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INSIDE: • Text of U.S.-Ukraine Charter on Strategic Partnership – page 3. • Community commemorations of the Holodomor – pages 8-10. • Ruslana in concert in Toronto and Montreal – page 18.

THEPublished U byKRAINIAN the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profitW associationEEKLY Vol. LXXVI No. 52 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2008 $1/$2 in Ukraine PM demands president’s resignation U.S. and Ukraine affirm relations Accuses him of conspiracy with bankers in Charter on Strategic Partnership by Zenon Zawada Kyiv Press Bureau KYIV — Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko launched a vicious attack against President Viktor Yushchenko on December 19, demanding his resignation and accusing him of conspiring with bank- ers to intentionally plunder the hryvnia’s value and profit from its decline. The alleged scheme was aimed at gener- ating 4.6 billion hrv ($657 million) in profit, the prime minister claimed, dispatching Internal Affairs Ministry investigators to find evidence to verify her accusations. Those allegedly involved include the president, National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) Chair Volodymyr Stelmakh, NBU First Vice-Chair Anatolii Shapoval, Presidential Official Website of Ukraine’s President Secretariat Chair Viktor Baloha and Nadra Yaro Bihun President Viktor Yushchenko at a Bank Chair Dmytro Firtash. Foreign Affairs Minister Volodymyr Ohryzko of Ukraine (center) discusses U.S.- meeting with the Bankers’ Council on “This is macro-corruption, macro-specu- Ukraine relations with Ukrainian American representatives at the Embassy of December 19. lation, which directly ruins the nation’s Ukraine. Sitting next to him on the couch is Ambassador Oleh Shamshur. national interests, ruins the economy’s sta- bility and financial system, destroys the by Yaro Bihun tions that there is a difference of opinion hryvnia and practically destroys the family,” Special to The Ukrainian Weekly between Moscow and Kyiv as to whether Ms. Tymoshenko said at a December 20 the Russian fleet should leave or stay when press briefing at the Cabinet of Ministers. WASHINGTON — The United States the agreement expires. Rather than pulling together to cope with and Ukraine signed a “Charter on Strategic Mr. McCormack explained that an Partnership,” in which they affirm a deep- financial problems, Ukraine’s warring lead- American Presence Post is a small pres- ening of the security, economic, energy and ers have only escalated their conflict ence, consisting of one or two diplomats other aspects of their bilateral relationship throughout the nation’s economic crisis, working on such things as cultural exchang- and indicate that the United States will which has devastated the real estate and es and events, and political reporting, establish a “diplomatic presence” in automobile markets, plunged the national among other duties. Crimea. currency, frozen savings deposits and result- In her remarks before signing the charter, The document was signed on December Secretary Rice called Ukraine “a very ed in tens of thousands of layoffs. 19 at the State Department by U.S. The hryvnia set an unprecedented low on important partner” and “a good friend” of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and the United States. “We have long believed December 18, reaching 9.45 hrv per $1 in Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister interbank trading and 10 hrv per $1 at street that Ukraine’s independence, its democracy, Volodymyr Ohryzko. is essential to a Europe whole and free and exchange kiosks, prompting a National The statement about the opening of a Bank emergency meeting that evening and at peace.” U.S. diplomatic post in Symferopol came in The charter, she said, “outlines a way to a conference between the president and the last sentence of the charter document: bankers the next day. advance cooperation in defense and securi- Official Website of Ukraine’s Government “Ukraine welcomes the United States’ The afternoon of December 19, the ty, in economics and trade, in energy securi- Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko at a intention to establish an American diplo- ty, in democracy, and in people-to-people press briefing on December 20. (Continued on page 11) matic presence (American Presence Post) in contacts and cultural exchanges.” Symferopol.” Ukraine’s foreign affairs minister noted This drew the most attention of the in his remarks that over the last few years media later during the daily press briefing U.S.-Ukraine bilateral relations “have truly at the State Department. As one reporter attained the level of a strategic partnership” Businessmen, politicians sponsor suggested, Russia could see this as “yet in such areas as defense, security, the econ- another American incursion into Russia’s omy, human rights, cultural and people-to- Christmas celebrations in Kyiv historic sphere of influence,” or, in the people contacts. Mr. Ohryzko also pointed words of another questioner, “as a provoca- to the “presence of the United States in by Zenon Zawada Christmas tree at Independence Square – tive act, somehow protective of Crimea, Ukraine, in particular in Crimea.” Kyiv Press Bureau the tallest in Europe, according to the that it will stay with Ukraine.” “It’s also very important that we are Kyiv City State Administration. He was State Department Spokesman Sean going to increase our contacts in the KYIV – Ukrainian business leaders and joined by Kyiv Mayor Leonid McCormack said that opening a diplomatic regions,” he said. politicians emerged as key sponsors of Chernovetskyi. presence is a bilateral matter between the In the first section of the charter, dealing Christmas celebrations this season, both in “The fund has as its goal raising United States and Ukraine. If the Russian with principles of cooperation, the parties the Western and Ukrainian traditions. Ukraine’s prestige in the world and devel- government “chooses to be upset” by this, state that “support for each other’s sover- The Open Ukraine Foundation, created oping Ukrainian diplomacy,” said Orysia he added, “well, there’s not much I can do eignty, independence, territorial integrity by former Verkhovna Rada Chair Arseniy Lutsevych, the executive director of the about that.” and inviolability of borders constitutes the Yatsenyuk, arranged for Santa Claus to Open Ukraine Foundation. “This is Russia bases its Black Sea fleet in foundation of our bilateral relations.” visit Kyiv from his home in Lapland, the directly related to Ukraine’s image, and Sevastopol and has expressed some doubt Among other affirmations, the document northernmost province of Finland. we view Santa Claus as an ambassador of over the years about whether Crimea, which states that the two countries “share a vital Santa Claus kicked off his three-day good will, peace, joy and the holiday for was officially made part of the Ukrainian interest in a strong, independent and demo- visit on December 20 by riding a sleigh children.” SSR only in 1954, should remain an inte- cratic Ukraine,” that Ukraine’s integration down the Khreschatyk, Kyiv’s main bou- gral part of Ukraine. The fleet-basing agree- levard, and lighting the 115-foot (Continued on page 15) ment runs out in 2017, and there are indica- (Continued on page 11) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2008 No. 52 ANALYSIS NEWSBRIEFS

Hard times for Ukrainian banks, Government submits bailout package world’s leading countries in the field of human rights protection have expressed KYIV – The Ukrainian Cabinet of their solidarity with Ukraine on the 75th central bank chairman under fire Ministers has submitted a number of anti- anniversary of the Holodomor. The declara- crisis bills to the Verkhovna Rada that are by Pavel Korduban cent by December 11 and is continuing to tion has been drafted and presented despite aimed at stabilizing the activities of vari- serious resistance by the Russian delegation Eurasia Daily Monitor grow (Kommersant-Ukraine, December ous economic branches and improving the 16). when this question was considered at the social welfare of Ukrainians. On December 63rd session of the General Assembly. Ukraine’s banking system is teetering Banks have all but stopped issuing 22 the Parliament registered bills on the on the brink of disaster. The International loans, and their clients have hurried to Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Ministry says that introduction of amendments to some the position of the Russian delegation on Monetary Fund’s (IMF) $16.4-billion withdraw deposits. In October the NBU Ukrainian laws on lessening the effects of the Ukrainian Famine is reminiscent of the loan (see Eurasia Daily Monitor, introduced a moratorium on withdrawals the global economic crises on the national behavior and phraseology of the Soviet November 12) has probably come too late ahead of schedule, which further under- oil refining industry, and on minimizing Union’s delegation during consideration of to restore trust in banks or to prevent the mined trust in banks. the consequences of the global financial the Universal Declaration of Human Rights national currency, the hryvnia, (plural: Some 70 percent of Ukrainians would crisis in the field of public employment 60 years ago. Soviet diplomats at that time hryvni) from a free fall. Most banks are prefer to withdraw their deposits from and obligatory state social insurance. made all efforts to prevent the adoption of in serious trouble, and several may soon banks, and 67.7 percent of them do not Moreover, the government submitted bills that declaration. However, the truth tri- change hands or collapse. Meanwhile, the trust banks at all, according to a public on imposing financial sanctions against the umphed then and will triumph now, the chair is shaky under Volodymyr Stelmakh, opinion poll conducted across Ukraine at illegal use of land plots and on the intro- Foreign Affairs Ministry commented. the chairman of the National Bank of the end of November by the Kyiv-based duction of amendments to the Ukrainian Ukraine will continue revealing the truth Ukraine (NBU). Research and Branding Group law on land payment. The Parliament also about the Holodomor to the international Ukraine’s ailing banks have been using (Ukrayinski Novyny, December 8). received bills on amending laws on the the funds they are receiving from the community, the declaration underscored. The Ukrainian version of a Russian taxation of companies’ incomes as regards (Ukrinform) NBU to buy foreign currency with hryv- business daily quoted a source at the registration of expenditures on part of ni. The demand for Ukraine’s main export NBU as forecasting that over 40 banks uncompensated currency funds and pay- Experts: presidential campaign has begun commodity, metals, has fallen dramatical- may soon collapse (Kommersant-Ukraine, ments on distributed incomes involving a ly on the world market, so less hard cur- December 16). Two banks, Nadra and financial mediator. The Cabinet of KYIV – Political experts believe that rency is coming into Ukraine. In addition, Prominvestbank, have apparently been Ministers is planning to amend Ukrainian the mutual accusations were made by the Naftohaz Ukrainy national oil and gas the hardest hit by the crisis. laws on pension provision and social pro- President Viktor Yushchenko and Prime company has been buying dollars on the Nadra reportedly borrowed more from tection of servicemen. Moreover, the gov- Minister Yulia Tymoshenko last weekend domestic market in order to pay its debt the NBU than any other bank over the ernment is planning to introduce amend- are the early start of a presidential election to Russia (see EDM, December 3). All past few months (Zerkalo Nedeli, ments in certain laws regarding the campaign, which will be officially these factors have contributed to a 65 per- December 13). Although Nadra was taken improved provision of education services launched in 2009. The director of the cent devaluation of the hryvnia against over in November by RosUkrEnergo gas by educational institutions. (Ukrinform) International Institute of Democracy, the dollar since August. intermediary co-owner Dmytro Firtash Serhii Taran, said that Ms. Tymoshenko Ukraine has been among the countries (www.korrespondent.net, November 7), Holodomor declaration at U.N. would not leave her post as prime minister worst hit by the global financial crisis. Nadra’s cash machines are empty most of to go into a classic opposition. Her accusa- Key industries such as metallurgy and KYIV – A declaration commemorating tions against the president regarding his the time, and it has stopped paying depos- the 75th anniversary of the Holodomor of machine-building are laying off workers, involvement in the hryvnia’s devaluation, itors money from their accounts. Nadra, 1932-1933 in Ukraine has been opened for and real wages have started to fall for the he said, were made with the goal of mak- Ukraine’s seventh largest bank, is among signing at the United Nations on Ukraine’s first time in a decade. This makes it hard ing Ukrainians remember Mr. Yushchenko the top five leaders of the mortgage loan initiative. The co-authors of this document for Ukrainians to make payments on as the former chairman of the National market, which is a serious drawback in are 32 countries, including Australia, loans, many of which, especially mort- Bank of Ukraine. He added that Mr. the current situation (Delo, December Austria, Azerbaijan, Albania, Belgium, the gages, were issued in dollars. Since most Yushchenko’s counter-accusations against 15). United Kingdom, Georgia, Denmark, people are paid in hryvni, they have to Ms. Tymoshenko, that is, that she has lost Ukraine’s sixth largest bank, Estonia, Ireland, Israel, Spain, Iceland, buy dollars with the weak hryvnia and are control of the situation in the country, were Prominvestbank, was the first to admit to Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Lichtenstein, paying back much more on the loans than predictable. Mr. Taran said this is typical being in trouble. The NBU has been man- Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Monaco, they had expected. The share of problem in Ukrainian politics when the sides are Norway, Germany, Poland, St. Lucia, the loans in bank portfolios grew to 10.3 per- (Continued on page 22) seeking to blame each other instead of United States, Hungary, Sweden, Finland, assuming joint responsibility. Mr. Taran France, the Czech Republic and Croatia. commented that the president and the The declaration is open for signature by prime minister should ignore their personal other member-states of the United Nations. ambitions and start working together. On Russian disinformation campaign The text of the declaration has been released December 19 Ms. Tymoshenko accused as an official document of the 63rd session against the Orange Coalition of the U.N. General Assembly. Thus, the (Continued on page 14) by Taras Kuzio lose to Ms. Tymoshenko in December Eurasia Daily Monitor 2009. FOUNDED 1933 The YTB does not support the election THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY On December 9 it was announced that a of the president by Parliament. The con- larger Orange coalition had been agreed sensus is to maintain the 2006 constitu- An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. upon in Ukraine. It was formally registered tional reforms that transformed Ukraine Yearly subscription rate: $55; for UNA members — $45. on December 16. The news came as a sur- into a semi-parliamentary republic. Mr. prise, as it had been widely assumed that Yushchenko is in a minority in backing a Periodicals postage paid at Parsippany, NJ 07054 and additional mailing offices. Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko’s bloc return to the presidential constitution. (ISSN — 0273-9348) was close to reaching a coalition deal with The larger Orange coalition is the third The Weekly: UNA: its arch enemy, the Party of Regions of attempt to establish an Orange alliance fol- Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 Ukraine (PRU). lowing Mr. Yushchenko’s election in Although unpalatable three months ago January 2005. The first lasted nine months Postmaster, send address changes to: when Ukraine’s political crisis began after and collapsed in September of that year, The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz the Orange coalition collapsed, the Yulia after the president dismissed the prime 2200 Route 10 Editors: Matthew Dubas Tymoshenko Bloc (YTB) described the minister, as he was still able to under the P.O. Box 280 Zenon Zawada (Kyiv) move as a short-term “coalition of national 1996 Constitution. Parsippany, NJ 07054 unity.” The YTB, pointing to other coun- The second Orange coalition lasted 11 tries rallying around to defend their nation- months, from November 2007 to The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com; e-mail: [email protected] al interests, considered it a marriage of September 2008. It disintegrated after the convenience to cope with the global finan- president’s faction, Our Ukraine – People’s The Ukrainian Weekly, December 28, 2008, No. 52, Vol. LXXVI cial crisis. Self-Defense (OU-PSD), withdrew on Copyright © 2008 The Ukrainian Weekly The stumbling block for the formation September 3. of the coalition of national unity was the The weak components of the three PRU’s insistence on support for constitu- Orange coalitions were Mr. Yushchenko’s tional reforms that would transform antipathy toward Ms. Tymoshenko, which ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA Ukraine into a full-blown parliamentary overrides other considerations, and deep republic. PRU, as in 2003 and 2004, when internal divisions within the OU-PSD Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3041 it supported the same reforms with other (Korrespondent, December 6, Fokus, e-mail: [email protected] pro-Kuchma forces, supports the election December 12). Our Ukraine has always Maria Oscislawski, advertising manager (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 of the president by Parliament, because it been undecided, like the president, about e-mail: [email protected] fears defeat in the forthcoming presidential whether to establish an Orange coalition Mariyka Pendzola, subscriptions (973) 292-9800, ext. 3042 elections. In 2004 the PRU lost to Viktor e-mail: [email protected] Yushchenko, and the party is afraid it will (Continued on page 22) No. 52 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2008 3 The Holodomor 75 years later: The Odesa Oblast by Zenon Zawada Kyiv Press Bureau The Holodomor ODESA – With a little help from the in the Odesa Oblast Australian diaspora and retired New York banker Marian Kots, Odesa has become a 37,961 known casualties * hub of Holodomor research. 2,542 known survivors still alive ** The city’s Gorky State Academic Library this year published the second 471 population centers affected volume of the “Holodomor in Ukraine: 1932-1933 Bibliographical Index,” con- * This figure is a gross underestimation, sidered the most comprehensive bibliog- according to local researchers, who cited raphy of Holodomor publications in the a more accurate figure of 136,000. A 1934 world. decree ordered hundreds of Odesa village “We know everything,” said Inna registration books confiscated and Rikun, the library’s chief bibliographer, destroyed. Local researchers haven’t yet invoking a tone that was both half-joking tallied the oblast’s mass graves. but serious too. ** This figure will likely increase, said Working together with Larysa Burian, Lilia Bilousova, working group director of director of the library’s bibliography divi- the Odesa Volume of the Holodomor sion for more than 20 years, this dynamic Victims National Book of Memory. duo of Holodomor researchers tracked down 12,409 publications written about the genocide between 1933 and 2006. Zenon Zawada Australia and Mr. Kots, an active publish- Incredibly enough, just as many publi- Inna Rikun (left), chief bibliographer at the Gorky State Academic Library in er of Holodomor books in Ukraine, Ms. cations were released on the Holodomor Odesa, and Larysa Burian, director of the bibliography division, spent 14 years Burian and Ms. Rikun began combing all between 2001 and 2006, the period cov- compiling the world’s most comprehensive bibliography of the Holodomor, of Ukraine’s top libraries. ered by the bibliography’s second vol- “Holodomor in Ukraine 1932-1933.” Ms. Rikun even traveled abroad, ume, as the 67-year span between 1933 to spending even two weeks of “12-hour 2000 covered by the first volume. sparked when the Gorky Library’s direc- Ostrowskyj of the Ukrainian Women’s tor, Olha Botushanska, traveled to Association. days” gathering Holodomor information During those five years, 6,025 from the 70,000-plus Ukrainian-language Australia in 1994 as part of an official “I then came to the realization that it is Holodomor publications were released, collection at the University of Illinois at visit on a project, “The Ukrainians of necessary to speak of the past for the sake 70 percent of which were from Ukraine- Urbana-Champlain. Australia,” involving the Gorky Library, of the future,” Ms. Botushanska said. based sources, Ms. Rikun said. Even Ms. Rikun’s daughter Paulina, the Ukrainian Studies Foundation of Still in Australia, she called her bibli- “Memories were bared, people became who was studying for her Ph.D. in com- Australia and a state library in Sydney. ography department and told them to more interested, and the topic suddenly parative literature at Harvard University Dr. Volodymyr Motyka, the founda- begin work on a Holodomor bibliography became more open and accessible to in the early 2000s, contributed to the bib- tion’s chairman, introduced Ms. immediately. researchers and experts,” Ms. Burian liography by gathering materials at the said. Botushanska to Holodomor publications With an undisclosed sum of financing Inspiration for the bibliography was and survivors, including Evdokia from the Ukrainian Studies Foundation in (Continued on page 20)

