavered “It’s one country, but the views are entire- demning the past,” said Ms. Sholovii, strik- by suicide, and they knew that Vyacheslav when she was asked whether Ukrainians ly different,” he said. “The Soviet Union is ing a confident tone. Chornovil was a leader of the Ukrainian achieved the hopes they had when declaring among the main reasons for that.” Though largely critical of the Soviet independence movement who died in a car independence. wreck, allegedly an accident. “It can be said that the victories weren’t In Ukraine’s next election, Ms. too significant, but the main thing is that our Mykhalkiv said she would cast her vote for people remained on their land,” Ms. the nationalist Svoboda party because its Mykhalkiv said, apparently overlooking leader, Oleh Tiahnybok, “defends nationalist Ukraine’s population loss of 5 million peo- rights, and fights for the rebirth of Ukrainian ple since independence. culture and the rebirth of the Ukrainian “With time, economic development state.” began … well, maybe it wasn’t all immedi- Mr. Nazarenko said he supports President ate …,” she said, slipping into an unsure Viktor Yushchenko, Mr. Betsun said he fig- tone as if trying to convince herself. “But ures the Green Party is the best option at this gradually these dreams are becoming vindi- point, while the others see no viable political cated.” force. Indeed many are dissatisfied with “I don’t see Ukraine’s future with any Ukraine’s politics and economics, Ms. party,” Ms. Halaiko said. Halaiko said. The intelligentsia that is sup- Regardless of the disappointing politi- posed to lead the nation is fleeing abroad cians, Ms. Sholovii said she sees a future for because wages are low, utility bills are high herself in Ukraine. “I believe that if a person and starting a family is simply unaffordable. tries, if she wants to achieve success, if she Nevertheless, members of the post-Soviet sets a goal for herself and if she will truly be generation at UCU remain hopeful that they persevering, then she can achieve her goals,” may be able to accomplish what their par- she said. ents’ generation can’t seem to do – take Though Mr. Betsun said he had grown up Ukraine to its next level of development. in Luhansk being told that he had to leave “Maybe in 15, 20 or 30 years the gener- Ukraine in order to prosper, his few months ations will shift with some fresh ideas,” at UCU have already made him think more Mr. Nazarenko said. “Very many people positively about his native land. are in government who support the Soviet Negativity toward Ukraine “was very Union, view it positively and say it needs apparent in the east,” he said. “There’s a dif- to be returned because those were the good ference. When I graduate, I hope there will days. Maybe they’re the ones who are be some prospects here in the west.” braking development.”

We wish to express our sincere gratitude to our children Julia, Miroslawa and Darko with their families for a pleasant surprise that they had prepared in celebration of our 50th wedding anniversary.

Parents Daria and Emilian Berdej No. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2009 19

