INSIDE: • Ukrainian community life in Russia — page 3. • Veterans’ Day/Remembrance Day features, reports on Ukrainian-American • Military Association, Ukrainian American Veterans — pages 8-11. HE KRAINI A N EEKLY T PublishedU by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profitW association Vol. LXV No. 46 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1997 $1.25/$2 in Ukraine

UNA General Assembly holds October Revolution Day marked by clashes by Roman Woronowycz With more than 80,000 people taking pre-convention annual meeting Kyiv Press Bureau part in various demonstrations and com- memorations throughout Ukraine, some to by Roma Hadzewycz gates (who must ratify any changes by a KYIV — Nationalists and Communists commemorate the Bolshevik October two-thirds majority); clashed in Lviv on November 7 during KERHONKSON, N.Y. — The Revolution and others the slaughter of thou- • adopted a budget for 1998 of demonstrations and rallies on the 80th sands of Ukrainians during the 1930s in Ukrainian National Association’s General $10,774,000 in income and $11,024,000 anniversary of the October Revolution. Assembly met here at the UNA estate, what is called the Fusilladed Renaissance in expenses; Five people were injured and five others Soyuzivka, on November 6-8 for its annual (Rozstriliane Vidrodzhennia), the violence • confirmed the Executive Committee’s have been arrested. meeting — its last before the regular con- in Lviv was relatively minor. However, it acceptance of a request made by Treasurer The violence began when some 300 vention of the largest Ukrainian fraternal caused an outcry from Communists in the Alexander Blahitka for a leave of absence Communists and Socialists veered away Verkhovna Rada, who refused to register benefit society, which is scheduled to take for medical reasons, effective immediately place in May of next year in Toronto. from a protest route approved by city for the November 11 Parliament session through June 30, 1998. authorities, which was to take them to the and demanded an inquiry into the events by During its three days of deliberations, The General Assembly also adopted a the UNA General Assembly, the highest Monument of Glory, and instead made their Ukraine’s Procurator General’s Office and mission statement of the Ukrainian way to the Ivan Franko monument, accord- dismissal of the mayor of Lviv. decision-making body of the UNA National Association that underlines the between its quadrennial conventions, ing to Interfax-Ukraine. They were attacked National Deputy Petro Symonenko, principles enumerated in the UNA’s there by scores of youths, members of the leader of the Communist Party, told the leg- took the following actions: charter and renews the fraternal commit- • examined and approved merger Social-National Party who had gathered islature, “An anti-Communist campaign is ments made therein. The mission state- there for their own commemoration – this unfolding, it is part of the election strug- agreements with the Ukrainian National ment is designed to serve as both a short- one to Ukrainian cultural figures shot dur- gle.” He blamed the Kuchma government Aid Association and the Ukrainian ened version and an updated restatement ing the Stalin purges of the 1930s. The five for the Lviv violence and said that “the Fraternal Association, which will be pre- of the organizational purposes delineated injured people, who received cuts and government has officially embarked on a sented for final approval to the UNA in the UNA charter. convention; bruises, were leftist demonstrators, includ- path of dictatorship, and aids the Social- Present at the annual session were: Nationalists in committing their outrages.” • discussed and approved several pro- President Ulana Diachuk, Vice-President ing the leader of the Lviv city Communist posed amendments to the UNA By-Laws Party, Oleksander Holub. The arrested He demanded that a special parliamentary that will be presented to convention dele- (Continued on page 4) belonged to the Social-National Party. commission be appointed to investigate the incident and others he alleges have occurred in western Ukrainian cities in the last months. UNA blesses new headquarters in Parsippany Acting Procurator General Oleh Lytvak has agreed to investigate only the specific by Roma Hadzewycz incident in Lviv. He explained that the Verkhovna Rada has more than once PARSIPPANY, N.J. —More than 160 per- attempted to draw his office into what he sons helped the Ukrainian National Association celebrate the blessing of its new (Continued on page 16) headquarters building in this Morris County town on Sunday, November 9. The rite was conducted by clergy of the Ukrainian Catholic and Ukrainian Orthodox Verkhovna Rada Churches: the Rev. Marian Struc, pastor of Ss. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in approves members Jersey City, N.J. (home to the UNA’s former headquarters); the Rev. Oleh Hucul, pastor of Holy Ascension Ukrainian Orthodox Church in of Election Commission Maplewood, N.J.; and the Rev. Myron Stasiw, a by Roman Woronowycz UNA advisor who is pastor of Holy Protectress Ukrainian Catholic Church in Toronto. Kyiv Press Bureau The blessing took place in the two-story build- KYIV — Another threat to ing’s spacious atrium, with the guests gathered Verkhovna Rada elections proceeding in the atrium and on a balcony overlooking the normally was overcome on November 12 ground floor. when the Verkhovna Rada finally After blessing the atrium, the priests head- approved a sufficient number of mem- ed upstairs, where they blessed the offices of bers to the Central Election Commission the Ukrainian National Association, Svoboda to allow it to begin its work. and The Ukrainian Weekly. Last week the Ukrainian Parliament Among the guests were representatives of twice rejected all but six of President many Ukrainian community organizations, as Leonid Kuchma’s nominees, even after well as district and branch officers from the meetings had been held between the presi- tri-state New York, New Jersey and dent’s representatives and Verkhovna Rada Connecticut region, including the chairpersons faction leaders in the hope that the mem- of the New York, Northern New Jersey and bers would be elected quickly. On New Haven district committees, respectively, November 12 five additional candidates Barbara Bachynsky, Eugene Oscislawski and were approved, for a total of 11 members, Ihor Hayda. Also present were the two hon- which still leaves the CEC four short of a orary chairmen of the Northern New Jersey full complement of 15 members. District Committee, Walter Bilyk and John Without an election commission, the law Chomko, and the vice-chairman of the New on elections passed in September could not York District, Yuri Kostiw. have been fully implemented. Only the The organizations represented included the Roma Hadzewycz commission has the right to realign the 450 current electoral districts into the 225 (Continued on page 7) Ukrainian Catholic and Orthodox clergy bless the new UNA headquarters. (Continued on page 18) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1997 No. 46 Peace Channel exercises held on Black Sea

U.S. ambassador to Ukraine confirmed October 28 150 parishes of the UAOC under the Lviv metropolia also agreed to WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate join the UOC-KP for the same reason. late on November 6 confirmed more ( R e s p u b l i k a ) than two dozen new U.S. ambassadors to international organizations and foreign Ukraine admits executions countries. Among them was Steven Pifer, who was named ambassador to KYIV — The Ukrainian Ministry of Ukraine. (Congressional News Service) Internal Affairs acknowledged to the Council of Europe on November 7 that 1814, 1917 - it’s all the same Kyiv has executed 13 convicted criminals this year, despite public assurances from SYMFEROPOL — Confused school- senior Ukrainian officials that all such children in Crimea think that Napoleon or actions have been halted. But the Internal Adolf Hitler led the 1917 Russian Affairs Ministry is reported to have now Revolution. The children showed a lack of issued orders suspending all executions. knowledge about Lenin that in some peri- Only China exceeds Ukraine in number of ods of Soviet history would have been sui- executions this year. (RFE/RL Newsline, cidal. About 150 pupils took part in the poll, Eastern Economist) local journalists reported on November 10. Less than 50 percent knew that the Russian New center to attract foreign investment Revolution led by Lenin took place 80 years ago, and one in 10 did not know who KYIV — Head of the South Korean started it. Twenty percent of final-year stu- Daewoo group Kim Woo-Choong and dents said “kommuniaky” — a derogatory Kyiv City Administrator Oleksander word for Communists rather like “com- Omelchenko marked the beginning of con- mies” — organized it. A few fifth-grade struction of the International Business students said Napoleon, Hitler or Joseph Center (IBC) in Kyiv’s central Stalin was behind the revolt. Some guessed Bessarabskyi district in a stone-laying cere- its date as 1814. Less than 50 percent of the mony on November 6. The Kyiv City younger group, age 10-11, approved of Administration owns 49 percent of the Lenin. Of the older group of 16- and 17- complex, Daewoo owns 51 percent. year-olds, one-fifth wrote that the revolu- Daewoo will invest approximately $280 tion did no good and only 7 percent judged million in construction of the IBC. This is Lenin a “great historical figure.” The find- the biggest foreign investment to date for ings highlighted a generation gap in the for- Kyiv. The IBC will cover 16,500 square mer Soviet Union: older people were out in meters and will include 5,000 square meters force last week to mark