FOR THE RECORD: United States-Ukraine Charter on Strategic Partnership Below is the text of the United States- 2. Our friendship comes from mutual of capabilities between NATO and Ukraine, gas transit infrastructure and diversify and Ukraine Charter on Strategic Partnership understanding and appreciation for the including via enhanced training and equip- secure Ukraine’s sources of nuclear fuel, signed in Washington on December 19. shared belief that democracy is the chief ment for Ukrainian armed forces. making Ukraine less dependent on foreign guarantor of security, prosperity and free- 4. Acknowledging the growing threat sources of nuclear fuel and nuclear fuel Preamble dom. posed by the proliferation of weapons of storage. The United States of America and 3. Cooperation between democracies on mass destruction, the United States and 3. Following the Roadmap of Priorities Ukraine: defense and security is essential to respond Ukraine pledge to combat such proliferation for U.S.-Ukraine Cooperation, the United 1. Affirm the importance of our relation- effectively to threats to peace and security. of weapons of mass destruction and danger- States and Ukraine intend to launch the ship as friends and strategic partners. We 4. A strong, independent and democratic ous technologies through adherence to work of the Bilateral Energy Security intend to deepen our partnership to the ben- Ukraine, capable of responsible self- international nonproliferation standards and Working Group. Consistent with the U.S.- efit of both nations and expand our cooper- defense, contributes to the security and effective enforcement and strengthening of EU Summit Declaration of June 10, 2008, ation across a broad spectrum of mutual prosperity not only of all the people of export controls. the United States and Ukraine intend to priorities. Ukraine, but of a Europe whole, free and at Section III: Economic, Trade and Energy enhance a trilateral dialogue with the 2. Emphasize that this cooperation peace. Cooperation European Union on enhanced energy secu- between our two democracies is based on Section II: Defense and Security rity. shared values and interests. These include The United States and Ukraine intend to Cooperation 4. Actively developing cooperation with expanding democracy and economic free- expand cooperation to enhance job creation Ukraine’s regions, including Crimea, the dom, protecting security and territorial The United States and Ukraine share a and economic growth, support economic United States supports Ukraine’s plan to integrity, strengthening the rule of law, and vital interest in a strong, independent and reform and liberalization, develop a busi- promote security, democracy and prosperity supporting innovation and technological democratic Ukraine. Deepening Ukraine’s ness climate supportive of trade and invest- through expanded economic development, advances. integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions is ment and improve market access for goods energy conservation, food security and good 3. Stress our mutual desire to strengthen a mutual priority. We plan to undertake a and services. Recognizing that trade is governance initiatives. The United States our relationship across the economic, politi- program of enhanced security cooperation essential for global economic growth, and Ukraine also intend to cooperate in the cal, diplomatic, cultural and security fields. intended to increase Ukrainian capabilities development, freedom and prosperity, the area of public-private partnerships in 4. Confirm the importance of the security and to strengthen Ukraine’s candidacy for United States and Ukraine support the fol- regions of Ukraine aimed at supporting assurances described in the Trilateral NATO membership. lowing initiatives: small and medium enterprises. Statement by the Presidents of the U.S., 1. Guided by the April 3, 2008, Bucharest 1. Welcoming Ukraine’s accession to the Russian Federation and Ukraine of January Summit Declaration of the NATO North World Trade Organization on May 16, Section IV: Strengthening Democracy 14, 1994, and the Budapest Memorandum Atlantic Council and the April 4, 2008, 2008, the parties held the first U.S.-Ukraine Strengthening the rule of law, promoting on Security Assurances in connection with Joint Statement of the NATO-Ukraine Trade and Investment Council meeting on reform of the legal system and of law Ukraine’s accession to the Treaty on the Commission, which affirmed that Ukraine October 2, 2008, in Kyiv. As discussed at enforcement structures and combating cor- Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons of will become a member of NATO. the meeting, the United States continues to ruption are all of key importance to the well December 5, 1994. 2. Recognizing the persistence of threats support Ukraine’s efforts to implement its being of Ukraine. We intend to work togeth- 5. Affirm the Priorities for U.S.-Ukraine to global peace and stability, the United WTO commitments. Other areas in which er to support reform, democracy, tolerance Cooperation (Road Map) signed on March States and Ukraine intend to expand the we plan to accelerate our efforts include and respect for all communities. 31, 2008, and the commitments to a strate- scope of their ongoing programs of cooper- expanding market access, resolving out- 1. The United States and Ukraine will gic partnership made by Presidents Bush ation and assistance on defense and security standing disputes and promoting intellectual enhance their cooperation on efforts to and Yushchenko on April 4, 2005. issues to defeat these threats and to promote property rights. Acknowledging the impor- strengthen the judiciary, increasing profes- peace and stability. A defense and security tance of increased investment to economic Section I: Principles of Cooperation sionalism, transparency and independence, cooperation partnership between the United growth and development, the United States as well as improving legal education and This Charter is based on core principles States and Ukraine is of benefit to both supports Ukraine’s efforts to enhance inves- improved access to justice for all and beliefs shared by both sides: nations and the region. tor protections. Ukrainians. 1. Support for each other’s sovereignty, 3. Working within the framework of the 2. Recognizing the importance of a well 2. Through enhanced law enforcement independence, territorial integrity and invio- NATO-Ukraine Commission, our goal is to functioning energy sector, the parties intend and judicial branch relationships, the United lability of borders constitutes the foundation gain agreement on a structured plan to to work closely together on rehabilitating of our bilateral relations. increase interoperability and coordination and modernizing the capacity of Ukraine’s (Continued on page 20) 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2008 No. 52

OBITUARIES Halyna Levytska, journalist and activist, 50 Bishop Sofron Dmyterko by Zenon Zawada of underground Church Kyiv Press Bureau IVANO-FRANKIVSK, Ukraine – Bishop- KYIV – Halyna Levytska, an activist emeritus Sofron Dmyterko of the Ivano-Frankivsk in the Ukrainian independence movement Eparchy of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church and a passionate journalist who brought (UGCC) died here on November 5. He was 91. the human, civil and cultural rights of He was involved in the Soviet-era underground Ukrainians to the forefront, died on activities of the UGCC at the time it was known as December 6 following a failed brain “the Church of the catacombs.” tumor operation. She was 50 years old. He was born on June 1, 1917, in the village of Filing stories from Kyiv for the Lviv Bychkivtsi, Ternopil region of western Ukraine. newspaper Za Vilnu Ukrayinu, Ms. He entered the monastery of St. Basil the Great Levytska stung politicians with sharp and professed his monastic vows in 1937. questions, steadfastly holding them He studied in Krystynopol and Lavriv, Ukraine, accountable for their indifference to cul- as well as at Olomouc and Karl University in tural issues, lack of structural reforms and Czechoslovakia. He was ordained on May 14, questionable government policies. 1942, in Prague. Amidst a relatively complacent Kyiv He was jailed in 1944-1954 for “anti-Soviet press corps, Ms. Levytska stood out as an activity.” After his release he carried on his minis- unabashed truth-seeker who did not shy try clandestinely in Kolomyia, Dolyna, Yaremche away from debate. and other towns in western Ukraine. Zenon Zawada He was secretly consecrated a bishop on “Ukraine had a stable trajectory of eco- Journalist Halyna Levytska, who died on December 6, listens to nomic and social payments growth, November 30, 1968, by Bishop Ivan Sleziuk, one President Viktor Yushchenko speak at the Presidential Secretariat’s of those beatified by Pope John Paul II during his regardless of what you write in your Press Day on June 6, 2007. Vilnu Ukrayinu!,” former Finance historic trip to Ukraine in 2001. Minister Mykola Azarov said of the pre- for what it was,” Mr. Levytskyi Swept into the Rukh movement In 1973 Bishop Dmyterko was once again arrest- Orange years, during a feisty exchange wrote. State officials viewed “her for Ukrainian independence in 1988, ed and was sent to a forced-labor camp in Luhansk. with Ms. Levytska at an October 2006 values of love, faith and genuineness she worked in the press service of When the UGCC came out of the catacombs, Bishop Dmyterko was confirmed in 1991 as press conference. as those of past epochs, which don’t the Ukrainian Helsinki Union (UHU) eparch of Ivano-Frankivsk and served in that At a press conference with President fit at all in a time of fierce pragma- between 1988 and 1990. capacity until his retirement in 1997. Viktor Yushchenko, Ms. Levytska placed tism.” “I was in the circle of those people The funeral was held November 7 and burial him in an uncomfortable position, asking Ms. Levytska was born on March which the official Communist Party why the government was allowing dis- 3, 1958, in the village of Kniselo in was in the crypt of the Cathedral of the Holy propaganda called dissidents,” Ms. Resurrection in Ivano-Frankivsk. crimination against Ukrainian-language the Zhydachiv district of the Lviv Levytska said. speakers in the Luhansk Oblast. The pres- Oblast. “By the way, the Lviv events are ident had no good explanation to offer. She graduated the Lviv Forestry now fashionably discussed by those Her husband and fellow journalist, Institute in 1981 and served in people who, in that time, feared even Poet Ihor Rymaruk Myroslav Levytskyi, posted an emotional 1981-1988 as an engineer in the Lviv uttering the initials UHU. And they essay on the Za Vilnu Ukrayinu website Administration of Local Industry constantly announced that the UHU, of the ‘Visimdesiatnyky’ following his wife’s unexpected death where Ms. Levytska was able to pub- with its radical acts, could provoke that stunned their colleagues. lish essays and news bulletins on KYIV – Poet Ihor Rymaruk, one of the best the establishment of martial law in known poets of the 1980s, known as the “It didn’t matter to her whether you behalf of leading independence Lviv. That includes most of the represented the government or opposition activists like Vyacheslav Chornovil “Visimdesiatnyky,” died on October 3 when he – she always called the state’s disorder and Bohdan Horyn. (Continued on page 19) was struck by a vehicle. He had celebrated his 50th birthday just three months earlier. He was a winner of Ukraine’s prestigious Taras Shevchenko Prize. President Viktor Yushchenko offered condolences to the poet’s family. Ivaan Kotulsky, artist and photographer Mr. Rymaruk was born on July 4, 1958, in the village of Miakoty, Khmelnytsky Oblast. He grad- by Oksana Zakydalsky by his wife, Eya Donald Greenland, Edmonton. There his family lived with uated from the journalism department of Kyiv “swept aside and never resumed, the family of the village blacksmith where TORONTO – Metal artist and University and worked on the editorial staff of either because the creative process Mr. Kotulsky first became acquainted photographer Ivaan Kotulsky died on Visti z Ukrayiny at the Molod publishing house. that inspired the piece had been with the qualities of molten metal. December 5 following a stroke. He served as editor of modern Ukrainian litera- exhausted or – more often – because In 1951 the Kotulsky family moved to ture at the Dnipro publishing house and was co- An artist who worked primarily in Toronto. Mr. Kotulsky graduated from the gold, silver and bronze to create jew- the partly finished work had already editor of the journal Svito-vyd. Since 2002 he taken on a life of its own.” photographic arts program at Ryerson served as editor-in-chief of the journal Suchasnist. elry and sculpture in a flowing, Polytechnical Institute and subsequently organic style, his last metal arts Mr. Kotulsky was born during the He was also vice-president of the Ukrainian exhibit was held at the Canadian last days of World War II to (Continued on page 21) Writers Association. Ukrainian Art Foundation gallery in Ukrainian parents interned in a Mr. Rymaruk was the author of several collec- September. Called “Sweepings: forced labor camp near the city of tions of poetry, including “Vysoka Voda” (High Treasures from the Atelier Floor,” it Koln, Germany. The family immi- Water, 1984) “Uprodovzh Snihopadu” (Amidst a was an exhibition of unfinished piec- grated to Canada in 1949 and settled Snowstorm, 1988) and “Nichni Holosy” (Night es Mr. Kotulsky had started through- in the town of Smoky Lake, Alberta, Voices, 1991). He was the author also of “Zolotyi out his creative life and, as written small rural community north of Dosch,” “Diva Obyda,” “Bermudskyi Trykutnyk” and “Slioza Bohorodytsi.” He was also the editor of “80-ers: An Anthology of New Ukrainian Poetry” published in 1990 by the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies Press. Mr. Rymaruk’s poetry was translated into many languages, including English, Polish, Spanish, Russian, Romanian, Swedish and German.

Msgr. Stephen Chomko, priest for 62 years SCRANTON, Pa. – The Rt. Rev. Mitred Archpriest-Prelate Stephen Andrew Chomko died here at the Community Medical Center on November 3. He was 86. Msgr. Chomko was born on January 6, 1922, in Scranton. He attended St. Thomas College, St. Charles College and St. Basil College Seminary, and then continued his seminary studies at The The Scythian stag brooch designed by Catholic University of America in Washington. Ivaan Kotulsky for the Royal Ontario Ivaan Kotulsky Museum. (Continued on page 21) No. 52 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2008 5

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM

Anniversaries of Svoboda and The Weekly marked at the UNA Northern and Central New Jersey districts hold organizing meeting

WHIPPANY, N.J. – The Northern New Jersey and Central New Jersey districts of the Ukrainian National Association held a joint organizing meeting here at the Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey on November 7. Representing the UNA Executive Committee and the UNA General Assembly were Treasurer Roma Lisovich and Second Vice-President Michael Koziupa; Advisor Eugene Oscislawski. The meeting was called to order by Stephan Welhasch, chairman of the North New Jersey District Committee, who wel- comed all present and then reported on the organizing results for the state of New Jersey. He pointed out that during the past year the UNA had sold more annuities PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Major anniversaries of Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly were celebrated here at the Ukrainian than life insurance. National Association’s Home Office on November 11 with an anniversary luncheon hosted by the UNA. As luck would have it, Ms. Lisovich then delivered a it was also a day during the week that Zenon Zawada of the Kyiv Press Bureau was in town. UNA executive officers greeted PowerPoint presentation highlighting the the staffs of Svoboda and The Weekly on their respective 115th and 75th anniversaries. Svoboda began publication on UNA’s activity and its outlook for the September 15, 1893, while The Weekly’s first issue rolled off the presses 40 years later, on October 6, 1933. UNA President near future. She also took the time to note Stefan Kaczaraj greeted all UNA employees on the occasion, noting the newspapers’ proud histories and accomplishments. the UNA’s top organizers and the top per- UNA Treasurer Roma Lisovich shared some excerpts of an early issue of Svoboda. The room was decorated with notable forming district committees. pages from Svoboda and The Weekly, as well as historic photos of their editors. To cap off the event, all enjoyed anniver- She concluded her talk with a slide sary cakes prepared for the occasion. Seen above are the editorial staff and administration of Svoboda with an anniversary presentation about Soyuzivka, the UNA’s cake presented by the UNA, publisher of both newspapers. Below the editorial, administrative and production staffs of The Ukrainian heritage center located in Ukrainian Weekly and Svoboda are gathered for an anniversary photo. upstate New York. During the ensuing discussion among meeting participants, Mr. Welhasch underscored that what the UNA is trying to do is be more visible on the Ukrainian American community scene. To that end, information tables are regularly set up and manned at various festivals and other community gatherings. The meeting concluded with a general discussion of fraternal activities and with refreshments.

Do you have a young UNA’er, or potential young UNA’er in your family?

Call the UNA Home Office, 973-292-9800, to find out how to enroll.