budget would be revised in April and May Yushchenko... rather than immediately. Ms. Tymoshenko Sheptytsky Institute Study Days (Continued from page 1) agreed to increase the price of gas for the Ukraine became one of the weakest links of public. She had opposed the step, apparently the global economy in the face of the crisis. fearing it would make her less popular as a scheduled for July 2-4 in Ottawa presidential candidate in 2010. They also It is hard to see how Ukraine can survive OTTAWA – World-renowned liturgist, Lisa Hladio of Pennsylvania. It enables agreed to promise the IMF to launch a pen- without more international assistance, but the Rev. Robert Taft SJ, will head the list parents to participate in the Study Days sion reform, finance the budget deficit from complications with the IMF have been a of plenary speakers at this year’s while their children engage in learning external sources and higher taxes rather than very bad signal for all prospective lenders Sheptytsky Institute Study Days in games and crafts. This year will also by money emission, and to stabilize the and investors. Ottawa on July 2-4. include the popular cantor training pro- national currency without significant inter- The IMF has been reluctant to resume After last year’s successful conference, gram lead by Melita Mudri-Zubacz of funding in the absence of coordinated efforts vention from the NBU so that the Forex the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Winnipeg and the Rev. Roman Galadza inside the country, so it came up with a con- reserve would not be depleted (Segodnya, Institute of Eastern Christian Studies of Brampton, Ontario. dition that Mr. Yushchenko and Ms. March 3). (MASI) of St. Paul University immedi- The conference is described as “an Tymoshenko should sign a letter of intent “Ukraine will without a doubt procure ately turned to the Rev. Taft to be one of Eastern Christian feast for the mind and pledging such cooperation. Mr. Yushchenko the second tranche from the IMF,” Prime three speakers to address the entire heart.” It is devoted to studying how the initially refused to sign any letters jointly Minister Tymoshenko said, summing up the assembly. The Rev. Taft has taught at Eastern Christian lifestyle – Gospel- with Ms. Tymoshenko, insisting that she agreements. IMF Managing Director Rome’s Pontifical Oriental Institute since centered and life-affirming – can thrive in should unconditionally cut the budget deficit Dominique Strauss-Kahn told President the 1970s and is the author of almost 20 the modern West. Each day begins with from 3 percent to 1 percent as requested by Yushchenko by phone that the chances for books and more than 600 scholarly arti- matins, followed by the divine liturgy. the IMF (Ukrayinska Pravda, February 23); securing the second tranche would now be cles. The plenary address is followed by break- but the IMF made it clear that a joint letter high (UNIAN, March 2). The other two plenary speakers will be out sessions, seminars and workshops, was an important condition for resuming Even if Ms. Tymoshenko and Mr. the Rev. John Behr, academic dean at St. and the day ends with vespers. cooperation. Yushchenko have resolved all their differ- Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Many of the out-of-town participants At the same time, the IMF agreed that the ences, the action plan promised to the IMF Seminary in New York and author of the reside at the new St. Paul University resi- budget deficit could be higher than 1 percent may be blocked in Parliament, where the ground-breaking “The Way to Nicaea,” dence. Within walking distance of if Ukraine managed to borrow more abroad. coalition that backs Ms. Tymoshenko does and Martha Shepherd of Madonna House, Parliament Hill, the residence provides The IMF also said that the NBU’s efforts to not control a majority. Disagreements have the famed community founded by very affordable rates for the entire family. stabilize the banking sector should not be emerged even within the coalition as Mr. Catherine Doherty. They will speak on Meal plans are available in the university hampered by political interference (www. Lytvyn, whose party is the Yulia July 3 and 4, respectively. cafeteria for both residents and other par- imf.org, February 27). Tymoshenko Bloc’s junior partner, has been The theme for this year’s Study Days ticipants. Mr. Yushchenko announced on February reluctant to sign the letter to the IMF. The is “Eastern Christian Spirituality.” The The Study Days can be followed by 27 that he had agreed on the following joint opposition vehemently objects to the plan. Rev. Taft will treat liturgical spirituality. two-weeks of university classes (July steps with Ms. Tymoshenko and Verkhovna The Communists are against any accords The Rev. Behr will discuss spirituality 6-18) for which six university credits can Rada