THE UNA: 114 YEARS OF SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2008 No. 52

THE HOLODOMOR THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY Gareth Jones, searcher of the truth “This is not simply Westminster in London was the venue on November 22 for a special event com- memorating the Holodomor, the premeditated Famine-Genocide of 1932-1933 that a case of mass murder” killed millions in Ukraine. A most significant part of the ceremony was the honor Below is the text of the presentation at such as the more prosperous peasants, had bestowed posthumously on two correspondents who reported the truth about the geno- Pennsylvania State University’s Holodomor to be eliminated; obstreperous nations that cide perpetrated by Stalin and his cohorts: Gareth Jones and Malcolm Muggeridge. commemoration on November 9 by stood in the way of Moscow’s totalitarian Both were awarded the Order of Freedom by President Viktor Yushchenko, acting Alexander J. Motyl of Rutgers University- ambitions and imperial rule –such as on behalf of the ever-grateful Ukrainian nation. The presentation at Westminster was Newark. Ukrainians – had to be crushed. made by Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, Dr. Ihor Kharchenko, in the Like Adolf Hitler’s regime, Stalin’s was presence of survivors of the Holodomor, Ukrainian community members and various Raphael Lemkin, the Jewish-Polish genocidal: it practiced genocide as part and dignitaries who attended the event organized by the Association of Ukrainians in Great scholar who coined the term “genocide,” parcel of its policies toward its subject popu- Britain and the Embassy of Ukraine. wrote the following about “Soviet Genocide lations. Over 20 million non-Russians and Accepting the awards were Dr. Margaret Siriol Colley, Jones’ niece (and author in the Ukraine,” the final chapter of his Russians were shot, starved or worked to of his biography) and Leonard Muggeridge, son of the correspondent, both of “History of Genocide:” death. whom spoke about their relatives’ roles in revealing the Famine of 1932-1933 to a “This is not simply a case of mass mur- The Ukrainian Famine-Genocide was the disbelieving world. der. It is a case of genocide, of destruction, most devastating and most all-encompassing Muggeridge is the more well-known of the two, and many stories appeared about not of individuals only, but of a culture and such mass murder. As Lemkin noted, him and his reporting at the time our Ukrainian community was marking the 50th a nation.” Ukraine and Ukrainians were the primary anniversary of what we then referred to as the “Velykyi Holod,” or Great Famine. (We According to Lemkin, the Ukrainian obstacle to Bolshevik revolution, refer our readers to a special section of our website dedicated to the Famine-Genocide: genocide consisted of four components. Communist totalitarianism and Russian http://www.ukrweekly.com/old/archive/Great_Famine/index.shtml.) • “The first blow is aimed at the intelli- empire. As a result, the Ukrainian political Jones was the young Welsh reporter who defied the Soviet regime and traveled to gentsia, the national brain, so as to paralyze leadership had to be crushed, the Ukrainian Ukraine in 1933 during the Great Famine (he had traveled to Ukraine twice before, in the rest of the body.” cultural elite had to be destroyed, the 1930 and 1931, warning of starvation due to the Soviet authorities’ policies, as well as • The second was “an offensive against Ukrainian Churches had to be eviscerated, noting political developments such as the regime’s attempts to quash Ukrainian the churches, priests and hierarchy, the ‘soul’ and the Ukrainian peasantry had to be nationalism). In fact, he appears to have been the first to file reliable reports about the of Ukraine. Between 1926 and 1932, the killed. catastrophe taking place in Ukraine unknown to the outside world. Ukrainian Orthodox Autocephalous Church, The Holodomor was the product of a col- The Western Mail, a Welsh newspaper for which Jones reported back in the 1930s, its metropolitan [Vasyl Lypkivsky], and lision between an irresistible Bolshevik noted in a story published this year: “When Jones announced at a press conference on 10,000 clergy were liquidated.” force and an all-too-movable Ukrainian March 29, 1933, that millions were starving in Ukraine as a result of Stalin’s five-year • “The third prong of the Soviet plan was object. plan, several foreign correspondents rushed to rubbish the story. The most vocal was aimed at the farmers, the large mass of inde- Unfortunately, the Famine-Genocide was Walter Duranty of The New York Times…” Duranty – himself fully aware of the pendent peasants who are the repository of only the first of two genocides experienced enormity of the calamity in Ukraine – responded in The Times: “There is no actual the tradition, folklore and music, the nation- by Ukraine in the 20th century. And it was starvation, but there is widespread mortality from diseases due to malnutrition.” al language and literature, the national spirit, only one part of the story of Ukraine’s near- Now, 75 years later, speaking at Westminster on November 22, Zenko Lastowiecki, of Ukraine. The weapon used against this destruction in that century. president of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, underscored: “We stand body is perhaps the most terrible of all, star- It’s easy to forget that 100 years ago together united in the conviction that horrific events of this kind should not be forgot- vation. Between 1932 and 1933, 5 million Ukraine’s population consisted primarily of ten and that the millions of innocent victims of the Holodomor should finally have Ukrainians starved to death.” illiterate peasant serfs, whose lives were lit- their rightful place in 20th century history.” • “The fourth step in the process consist- tle different from those of American slaves. And so too should the courageous correspondents who, at risk to their careers ed in the fragmentation of the Ukrainian Starting in 1914, those brutalized people had at a time when the world was enamored of the Soviet “experiment,” and at risk people... by the addition to the Ukraine of to endure seven years of world war, revolu- to their very lives, reported to the world the real story of what was taking place foreign peoples and by the dispersion of the tion and civil war. After a brief respite in the under the Stalin regime. Ukrainians throughout Eastern Europe.” 1920s, famine, terror and genocide devastat- Young Gareth Jones, who was killed one day short of his 30th birthday while trav- Why did this genocide take place? ed Soviet Ukraine, and repression and eco- eling in Inner Mongolia, accomplished much in his short life. It is fitting that he has Lemkin’s answer is worth quoting: nomic depression came to western Ukraine. been honored by Ukraine with the Order of Freedom. However, we believe that the “As long as Ukraine retains its national But the real troubles began in 1939 and greatest honor of all is that he is now widely known for what he was: a searcher of unity, as long as its people continue to think 1941, when Hitler unleashed a genocidal the truth. of themselves as Ukrainians and to seek war and transformed Ukraine into a colony independence, so long does Ukraine pose a whose subject populations – both Jews and serious threat to the very heart of Sovietism. Ukrainians – were slated for extermination. It is no wonder that the Communist leaders After peace returned in 1945, life returned to Dec. have attached the greatest importance to the “normal” – another eight years of famine, Turning the pages back... Russification of this independent-minded terror and repression, this time in both east member of their union of republics and have and west. determined to remake it to fit their pattern of Ukraine experienced some 40 consecu- 28 Last a year, on December 28, 2007, Prime Minister Yulia one Russian nation.” tive years of relentless death and destruction, Tymoshenko and all 227 members of the Democratic Forces In other words, Ukraine was – to use the starting in 1914 and ending with Stalin’s 2007 Coalition, as well as eight deputies from the Communist Party language of contemporary scholarship – the death in 1953. According to a recent study of Ukraine, passed the 2008 budget. primary obstacle to Bolshevik plans of of the Moscow-based Institute of The passage of the budget was a victory for the coalition, establishing a totalitarian Communist state Demography, Ukraine suffered close to 15 but after the Volodymyr Lytvyn Bloc failed to support the doc- and building a Russian empire. million “excess deaths” between 1914 and ument despite affirming it in its first reading, many coalition deputies shouted “shame” To put the matter in such terms is to invite 1948. Consider the horrifying numbers: at Mr. Lytvyn. comparison with another revolutionary • 1.3 million during World War I; The Lytvyn Bloc’s opposition was focused on the moratorium on agricultural land regime with totalitarian and imperial aspira- • 2.3 million during the civil war, the sales, among other points. But the budget did call for an extension of the agricultural tions – Nazi Germany. Polish-Soviet war, and the famine of the moratorium, Verkhovna Rada Chair Arseniy Yatsenyuk said. Prime Minister Like the Nazis, the Bolsheviks aspired early 1920s; Tymoshenko said the moratorium would be extended “until we create normal legisla- radically to transform the lands they had • 4 million during the Holodomor; tion to secure this process and build a normal market.” grabbed in a series of military campaigns in • 300,000 during the Great Terror and the Yaroslav Sukhyi, a member of the Party of Regions of Ukraine (PRU), claimed that 1918-1921. They got their chance in the late repressions in western Ukraine; only 197 coalition deputies were in the hall, and accused the majority coalition of fal- 1920s, when Joseph Stalin became undis- • 6.5 million during World War II, when sifying the vote. puted leader and, with the support of fanati- Nazi Germany treated Jews, Gypsies and The 2008 budget, coalition leaders touted, was more generous in social spending cally committed true believers, embarked on Slavs as brutes and subhumans; and than what was offered by the preceding government under Viktor Yanukovych. The a full-scale “revolution from above” that • 400,000 during the post-war famine and 2008 budget included 40 percent higher pensions, a 37 percent to 65 percent increase would change every dimension of life in the the destruction of the Ukrainian nationalist in government wages and scholarships, and $4 billion for the return of lost Soviet-era Soviet Union. Industry would be created movement. savings, which was Ms. Tymoshenko’s campaign promise. from scratch, the countryside would be col- Over three decades of normal totalitarian- The budget planned for $42.6 billion (U.S.) in revenues and $46 billion in expendi- lectivized and empire would be consolidat- ism followed Stalin’s death. Everyday vio- tures, with a deficit of $3.4 billions, or 2.1 percent of the gross domestic product ed. lence disappeared and the death camps were (GDP). Like the Nazis, the Bolsheviks were vio- disbanded, but totalitarianism as a system of Spending for the sciences was increased by $200 million for 2008. “I don’t want lent and brooked no opposition. They killed rule remained. our talented academics and scientists to think of how to flee to somewhere they are their opponents ruthlessly and unthinkingly In contrast to Nazi totalitarianism, Soviet respected and appreciated. I want them to work here at home for their own country, so – a practice that already started in 1918 – totalitarianism actually managed to create a that Ukrainian golden heads return from the world’s Silicon Valleys to their native land and packed off millions to die in concentra- new type of civilization and, perhaps, a new and work for Ukraine,” Ms. Tymoshenko said. tion camps. As with the Nazis, Stalin’s type of human being – one who is unwilling In preparation for the Euro-2012 soccer tournament, the 2008 budget allowed $2.3 opponents were all those people who either to confront the truth, unwilling to confront billion for road improvements, which was a 60 percent increase from 2007. actively resisted Soviet ideological goals or the historical past, unwilling to re-imagine

were incompatible with them. Democrats, the present, unwilling to imagine the future. Source: “Tymoshenko government’s first success: a revised version of the 2008 bud- socialists and national Communists resisted get,” by Zenon Zawada, The Ukrainian Weekly, January 6, 2008. and had to be killed. Obstreperous classes, (Continued on page 22) No. 52 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2008 7

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

in line with priorities relative to Israel and A thank-you Iran), a recrudescent Germany is filling the Western power vacuum and is rede- to three Welshmen fining Europe’s relations with Russia (gas and all the rest). Dear Editor: This leaves NATO with not much more In all the commemorative events and than a ceremonial role, and is quite a Liberal elite: 1, guns and bibles: 0 media coverage of the Holodomor anniver- change from its original charter (“to keep sary, I can’t recall whether a deep thank you the Germans down, the Americans in, and Or so says Kuba, our village cynic and an exceptional case,” retorts Luba. “But was extended to three specific individuals. the Russians out”). token leftist, commenting on the November you can’t base a rule on exceptions. Hard Three Welshmen have done so very much In the new “new order” that seems to election. cases make bad law.” in documenting the Holodomor, and in be taking hold in Europe, Ukraine is “And a good thing, too,” says Boba, set- “Maybe,” says Kuba. “But those same informing our own community and the gen- again in a tough neighborhood. The tling down with his plate of jelly doughnuts right-to-lifers support a war that kills inno- eral public. Solomonian dialectics evident at the lat- and a styrofoam cup of watery coffee. “We cent women and children. Aren’t their lives Morgan Williams is a business, govern- est meeting of NATO foreign ministers in should sell those redneck states back to the sacred too?” ment and public affairs consultant and pres- Brussels on December 2, annunciated in French.” “It’s a war against the terrorists, who ident of the Ukraine Market Reform Group. reference to Ukraine’s vanishing chances “And let the godless intellectuals run the also kill the innocent, and on purpose,” to gain NATO membership, illustrates the country,” mutters Koba, making room at He is also the publisher of the ArtUkraine. points out Koba. com website and the ArtUkraine.com obvious decline of America’s European the long table. “Terrorism is like the Hydra,” observes Information Service. He has been involved orientation, both political and cultural. “Don’t worry, the East Coast bluebloods Boba. “Kill one and two spring up. Besides, in Ukrainian economic development issues This decline is parallelled by cracks with- are still in charge,” says Boba. “Hey, if you for many years. His private collection of art in America’s own fault lines of its Old had changed your name from Melnyk to they’re fighting for an idea. You can’t stop about the Holodomor is amazing (see http:// Testament-articulated foreign policy, oil- Miller, added a Roman numeral, and donat- an idea by force of arms, even if you kill www.artukraine.com/). inspired and deficit-financed military ed a million to the right campaign fund, those who fight for it. Look at the UPA.” Nigel Colley continues the work of his spending, and debt-driven lifestyles. you could have joined the club. Literally.” “You’re not comparing Al-Qaeda to the late great uncle Gareth Jones, the journalist While President Viktor Yushchenko’s “Sure,” chuckles Koba. “But you’re the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, are you?” asks who reported on the Holodomor (see http:// failures of leadership have turned his one who supported the right campaign. Koba incredulously. “The UPA fought www.garethjones.org/index.htm). alpha-male status into a balcony for occa- Shouldn’t you be getting a call from against foreign occupants. Al-Qaeda mur- Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. sional posturing, the exigency of dealing Chicago?” ders civilians.” with Russia falls on Prime Minister Yulia “Maybe they’ll make you postmaster of Orysia Tracz “And the other way round,” says Kuba. Tymoshenko. Such a delineation of Peoria,” taunts Kuba. “You know, it’s all Winnipeg, Manitoba Reaching out for a glazed doughnut, “labor” reminds one of her leadership just a war between two elites pretending to Boba knocks over his coffee cup, sending a role leadership on the Maidan, while Mr. represent the people. You have the rich milky brown flood across the formica table Yushchenko was more or less getting a Republicans pretending to support the blue- headed straight for Koba’s Armani tie. free ride. collar workers and the poor white trash, Koba starts back, his metal folding chair The decline Boris Danik and you have the rich Democrats pretend- screeching against the linoleum. Wielding North Caldwell, N.J. ing to champion the minorities and the wads of paper napkins, Kuba and Luba urban poor.” of U.S. infl uence move in like emergency-room surgeons to “Isn’t that a bit cynical?” protests Koba, stanch the flow. Despite their ideological Dear Editor: struggling to split a bagel with a little plas- tic knife. “There’s a big difference between differences, they are fast friends. Must be Two recent articles cut through the UWC’s Lozynskyj a cynic and a realist.” some weird chick thing, muses Koba. conventional wisdom to about the decline “I’m with you there,” says Boba. “And “So now that the election is over,” asks of American power and influence in deserves kudos with the new administration we’ll have Vova, “what are you politicians going to Europe, with vexing consequences for do?” Dear Editor: smart, educated people in charge. People former Soviet satellite states and more so who talk in complete sentences.” “I’m still waiting for that phone call for Ukraine. Fifteen years ago, it appeared that the “What I don’t understand is this connec- from Chicago,” says Boba. “But seriously One of these two articles appeared in Ukrainian World Congress was an organiza- tion between guns and Bibles,” says Vova. – I plan to work with the transition team on The New York Times on December 2 tion that thought the diaspora lived only in He is a student from Ukraine, though no foreign policy recommendations.” (“Germany Aims to Protect Its Interests Western Europe and North America. Then, a one really knows what he is studying. Some “In whose interest – America, Ukraine, by Guiding the West’s Ties to Russia”). decade ago, Askold Lozynskyj became its say it’s etymology, or maybe it’s entomolo- The other was Zenon Zawada’s “Four or the diaspora?” interjects Kuba. president. gy. Once when he confessed to an interest Years After the Orange Revolution,” pub- “OK, I know they don’t always coin- First he examined its finances and found in pneumatology, he was deluged by asth- lished in The Ukrainian Weekly on cide. But I want to identify those issues different sources of income, then he matics. “In Ukraine,” continues Vova, “the November 30. The opening paragraph in where they do, and build on that.” changed the direction on the compass. He people who carry guns and the people who the latter article neatly encapsulates the “How about you, Koba?” reached out to our communities in Siberia read the Bible are two separate groups.” essence of both: “Four Years after the “I want to work in the Republican Party and the South. They were told that they “It’s because of our history, and history Orange Revolution, the Russians have to figure out what it really stands for. We were not forgotten but rather welcomed to isn’t always logical,” explains Koba. “Out regained the upper hand in their battle need to figure out whether we’re libertari- the UWC. West people feel entitled to defend them- with the United States for Ukraine (no Mr. Lozynskyj has brought accountabili- ans, free-marketeers, or global warriors. need to mention Europe).” selves and their families. They don’t want ty, responsibility and transparency to the the government to do it for them. They also Personally, I think we need to rediscover While the U.S. is pinned down in Iraq Ukrainian World Congress. true conservatism. We need to re-read and Afghanistan in pursuit of phantom happen to be a pretty God-fearing bunch.” “They also feel entitled to invade other Edmund Burke.” objectives that seem to be at odds with its John Bodnar “And Lypynsky,” adds Vova. He is own national interest (and are formulated Windsor Locks, Conn. people’s countries,” breaks in Kuba. “They even cite the Bible to justify it.” always coming up with obscure references. “So it’s Christian fundamentalists versus “And how about you, Kuba? You’ll be on We welcome your opinion Muslim fundamentalists?” asks Vova. the other side of the barricades, yes?” The Ukrainian Weekly welcomes letters to the editor and commentaries on a variety “What I don’t understand,” breaks in “Absolutely. With this economy, we’re of topics of concern to the Ukrainian American and Ukrainian Canadian communities. Luba, fresh from a meeting of Soyuz ripe for class warfare. The working poor, Opinions expressed by columnists, commentators and letter-writers are their own and do Ukrainok, “is how millions of Catholics the unemployed and the homeless need to not necessarily reflect the opinions of either The Weekly editorial staff or its publisher, the could vote for a guy who supports partial- organize. The big parties don’t care about Ukrainian National Association. birth abortion. Where are their ethics?” them.” Letters should be typed and signed (anonymous letters are not published). Letters are “What ethics?” says Kuba. “People vote “I think the important issues cut across accepted also via e-mail at [email protected]. The daytime phone number and address by their pocketbooks, not their conscience. of the letter-writer must be given for verification purposes. Please note that a daytime phone party lines,” says Luba. “I want to mobilize And politics trumps religion. Who was it Americans who care about moral and ethi- number is essential in order for editors to contact letter-writers regarding clarifications or who said that politics is the religion of the questions. cal issues, like abortion, capital punish- Please note: THE LENGTH OF LETTERS CANNOT EXCEED 500 WORDS. modern man?” ment, poverty and the war. Some day the “I guess you’re right,” observes Koba, big parties will become irrelevant, and fingering a cruller. “The right-to-lifers we’ll have new coalitions that really stand haven’t done too well lately.” MAY WE HELP YOU? “But I’m convinced that abortion is the for something.” moral issue of our day,” persists Luba. They get up to make way for an “Like slavery in the 1850s?” asks Vova. Albanian wedding reception. But Vova To reach The Ukrainian Weekly call (973) 292-9800, He is always making strange analogies. sits alone for a few minutes, musing on “Yes, and everyone said the abolitionists all he has heard. If only he could apply and dial the appropriate extension (as listed below). were crazy.” these lessons in his own country. But “But the right-to-lifers – I don’t mean there, he reflects, there is no politics – Editorial – 3049, 3088 • Production – 3063, 3069 you – are such hypocrites,” protests Kuba. only the illusion. “They want to force a woman to die for her Administration – 3041 • Advertising – 3040 • Subscriptions – 3042 fetus.” Andrew Sorokowski can be reached at “You can always make an exception for [email protected]. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2008 No. 52 Boston remembers Holodomor via film, drama and photographs by Peter T. Woloschuk by welcoming everyone and then present- an old woman, exclaims that ing Dr. Yuri Shevchuk of Columbia it would have been better if CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – The Harvard University, lecturer and director of the her entire generation had Ukrainian Research Institute (HURI), in Ukrainian Film Club, who made intro- never been born. co-sponsorship with the Ukrainian Film ductory remarks about the film and intro- Following the film, the Club of Columbia University, presented duced Serhiy Bukovsky, the film’s noted director and producer the New England premiere of the docu- Ukrainian director, and Victoria Bodnar answered questions from mentary “The Living” (Zhyvi) on the film’s producer. Both spoke briefly the audience for more than Wednesday evening, December 3, as part about the film’s content and about what an hour. of its ongoing year long commemoration they were trying to convey through the The next day, at HURI’s of the 75th anniversary of Ukraine’s film. Ukraine Study Group, Mr. 1932-1933 Famine-Genocide. “The Living,” which was produced by Bukovsky and Mr. Bodnar Approximately 100 people attended Kyiv’s Lystopad Film Studios, opens with participated in an informal the screening of the 75-minute film, a montage of scenes from today’s Ukraine public discussion on the which was shown in Ukrainian with and of Famine-ravaged Ukraine in making of “The Living,” its English subtitles. 1932-1933 and then switches to footage Michael S. Flier, HURI’s director and reception at its recent two of President Viktor Yushchenko as he screenings for critics and Oleksandr Potebnja Professor of walks through fields and woods near his Ukrainian Philology, opened the evening the media in Kyiv, the cur- native village of Khoruzivka in the Sumy rent state of film-making in Oblast, where he shows the location of Ukraine, the need to attract mass graves of more than half of the vil- young people to the arts, lage’s inhabitants who perished from the and the lack of government Holodomor. understanding and support. The film then goes on to explore ele- Later that evening in a ments of the Holodomor using dispatches related commemorative event of Welsh reporter Gareth Jones, who sponsored by the Boston described his observations of the condi- tions in Soviet Ukraine during the fall, College Ukrainian Student Serhiy Bukovsky, director, and Victoria Bodnar, winter and spring of 1932-1933, as well Society, the Rev. Edward producer, of the film “The Living.” as the diplomatic intelligence reports of Evanko of Vancouver, British German, Italian and Polish legations in Columbia, a noted actor and singer, gave a Commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Ukrainian capital at that time, solo tour de force performance of “Be Well the Holodomor ended its month-long run Kharkiv, who cited the massive starvation and Prosper My Beloved Ukraine” (Buvai on Friday, December 5, at the school’s of the Ukrainian peasantry as part of a Zdorova, Liuba Ukraino) at St. Ignatius Knight Gallery. plan to remove the strongly anti-Soviet Church on the Boston College campus. The exhibit was the work of Cheryl population and to replace them with loyal The 90-minute performance consisted Madden who received the Order of Russians. of dramatic readings of five eyewitness Princess Olha from President Yushchenko The most poignant moments of the film accounts of the Holodomor interspersed for her work compiling a bibliography of are the interviews with senior citizens who with appropriate Ukrainian folk and reli- English resources on the Holodomor. The had witnessed and survived the Holodomor gious songs. film was the result of a Fulbright grant Vsevolod Petriv as children and who had lost parents, rela- Finally, a film and photo exhibition on and was done in collaboration with a the- The Rev. Edward Evanko performing tives, classmates and friends during the the Holodomor co-sponsored by the ater school in Ukraine. It featured stu- “Be Well and Prosper, My Beloved confiscation of all foodstuffs by local Community College of Rhode Island and dents reciting first-hand accounts and Ukraine.” Soviet functionaries. One of the survivors, the Greater Boston Committee to poetry written by Holodomor survivors.

Rochester community recalls victims of the Famine-Genocide by Alexsandra Riznik ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Ukrainian community of Greater Rochester on Sunday, November 23, marked the 75th anniversary of Ukraine’s Holodomor at St. Mary Ukrainian Orthodox Church and hall. At 3 p.m. a memorial service (panakhyda) was served by the Rev. Igor Krekhovetsky (St. Mary’s); the Rev. Roman Sydorovych (Church of the Epiphany); the Very Rev. Archpriest Kiril Angelov and the Rev. John Jendrychowski (St. Josaphat’s) to commemorate the mil- lions of men, women and children mur- dered by Joseph Stalin’s artificially creat- ed famine, and to honor its survivors. The program began at the church hall with Irene Russnak’s presentation of the memorial flame, followed by a moment of silence. After the audience lit their memorial candles, “Our Father” was sung in Ukrainian by St. Mary’s Choir, fol- lowed by soloist, Tania Beghini’s perfor- mance in English, accompanied on the piano by Nickole Sleight. Mistress of ceremonies Anna Bucierka conducted the program, which consisted of: Lidia Zacharkiw reading a poem “Children of Holodomor”; a short pre- Organizers of the Holodomor commemoration and members of Rochester’s Ukrainian community. view-screening of the movie, “Holodomor- Ukraine’s Genocide 1932-1933”; a ry of the Holodomor and Famine testimo- the Rev. Krekhovetsky and St. Mary’s Sisterhood; and Ukrainian National “Famine dinner” (a small piece of stale nies were read by Stephanie Wowkowych, Choir singing “Vichnaya Pamiat” (Eternal Women’s League of America Branches bread and glass of water); Stephania Parania Smith, Zinnia Dzus-DeBole and Memory). 47, 46 and 120. Romaniuk and Michael Kaufman (students Luba Bilozir-Baran. The commemoration was organized by Ms. Russnak initiatied the commemo- of the Eastman School of Music) present- Holodomor survivor Anna Kaczanowicz the Committee of Ukrainian Women’s ration; co-chairs were Ms. Riznik and ing the song “Psalm for Those Who Died was in the audience. Her daughter, Organizations of Rochester, which con- Stephanie Stanfield, with behind-the- in the Holodomor” (lyrics by Lesia Alexsandra Riznik, read her testimony as sisted of members of St. Josaphat’s scenes assistance by Daria Hanushevsky, Chraplyva-Schur); sisters Lydia Dzus and it is still too painful, even after all these Ukrainian Catholic Church Sisterhood – Christine Dziuba, Maria Lylak, Kathy Zinnia Dzus-DeBole performing two years, for her mother to recount her experi- St. Ann’s Society; St. Mary the Sweryda and others. Wasyl Kornylo, songs, “Ave Maria” and “To Your Grace”; ence. Ms. Dzus, daughter of Maria Dzus, Protectress Ukrainian Autocephalous Wolodymyr Sukhenko and George and Ms. Beghini singing “Hail Mary.” read her mother’s testimonial. Orthodox Church Sisterhood; Ukrainian Hanushevsky also provided assistance Ms. Zacharkiw then presented a histo- The commemoration concluded with Catholic Church of the Epiphany that made the commemoration possible. No. 52 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2008 9 Penn State student groups commemorate the Famine-Genocide by Andrew Leskiw Prometheus Male Ukrainian Choir of Philadelphia (under the direction of Roman STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – On Sunday Kuczarskyy) sang the responses to the litur- afternoon, November 9, the Penn State gy in Ukrainian, while the clergy chanted Ukrainian Society and the Penn State mostly in English. Byzantine Catholic Student Ministry jointly In his homily Archbishop Soroka empha- commemorated the 75th anniversary of the sized the importance of commemorating Famine-Genocide in Ukraine (Holodomor) such an event, noting that it is our job as in the Worship Hall of the Pasquerilla Americans to speak up about global events Spiritual Center at the Pennsylvania State such as the Holodomor, and more current University. With over 150 people in atten- issues such as the genocide in Darfur and dance, it marked the largest Ukrainian event the sex trade in Eastern Europe. in the history of the university. After the divine liturgy was celebrated, The commemoration began with an intro- the educational program began. The first duction from emcee Andrew Leskiw, presi- speakers were Holodomor survivors Alex dent of both the Penn State Ukrainian and Helen Woskob, owners of the AW & Society and the Penn State Byzantine Sons Co. and founders of the Woskob Catholic Student Ministry. Mr. Leskiw Center for the Study of Ukrainian reminded everyone in attendance of the two- Agriculture and the Endowment in fold purpose of the commemoration: to Ukrainian Studies at Penn State University. Helen (at the podium) and Alex Woskob speak about the Holodomor. remember the lives of those who perished as The Woskobs, who spoke in Ukrainian with a result of the Holodomor and to spread a translator, talked about their memories of Alexander J. Motyl, professor of political ed with a solemn remembrance service, or knowledge of this horrible tragedy to people life in Ukraine during the Holodomor. science at Rutgers University-Newark, lec- “panakhyda,” in memory of the victims of who are unaware of its occurrence. Afterwards, Michael P. Bernosky, a pro- tured about the history of the Holodomor the Holodomor, as well as the singing of the Following this introduction, a procession fessional actor from Boalsburg, Pa., read and its effects on the land and people of “Prayer for Ukraine,” (“Bozhe Velykyi of students and clergy entered the room to excerpts from Robert Conquest’s book “The Ukraine. Prof. Motyl stressed the necessity Yedynyi”). begin the divine liturgy. Ten students walked Harvest of Sorrow” as well as from for everyone to recognize the Holodomor The event, organized by the student- in the procession, each holding a candle “Memoirs of My Life” by Mr. Woskob. since the statistical and visual proof of the members of the two sponsoring organiza- commemorating one million lives lost dur- Following the hymn “Bohorodytse do Holodomor is indisputable. (For the text of tions (with the guidance of the advisors), ing the Holodomor; the candles were placed Tebe,” performed by the Prometheus Choir, his remarks, see page 6.) was a huge success as the event carried out in front of the memorial created at the front Woskob Family Professor of Ukrainian Father Robert F. Oravetz, advisor of the its twofold purpose. In addition to remem- of the hall. Studies Michael M. Naydan and visiting Penn State Byzantine Catholic Student bering the victims and spreading knowledge The divine liturgy was celebrated by Fulbright scholar from Ukraine Mariya Ministry and pastor of three other parishes, of the Holodomor, over $500 was raised at Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka of Tytarenko read several poems that were gave the closing remarks in which he urged the commemoration and will be donated to Philadelphia, as well as several priests and connected with the Holodomor, including everyone to learn from history and to not the building fund of the Ukrainian Genocide deacons from the Center County area. The Vasyl Symonenko’s “Chuyu (I Hear).” repeat its mistakes. The ceremony conclud- Memorial to be erected in Washington.

Solemn programs in Detroit area mourn Holodomor victims by Marie Zarycky-Cherviovskiy DETROIT – The Detroit community attended commemorations of the 75th anni- versary of the Holodomor of 1932-1933 in large numbers. The solemn event took place on November 9 at the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Warren, Mich., where the public participated in a requiem service for the 10 million victims of the never-to-be-forgotten tragedy perpetrated by the Communist regime of the Soviet Union. Nine priests representing the six local Ukrainian parishes officiated at the ecu- menical panakhyda under the leadership of Holodomor survivor Archbishop Alexander Bykovets of St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Cathedral, who served as honorary chairman of the com- memoration. St. Andrew’s Choir, under the direction of Serhij Lazurenko, sang the responses. The event’s organizing committee The Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus performs performs under the direction of Adrian Bryttan. worked under co-chairs Lydia Wroblewski, and Zenon Wasylkewycz, presidents, respectively, of the Ukrainian Congress Kolodchin (UNWLA), Oleh Cieply Ukrainian Famine of 1932-1933 as geno- and the government of Ukraine to punish Committee of America (UCCA) and the (Ukrainian American Veterans) and cide. the perpetrators of the Famine. After the Ukrainian American Coordinating Council Jaroslaw Stetkewycz (ODFFU). Special tributes sent from Gov. Jennifer eyewitness testimonies of Olena Liskiwskyi (UACC). Representatives of major commu- The program started with a respectful M. Granholm, the Michigan State and Bishop Alexander, other survivors were nity organizations participated: Vera Kucyj flag ceremony arranged by Mr. Cieply, fea- Legislature, Lesia Liss, state representative- acknowledged: Dr. Raissa Schlega, Maria (Ukrainian Cultural Center), secretary; turing national flags and the flags of the elect, the City Council of Warren with Mark Halych Dutkewycz, Mykola Liskiwskyi, Serhij Lazurenko (St. Andrew’s Orthodox participating organizations. Vera Kryva Liss, and Mayor James R. Fouts were then Kateryna Potapenko Oleksandra Misiong. Church) and Dr. Alexander Serafyn recited her poem titled “Ukrainian read by the co-masters of ceremonies: Dr. This intensily moving event came to a (Ukrainian National Association), co-trea- Genocide,” while attendees lighted candles Palywoda and Mr. Potapenko. conclusion with the viewing of an excerpt surers. Marie Zarycky Cherviovskiy, Daria of remembrance. It was with great pride that the audience of the film “Holodomor: Ukraine’s Zawadiwskyi and Vera Andrushkiw, Students Julia Bedrus, Natalia Boyko, greeted the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus Genocide of 1932-33” by Bobby Leigh and (Ukrainian National Women’s League of Oksana Doubrowska, Christina under the baton of its newly selected con- Marta Tomkiw. America) were in charge of promotion; Bodnarchuk, and Larysa Woryk joined ductor and musical director Adrian Bryttan. The public was encouraged by the co- Borys Potapenko (Organization for the Danylo Higgins in the recitation of Their chosen selections included Stanyslav chairs of the commemoration committee, Defense of Four Freedoms for Ukraine), Dr. “Holodomor in the Book of Memory of the Liudkevych’s “Prayer of Mercy,” Alexander Ms. Wroblewski and Mr. Wasylkewycz Olena Palywoda and Natalia Slyz Stasiw Ukrainian Nation” accompanied by the Koshetz’s “Thrice-Holy Hymn,” and (UACC) to view the very solemn and art- (Nova Chvylia), Roma Dyhdalo, Olga bandura playing of Renia Cholovey. The Hryhory Kytasty’s “Echoes of the Steppes.” fully presented Holodomor Pictorial Liskiwsky and Anna Macielinski duet of Myhailo and Victoria Voreniuk, The religious hymn “Amazing Grace” gar- Exhibition organized by Svitlana Leheta, (UNWLA), and Wolodymyr Lewenetz singing Zhutkevych’s “Road to God,” con- nered very appreciative applause, as did president, and Chrystyna Nykorak, director, (Ukrainian Cultural Center), provided infor- cluded this segment. Bohdan Lepky’s “The Cranes.” The effect of the Detroit Ukrainian Museum and mation and the event program. Svitlana A particularly emotional address was of lit candles held by the singing bandurists Archives. Leheta and Chrystyna Nykorak (Detroit presented by Rep. Sander Levin (D-Mich.), in a darkened auditorium provided a very The commemorative committee will Ukrainian Museum and Archives) joined longtime friend of the Metropolitan Detroit appropriate and unifying mood. relay half of the event’s proceeds to the the Exhibit Subcommittee. area Ukrainian American community, The highlight of the commemoration Holodomor film and the other half to the Members at large were: George Korol whose initiative culminated in the passage was the emotional appeal of Archbishop future Ukrainian Genocide Memorial in (St. Mary Protectress Parish, Lida of House Resolution 1314 recognizing the Alexander to President Viktor Yushchenko Washington. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2008 No. 52 North Port Ukrainians teach local students about the Holodomor by Ann-Marie Susla Times, in covering up the Famine and deny- ing its existence. Today, she explained, the NORTH PORT, Fla. – Approximately Holodomor has been recognized by 19 200 social studies, ESL (English as a Second countries and a national memorial, the Language) and Holocaust/human rights stu- “Candle of Memory,” has been built in Kyiv. dents at North Port High School sat in rapt Here in the United States, land has been attention on December 10 at a special pro- donated in Washington where a monument gram on the 75th anniversary of Holodomor – the Famine-Genocide of 1932-1933 in is to be constructed to commemorate the Ukraine that killed millions of people. victims of the Famine. Neonillia Lechman gave a brief history The program ended with a question and of Ukraine and of the events leading up to answer session. Students were especially Holodomor. She cited the United Nations’ intrigued by Mrs. Chomyk’s personal story adoption of the Convention on Prevention and asked her numerous questions about her and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide experiences during the Famine. on December 9, 1948. A segment of the The Committee of the United Ukrainian- film “Harvest of Despair” was shown and American Organizations of North Port, Fla., Anastasia Chomyk, a survivor of implemented this program. Thanks were Holodomor, gave a very moving testimony expressed to Carol LaVallee, teacher at of her personal experience during that tragic North Port High School and coordinator of time. the program, Ryan Oliver for his technical Doris Horbachevsky summarized the support and Dr. George Kenney, principal of program and explained the role of Walter North Port High School, without whom this Duranty, a reporter for The New York program would not have been possible.

At the Holodomor program at North Port High School (from left) are: Doris Horbachevsky, Neonilia Lechman, Carole LaVallee and Anastasia Chomyk.

Clifton-Passaic community marks Famine anniversary

Students during the assembly at North Port High School in Florida.