Chairman Volodymyr Lytvyn: to draft with the IMF in principle, and the PRU indi- from the perspective of the Cross. Ms. be earned. The two courses being taught a declaration pledging readiness to tackle cated that it would oppose higher taxes, a Shepherd will deal with the liberating this year are “Introduction to Eastern the economic crisis jointly; to agree on a higher gas price, and a pension reform that power of silence. Christian Spirituality” by the Rev. Maxym joint position on cooperation with the IMF; would raise the pension age from the current The Study Days are intended for a Lysack, and “General Introduction to the and to come up with a joint anti-crisis plan age 60 for men and age 55 for women broad audience. Last year they drew more Eastern Churches” by the Rev. Andrew (UNIAN, February 27). Ms. Tymoshenko (Ukrayinska Pravda, March 2). than 200 participants from as far away as Onuferko. agreed not to insist on Mr. Stelmakh’s dis- California and Ukraine. Especially popu- For more information readers may log missal (Ekonomicheskie Izvestia, March 2). The article above is reprinted from lar is the youth program, coordinated by onto www.ustpaul.ca/sheptytsky. Details of the agreement were finalized Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from on March 2. Both sides made further con- its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, cessions. Mr. Yushchenko agreed that the www.jamestown.org. THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Sponsors an Awards and Scholarship Program to UNA student movies filled with danger, suspense and members attending college in academic year 2009-2010 Past meets... almost incredible close brushes with death. (Continued from page 12) Their subsequent life in displaced persons The UNA Scholarship program for UNA student members offers 2 programs: end all wars” and how Mr. Melnyk’s and his camps is described in detail. An Awards Program and a Scholarship Program. wife’s families survived. The final part of the book is the integra- In “War Between Wars,” Part 3 of the tion of the Melnyk family to the North UNA Awards Program: these awards are assigned by the Scholarship Committee, desig- book, Mr. Melnyk describes the Holodomor American way of life, and the love story of nating a set amount to each year depending on the total amount assigned for the awards. and how it has been repressed and denied in how Andrew Melnyk met his wife. Mr. The applicant must comply with all rules and qualifications. Ukraine. It is ironic that educators from Melnyk and his wife, Chrystyna Tatomyr, UNA Scholarship Program: offers scholarship to active UNA members completing Ontario had to instruct Ukrainian teachers coincidentally experienced similar histories Freshman, Sophomore and Junior years in college. Specific Scholarships: Joseph and about the Famine-Genocide in Ukraine. Mr. before meeting and settling down. Dora Galandiuk, Maria Demetrius and Olha Jarosewycz, Vera Stangl, Joseph Wolk and Melnyk paints vivid pictures in his memoirs “My Grandfather’s Mill” (subtitled the Ukrainian National Home Corp. of Blackstone. Each Scholarship has special of how this was accomplished. “Journey to Freedom”) is a testimonial to all requirements that the student applicant must comply with. Most of us can relate to Part 4 – “The Ukrainian families who shared similar expe- Second World War” and its impact on riences. Mr. Melnyk has succeeded not only • Scholarships and awards will be granted to UNDERGRADUATE students attend- Ukraine and its population. Indeed, it is a in finding his roots but in personalizing his- ing accredited colleges or universities, studying towards their first bachelor’s sad, horrendous and traumatic account of tory of make it a living memory. degree, and to High School graduates entering colleges. persecutions, mass murders and other crimes Book excerpts can be viewed at www. • Applications for UNA SPECIAL SCHOLARSHIPS or UNA AWARDS will be against humanity. Mr. Melnyk accurately andrewmelnyk.com accepted from students who have been ACTIVE UNA MEMBERS for at least TWO depicts this period as he describes the Nazi To order “My Grandfather’s Mill” call YEARS by June 1st of the filing year. and Communist domination of Ukraine and 888-795-4274 ext. 7876 or log on to www. its deplorable treatment of Ukrainians. Xlibris.com. (The book is also available at • Applications and required enclosures must be sent to the UNA in ONE MAILING The remaining sections of “My www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble. and be postmarked not later than June 1, 2009. Grandfather’s Mill” describe how the com and www.borders.com.) Melnyks and the Tatomyrs escaped the reign The author may be contacted at amel- • Incomplete and/or late entries will automatically be disqualified. of terror. Their detailed escape is the stuff of [email protected].