PASSAIC, N.J. – The Ukrainian community of Clifton-Passaic, N.J., commemo- rated the 75th anniversary of the Holodomor on December 7 at the Ukrainian Center on Hope Avenue in Passaic. The event began with a candle-lit panakhyda, or requiem service, led by the Rev. Andriy Dudkevych of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church in Passaic and the Rev. Oleh Zhownirovych of Holy Ascension Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Clifton. Children from the school, the Ukrainian American Youth Association and Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization led the 150 people who attended in traditional songs. A group from Jersey City, N.J., then presented a dramatic performance of events related to the Famine. Two survivors of the Holodomor also spoke about their experiences. Nina Kowbasniuk of Jersey City told her story in Ukrainian and Rostyslav Wasylenko of Union presented his eyewitness account in English. The event was coordinated by John Burtyk. – Tom Hawrylko

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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. No. 52 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2008 11

that the extra money would allow banks to bankers offered the Mr. Stelmakh a bribe of Ms. Tymoshenko has asked the indepen- PM demands... provide cash to depositors who were eligi- 3 percent to 7 percent of the credit offered, dent Global Witness international investiga- (Continued from page 1) ble to withdraw their money. (Banks are the prime minister alleged. tions agency to review the financial transac- exchange rate strengthened to about 7 hrv still forbidding Ukrainians from breaking Among those who most profited was Mr. tions that occurred among Ukraine’s bank- per $1 in interbank trading, and has their agreements on savings deposits, allow- Firtash, who received the biggest credit of ers. remained relatively stable since. Kiosks ing withdrawals only when the deposit term 7.1 billion hrv, Ms. Tymoshenko charged. “I deeply regret that this person, I am were buying dollars for about 7.5 hrv on is fulfilled.) In response, Mr. Firtash, who made bil- referring to the nation’s president, December 23. Instead of earmarking the money for lions from his role in the shady Yushchenko, with whom I stood on all the RosUkrEnergo natural gas intermediary, Orange ‘maidany’ and for whom I agitated The sudden measures to strengthen the withdrawals and supporting the hryvnia, said he will sue Ms. Tymoshenko for libel for and convinced people that he’s an hon- hryvnia didn’t assuage Ms. Tymoshenko, Ms. Tymoshenko claimed top bankers in London’s courts, which are notorious for est and moral politician, and he’s lowered who believes the exchange rate ought to be acquired hryvni at a lower exchange rate their loose interpretation of libel laws that himself to such to a level today that it’s and used their newly acquired cash to buy closer to 6-6.5 hrv per $1. favor plaintiffs. shameful to even mention his name,” Ms. The prime minister alleged the National U.S. dollars, anticipating the hryvnia would The prime minister wasn’t alone in her Tymoshenko said December 20, also Bank of Ukraine began printing 40 billion fall even further, according to plan. calls for Mr. Stelmakh’s resignation; she declaring her unequivocal opposition to the hrv starting October 1, under the pretext In exchange for the hryvni, the select drew support from Arseniy Yatsenyuk, who president and his entourage. served as the NBU’s first vice-chair during In its turn, the NBU blamed Ms. the Orange Revolution. Tymoshenko’s economic policies for the der demarcation in the Azov and Black Kyiv political insider Ivan Lozowy, pres- hryvnia’s decline, and warned her against U.S. and Ukraine... seas, the removal of its Black Sea fleet from ident of the Institute of Statehood and making such accusations out of concern (Continued from page 1) Crimea by 2017 and other issues that Democracy, said he believes Ms. that her remarks would further destabilize into Euro-Atlantic institutions “is a mutual remain “major irritants in our relations.” Tymoshenko’s accusations are credible and the Ukrainian economy. priority,” and that they plan to enhance their He called the presence of the Russian accurate, considering it’s unclear why the “The government’s activity in managing security cooperation in order to strengthen Black Sea Fleet a destabilizing factor in NBU chose a select group of bankers, out the economy has led to a situation in Ukraine’s candidacy for NATO member- Crimea. Ukraine cannot demand its remov- of 180 banks, to receive the 40 billion hrv December in which the country could face ship. This expanded cooperation will al before 2017 because of the its bilateral emission. internal default,” said an NBU statement include “enhanced training and equipment agreement with Russia. Earlier this year, he “Stelmakh realizes he has one year left released December 19. “The government for Ukrainian armed forces. said, he presented the Russian foreign min- as National Bank chair and has provided for doesn’t have funds today to pay wages, The charter includes expanding eco- ister a memorandum about initiating prepa- his comfortable retirement in a matter of pensions, social payments and obligations nomic, trade and energy cooperation, ratory discussions on the ultimate removal weeks,” he said, adding that the top banker of a foreign and domestic character.” developing U.S. cooperation with of the fleet. Russia refused to begin such also bought millions of dollars, thus under- President Yushchenko offered a similar Ukraine’s regions, “including Crimea,” discussions, Mr. Ohryzko said, possibly mining his nation’s own currency. response to the accusations, blaming the strengthening democratic institutions, and hoping that Ukraine will change its mind as For Mr. Stelmakh to engage in the prime minister’s trade policies for the coun- enhancing law enforcement against such Moscow argues for putting off the 2017 scheme, the president would have had to try’s economic troubles and accusing her of common threats as terrorism, organized withdrawal. give his approval and receive a cut of the speculating on the current financial crisis in crime, trafficking, money laundering and “We will not agree to this,” he stressed. bribes, Mr. Lozowy said. “This blatant type order to make political gains. cyber crime. The fleet will have to leave by May 27, of corruption is unprecedented in Ukraine’s Commenting in a live national television (The complete text of the United States- 2017, he added. history since independence,” he said, add- interview on December 21, the president Ukraine Charter on Strategic Partnership is The Ukrainian foreign affairs minister ing that Yushchenko appears to be support- offered his own insults directed at the prime reprinted on page 3.) also discounted the economic argument ing it. minister, indirectly calling her a “vorovka,” The day before his meeting with made by some for keeping the Russian fleet Though the Internal Affairs Ministry is or thief. Secretary Rice, Minister Ohryzko discussed there – because it provides employment for investigating the allegations, prosecution Ms. Tymoshenko’s political world con- some of the elements of the document at the about 60,000 people in the area of isn’t likely because the Presidential sists of two types of people, either “a Ukrainian Embassy, during a meeting with Sevastopol. He cited the case of nearby Secretariat has influence over the Procurator whipped lackey or ... an enemy who will representatives of Ukrainian American Balaklava, which used to have a secret General’s Office and its director, Oleksander always be anathema,” the president said. organizations. Soviet submarine base. After it was decom- Medvedko. “There is no third position.” The Strategic Partnership Charter they missioned and dismantled the area devel- would sign is not only an important docu- oped into a beautiful tourist attraction with ment that will deepen U.S.-Ukraine bilateral hotels, restaurants and the like. cooperation, he said. It will help quicken “We are convincing the people of the pace of Ukraine’s entry into NATO and Sevastopol that they would be much better the European community as well. off if the naval base were not there, because “This year we have made a strong surge it is an impediment to the city’s economic in our bilateral relationship,” Mr. Ohryzko development,” he said. said, and there is now “a new dynamism” in On the positive side of the Ukrainian- that relationship. The year also saw the Russian bilateral ledger he pointed out that establishment of a solid foundation for a the two countries have learned to speak the pro-Western course in Ukraine’s foreign truth to each other. Mr. Ohryzko expressed policy and its goal of getting into the the hope that things will improve further in European Union, he added. the coming year. “Unfortunately, we were unable to make As for Ukraine’s relationship with similar progress in resolving outstanding Ukrainian Americans, he expressed his issues with the Russian Federation,” he country’s gratitude for their efforts on said, adding that the Kyiv-Moscow rela- behalf of Ukraine as it evolves into an influ- tionship had not moved forward, “practical- ential country in Europe. ly speaking, on any of the outstanding On his way to the meeting with Secretary issues.” of State Rice at the State Department, Mr. Despite Ukraine’s initiatives in numer- Ohryzko laid a wreath at the foot of the ous negotiations and meetings, Russia Taras Shevchenko monument in remains unwilling to seriously discuss bor- Washington.

Yaro Bihun Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Minister Volodymyr Ohryzko. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2008 No. 52 No. 52 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2008 13

The things we do ... by Orysia Paszczak Tracz

Something strange about Ukrainian Christmas by Orysia Paszczak Tracz a bit of the dinner food before the family sits down to the meal; there are garlic cloves in Yours truly, your involuntarily appointed the corners of the table under the tablecloth; Ukrainian Christmas guru, was asked the father may toss some food to the ceiling; recently to give examples of some unusual the time to begin dinner is not indicated by aspects of Ukrainian Christmas. Well, to the the clock, but by the appearance of the first average non-Ukrainian person, “unusual” star; your Christmas Day is not complete and “Ukrainian Christmas” would be syn- onymous. Not that English, American or unless at least a few groups of people have Canadian Christmas is that usual – with come in, sung up a storm, eaten and drunk, taken a donation from you and gone on to reindeer, and fat men in red, and cut-down “Christmas Carolers,” a watercolor by Luba Maksymchuk, from a UNA trees standing indoors, and, well... you get it. the next address; it was good luck if, as early Christmas card. Let’s see, for Ukrainian Christmas, in as possible on New Year’s morning a boy plain language, we’ve got a Christmas Eve came to your door, you let him in, and he One that procrastinators will like: not was believed to have healing properties and feast that has no meat and no dairy products scattered wheat kernels all over your house, only was the one place setting left for the would protect you from harm (if you didn’t – and yet there is very much satisfying food, tossing them at the walls and ceiling... ancestors – it was considered a sin to clear get a deathly chill from the freezing water). your mother and other female relatives hav- All this is not unusual, it is perfectly the table after the Sviata Vecheria and wash A really strange tradition is the fisticuffs ing spent the past weeks cooking and baking normal. the dishes that night. All of the dishes were held on Yordan. Sometimes these began at the most exotic comfort foods; there is an So, I began searching for the really to be left on the table as they were until Christmas and lasted to just before Lent. empty chair and place setting for the depart- unusual Christmas, New Year’s, and Yordan morning. The souls of the ancestors would Yes, fisticuffs, formalized fist fights. In par- ed, i.e., the dead, and the food on their plate (Epiphany) traditions that have been forgot- have their fill during the night. ticular regions of central and eastern is left out all night for their enjoyment; the ten, or were very regional. There are certain- Men in drag were very popular, indeed Ukraine, young men would gather to fight. animals (OK, nowadays, the pets) are served ly more than enough of these. mandatory, around New Year’s Eve. The The teams would be neighboring villages or, Malanka character was a young man (the in large villages, different sections of the bigger the mustache the better) dressed up same village. In towns, the merchants would as a flirtatious young woman, Malanka. fight the townspeople, or the tradesmen With a group of koliadnyky/schedrivnyky would fight the seminarians or students. The (carolers) he would act out the verses of the opponents were constant, from generation to silly songs, doing everything in the opposite generation. There were unwritten rules – way. A guy dressed as a goat was also something the NHL should emulate – no required. Other masked characters joined hitting when someone is down and no hit- the merry band. ting from the back. Often these fights ended Also on New Year’s Eve, the young men in the tavern, with all the teams merrymak- would gather (OK, steal) from people’s ing together. yards anything flammable that was not tied We can see why it is a good thing that down– such as wooden utensils and equip- some of these traditions are now a distant ment, straw, corn stalks, whatever. These memory. They certainly would not be practi- were piled into small bonfires at street inter- cal today. And yet, what we still observe sections, and the guys leapt over the fire for during our Ukrainian Christmas season is good luck and to protect themselves from not all that practical either. That’s just the harm in the new year. way traditions are. We have seen the Ukrainian version of There is a saying among the old-timers the Polar Bear Club in news reports from about traditions: “We did not invent them, Ukraine, where people from the president and it is not up to us to change them” (Ne on down jump into the open spaces cut out my yikh prydumaly, ne nam yikh i vid- of the frozen rivers after the waters have miniaty.) been blessed on Yordan (the Feast of Jordan – Christ’s baptism in the Jordan River by “Christmas Is Here,” a glasspainting by Yaroslava Surmach Mills, from a card John the Baptist.) This newly blessed water Orysia Tracz may be contacted at ory- printed by the Surma Book and Music Co, [email protected].

Alberta archives/museum holds Christmas decorations workshop EDMONTON, Alberta – The Ukrainian that has been thoroughly integrated into Canadian Archives and Museum of Alberta Ukrainian life. (UCAMA) held its third folk arts and crafts An interesting folktale is called “Spiders at workshop. In keeping with the holiday season, Christmas.” It illustrates the fact that Ukrainians the theme of the workshop was decoration-mak- did not really have a traditional way of decorat- ing. Participants made miniature dolls and angels ing their trees. Prof. Kononenko told this story, to use as ornaments on their Christmas trees. addressing it particularly to the children in the Khrystyna Kohut opened the workshop by audience, and said that, as the tree has been welcoming participants and introducing Natalie adopted and adapted, so workshop participants Kononenko from the University of Alberta Kule were going to adapt traditional dolls to give a Centre for Ukrainian and Canadian Folklore and Ukrainian feel to their trees. students Genia Boivin, Svitlana Kukharenko and The highpoint of the workshop was the con- Yanina Vihovska. struction of three dolls, an angel made out of a Prof. Kononenko then spoke briefly about square of fabric, a cotton ball and embroidery Ukrainian Christmas traditions. These celebrated thread; a doll built around a birch bark core the nativity of Christ and also helped people (substituted with a paper core for this work- articulate their sense of the cycle of nature, the shop); and a doll made of rolled-up strips of fab- end of one year and hope for the year to come. ric. Both the paper core doll and the one built on Many old traditions involved crops and crop fer- fabric strips could be dressed up in a variety of tility, often combined with a religious meaning. ways to reflect Ukrainian traditional clothing. After talking about traditional celebrations, The fabric doll could be made up as either a boy participants viewed a short film showing dressed in Hutsul trousers and a keptar, or a girl Ukrainian Christmas on the Canadian Prairies as dressed in a scarf (khustka) and a skirt. it was celebrated over 50 years ago. As Prof. Kononenko pointed out, once the In all of the old traditions, Prof. Kononenko basics of doll construction are learned, almost pointed out, the Christmas tree is missing. Yet it endless variation is possible. Sure enough, sev- is very much a part of Christmas today, both in eral participants made their own interpretations Canada and Ukraine. The Christmas tree, or of the various dolls, creating little hand-made Genia Boivin, a graduate student at the University of Alberta, shows “yalynka,” is a relatively new tradition, but one treasures. off the angel she made during a Christmas decorations workshop. 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2008 No. 52

correctness of the decisions taken. “You NEWSBRIEFS have come to an exchange office, the dol- CLACLASSSSIFIEDIFIEDSS (Continued from page 2) lar is 10 hrv today, 8 hrv tomorrow and 6 Mr. Yushchenko of being involved in cor- hrv the day after tomorrow. So we are on TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL MARIA OSCISLAWSKI (973) 292-9800 x 3040 rupt schemes linked to the hryvnia’s deval- the right path,” he said. First and foremost, OR E-MAIL [email protected] uation and said that he must resign. Mr. such fast and effective decisions must be Yushchenko said on TV on December 21 taken by the parliamentary coalition, the that the prime minister is responsible for businessman stated. (Ukrinform) SERVICES the policies she is currently following. He IMF predicts slower GDP growth described her as a “shady lady” and recalled that she “had been stealing gas.” KYIV – The International Monetary The president said that the prime minister Fund (IMF) on December 17 predicted was “standing behind his back” during the that Ukraine’s GDP growth would fall by Orange Revolution on Independence 5 percent in 2009, the head of the main Square for the sake of her own political service for social and economic develop- career, rather than for the sake of the strug- ment at the Presidential Secretariat, Roman gle for Ukrainian values. (Ukrinform) Zhukovskyi, said. He explained that the position of the Ukraine’s Economy Ukraine represented in 81 countries Ministry also influenced a review of the PROFESSIONALS IMF’s outlook for 2009. In early October KYIV – Three days before their profes- the International Monetary Fund altered sional holiday, which is annually marked Ukraine’s inflation forecast for 2009 from on December 22, Ukrainian diplomats pre- 13.4 percent o 14.7 percent, the average sented the ninth issue of a scholarly annual annual inflation from 15.7 percent to 18.8 magazine titled Diplomatic Ukraine. The percent, and GDP growth from 4.2 percent chairman of the International Cooperation to 2.5 percent. In November 2008, Assistance Foundation, former Foreign Ukraine’s real gross domestic product fell Affairs Minister Anatolii Zlenko said that by 14.4 percent year-over-year, to 75.38 in 2008 the number of countries in which billion hrv. (Ukrinform) the Ukrainian diplomatic institutions are operating had grown to 81, and five 265 million hrv in contraband seized Ukrainian diplomatic offices are represent- GEORGE B. KORDUBA ed in international organizations. A total of KYIV – The State Border Guard Service detained contraband valued at 265 Counsellor at Law 103 diplomatic offices of foreign countries and international organizations are operat- million hrv, First Vice-Chairman of the Emphasis on Real Estate, Wills, Trusts and Elder Law ing in Ukraine, including 69 embassies, 19 State Border Guard Service Pavlo Ward Witty Drive, P.O. Box 249 consulates general and 15 offices of inter- Shysholin reported on December 19. He MONTVILLE, NJ 07045 said this amount had been returned to the Hours by Appointment Tel.: (973) 335-4555 national organizations. The country’s legal base includes over 4,000 documents, state budget. Over the first 11 months of including 360 agreements signed with 2008 border guards seized 586 units of One-on-One Russia, 141 with the United States, and weapons, 7,316 units of ammunition, eight PSAT / SAT / ACT Tutoring 1,094 with EU countries. (Ukrinform) kilograms of explosives and 435 kilograms of narcotics. Over 83 million persons and Tymoshenko most influential 16.7 million vehicles have been registered Foundation for Learning at checkpoints; 52,000 persons were KYIV – Prime Minister Yulia Locations in Harding & Randolph denied entry – 28,000 of whom were Tymoshenko is ranked atop Ukraine’s 200 potential illegal migrants. In 2008 the 973-895-1774 most influential persons, according to number of illegal migrants primarily from Focus magazine, Editor-in-Chief Mykhailo Southeast Asia, who were deported out of Hladkykh reported. He also said that the country, increased by 11 percent; the President Viktor Yushchenko ranked the number of cases instituted against organiz- second this year, while in 2007 he was in ers of illegal movement of migrants grew first place. The rating of Ukraine’s 200 threefold; and the number of persons most influential persons also includes the imprisoned for organization of illegal following: National Deputy and co-owner migration went up sevenfold. (Ukrinform) of the SCM-Holding Rinat Akhmetov (3), leader of the Party of Regions Viktor EC supports Ukraine’s energy efficiency Yanukovych (4), co-owner of the Pryvat Group Ihor Kolomoyskyi (5), Verkhovna KYIV – The European Commission is Rada Chairman Volodymyr Lytvyn (6), ready to allocate 70 million euros to devel- DF Holding owner and co-owner of opment of energy efficiency in Ukraine in OPPORTUNITY RosUkrEnergo Dmytro Firtash (7), 2009, according to a statement issued on Presidential Secretariat Chief Viktor December 19 by the National Agency on Effective Use of Energy Resources. The EARN EXTRA INCOME! Baloha (8), Kyiv Mayor Leonid Chernovetskyi (9) and owner of the funds will be allocated under the condition of fulfillment of cross obligations by the The Ukrainian Weekly is looking InterPipe Group Viktor Pinchuk (10). This Cabinet, for instance, lowering the power for advertising sales agents. year the names of 50 new most influential persons, representing the regional elite and intensity index for the established period. For additional information contact local authorities, appeared in the ranking. It is planned that financing will be carried Maria Oscislawski, Advertising (Ukrinform) out according to indices determined by a MERCHANDISE Manager, The Ukrainian Weekly, joint working group of representatives of (973) 292-9800, ext 3040. External debt grows by 7.6 percent the European Commission, the National Agency on Effective Use of Energy KYIV – Ukraine’s gross external debt Resources, the Economy Ministry, the totaled $105.429 billion (U.S.) in the third FOR SALE National Commission for Electric Energy quarter of 2008, which is 7.6 percent or Regulation and the Finance Ministry. On $7.425 billion up from the level of 2007. November 19 the Cabinet had approved a Cemetery Crypt For Sale According to the National Bank of Concept of State Target Economic Energy Venice Memorial Gardens, Venice, FL Ukraine, bank debts grew over the period Efficiency Program for 2010-2015. The Ukrainian Section, Top Level from $38.433 billion to $42.117 billion, Ukrainian economy is one of the world’s while debts in other economic branches most energy-intensive economies. Please call Irene rose from $10.681 billion to $44.339 bil- (Ukrinform) 713.789.0239 lion. (Ukrinform) Redeeming Stepan Bandera’s honor Akhmetov: seek experts’ advice KYIV – Academician Ihor Yukhnovskyi, DONETSK – Businessman and director of the National Memory Institute, National Deputy Rinat Akhmetov com- has tasked his colleagues to restore the mented at a news conference on December good name of Stepan Bandera, a leader of WANT IMPACT? 19 on the current situation in Ukraine and the Ukrainian national liberation move- Run your advertisement here, suggested possible mechanisms to over- ment. The attitude to this person is contra- in The Ukrainian Weekly’s come the economic downturn. He said the dictory, Dr. Yukhnovskyi noted on CLASSIFIEDS section. country today strongly needs fast and effi- December 19. To some people he is a sym- cient decisions. In order to assess the situ- bol of the strength of the Ukrainian spirit, ation in Ukraine, without any shame, while others say he is a bandit and terror- Ukraine should invite world’s best experts, he said, adding everyone will then see the (Continued on page 15) No. 52 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2008 15

A leader in reviving Ukrainian culture, Businessmen, politicians... Mr. Skrypka said he sponsors the (Continued from page 1) Christmas festival at St. Sophia in order During his visit, Santa Claus led a to help Ukrainians reconnect with their charity evening with political and busi- spiritual and cultural roots, which were ness leaders at Kyiv’s central puppet the- ruined by the Soviets. Under their rule, ater, visited schoolchildren and orphans, New Year’s Day replaced Christmas as and met with his Ukrainian counterpart, the most festive holiday of the year. Sviatyi Mykolai (St. Nicholas), during a “I only began to learn of Mykolai festive evening at Taras Shevchenko maybe seven years ago,” said Mr. Park. Skrypka, a Ukrainian who spent his child- Meanwhile, Ukrainian traditions hood in Tajikistan and Russia. “My par- received a boost from Kyiv City Council ents brought me (to Ukraine) only in the Deputy Ivan Plachkov, who financially summer, which is why I didn’t know sponsored the monthlong “Revival of about the Christmas holidays.” Traditions” Christmas holiday festival at As part of tradition on St. Nicholas the historic St. Sophia Cathedral National Feast Day, Donbas industrial king Rinat Museum in the heart of Kyiv. Akhmetov, accompanied by Russian com- The festivities began on St. Nicholas poser and close friend Igor Krutoy, visited Feast Day on December 19, in which a Donetsk orphanage to distribute pres- boys from the Rozumovskyi State Choir ents. Academy performed in the cathedral and Mr. Akhmetov has led the “Shakhtar then gathered around the mystical visitor for Kids” campaign for eight years, and to receive gifts. this year he and Mr. Krutoy offered finan- Other events include a December 25 cial donations to 142 children’s institu- “vertep” performance, traditional folk tions in the Donetsk Oblast. Zenon Zawada carols, or “koliady” on January 7, a As part of the campaign, more than Kyiv City Council Deputy Ivan Plachkov (right) financially sponsored the January 13 “Malanka” led by pop legend 17,000 less fortunate children received “Revival of Traditions” monthlong festival at the St. Sophia Cathedral National Oleh Skrypka, a St. Basil (Vasyl) Feast gifts for Christmas, ranging from choco- Museum. He is accompanied by the Rev. Archpriest Mykola Kryhin, dean of the Day children’s vertep competition and the lates to Shakhtar Donetsk football souve- Holy Assumption Spiritual Youth Center of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Feast of Theophany Feast on January 19. nirs. Kyiv Patriarchate.

tries’ sovereignty, stressed that there is 20th world conference of historical cities, returned to Kyiv. Olena Teliha started to NEWSBRIEFS every ground to believe Bandera’s political which is supposed to take place in the publish the anthology “Litavry” and (Continued from page 14) activity to be “a foundation stone in the city of Nara, Japan, in 2010. The League founded the Union of Ukrainian Writers. ist. That is why it is necessary to clear building of Ukraine’s state sovereignty.” of Historical Cities was established in She condemned communism and fascism, Bandera’s reputation from Soviet-era (Ukrinform) 1987. It now includes 76 member-cities, openly criticizing Stalin and Hitler. The among them Athens, Brussels, Budapest, Telihas were then imprisoned and shot at mythology, it was pointed out during a Lutsk designated as historical city roundtable meeting at the institute at which Jerusalem, Paris and Riga. Ukraine is rep- Babyn Yar in February 1942, along with scholars discussed the role and place of KYIV – Ancient Lutsk, the regional resented by Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa and Lutsk. representatives of the Ukrainian under- Bandera in the Ukrainian national libera- center of the Volyn region in western (Ukrinform) ground. (Ukrinform) tion movement of the 1920s-1950s. Dr. Ukraine, was accepted in the international Teliha plaque unveiled near Prague NOC Ukraine marks 18th anniversary Yukhnovskyi noted that Bandera was con- organization League of Historical Cities, sidered to be dangerous by three occupa- president of the League, Kyoto Mayor KYIV – A memorial plaque dedicated KYIV –The National Olympic tional regimes: the Polish authorities in Daisaku Kadokawa informed Lutsk to poetess and public figure Olena Teliha Committee (NOC) of Ukraine on 1936 sentenced him to death, the Nazi Mayor Bohdan Shyba, it was reported on of Ukraine (1906-1942) was unveiled in December 22 marked the 18th anniversary regime in 1941 placed him in a concentra- December 18. Membership in the League the Czech town of Podebrady, not far from of its establishment. In September 1993, tion camp for declaring Ukraine’s indepen- of Historical Cities is proof of world rec- Prague, it was reported on December 16. the International Olympic Committee dence in Lviv, and the Soviet regime orga- ognition of the uniqueness and signifi- The plaque is set on a sanatorium building finally approved this historical decision nized his murder abroad in 1959. Historian cance of Lutsk as one of the most ancient where Teliha lived with her parents in taken by the first general assembly of Volodymyr Viatrovych, who has studied Ukrainian cities. The first record of the 1922-1928. The poetess was born in the NOC founders. The National Olympic Bandera’s life, noted that “the logical city dates to 1085, Mr. Shyba noted. The Moscow region in 1906 in the family of Committee of Ukraine currently unites 40 move toward recognition of Stepan designation, he explained, will give Lutsk scientist Ivan Shobgenov. The family then federations of Olympic sports. The com- Bandera as a fighter for national indepen- an opportunity to establish closer ties moved to Ukraine. Beginning in 1922 mittee was headed by Olympic champion dence would be granting him the Hero of with most famous historical cities, and Teliha lived in Podebrady and graduated Valerii Borzov (1990-1998), Ivan Ukraine title.” He said that both in Ukraine preserve and develop its own historical from a secondary school there. In 1926 she Fedorenko (1998-2002), Viktor and abroad certain political circles would heritage, including over 30 architectural married Mikhail Teliha, a Kuban Cossack Yanukovych (2002-2005). Since June 23, protest such a move. Yet, in his opinion, monuments. Among them is the almost and a former soldier of the Ukrainian 2005, the committee has been headed by Bandera stands in line with such leaders of fully preserved famous castle of Liubart National Republic. In 1941, when the Olympic champion Serhii Bubka. the liberation movement as Roman of the 14th-16th centuries. In the Middle Germans occupied Kyiv, the Telihas (Ukrinform) Shukhevych, who was recently granted Ages Lutsk was called “Little Rome” due this honorary title, which also provoked to the number of Roman Catholic church- controversy among politicians. Historian es located there. In the 21st century Vasyl Derevynskyi, having drawn parallels Volyn’s regional center received the all- between Bandera, Poland’s Jozef Pilsudski, Ukrainian Best Improved City award sev- Israel’s Menachem Begin and Ireland’s eral times. According to Mr. Shyba, the Michael Collins, whose names are insepa- mayor of Kyoto has already invited a del- rably linked with the ideas of their coun- egation from Lutsk to participate in the 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2008 No. 52

Soccer ons included Heorhiy Chihayev (51 kg), Ia Senay (75 kg) and Oleksander Usik (81 • Ukraine’s National Soccer Team was kg). ranked 15th for its performance in 2008, • Viacheslav Uzelkov (20-0, 12 KO) FIFA announced on December17. The defended his light-heavyweight WBA Ukrainian team had its highest rating Inter-Continental title against Alejandro (11th place) from September 2006 to Lakatus (29-4-2, 22 KO) of Romania, November 2007. Last year Ukraine fin- who resides in Spain, by unanimous deci- ished in 30th place. sion on November 15. The judges scored • Dynamo Kyiv defeated Fenerbahce 118-112, 115-113 and 115-112. SK 1-0 on December 10 in Group G of the UEFA Champions League. Dynamo’s Olympics Roman Eremenko scored the lone goal in Uzhhorod applied for hosting the the 20th minute of play after a pass by International Children’s Games in 2012, Artem Milevskiy. Dynamo finished in said Oleh Podebriy, press secretary of the Group G in third place with eight points, City Council. Preliminary estimates spec- two wins, two draws and two losses, with ulated that $3 million would be needed four goals for and four against. Despite for preparations. The games are expected the win, Dynamo did not advance past the to attract competitors from 60 countries. group stage, as only the top two teams in each group advance to the next round. Sambo • Shakhtar Donetsk defeated Barcelona The Ukrainian Sambo team won nine 3-2 in Group C of the UEFA Champions medals at the World Sambo Championship League match on December 9. Scoring Klitschko.com in St. Petersburg, Russia, on November for Shakhtar were Oleksandr Gladkiy Wladimir Klitschko pounds Hasim Rahman during a bout in Mannheim, Germany. 18. Viktor Savinov won the gold medal in with two goals, in the 31st and the 58th the 74 kg division. Ukraine’s women’s minutes, and Fernandinho in the 76th epee fencing team of Denys Boreyko, Cycling team finished in third place. minute off of a cross from Razvan Rat. Yaroslv Ponomarenko, Anatoliya Herey Shakhtar improved to three wins and and Yevhen Makiyenko won the bronze Ukraine’s indoor track cycling team Tennis won six medals – two gold, one silver and three losses, 11 goals for and seven medal at the Junior Fencing • Olena and Kateryna Bondarenko three bronze – at the UCI Track Cycling against, and after six games played, with Championship in Amsterdam on were ranked 10th and 11th, respectively, World Cup Classic at the Hisense Arena nine points, finished in third place in November 10. Anastasia Moskovska won in the World Tennis Association doubles. in Melbourne, Australia, on November Group C. The top two teams from each the bronze in the women’s doubles event. Maria Korytseva ranked 41st,Tetiana group advance to the next stage. 22. Liubov Shulika won the sprint event, Chess Perebyinis 66th and Olha Savchuk 84th. • FC Metalist Kharkiv defeated SL Vitaly Shchedov won the bronze medal in In singes, Olena Bondarenko is ranked Benifica 1-0 on December 18 in their last • The Ukrainian women’s chess team the individual pursuit, Andriy Vynokurov 33rd by the WTA. Other Ukrainians in match of the group stage, with substitute won second place at the 38th Chess won silver in men’s keirin, a cycling the top 100 include Kateryna Bondarenko Olexandr Rykun scoring in the 84th min- Olympiad Dresden 2008 on November sprint, and Ukraine’s men’s team won (62nd), Korytseva (67th) and Perebyinis ute. Metalist finished Group B in the 26. The Ukrainian team defeated its bronze in the team sprint. (90th). UEFA Cup in first place with 10 points Polish challengers 2.5-1.5. The Olympiad Boxing • Ukrainian tennis player Oksana after four games played, with three wins, attracted 154 men’s and 116 women’s Liubtsova won her second International one draw and no losses, and three goals teams. • Vitali Klitschko (36-2, 35 KO) is Tennis Federation ladies doubles title at aggregate. • Yevhen Miroshnichenko won the scheduled to fight British undisputed an international tennis tournament in • Ukraine defeated Kazakhstan 3-0 on 77th Ukrainian Chess Championship in cruiserweight champion David Haye Germany on November 12. Liubtsova, December 9 at the UEFA U-21 Futsal Kyiv. The tournament, held according to (22-1 21 KO) in London, sometime in the paired with Ksenia Pervak of Russia, (indoor soccer) Tournament. Goals were the Swiss system, attracted 26 players, summer of 2009, as announced on defeated the German doubles team of scored by Vitaliy Gavrylenko in the sec- including 18 grandmasters and eight December 13. Klitschko is the WBC Julia Goerges and Aura Siegemund 6-2, ond minute, Dmytro Sorokin in the 20th international and national masters. super-heavyweight champion. Some pre- 4-6, (10-7). minute and Dmitriy Klochko in the 39th • Inna Haponenko won a tournament fight tension between the fighters came minute. Ukraine defeated the Netherlands of chess champions in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, when Haye posed with a picture of Volleyball 3-2 on December 8 with goals for Ukraine on December 13. Haponenko, who fin- Wladimir Klitschko’s head in his hand for The Ukrainian women’s team scored by Klochko in the 11th minute, and ished with 8.5/11, won a silver medal at Men’s Health magazine in England. Vitali Budivelnyk won first place at an interna- Sergiy Zhurba with two goals in the 25th the 2008 World Chess Olympiad with the made it clear that such behavior is seen as tional volleyball tournament in Lviv on and 36th minutes. Spain defeated Ukraine Ukrainian Chess Team. a provocation. December 9. Last year’s champions, from 2-1 on December 11 with Andrei • Wladimir Klitschko (52-3, 46 KO) Judo Poland’s Rzeszow University, won sec- Kolesnikov scoring the lone goal in the the IBF, IBO and WBO world super- ond place, and third place went to 14th minute for Ukraine. Ukraine suffered • The junior Ukrainian judo team fin- heavyweight champion, retained his IBF Prometey from Ivan Franko National a second loss 1-0 in its semi-final match ished in fifth place at the European Judo belt with a seventh-round technical University of Lviv. against Russia on December 12. Ukraine Championship for Young Seniors, held in knockout (TKO) of challenger Hasim finished the group stage in second place the city of Zagreb, Croatia, on November Rahman (45-6-2) in Mannhiem, Germany, Gymnastics with six points, two wins and one loss, 23. on December 13. Referee Tony Weeks Oleksandr Vorbiov won the all-around with seven goals for and four against. Viacheslav Denysov won the gold stopped the bout 44 seconds into the sev- at the 14th Artistic Gymnastics World • Oleh Mkrtchian, director general of medal in the 100 kg division, and enth as Klitschko landed a barrage of left Cup in Madrid on December 13. the Industrial Union of Donbas, on Vladislav Potapov (90 kg) won the bronze hooks. This TKO was Klitschko’s sixth Vorobiov, a 2008 Olympic bronze-medal December 17 bought 75 percent of the medal. defense of his IBF belt (the third one this winner, won the gold medal in men’s stock of the FC Kuban Joint Stock year). President Viktor Yushchenko con- Figure skating rings. Valeriy Honcharov won the bronze Company, located in Krasnodar, Russia, gratulated the champion boxer on his vic- medal in the men’s bar exercise. Ligabusinessinform.com reported. The • Ukraine’s pair skaters Tetiana tory. “Ukrainians are proud of you – an remaining 25 percent of the stock belongs Volosozhar and Stanislav Morozov won invincible fighter embodying the strength Basketball to the administrator of the Krasnodar the bronze medal at the Russia’s Cup, as and glory of the nation,” the president Oleksandra Horbunova, a forward on Territory of Russia. Mr. Mrktchian’s IUD part of the International Skating Union’s said in a letter of congratulations. Ukraine’s national basketball team, was partner Serhiy Taruta owns FC Metalurg Grand Prix series, on November 23. The • Oleksander Usik won the silver nominated by FIBA Europe for “Player of Donetsk. Ukrainians finished five of the six com- medal at the AIBA World Cup in Moscow the Year.” The report, by the FIBA press on December 13. An ear injury he sus- Fencing petitions of the series with 24 points and service on December 15, said that are set to participate in the world finals in tained in training did not allow the boxer Horubunova is one of 14 candidates for • The Ukrainian women’s fencing team Korea. to continue into the finals. the honor. Voting is by the FIBA Europe won four medals at the Junior Fencing • Alla Beknazarova and Volodymyr • The World Boxing Council confirmed website (www.fibaeurpe.com), and results World Cup in Leszno, Poland, on Zuyev won first place at the Golden Spin on November 6 that WBC super-heavy- will be announced in February 2009. December 1: one gold medal by Anastasia international figure skating competition weight champion Vitali Klitschko’s (36-2, Moskovska and three bronze medals by in Zagreb, Croatia, on November 16. The 35 KO) next mandatory fight will be Biathlon Kateryna Chentsova and Klod Yunes. against challenger Juan Carlos Gomez young pair finished in second place in Ukraine’s men’s biathlon team, • Yevgenia Sregina won a bronze (44-1, 35 KO) of Cuba, held in early 2009. compulsory and free dance events, but Viacheslav Derkach, Andriy Deryzemlia, medal and Yaroslav Ponomarenko won won in original dance with 179.17 points. Other details are still in negotiations. Oleh Berezhnyi and Serhiy Sedniev, won the silver medal in epee at the Junior Other Ukrainian couples included Nadia • Vasyl Lomachenko was declared the third place in the second stage relay-race World Cup in Laupheim, Germany. Florenkova/Mykhaylo Kaslo and Alin best boxer at the European Boxing at the World Cup Biathlon in Hochfilzen, • Ukraine’s junior men’s foil team of Saprykina/Pavlo Khimich, who finished Championship in Liverpool, England, on Austria, on December 15. Russia won Rostislav Gertsig, Igor Revutskiy, Klod in second and third places, respectively. November 18. Lomachenko (57 kg), a first and Austria won second place. Yunes and Vladimir Koltygo won the Kateryna Kostenko and Roman Talan 2008 Olympic gold medal winner, won gold medal, and Ukraine’s junior men’s won the bronze medal for Ukraine. the gold medal. Other Ukrainian champi- – compiled by Matthew Dubas No. 52 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2008 17 Ukrainian American Youth Associaton holds 25th national convention by Oksana Bartkiv evening to celebrate both the triennial national convention and the 50th anniver- DETROIT – The Ukrainian American sary of the Detroit UAYA’s Kyiv Estate Youth Association’s (UAYA) 25th national resort. Askold Lozynskyj, a past president convention was held at the Ukrainian of the UAYA in America, as well as former Cultural Center near Detroit, on November president of the Ukrainian World Congress, 14-16. The event was officially opened by gave the keynote address, telling of the past UAYA past president Bohdan Harhaj, rich history of the Kyiv Estate, as well as who greeted the convention’s 82 delegates reminding young UAYA members of the from cities around the United States. importance of preserving their language Delegates solemnly honored the victims and heritage. Founding members of Kyiv of the 1932-1932 Holodomor and remem- Estate were honored with awards for their bered those UAYA members who have many years of dedicated service. passed on in the past three years with a Sunday’s program began with liturgy at moment of silence. the St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church Presiding at the convention was Roman in Warren, Mich. The delegates then contin- Kozicky, who expertly guided the two-day ued the work of individual committees, pro- proceedings. Reports were heard from offi- posing resolutions for the plenary session of cers, who spoke in detail of the successes the convention to adopt. and challenges during the national execu- A number of members were honored for tive’s three-year term, and answered many 25 or 35 years of outstanding service, while questions posed by delegates. others were honored for their work in vari- A number of committee worked through- ous spheres of the youth organization’s out the day to formulate organizational, work. The national executive’s Ceremonial budgetary, membership, educational, and Banner, which is entrusted every three years other goals, as well as plans for the next to the most outstanding UAYA branch in three-year term. Among the committees America, was passed on to the Yonkers, was one dedicated to increasing active N.Y., branch for its multifaceted and exem- membership of the UAYA’s “Druzhynnyky,” plary work. Andrij Burchak, branch presi- those age 18 and up who commonly are dent accepted the banner with thanks to the geographically distanced from their families national executive. and their UAYA branch while studying at A new national executive was duly elect- university and starting out on new careers. ed by the convention. The newly elected The commission formulated a number of national president, Andriy Bihun of the ideas to give young members the opportu- UAYA branch in Goshen N.Y., was greeted nity to remain active within the organiza- with enthusiastic applause as he spoke to tion, and maintain contact with their fiends delegates of the importance of activism and colleagues through organized events among the organization’s membership, and through online networking resources on promising three years of dedicated and the Internet. enthusiastic work on the part of the national Representatives of the Yonkers, N.Y., branch receive the UAYA Ceremonial A grand banquet was held on Saturday executive. Banner in recognition of the branch’s exemplary work over the past three years.