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Yushchenko loyalist, however, Mr. want the upcoming summit to signal a NATO-Ukraine... Yekhanurov cannot speak for the majority NATO deliberates... rebalancing of priorities and resources. (Continued from page 2) of Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko’s (Continued from page 2) This could be seen clearly in the position this situation, without suggesting reme- government, let alone a majority of the the alleged needs for Russian help: elimi- of their delegations at the Krakow ministe- dies, in remarks broadcast on Air Defense Parliament. nating nuclear missile threats from Iran, rial meeting. Without prejudice to continu- Forces Day (ICTV, February 20). Even Ms. Tymoshenko is now distancing ensuring continued U.S. and allied access ing expeditionary missions, these countries Ukraine’s sole airborne brigade has had herself from the goal of membership in to the Manas base (i.e., reversing the expect NATO’s upcoming summit, strate- its gas supply cut off because of debts NATO. In her speech at NATO’s Security Kyrgyz eviction), and providing overland gic concept and planning to reflect and is now using wood stoves (TV Conference in Munich she cited Russia’s transit via Russia for U.S. and NATO sup- NATO’s core mission of defending the Ukrayina, February 20). opposition to that goal and the split in plies to their forces in Afghanistan. alliance’s territory. “The crisis has hit Ukraine very hard, Ukrainian public opinion regarding Irrespective of their degree of validity, During the Krakow meeting, Messrs. the times are dire,” Mr. de Hoop Scheffer NATO. On that basis she argued that those considerations at least purport to Gates and Klich signed a bilateral agree- acknowledged. But even this situation Ukraine’s best option would be to join reflect some strategic requirements. ment on U.S. assistance to the develop- would not justify delays in the financing some kind of all-European collective By contrast, Western European normal- ment of Polish special operations troops. of military reforms. Maintaining its bloat- security system in which Russia would ization of relations with Russia proceeds One hundred Polish special troops current- ed, obsolete military forces would ulti- also be a full participant (Ukrayinska as the default option, innocent of strategy, ly serve in Afghanistan. The Polish contin- mately cost Ukraine much more than Pravda, February 11). As she prepares to whether by drift or on the basis of bilateral gent there totals 1,600 and will be main- reforming the forces. Ukraine’s Defense enter the presidential election campaign economic and political relations between tained at its present strength despite the Ministry is trying to preserve the existing later this year, Ms. Tymoshenko is clearly individual governments and Russia. As a financial crisis (PAP, February 20, 21). level of troop contributions to NATO-led and inevitably backtracking on her earlier net result, Moscow can well conclude that Meanwhile, the comprehensive U.S.- peacekeeping missions in Kosovo and support for Ukrainian membership in the onus of “resetting” weighs on the West; Polish military assistance agreement several African countries. The ministry NATO. that “moving forward” means no conse- remains in abeyance, although Poland has intends, however, to reduce considerably In this situation it may not be surpris- quences for Russian military and energy already agreed to host the U.S. anti-missile the number of in-country troop exercises ing that Kyiv has been slow to develop warfare operations, recent or future ones; shield on Polish territory. The two agree- and air force flights in 2009 (Interfax- the Annual National Plan for 2009. The and that a constant U.S. and NATO quest ments are linked to each other, but the new Ukraine, February 20). Krakow ministerial meeting “tried to for Russian strategic “help” (never yet U.S. administration is reconsidering the Ukraine remains the only NATO part- stimulate the Ukrainian Defense Ministry delivered) places leverage in Russia’s missile shield project inherited from the ner that has consistently participated in and other relevant authorities to proceed hands against Western interests. Bush administration. all of the alliance’s operations and mis- with drafting and completing the ANP” Polish Defense Minister Bohdan Klich In Krakow Gates sidestepped questions sions over the years, with indispensable (press release, February 20). U.S. Defense cautioned the allied ministers that revert- about the implementation of these agree- contributions in some cases. Meanwhile, Secretary Robert Gates suggested to the ing to business as usual was risky in the ments, pending a decision on the missile an absolute majority of Ukraine’s popula- Ukrainian government to reach an inter- absence of a basis for trusting Russia: shield in Washington, which may take time tion does not want the country to join nal consensus about the next steps in this “The alliance treated Russia as a kind of and become negotiable with Russia. For its NATO as a member. Such a disjunction is regard (RFE/RL, February 20). special partner, intensifying dialogue with part Warsaw continues to rely on what Mr. unique to Ukraine and the NATO-Ukraine Recouping at least some of the earlier it and establishing a special framework for Klich called the “solemn U.S. commit- relationship. momentum in NATO-Ukraine relations cooperation. That trust has nevertheless ment” to deliver the military assistance For another unique discrepancy, NATO does not seem possible before NATO been broken,” Mr. Klich observed (Nasz package to Poland. shows far greater interest in political rela- reaches internal consensus on the scope Dziennik, February 18). tions with Russia than with Ukraine, even and pace of Ukrainian ANPs and before With Russia’s invasion of Georgia dem- The article above is reprinted from as Russia obstructs while Ukraine materi- Ukraine’s presidential elections, that is to onstrating that military aggression remains Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission ally supports NATO’s goals and policies. say, probably not for another year. a possibility, a large group of NATO coun- from its publisher, the Jamestown At the Krakow ministerial meeting, tries (mainly, but not only, new members) Foundation, www.jamestown.org. Mr. Yekhanurov assured NATO that The article above is reprinted from “Ukraine’s chosen course to join the Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission Euro-Atlantic community is beyond ques- from its publisher, the Jamestown their performances, they are part of a tion” (UNIAN, February 20). As a Foundation, www.jamestown.org. A feast... group of musicians who preserve and (Continued from page 11) transmit this tradition to contemporaries member of the early music ensemble and future generations. Both belong to the Chorea Kozacky. Kyiv Kobzar Guild, information on which Mr. Fedynsky also documents museum can be obtained at the Website: http:// collections of Ukrainian folk and elite www.ceh.ua/. The visit of the two kobzars to Canada instruments, and makes reconstructions was organized by the Canadian Institute of of these instruments. His early perfor- Ukrainian Studies (CIUS) at the University mances on the bandura, along with those of Alberta with the financial support of of Mr. Kytasty and Michael Andrec, can two units within the department of modern be found on the CD “Experimental languages and cultural studies: the Bandura Trio,” issued in 2000. His per- Ukrainian Culture, Language and formances as a member of the group Literature Program, and the Kule Center Karpatiany can be found on three compi- for Ukrainian and Canadian Folklore. lation CDs released in Ukraine. Earlier CIUS also received financial support from this year he released the solo CD “Try the Folkways Alive/Ethnomusicology Braty Ridnenki” (Three Dear Brothers). Center and the University of Alberta Messrs. Kompanichenko and Fedynskyj International’s Global Education Program. have done much through their study and Community support was received from the research to reconstruct and recreate the Alberta Foundation for Ukrainian largely forgotten, lost and partially Education Society and the Ukrainian destroyed repertoire of Ukraine’s kobzari. Canadian Benevolent Society of Through their activities, especially through Edmonton.

Mr. Guttmacher continues to work tire- Two colors lessly to introduce Kvitka’s brand of (Continued from page 7) music to Ukraine. He and Minister important role Kvitka played in her life: Vovkun are planning a Ukrainian music “the president and I fell in love listening festival in Kvitka’s name, which he says to the music of Kvitka,” she said. will be held in every country where The tribute was supported by the Ukrainians live. The first festival will be UACC and the Ukraine 3000 International held in Kyiv in 2010. Charitable Foundation, whose superviso- He also plans to produce a film about ry board is chaired by Mrs. Yushchenko. Kvitka’s life story. It was sponsored by AlexArt house, the And, next month, on April 4, he will Odesa Seaport and Ford. It was also spon- unveil a plague on the street where sored by Avon, which supports the fight Kvitka’s mother, Ivanna Cisyk, lived in against breast cancer, the disease that Lviv: “Hlyboka,” or Deep Street. took Kvitka’s life. A portion of the con- On that day, were she still with us, cert’s proceeds was donated to Avon’s Kvitka would have celebrated her 56th women’s health initiative in Ukraine. birthday.

To subscribe to The Ukrainian Weekly, call 973-292-9800, ext. 3042 No. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2009 21 OUT AND ABOUT

March 12 Lecture by Karl Qualis, “Sevastopol: The Making of Scranton, PA Anthracite Council – League of Ukrainian Catholics, Stanford, CA a Russian City in Ukraine,” Stanford University, St. Vladimir Ukrainian Catholic Church, 650-723-3562 570-759-2824

March 13 “Tango in Red,” music by Pavel Markelov and Maria March 22 Pysanka Writing Workshop, Immaculate Conception Toronto Dolnycky, Canadian Ukrainian Art Foundation Hillside, NJ Ukrainian Catholic Church, 908-289-0127 or Gallery, 416-766-6802 www.byzantines.net/immaculateconception

March 14 St. Patrick’s Day and Comedy Night, Ukrainian March 24 Ukrainian Village Folk Dance Party, featuring Whippany, NJ American Cultural Center of New Jersey, Red Bank, NJ Tamara Chernyakhovska, United Methodist Church, [email protected] 732-530-1107 or 732-747-4831

March 14 Film screening, “Between Hitler and Stalin,” Clifton, NJ Ukrainian American Veterans – Post 17, Holy March 28 Pyskanka Workshop, Ukrainian Heritage Studies Ascension Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Lehighton, PA Center at Manor College, Ukrainian Homestead, 512-887-5613 215-235-309 or 610-377-4621

March 14 Pysanka workshop, Ukrainian National Women’s March 28 Syzokryli Ukrainian Dance Ensemble 30th Kenmore, NY League of America Branch 97, St. John the New York anniversary concert, New York University’s Skirball Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, Center for the Performing Arts, with guest artist [email protected] Vasyl Popadiuk, [email protected] or 718-435-0190 March 16 Lecture by Volodymyr Kulyk, “Language Policy and Cambridge, MA Linguistic Attitudes in Ukraine,” Harvard March 29 26th annual Pysanka Workshop and Bazaar, University, 617-495-4053 Washington Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine, 202-526-3737

March 19 Concert with violinist Solomiya Ivakhiv and pianist March 29 Duo concert, violinist Solomiya Ivakhiv and pianist Washington Marianna Humetska, The Washington Group Toronto Marianna Humetska, Glenn Gould Studio, Cultural Fund, Embassy of Ukraine, 202-364-3888 416-240-8403 or 416-762-7988 March 20 Varenyky dinner, Ukrainian American Youth March 30 Lecture by Moshe Taube, “Jewish-Christian Whippany, NJ Association, Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey, 973-713-6956 or 973-479-8715 Cambridge, MA Cultural Contacts in Late Medieval Kyiv,” Harvard University, 617-495-4053 March 20-21, 27-28 Pysanka Workshop, Ukrainian Museum-Archives, Cleveland, OH 440-289-9600 or [email protected]

March 21 Klitschko-Gomez fight broadcast, Ukrainian Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events Baltimore, MD American Sports Club , [email protected] advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors March 22 Ukrainian Cultural Exhibit and Craft Sale, North and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected]. 22 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2009 No. 10 UKELODEON FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