Askold Lozynskyj delivers the keynote address. UAYA’s former President Bohdan Harhaj and newly elected President Andriy Bihun. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2008 No. 52 Ruslana wows audiences in Toronto and Montreal by Marika Sochan Ruslana has shown herself to be a very fine artist as well as a good organizer, who MONTREAL – Popular Ukrainian is politically savvy. Her achievements singer Ruslana impressed audiences in include many awards for best vocalist in Toronto (on November 13) and Montreal Ukraine and Europe, numerous recordings, (on November 14) with an energetic pro- concerts and various programs. gram of song and dance numbers from Despite her busy and demanding her new album “Wild Energy” as well as schedule, and a Ukraine-wide concert her past hits and Ukrainian folk songs. tour that began on November 18, Ruslana The audience was enthusiastic and signed autographs and spoke with fans joined in during the refrains of favorite and community members in Canada. songs. Before her departure she visited the At the Montreal concert, young people Montreal Ukrainian School, where the age 4 to their 20s came up to the front of children greeted her with a short program the theater with Ukrainian flags and of song and dance to her music. She took encouraged the group during the last por- the time to chat with all of the children, tion of the concert. They were rewarded encouraged them in their studies and with an even more enthusiastic perfor- interests, and joined them on stage to sing mance by the singer and her back-up Ukrainian folk songs. dancers, complete with light effects, DJ, For North American children, video clips and colorful costumes. Ruslana’s performance could be summa- Katie Malazdrewicz Ruslana received a standing ovation rized through the eyes of 11-year-old Ukrainian pop star Ruslana in concert. after the performance, with a good- Cassandra, who could hardly contain her natured greeting and thank-you from enthusiasm. When asked how she enjoyed Ukraine’s Ambassador Ihor Ostash of the concert and meeting in Montreal, she Ottawa, and many flowers. replied: “It’s the best EVER!” And then, The concerts were coordinated through becoming serious and with a tear in her the joint efforts of Meest Corp. of Toronto eye, added: “I want to be more Syzokryli Dance Ensemble performs and Yevshan Corp. of Montreal. Ukrainian.” at regional conference of educators by Patricia Burak Zanowiak, Ilene Gebuza, Marusia Drobenko and Larisa Pagan came in from NEW YORK – The Syzokryli Dance all around the New York City area to per- Ensemble of New York City brought form with and under the direction ofOr- Ukrainian folk dance to the regional con- lando Pagan, artistic director, who orga- ference of NAFSA: Association of nized this performance. International Educators at the Marriott at The audience of international educa- the Brooklyn Bridge in New York on tors from all over New York State and November 11. Featured as the entertain- New Jersey was thrilled. The excitement ment for the conference gala, the Syzokryli and strength of the dancers infected the performed five dances under the title, “The crowd of over 200 people as they were World Is Flat, and So We Dance!” welcomed with a specially choreographed Patricia Burak, director of the Slutzker “Pryvit.” Center for International Services at Ms. Burak provided some history and Syracuse University and a past chair of context to the educational value of folk Region X of NAFSA: Association of dance, citing from Thomas Friedman’s International Educators, served as master 2006 book, “The World is Flat: a Brief of ceremonies. History of the Twenty-First Century”: Marika Sochan Sponsored by the New York State “Cultures are not wired into our human Kids join Ruslana on stage in Montreal. Council on the Arts (NYSCA), the DNA. They are a product of the context – Syzrokryli have performed on some of geography, education level, leadership, the finest stages in New York, including and historical experience – of any soci- the Alice Tully Hall and Avery Fisher ety.” Hall at Lincoln Center, the Kennedy The Syzokryli reinforced this with the Performing Arts Center in Washington presentation of dances from different and the Kyiv Opera House in Ukraine. regions of Ukraine: “Transcarpathian Founded by the renowned Roma Dances,” “Arkan,” “Tropatianka” and, of Pryma Bohachevsky, the troupe has con- course, the “Hopak.” tinued to spread the beauty of Ukrainian The conference gala was underwritten dance and richness of Ukrainian culture by three insurance companies which are under the leadership of her daughter, engaged in international educational Anya Bohachevsky Lonkevych. exchange: Haylor, Freyer and Coon, Inc., Dancers Yurij Dobrianskyj, Jerry HTH Worldwide and MEDEX. Members Dzindzio, Andrij Kyfor, Zenon Borys, of the audience remarked throughout the Adia Hankevych, Katya Hoshowsky, rest of the conference that this gala per- Anna Chelak. Nicole Berezny. Ksenia formance was the highlight of the confer- Hentisz, Sophie Panych, Jennifer ence.

Lara Chelak The Syzokryli present Ukrainian dance to a group of American educators. No. 52 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2008 19 MUSIC REVIEW: Pianist Nadia Shpachenko and the Biava Quartet at UIA by Bohdan Markiw NEW YORK – The music series of the Ukrainian Institute of America presented pianist Nadia Shpachenko in her second appearance here. On November 22 she appeared with the celebrated Biava String Quartet. Members of the quartet are: Austin Hartman and Hyunsu Ko; violins; Mary Persin, viola; and Jason Calloway, cello. Like her previous concert four years ago, Ms. Shpachenko brought a similarly built program between two war horses of standard musical literature, including one modern piece by contemporary Ukrainian composer Alexander Shchetynstsky – “Epilogue” for piano quintet. The work received its world premiere that evening and comes from an earlier piece for clarinet, piano and string trio writ- ten in 1993. This version was modified recently (2008) for piano and string quartet. “Epilogue” is built on a variation of an ascending semitone germ exposed by viola alone. Later, the piano joins in by playing Volodymyr Tkachenko that interval simultaneously but in a dis- Pianist Nadia Shpachenko and the Biava Quartet take a bow at the Ukrainian Institute of America. tance nine steps apart and continues in using all possible variations of that germ produc- in A Major, Op. 81. This work was com- teristic changes from major to minor to write six piano quartets and an arrange- ing new themes that emerge from it in other pleted in 1887 and epitomized the quint- showed pianist Ms. Shpachenko showing ment for their issuance was tentatively instruments imitating pointillist style. essential features of Dvorak’s music: these dynamic distinctions where upper made with the publisher Hoffmeister, but Using different techniques of produc- melody and counter melody, vital rhythm strings supported her with flair. the quartet in G Minor was criticized as ing sounds and sometimes, rather, visual and colorful scoring with a variety of Character pieces were often used in the being too difficult and only one more (in effects as “foamy sounds” practically moods ranging from sorrow to gaiety. 19th century, so Dvorak called his second E-Flat Major) was written. It is worth inaudible, in the string instruments and In this work the string instruments movement “Dumka,” which might bear mentioning that Mozart’s favored tonality delicate finger plucking of the piano have a predominant role with special some folklore material. The third move- was G minor and works written in this strings. The entire piece is played in a attention given to the lower strings. The ment scherzo, titled “Furiant,” is full of tonality might have been conceived in an soft dynamic range and creates a peaceful first movement’s principal theme was sharp dancing rhythms, although it has no almost awe-inspired mood. atmosphere. These accomplished string beautifully exposed by Mr. Calloway, obvious connection with that dance. The The execution of this piano quartet was virtuosi played refined phrases with a who took the opportunity to show his finale produced vigor and gaiety that delivered in somber character but with remarkably sweet tone evoking an Indian exquisite tone, while Ms. Persin answered brought the program to its conclusion. sparkling transparency. The entire pro- summer. The composer was present and with her counter melody. Ms. Persin had The opening piece that evening was gram was played in proper style for each was repeatedly called to take his bow. lots to do in this work since Dvorak the Mozart Piano Quartet in G Minor K. composer, and all soloistic parts were After the intermission Ms. Shpachenko played viola, thus providing the violist 478 completed in 1785 in Vienna. It is executed with certain authority. The presented Dvorak’s Piano Quintet No. 2 with a more important role. The charac- said that Mozart’s original intention was ensemble playing was outstanding.

historical truth about the Ukrainian Halyna Levytska... Insurgent Army (UPA). (Continued from page 4) Ms. Levytska’s last article for Za Vilnu members of the former Lev Association.” Ukrayinu highlighted the first anniversary Ms. Levytska led the press service of of former Soviet political prisoner Nadia the Lviv Oblast organization of the Svitlychna’s death. Ukrainian Republican Party in 1990, “Amidst the Ukrainian government which was formed on the basis of the hierarchy, perhaps there aren’t any people like the Svitlychny family – Ivan, his Ukrainian Helsinki Group and nominated wife, Leonida, and Ivan’s sister Nadia,” Ukrainian political prisoner Lev Ms. Levytska wrote in November. “She Lukianenko as its candidate in the would have been 72 years old on December 1, 1991, presidential election. November 8, if not for the harsh trial of Her subsequent calls for national dem- fate.” ocratic forces to consolidate got her eject- Ms. Levytska’s dedicated struggle to ed from the party, and Ms. Levytska Ukrainian independence and its preserva- joined the Congress of National- tion earned her respect among top politi- Democratic Forces in 1992, which was cians, including Mr. Yushchenko, who led by Mykhailo Horyn. referred to the late journalist Ms. “We supported (Leonid) Kravchuk Levytska as a true Ukrainian and sent against (Leonid) Kuchma,” Mr. Levytskyi condolences. told The Weekly. “It represented those of “Halyna was and remains in our hearts us who didn’t want Rukh to become a a model of a journalist with a capital let- political party.” ter,” Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko She directed its press service until said. “She was not indifferent and a won- 1996, and became a Kyiv correspondent derful person who fought for our country for Za Vilnu Ukrayinu, which is pub- with all her spirit.” lished in Lviv by Bohdan Vovk. The funeral service for Ms. Levytska Ms. Levytska also wrote for Chas, a was held December 6 at the St. Basil the newspaper financed by Chornovil until Great Ukrainian Catholic Church at Lviv his death in 1999, when it shut down, and Square in Kyiv. Vlada i Polityka, which was eventually She was buried in the Sykhiv Cemetery taken over by the Party of Regions in in Lviv on December 8 after Lviv nation- 2001. al deputies told Mr. Levytskyi that In her more recent articles, she Lychakiv Cemetery wasn’t an option. “To addressed rising Russian chauvinism in be buried in Lychakiv, you need millions, the Donbas, the significance of literally,” Mr. Levytskyi said. “The Lviv Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I’s government didn’t take notice of Halia’s visit to Ukraine, and efforts to rectify the passing.”

To subscribe to The Ukrainian Weekly: call 973-292-9800 x 3042. 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2008 No. 52

say, Ivanivka or Petrivka. “And do you desire to increase our people-to-people con- The Holodomor... know how many Marianivkas there are in For the record... tacts and enhance our cultural, educational (Continued from page 3) Ukraine?” Ms. Rikun said. “And we (Continued from page 3) and professional exchange programs that Ukrainian Research Institute there. looked at the maps. But then we read, States and Ukraine plan to address common promote democracy and democratic values The first volume was published in ‘We walked eight kilometers to the dis- transnational criminal threats such as terror- and increase mutual understanding. 2001 and was recognized as the top bibli- trict center.’ Then we had to find which ism, organized crime, trafficking in persons 1. Recognizing the vital importance of ographical index that year by the district center.” and narcotics, money laundering and cyber increased contact between the people of the Ukrainian Library Association. What researchers won’t find is the vast crime. United States and Ukraine, both sides intend Given the limited Holodomor research volume of Soviet documents proving the 3. Recognizing the importance of com- to promote further cultural and social and financing in Ukraine at the time, Ms. Holodomor’s genocidal nature, which are bating corruption, the United States and exchanges and activities through initiatives Rikun estimated about 70 percent of its stored in state archives in various oblast cen- Ukraine intend to increase cooperation that such as the Fulbright program, Future 6,384 materials were published abroad. ters and, therefore, are indexed separately. will expand media and public monitoring of Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX), Once Ukrainians began writing more Spending 14 years reading about some anti-corruption efforts; enforce ethical stan- Undergraduate Exchange (UGRAD), about the Holodomor, a second volume of the most horrifying events in recorded dards by establishing internal investigation Legislative Education and Practice (LEAP), became inevitable, Ms. Rikun said. human history was psychologically taxing, units; and streamline the government regu- the International Visitor Leadership Program, The bibliographies offer indices based Ms. Rikun admitted. “Cannibalism wasn’t latory process. the English Language Teaching and Learning on subjects, authors, geography, periodi- even the worst,” she said. “The worst was 4. The United States and Ukraine plan to Program, and the Open World Program. cals and abbreviations. The subject index reading about the children – how they lost work together to promote reform in 2. Stressing the necessity of innovation consists of topics as diverse as commem- their brothers and sisters, how they were Ukraine’s legislative processes through and dynamism to the future of our two orative activities in the diaspora, who the naked and hungry, or how their mother left increased transparency, heightened account- countries, the United States and Ukraine Holodomor organizers were and the post- them at a train station or an orphanage. It’s ability through citizen and media access, intend to promote increased cooperation in age stamp controversy of the mid-2000s. a horror. If someone asks us whether there and expanded public information about the higher education and scientific research. The second volume, published in May, was a Holodomor, we immediately throw work of Ukraine’s Parliament. The United States will facilitate these contains references to materials distribut- ourselves at them.” 5. Recognizing the importance of harmo- exchanges consistent with U.S. laws and ed at academic conferences, an index of Among the rewards for the years of nizing Ukraine’s criminal justice system procedures so that qualified individuals in Holodomor websites, and even the emerg- research is the fact that Holodomor rec- with European and other international stan- cultural, educational and scientific activities ing publications questioning the ognition has come a long way in Ukraine. dards, we plan to work together more are given the opportunity to participate. Holodomor and its genocidal nature. The President Viktor Yushchenko personally intensely on issues of key importance, 3. Our two countries will continue to bibliography consists of works in at least awarded Ms. Burian the Merited Cultural including the adoption of a Criminal cooperate closely to promote remembrance 10 languages. Worker Award at a November ceremony Procedure Code compliant with Council of and increased public awareness of the Top Holodomor scholar Stanislav at the Presidential Secretariat. Europe standards. 1932-1933 Great Famine (Holodomor) in Kulchytskyi edited both works, which The example set by the Ukrainian 6. The United States plans to provide Ukraine. were reviewed and approved by the diaspora in financing the bibliography’s Ukraine with further technical assistance to 4. Ukraine welcomes the United States’ Institute of History of the National first volume inspired support for the sec- support Ukraine’s efforts through govern- intention to establish an American diplo- Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. ond volume in 2008, offered by the Odesa ment and judicial authorities to combat matic presence (American Presence Post) in Preparing such a comprehensive work Oblast State Administration (led by human trafficking, including strengthening Symferopol. wasn’t easy, Ms. Rikun insisted, quite Mykola Serdiuk), the Odesa City Council witness protection. Signed at Washington, D.C., on convincingly. (led by Mayor Eduard Hurvits) and 7. The United States supports increased December 19, 2008. Russian atlases had to be translated Oleksii Kozachenko, a national deputy assistance to strengthen democracy building into Ukrainian, while Ukrainian names from Odesa and founder of the Intellectual and good governance in order to build upon For the United States of America: written in English had to be transliterated Cooperation – Ukraine 21st Century Ukraine’s political progress and commit- Condoleezza Rice back into Ukrainian. Fund. ment to democratic development. Secretary of State Publications about a specific region or “There wouldn’t have been a second Section V: Increasing People-to-People For Ukraine: village are classified by oblast, which volume without them,” said Ms. Rikun, and Cultural Exchanges wasn’t simple to compile when writers hinting that they’re already considering a Volodymyr Ohryzko would refer to a vague village named, third volume. The United States and Ukraine share a Minister of Foreign Affairs No. 52 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2008 21 Parish in Elmira Heights, N.Y., celebrates its 50th anniversary by William J. Misnick Sr. L’Amoreaux gave a PowerPoint presenta- and Maria L’Amoreaux tion chronicling the beginnings of St. Nicholas Parish up to the present, paying ELMIRA HEIGHTS, N.Y. – St. tribute to the “living stones” upon whom Nicholas Church was the site of much the foundation of the parish was built. rejoicing on November 2, as the parish In recognition of the Rev. Godenciuc’s celebrated the 50th anniversary of the fifth year with St. Nicholas, and especial- dedication of its newly built church. ly in appreciation of his impeccable exe- St. Nicholas has been in existence cution of pastoral duties for the parish, since 1895 and is the oldest parish in the Bishop Chomnychy presented him with a Stamford Eparchy. Bishop Paul commendation of appreciation. Chomnycky presided over a pontifical Terezia Godenciuc was happily sur- divine liturgy, assisted by the Rev. Vasile prised with her own commendation, since Godenciuc and the Very Rev. Kiril the parish recognizes her hard work and Angelov of Rochester, N.Y. dedication as well. Bishop Chomnychy eloquently deliv- In honor of this occasion, the Catholic ered a homily congratulating parishioners War Veterans presented a check for on the past 50 years and inspiring them to $1,000, Kent’s Funeral Home donated continue God’s work in the next 50. commemorative laminated icons for all Trustees Tom Bocon and Nick Moffe parishioners, and a former trustee for 23 accepted a certificate of appreciation from years, Wasyl Dowzycky, made a donation the eparch on behalf of the parishioners. of $200. Following divine liturgy, all were invit- The program ended with the lovely ed for an exquisite brunch at Elmira Ukrainian dancing of the local Country Club, where the festivities con- Verkhovyna ensemble, choreographed by Catholic War Veterans and altar servers with Bishop Paul Chomnycky, the Very tinued. Master of ceremonies Maria Jennifer Karski. Rev. Kiril Angelov and the Rev. Vasile Godenciuc.