D.C. Plast members share Bethlehem Peace Light by the Akuly mental birth defects, and the WASHNGTON – In December Orphans Aid Society, which provides 2008, the Akuly joined Plast material and moral support for Ukrainian Scouting Organization Ukrainian orphans. members in Ukraine, as well as On December 24, 2008, Zenon scouts around the world by carrying Nakonechny-Smith and Dmytro the Bethlehem Peace Light, Deychakiwsky took the flame to the (Vyfleyemskyi Vohon Myru), to the National Capital Region headquar- Ukrainian community in the D.C. ters of the Boy Scouts of America area. (BSA) and the National Catholic The flame originates in Bethlehem Shrine of the Immaculate from the birthplace of Christ, and is Conception, and then visited the transported to Vienna by Austrian U.S. Capitol and the 9/11 Memorial Airlines. There it is distributed at the Pentagon. among the population and to scouting The Akuly also passed the flame organizations throughout Europe. to the Embassy of Ukraine. Viktor Austrian Airlines transported the Voloshyn, third secretary and cultur- flame to New York City, from where it al attaché, a great friend and sup- porter of Washington Plast, accepted was shared with various scout groups. At the orphanage fund-raiser of the Akuly. The Akuly obtained the flame from the light. Finally, that evening Zenon the Boy Scouts of America as St. and Dmytro brought the Bethlehem the Washington Plast members lit and actually raised a total of Anastasius Church in Brooklyn, N.Y., Peace Light to the Ukrainian candles from the flame and wished $3,291 in support of Ukrainian on December 13, 2008, and trans- Catholic National Shrine of the Holy each other blessings and a happy orphans. During this time, the ported it to the D.C. area, keeping the Family, and lit from the flame all of New Year, and sang traditional Akuly maintained contact with flame constantly burning using oil the candles in the Church in time for “koliady” (carols). Plastuny in Ukraine, particularly lanterns until January 12. Christmas services. The flame was On January 11 the flame was with Dmytro Kolesnyk, Plast leader While Plast members in Ukraine received by the Revs. Nestor Iwasiw again was brought to the Prosfora of in Kramatorsk, Donetsk Oblast, distributed the flame throughout and Wasyl Kharuk. Holy Family Parish and St. Josaphat posting their activities on websites Ukraine, the Akuly brought this On January 6 Matey Diachok Ukrainian Catholic Seminary, where relating to the distribution of the symbol of peace, love, reconciliation brought the flame to Christmas Eve rector Fr. Robert Hitchens and the Vohon throughout Ukraine. By this and charity to the local Ukrainian services (according to the Julian cal- seminarians distributed the Vohon to undertaking, the Akuly, guided by community. endar) at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian all present. the symbolism of the Vohon and the During the Washington program Orthodox Church, where it was Despite the difficult economic principles of the Plastoviy zakon, honoring St. Nicholas at Ridna received by the Rev. Volodymyr times, the Akuly appreciate the were able to reach out to those Shkola, Stefan (Gogo) Szyszka and Steliac and Protodeacon Sviatoslav generosity of the Ukrainian com- Ukrainian orphans, in the spirit of the Akuly introduced the Bethlehem Nowytski. Matey also lit from the munity. They surpassed their goal Christian love and charity. Peace Light to the students in the flame the candles throughout the presence of St. Nicholas, linking the church. The parishioners were very flame’s symbolism of charity with curious about the flame and its ori- their fund-raising drive for gins and generously contributed Ascent dedicated to the Holodomor Ukrainian orphans. toward the orphan fundraiser. Back in November 2008, the On January 7 Andre and Adrian Akuly had launched a three-month Wowk passed the flame to the Holy fund-raiser with the goal of raising at Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church, least $ 2,510 in support of Ukrainian lighting the candles on the tetrapod. orphans. The Akuly solicited dona- In the spirit of unity, the flame was tions from the local community for accepted by Bishop Hlib Lonchyna, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church who was visiting from Lviv, and the Orphanage Project, which has adopt- Rev. Taras Lonchyna. The bishop ed three orphanages in Ukraine that related how the Vyfleyemskyi Vohon house children with physical and Myru had passed through Ukraine. Adding his personal blessing, The Akuly are Matey Diachok, Bishop Hlib reminded those present Stefan (Gogo) Szyszka, Zenon to live by the spiritual principles that Nakonechny-Smith, Andre (Tiko) the light symbolizes. The parishon- Wowk and Dmytro Deychakiwsky. ers were then able to light candles The sixth member of their “hurtok,” from the flame to bring peace to their WASHINGTON – A small group of Plast Ukrainian scouts – members of the hearts, as well as the hearts of their Pavlo Fedynsky is spending a year Akuly troop of Washington – climbed to the 3,291-foot summit of Old Rag in Moscow, and remains in digital family and friends. Mountain in Virginia, dedicating their 2,510-foot ascent to the victims of the and spiritual contact with his fellow On January 10 Stefan Szyszka and Holodomor. Their trek took place on October 19, 2008, during the year that scouts. The Akuly are members of the Akuly brought the light to the Ukrainians worldwide commemorated the solemn 75th anniversary of the the 45th Plast unit named in honor traditional Plast “Svichechka,” Famine-Genocide of 1932-1933. Seen at the summit (from left) are: Dmytro of Prince Volodymyr the Great. where members and families of all Deychakiwsky, Petro Chopivsky, Mykola Shevchik and Stefan Szyszka. No. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2009 23 Seattle Plast youths pay a visit to glassblowing studio by Julia Ellings We learned that glassblowing SEATTLE – On a typically wet, became more popular in America overcast Northwest winter afternoon, starting in the 1960s. Individual the older youth troop (“yunatstvo”) of artists broke away from large glass Plast Ukrainian Scouting factories to pursue their own artistic Organization in Seattle visited the ideas and to develop new tech- Seattle Glass Blowing Studio. Tucked niques for glass blowing. The away in a small, one-story building in Pacific Northwest became famous downtown Seattle, the studio houses a for glass blowing because it was the glassblowing workshop, glass art home of the Pilchuck Studio and exhibits, a gift shop and café. the well-known Museum of Glass in After holding a troop meeting in Tacoma. the café, our leaders, Renata and Many of us were already familiar Mykola Konrad, Timish Hnateyko with the internationally known glass and Lida Mykytyn-Voronka, intro- artist from the Pacific Northwest, duced us to our docents. Dale Chihuly. We’ve seen his work in airports, concert halls and homes Julia Ellings, 14, is a member of throughout this area. On the day of Seattle Plast members observe a glassblowing demonstration. the “hurtok” Laiky of the Plast our visit to the studio we got to studio to demonstrate the dangerous medallions with stamps before we group in Seattle. She is an eighth- learn how these incredible art works and exhausting process of turning went home to plan our next event, grader at Chinook Middle School in were made. hot liquid into beautiful glass. Each “Andriyivskiy Vechir” (St. Bellevue, Wash. The docents took us into the hot of us was able to embellish glass Andrew’s Eve). A book donation to Philly library by Paul Tershakovec and Borys Chabursky, as well as Please send in your UKELODEON submissions PHILADELPHIA – On Tuesday counselors Bohdan Pechenyak and to [email protected]. evening, December 9, 2008, Plast Mykola Zwarych. Philadelphia’s 1st Unit presented Earlier that fall, members of this We look forward to hearing from you! the book “Ukrayinska Mifolohia” unit had been preparing for Plast’s (Ukrainian Mythology) by Valerij academic competition “Orlykiada,” Vojtovycz to the library at the which took place November 7-9, Ukrainian Educational and Cultural 2008, at Soyuzivka. The year’s Center (UECC) in Jenkintown, Pa. topic was Ukrainian mythology. Accepting on behalf of the Board Despite the variety of fine books Mishanyna of Directors of the library, at whose available at the UECC library, there This month’s Mishanyna focuses on the presidents and prime meeting the presentation was made, was no text that provided the ministers of Ukraine since the re-establishment of its indepen- was chairman Roman Procyk. Dr. amount of detail required for good dence in 1991. Find the last names of three presidents (two of Procyk warmly thanked the Plast preparation for the Orlykiada. A whom were also prime ministers) and 12 prime ministers (two of Scouts for their good deeds and targeted Google search identified whom served two terms) hidden in the Mishanyna grid. the book “Ukrayinska noted his particular delight in Leonid KRAVCHUK Yukhym ZVIAHILSKYI Valerii PUSTOVOITENKO receiving the book since he too had Mifolohia”printed in 2005 by Lybid been a member of the 1st Unit in publishers of Kyiv, and the unit Vitalii MASOL Anatolii KINAKH his youth. Dr. Procyk commended purchased it. Viktor YUSHCHENKO the boys for their service to the After many, many hours of study Yulia TYMOSHENKO and preparation, the boys competed community in making this gift. Yurii YEKHANUROV Representing the unit were mem- in Orlykiada and were very pleased bers Stefan Lesiuk, Paul to earn second place overall. In Tershakovec, Danylo Chabursky order for all members of the com- munity be able to use this fine Paul Tershakovec is a member of book, the unit decided to present it Plast’s 1st Unit in Philadelphia. as a gift to the UECC library.