life’s work. He was a popular choice for people Ivaan Kotulsky... who wanted wedding rings or jewelry designed or Msgr. Chomko... (Continued from page 4) remodelled. His works were regularly sold in the (Continued from page 4) shop of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). For worked for Maclean Hunter Publishing as a pho- He was ordained on July 12, 1946, in Philadelphia. His pastoral tographer. Although he left the publishing firm in the Scythian Gold exhibit at the ROM in 2001, Mr. assignments took him to Hamtramck, Mich.; Syracuse, Auburn, 1969 for metal arts, he continued to enjoy photog- Kotulsky made the iconic Scythian stag brooch. Elmira Heights and Rochester, N.Y.; Cleveland; Philadelphia and raphy. He designed and executed The Advocates’ Berwick, Pa.; New Haven and Hartford, Conn.; and Boston. In 1997 Mr. Kotulsky won both a Gold and a Society Award of Justice, choosing the image of a During his 62 years of priesthood he served as consultor of the Silver National Magazine Award for photojournal- gryphon, an offspring of a lion and an eagle, with Eparchy of Stamford, Conn., dean of the Boston, Hartford and ism, for his photography essay, “No Fixed heraldic significance and ancient connection with North Anthracite district (Pennsylvania) deaneries and econome of Address,” which was published by Toronto Life the law. (Examples of Mr. Kotulsky’s metal arts the Stamford Eparchy. As well, he was president of the Providence magazine. He took part in Contact 2003, Toronto’s can be found on the site http://www.lordoftherings. Association of Ukrainian Catholics in America. annual photography festival with a series of photo- tc) Funeral services were offered at St. Vladimir Ukrainian Greek- graphs – “World Class City” – of people who make Mr. Kotulsky’s funeral was held on December Catholic Church in Scranton, with Archbishop-Metropolitan up Toronto’s street life. 13, in Toronto at the Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral Stefan Soroka as principal celebrant. Burial was at St. Vladimir From 1969 Mr Kotulsky made metal arts his of St. Volodymyr. Cemetery in West Scranton. 22 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2008 No. 52

to remove Mr. Stelmakh. On December 8 TWG announces 2008 intern Hard times... two OU-PSD national deputies formed a (Continued from page 2) parliamentary investigative commission to aging it and trying to find buyers for the examine how the NBU managed its for- at Embassy of Ukraine in D.C. bank since October 7. It was announced eign exchange reserve (Zerkalo Nedeli, December 13). Addressing the nation on WASHINGTON – Tetyana Podobinska in early November that the Klyuyev brothers, businessmen and national depu- TV a week ago, Prime Minister is the new 2008 intern sponsored by The Tymoshenko blamed the NBU leadership Washington Group’s Fellowship Fund. Her ties from the Donetsk-based Party of Regions, had agreed to buy a controlling for the situation on the currency market interest in international relations and foreign (Inter TV, December 10). Mr. Lytvyn also stake in Prominvestbank, but they appar- policy of Ukraine led to her application for is in favor of replacing Mr. Stelmakh ently failed to come up with the necessary an internship at the Embassy of Ukraine in (UNIAN, December 13). $120 million. Russian multibillionaire Washington. Mr. Stelmakh was vice-chairman when Alisher Usmanov, who had reportedly Ms. Podobinska was born in Rivne, Mr. Yushchenko chaired the NBU in the Ukraine, and graduated from Volyn National been interested in the bank, said he would 1990s, and the president is now his only University, Lutsk, majoring in international not buy into it (Interfax-Ukraine, supporter. Mr. Yushchenko met Mr. relations. She was selected to participate in December 10). Lytvyn after his election as Rada chair on an exchange program with the United States, The NBU reportedly offered stakes in December 9 and warned him against which allowed her to study at Utica College, Prominvestbank to the European Bank for being hasty in ousting Mr. Stelmakh, but Syracuse University, N.Y., majoring in inter- Reconstruction and Development and the even Mr. Yushchenko’s own trust in Mr. national studies. International Finance Corp. A majority Stelmakh is waning. On December 1 Mr. Ms. Pdobinska is now pursuing a mas- stake will most probably be nationalized Yushchenko’s spokeswoman Iryna ter’s degree at Leipzig (Germany) and (Ekonomicheskie Izvestia, December 12; Vannykova warned that “the president Vienna (Austria) universities, majoring in Delo, December 16). The Ukrainian presi- will have to make difficult personnel global studies. She is a recipient of the dential office has urged Prominvestbank’s decisions” if the NBU failed to stabilize Erasmus Mundus Program, sponsored by prompt nationalization, as the bank’s stabi- the hryvnia (Zerkalo Nedeli, December the European Parliament. lization is one of the IMF’s main condi- 13). According to the Constitution of Ms. Podobinska has been actively tions (Interfax-Ukraine, December 16). Ukraine, even if the president decides to involved in the work of Ukrainian NGOs, The new parliamentary coalition, estab- dismiss the NBU head, the final decision managing social, media and cultural proj- Tetyana Podobinska lished on December 16 by Prime Minister is up to Parliament. ects. Working with international missions to Yulia Tymoshenko’s bloc, the majority of the work of Ukrainian diplomatic missions Ukraine, she learned about the work of inter- President Viktor Yushchenko’s Our The article above is reprinted from from the inside,” said Ms. Podobinska. She national organizations and their contribution Ukraine – People’s Self-Defense Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission will work at the Embassy of Ukraine in to the democratic development of the coun- (OU-PSD), and the bloc of Verkhovna from its publisher, the Jamestown February 2009. try. Her latest experience at a consulting Rada Chair Volodymyr Lytvyn, threatens Foundation, www.jamestown.org. company provided opportunities to learn The Washington Group, an association of about government and public relations. Ukrainian American and other professionals “During my entire life, I’ve been dream- based in Washington, was founded in 1984; ing of working in the field of Ukrainian for- it provides for the social, professional and mine the new coalition. eign policy and now my dream begins to cultural development of its members and the Russian... This domestic instability continues to come true – I have a chance to learn about greater community. (Continued from page 2) give Russia opportunities to destabilize with the YTB or a grand coalition with the Ukraine. According to information given PRU. to the Jamestown Foundation, Russian ue to be feted in Russia and the West, the These deep divisions were evident in intelligence hacked into the Presidential “This is not...” Soviet Eichmanns may rest easy. September and again this month. Four Secretariat during the invasion of Georgia, creating a sense of paranoia among the (Continued from page 6) But we can make sure they don’t rest too months ago the OU-PSD voted by a bare easy. We can refuse to forget. We can refuse majority (39 of 72 deputies) to withdraw president’s staff. An analytical wing was If we want to understand just why today’s compromised and its staff, after being Ukrainians have such difficulty embarking to forget the millions who perished in the from the Orange coalition. This month it Holodomor. We can refuse to forget the mil- voted to join a larger Orange coalition with accused of “working for Russia,” was on reform and coming to grips with their released. lions who perished in Ukraine’s second the YTB and the centrist Volodymyr own past, we need look no further than the Russia has also returned to the old KGB genocide during World War II. Lytvyn Bloc by a similarly slim majority four decades of unremitting daily terror that “dezynformatsiya”(disinformation) tactics. Our refusal to forget not only serves as a of 37 deputies (the list is re-published in brought Ukraine to the brink of extinction. Stories were planted in the provincial reminder to the world that Ukraine will Zerkalo Nedeli/Dzerkalo Tyzhnia, It is of course too late to save the millions Ukrainian media that the coalition was never again fall victim to genocide and that December 13-19). of victims of the Ukrainian Famine- created “with the support of Moscow.” the perpetrators of genocide will one day be Mr. Lytvyn’s election as Verkhovna Genocide. And it may be next to impossible These stories were then reprinted by the to bring the perpetrators to justice. Indeed, brought to justice. Our refusal to forget also Rada chairman was made possible only by the 27-member Communist Party faction, main Kyiv media. as long as the likes of Vladimir Putin – a honors the victims. Most important, our The Russian threat is real, as can be man who prides himself on being an officer refusal to forget keeps the victims alive – in which supported the vote (www.pravda. com.ua, December 9-10). Only 40 of the seen from the hacking of the Presidential of the Soviet secret police, an organization our speeches and books, of course; in our Secretariat and support for Russian nation- that, like the SS and Gestapo, committed memories, of course; but, most of all, in our 72 OU-PSD deputies supported his elec- tion. The larger Orange coalition cannot alists and separatists; but the paranoia of enormous crimes against humanity – contin- hearts. remain stable if it has to rely on the votes President Yushchenko and his staff about of the Communists, who would never sup- “Russian conspiracies” is exaggerated. port many of the anti-crisis measures that Both the proposed coalition of national Ukraine is being forced to adopt as part of unity and the larger Orange coalition have the International Monetary Fund’s stand- been accused of being in the “pay of the by loan negotiated in October. Kremlin,” just as unfounded accusations Of the nine parties in the OU-PSD, five of “treason” were leveled against Ms. did not support the OU-PSD’s withdrawal Tymoshenko in August. in September, and this month six supported The Procurator’s Office declined to joining the larger Orange coalition. It is institute criminal charges after studying interesting how many of the deputies have the 300-page “testimony” prepared by the fallen out with Mr. Yushchenko. Only 30 of Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) on the the 72 OU-PSD deputies attended a meet- orders of the Presidential Secretariat. ing with the president on December 15. These accusations have been aimed at The president does not favor the larger influencing western Ukrainians, but opin- Orange coalition and holds out hope for a ion polls and focus groups have deter- technocratic government (www.president. mined that the public has not been duped gov.ua, December 15); but this is unrealis- by such crude propaganda, a senior YTB tic in a parliamentary democracy, as the official told the Jamestown Foundation. position of prime minister will always go Mr. Yushchenko had hoped to attract patri- to the leader of a political party. otic voters away from the YTB ahead of After much criticism from abroad and the upcoming presidential elections. within Ukraine, Mr. Yushchenko has The third (larger) Orange coalition suf- decided not to hold early elections. fers from the same problem as its two pre- Dealing with the global crisis is now the decessors: presidential antipathy and inter- priority. Early elections would have been nal disunity within the pro-presidential the only way to remove Ms. Tymoshenko, Our Ukraine. The third Orange coalition even though this was a dangerous tactic, also faces two additional new threats: the since the president’s planned Viktor global crisis and a bellicose Russia. Yushchenko Bloc only has about 3 to 4 percent support. Dealing with the econom- The article above is reprinted from ic crisis will be impossible if the Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission Verkhovna Rada remains unstable and the from its publisher, the Jamestown president continues to attempt to under- Foundation, www.jamestown.org. No. 52 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2008 23 OUT AND ABOUT

December 31 New Year’s Eve, Ukrainian Community Center, January 15 Lecture by Olena Nikolayenko, “Youth Movement in Jersey City, NJ 201-982-4967 Washington Post-Communist Societies – A Model of Nonviolent Resistance,” Ronald Reagan Building and December 31 New Year’s Eve, featuring music by Chetverta International Trade Center, 202-691-4000 Whippany, NJ Chvylya, Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey, 973-652-5389 or 973-585-7175 January 16 Malanka, featuring music by Fata Morgana, St. Scranton, PA Vladimir Parish Center, 570-563-2275 December 31 New Year’s Eve, featuring music by Tempo, Jenkintown, PA Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center, January 17 Malanka, St. Mary Ukrainian Orthodox Church hall, 215-663-1166 or 215-663-8572 Ottawa 613-596-5906

December 31 New Year’s Eve, Assumption Ukrainian Orthodox January 17 Slavic New Year Dance, with music by Vox Ethnika, Ottawa Auditorium, 613-521-7522 or 613-27-9760 Ansonia, CT John A. Sullivan’s, 203-235-0667

December 31 New Year’s Eve, featuring music by Vorony, January 17 Malanka, featuring music by Svitanok, St. Michael Syracuse, NY Syracuse Ukrainian National Home, 315-478-9272 Baltimore, MD Ukrainian Catholic Church, 410-248-0329 or 410-730-1245 January 5 Lecture by former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine Washington William Miller, “Priorities for U.S. Policy Toward January 17 Malanka, featuring music by Na Zdorov’ya, St. Ukraine in the Obama Administration,” Ronald Carteret, NJ Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church and St. Demetrius Reagan Building and International Trade Center, Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, St. Demetrius 202-691-4000 Banquet Center, 732-541-5452 or 732-541-6163

January 7 21st annual Christmas radio program on WJMO January 17 Malanka, with music by New Dimension, St. Luke Parma, OH 1300 AM, featuring divine liturgy, great complines Warners, NY Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 315-468-1981 and matins services, St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, www.stvladimirs.org January 17 Malanka, featuring music by Hrim, Ukrainian or 440-885-1509 Jenkintown, PA American Youth Association, Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center, 215-745-9838 or January 9 Piano recital by Alexander Seredenko, Le Salon, 215-722-7212 Ottawa National Arts Center, 613-947-7000 or 866-850-ARTS January 17 Malanka, featuring music by Victor Nazarchuk and San Francisco performance by Anitchka, St. Michael Ukrainian January 10 Malanka, featuring music by Na Zdorov’ya, Orthodox Church Hall, 680-968-6428 or Hartford, CT Ukrainian National Home of Hartford, 707-935-9142 860-296-6955 Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events January 11 Christmas Concert, featuring Levada and Orion advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions Toronto choirs and the Vanguard Concert Band of the from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors Ukrainian Youth Ensembles, St. Mary Ukrainian and as space allows; photos will be considered. Please note: items will be printed Catholic Church, 416-239-1685 a maximum of two times each. Please send e-mail to [email protected]. 24 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2008 No. 52 PREVIEW OF EVENTS Saturday, January 10 sirloin beef or chicken Francaise dinner, open bar, midnight hors d’ouvres and a Soyuzivka’s Datebook HARTFORD, Conn.: Hartford Malanka champagne toast. The center is located just 2009 (Ukrainian New Year’s Eve Dance) will be held starting at 9 p.m. at the blocks from Exit 12 of the New Jersey December 31 – New Year’s Eve January 10 – Ukrainian Engineers’ Ukrainian National Home of Hartford, Turnpike; there is a Holiday Inn right off the exit. Doors open at 6 p.m.; dinner will with Fata Morgana 12/31/08 Malanka with Svitanok 1/10/09 961 Wethersfield Ave. Musical entertain- ment will be provided by Na Zdorovya be served at 7 p.m.; music starts at 8 p.m. For table and ticket reservations call Peter January 6 – Ukrainian Christmas from New York. Donation: adults, $25; students (to age 22), $15. For tickets and Prociuk, 732-41-5452. Tickets will not be Eve Supper sold at the door; outside liquor is prohibit- table reservations contact the Cooperative SUMA Ukrainian Gift Shop, ed. Deadline to purchase tickets is January 860-296-6955. The Malanka is sponsored 11. by the Hartford branches of the Organization for the Defense of Four JENKINTOWN, Pa.: The Ukrainian Freedoms for Ukraine, the Women’s American Youth Association invites all to Association for the Defense of Four attend a fun-filled Malanka, a traditional Freedoms for Ukraine and the Ukrainian Ukrainian New Year welcoming dance American Youth Association. featuring the popular zabava band Hrim from New England at the Ukrainian Saturday, January 17 Educational and Cultural Center, 700 CARTERET, N.J.: St. Demetrius Cedar Road. Starting time is 9 p.m. Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral and St. Admission is $35 for adults in advance; To book a room or event call: (845) 626-5641, ext. 140 Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church are co- $40 at the door; $25 for students and 216 Foordmore Road P.O. Box 529 sponsoring a Malanka (Ukrainian New seniors. Admission includes delicious hot catered buffet. Champagne will be provid- Kerhonkson, NY 12446 Year gathering) at the St. Demetrius Community Center, 681 Roosevelt Ave. ed at midnight. For information and E-mail: [email protected] Music will be by Na Zdorovya. Tickets are advance tickets call Ivan, 215-745-9838, Website: www.Soyuzivka.com $55, which includes admission, choice of or Olya, 215-722-7212.

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