From left are: druh Bohdan Pechenyak, Dr. Roman Procyk, Stefan Lesiuk, Danylo Chabursky, Paul Tershakovec, Borys Chabursky, Mykola Zwarych. 24 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2009 No. 10

THE UKRAINIAN MUSEUM PREVIEW OF EVENTS invites its members Saturday, March 14 at the UNWLA Art Gallery, 203 Second Ave. (fourth floor), New York, NY 10003. and the Ukrainian community NEW YORK: The Shevchenko Scientific Donation: $5. The “ Bird Kingdom” exhib- to a Society (NTSh) invites all to a conference it, featuring ritual creations by “Workshop dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the – 64” and folk artist Maria Pryimachenko proclamation of independence of (reproductions) will also be on view. For Carpatho-Ukraine. After an introduction GALA CELEBRATION more information, call 212-260-4490, by Dr. Orest Popovych, the president of NTSh, the following talks will be present- e-mail [email protected] or log on OF SPRING ed: Petro Chasto, (editor of Svoboda) on to http://www.geocities.com/ukrartlitclub; “The Phenomenon of Zakarpattia http://www.unwla.org. Saturday, March 21, 2009, 8:00 p.m. (Transcarpathia): Ancient Rus’ in Monday, March 16 Contemporary Ukraine”; Serhiy Panko, The Ukrainian Museum CAMBRIDGE, Mass.: The Harvard 222 East 6th Street candidate of philological sciences (NTSh - New York) on “Carpatho-Ukraine on the Ukrainian Research Institute will host a New York, NY 10003 pages of the newspaper “Proboyem” in the lecture by Volodymyr Kulyk, senior 212-228-0110 years 1933-1943”; Dr. Taras Hunczak, research fellow at the Institute of Political professor emeritus of history at Rutgers and Ethnic Studies, National Academy of $125 per person University and the director of the NTSh Sciences of Ukraine; and fellow, Woodrow History and Philosophy Section, on Wilson International Center for Scholars CELEBRATE SPRING WITH FRIENDS! “Carpatho-Ukraine in the Context of in Washington. His lecture, “Language European Politics in the 1930s.” The pro- Policy and Linguistic Attitudes in Master of Ceremonies – Marc Chuma Ukraine,” will be held at 4 p.m. in Room Gala Cocktail Party – Chef Andrij Sonevytsky gram will take place at the society’s build- ing, 634 Fourth Ave. (between Ninth and S-050 (Concourse Level), CGIS Building Musical entertainment: Askold Buk Trio - jazz 10th streets) at 4 p.m. For additional infor- South, 1730 Cambridge St., Cambridge, Marian Pidvirny - violin mation call 212-254-5130. Please note the MA 02138. This event is free and open to Wine/champagne, hors d’oeuvres, Viennese table unusual starting time of 4 p.m. the public. For more information call 617-495-4053 or e-mail [email protected]. AUCTION Saturday-Sunday, March 14 -15 edu. Generously donated works of the following artists will be NEWARK, N.J.: St. John the Baptist Wednesday, March 25 auctioned to benefit the work of the Ukrainian Museum: Ukrainian Catholic Church will hold its NEW YORK: The Ukrainian Film Club Alexander Archipenko, David Burliuk, Pre-Cana Conference at 719 Sanford Ave., Newark, NJ 07106. St. John’s Pre-Cana of Columbia University invites all to enjoy Marta Hirniak-Voyevidka, Jacques Hnizdovsky, offers presentations by the pastor, a psy- rare footage – a screen adaptation of the Ivan Marchuk, Alex Motyl, Zenon Onyshkewych, chologist, a physician, an attorney, a finan- Ukrainian opera classic by Semen Hulak- Arcadia Olenska-Petryshyn, Lidia Piasecky, Natalia cier and others. Participating couples Artemovsky “Zaporozhets Beyond the Pohrebinska, Romana Rainey, Christina Saj, George Saj, engage in group discussions and activities Danube” (Zaporozhets za Dunaiem), 1938. Tamara Skrypka, Valeriy Skrypka, Ilona Sochynsky. for enhanced mutual understanding, and a Made with funds raised by Ukrainian In addition, two airline tickets to Ukraine healthy perspective of married life. The immigrants in North America at a time when Ukraine, its people and culture were kindly donated by Aerosvit will be auctioned. program is offered to couples getting mar- ried in Ukrainian Catholic churches in under massive attack by Bolshevik hench- MARK YOUR CALENDARS! New Jersey but all are welcome. For fur- men, this film-opera is a celebration of Ukrainian song, humor and vitality. RSVP by March 13, 2009 – Tel. 212-228-0110 ther information or to register call the par- ish office at 973-371-1356. Produced by Vasyl Avramenko and direct- Hope to see you at the celebration! ed by Edgar Ulmer, it features such iconic Sunday, March 15 Ukrainian arias as the comical “Oi Odarko, NEW YORK: Ukrainian National Hodi Bude!” (Hey Odarka, Enough Women’s League of America Branch 64 Already) and the majestic “Vladyko Neba invites the public to “Harbingers of i Zemli” (Lord of Heaven and Earth). The Spring,” a program featuring the bird cult screening begins at 7:30 p.m. at 703 in Ukrainian spring tradition as represent- Hamilton Hall, Columbia University. The ed through bread-baking, pysanky and film will be shown in its original SUMMER LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL PROGRAM song. Jaroslawa Gerulak and Natalia Ukrainian-language version with English Sonevytsky will provide commentary subtitles. Yuri Shevchuk will introduce the IN KYIV, UKRAINE (continuation registration) illustrated by a slide presentation. Ritual film and mediate the post-screening dis- songs and acts will be performed by mem- cussion. The event is free and open to the bers of UNWLA Branch 64 and Branch public. For information call 212-854-4697 “Educational Courses in Ukraine 83. The program will take place at 2 p.m. or e-mail [email protected]. for Ukrainian-American Youth” PREVIEW OF EVENTS GUIDELINES

Registration has begun for the summer program Preview of Events is a listing of community events open to the public. It is a service provided at minimal cost ($20 per listing) by The Ukrainian Weekly to the “KMA 2009” Ukrainian community. At the National University Kyiv-Mohyla Academy Information should be sent to: [email protected] or Preview of Events, Course term July 24-August 28, 2009 The Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054; fax, 973-644-9510. NB: If e-mailing, please do not send items as attachments; simply type the text into the body of the e-mail message. Program includes four weeks at the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, one week in Western Ukraine (Trans Carpathian Region ) Attention Debutante Ball For senior class pupils of Ukrainian schools and members of Ukrainian- Organizers! American youth organiza- tions. As in the past, The Ukrainian Weekly

Size of group limited to 20 will publish a special section students, 2/3 adult group devoted to the Ukrainian leaders. community’s debutantes. More information on website: The 2009 debutante ball section http://www.sdinstitute.org will be published on April 5. Or by phone: 1(718) 372-0235 The deadline for submission of stories and photos is March 15.