the revolution’s of office space, 10,000 square meters for a 80th anniversary. (Reuters) stock exchange, 20,000 square meters for apartments, as well as 15,000 square meters Compromise urged for democrats for a shopping complex. There will also be a 5-star hotel and underground parking. KYIV — At a press conference on Construction will last for 40 months and November 12, Pavlo Movchan, head of the will also include restoration and reconstruc- organization “Prosvita,” announced along Efrem Lukatsky tion of the architectural memorials on the Officers salute sailors who perished in World War II during a service with Ivan Drach, head of the Congress of territory of the new business center. conducted as part of the Russian-Ukrainian joint naval exercises called Peace Ukrainian Intellectuals, that a coordinating (Eastern Economist) Channel held on October 31-November 2 on the Black Sea. meeting would be held on November 25, sponsored by the two organizations, for rep- Interpol hindered by the lack of treaties resentatives of national-democratic parties to gather, discuss compromises and select KYIV — According to the National one candidate per voting district they all Interpol Bureau, the majority of criminals F O R T H E R E C O R D : E m b a s s y ’s would support. According to both Mr. presently hiding abroad are suspected of Movchan and Mr. Drach, early indications large-scale theft, tax evasion, fraud and rob- statement responding to Lazarenko from proposed candidate lists for next bery. Most are hiding in the U.S., Germany, spring’s elections show that national-demo- Israel and CIS countries. The biggest prob- lem concerning the return of these criminals Following is the full text of a state - We resolutely reject any attempts to cratic parties risk competing with each to Ukraine’s law enforcement agencies is ment issued on November 12 by the place the Ukrainian Embassy in juxtapo- other, thereby splitting the vote and throw- the absence of inter-governmental agree- Press Service of the Embassy of Ukraine sition to the Ukrainian community in the ing favor to the one Communist Party can- ments, including extradition treaties, to the United States. U.S. The Embassy and Ukrainian didate running in the district. (Respublika) between Ukraine and other countries. The American public associations differ in Steps taken to unify Orthodox Church problem is aggravated by the fact that sus- Several Russian-language newspapers their tasks, functions and possibilities. pected criminals from other countries also in Ukraine have disseminated informa- The Embassy serves to expand a mutual- KYIV — Ukrainian Autocephalous use Ukraine as a haven. Three resolutions tion about the visit to the United States of ly advantageous relationship between Orthodox Church Metropolitan Petro Petrus on fighting money laundering were the former prime minister of Ukraine, Ukraine and the U.S. in various fields, of Lviv announced on October 29 that he is approved by the 66th Interpol General Pavlo Lazarenko. Quoting Michael including political, military, commercial, joining the Ukrainian Orthdox Church— Assembly that took place in late October. Sawkiw Jr., director of the Ukrainian scientific and technological cooperation. Kyiv Patriarchate, citing a desire to see one National Information Service in It works to provide a legal basis for such unified Orthdox Church in Ukraine. On (Continued on page 18) Washington, these publications alleged cooperation and offers necessary assis- that the Ukrainian Embassy in the United tance to Ukrainian citizens in the U.S. States attempted to impede Pavlo The mere fact that Ukrainian-U.S. rela- Lazarenko’s meetings with U.S. officials tions were upgraded to the level of a H E K R A I N I A N E E K LY FOUNDED 1933 and the Ukrainian community, and pre- strategic partnership speaks for itself. T U W sented a distorted picture of the In this diverse and multifaceted round- An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., Embassy’s activities, claiming that for the-clock work, the Embassy has enjoyed a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. the last two to three years, “98 Embassy support from Ukrainian Americans who Yearly subscription rate: $60; for UNA members — $40. employees and the Consulate General in have always cooperated with the Second-class postage paid at Jersey City, NJ 07302. New York have practically not worked Embassy’s undersized staff. Every (ISSN — 0273-9348) even with the Ukrainian diaspora.” impartial observer familiar with the situa- Although Mr. Sawkiw categorically tion can confirm the enormous number of Also published by the UNA: Svoboda, a Ukrainian-language daily newspaper rebuffed these allegations during his events organized by the Embassy for the (annual subscription fee: $100; $75 for UNA members). meeting with Ambassador Yuri Ukrainian community and with the The Weekly and Svoboda: UNA: Shcherbak, the Embassy would like to Ukrainian community. Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 further clarify this issue. The very idea that 20 diplomats, includ- The Embassy made no attempts what- ing the office of military attaché, trade mis- Postmaster, send address Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz soever to prevent Mr. Lazarenko’s sion and consular department, should changes to: Assistant editor: Khristina Lew planned meetings. Moreover, it is the “work” with nearly a million Ukrainian The Ukrainian Weekly Staff editors: Roman Woronowycz (Kyiv) Embassy’s policy to assist all Ukrainian Americans is not very sound. The Embassy 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280 and Andrij Kudla Wynnyckyj (To r o n t o ) politicians, regardless of their political ori- values its relationship with Ukrainian Parsippany, NJ 07054 entation, when they come to Washington. Americans, and is always open to coopera- The Ukrainian Weekly, November 16, 1997, No. 46, Vol. LXV The Embassy represents Ukraine, not any tion for the sake of an independent, secure, Copyright © 1997 The Ukrainian Weekly political forces within it. democratic and prosperous Ukraine. No. 46 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1997 3 INTERVIEW: Rudenko-Desniak on Association of Ukrainians in by Roman Woronowycz Kyiv Press Bureau Oleksander Rudenko-Desniak is a prin - cipal founder and the president of the Association of Ukrainians in Russi. (AUR). The 61-year-old journalist was born in Chernihiv and moved to Russia in 1954. For almost 40 years he worked in Moscow as a literary critic, most recently for the magazine Druzhba Narodiv, where he was national literature editor. He has published a book, “Domivka v Dolyni vid Domivky,” about the waves of Ukrainian emigration to the West. The interview with Mr. Rudenko- Desniak took place during the Second Congress of Ukrainians in Russia, held in Moscow on October 23-24. In the first part of this interview Mr. Rudenko-Desniak dis - cussed national cultural autonomy, a status that the AUR is currently working to achieve with the Russian government. This second part deals with relations between the AUR and the western diaspora, as well as with Ukraine and the recent World Forum of Ukrainians. C O N C L U S I O N What type of relationship do you have Delegates to the Second Congress of Ukrainians in Russia during a meeting of the committee on cultural expansion. with the government of Ukraine? You a small newspaper, but at least a trickle had much in terms of the economy, and in poli- Congress, Dmytro Cipiwnyk? said earlier today that it hasn’t been very begun. tics it goes without saying. h e l p f u l . There was no reaction. They did not We meet at forums, we get along fabu- So, then let’s turn to the West. What lously. In that sense there are contacts. I established a newspaper here in understand the point: why was it needed? are your relations with the diaspora in But the crux of the matter is that they Moscow and traveled to Kyiv in search of The English, who live on a small island, Canada and the United States? have no desire to travel here. For them funding. I got no response. I started a televi- built one of the great empires only because Moscow is a symbol of the worst that hap- sion program in Moscow and received no they went into the world to conquer it. I have visited Canada and the States pened in their lives. I’m not judging them. I h e l p . Today America is conquering the informa- twice. The relationship between them and understand them. This is an objective problem, one that is tion age. There is no argument here. Today us is a peculiar one. I first visited five years I met a Ukrainian from Argentina in not as simple as it may seem. From my they are winning in Russia, in the post- ago and returned two years back. I had great Kyiv and invited him to Moscow. He said, point of view, we have no experience living Soviet space: American cinema, American meetings at Harvard University, in “No way, Moscow is a hyena on fire.” I told in a civil society. Our experience is life in a music, American advertising, etc. They are Washington, Chicago. I met my colleagues him, “Oh yeah, well we live there.” Soviet society. In 1990 we were still Soviet winning the war in the information age, and from the Ukrainian World Congress. We It is difficult to overcome that, it is their man. Miracles don’t happen. there is no need to send armies. had very interesting exchanges. But today view of the world. The diaspora in Canada, or the United They have institutes that work to develop we have no contact. None. I have invited Cipiwnyk here and States, was built through the course of 100 the American image across the world. I look for a reason, but I can’t find one. I [Yaroslav] Sokolyk and others. We do have years. We have been building for five. So Americans realize you have to support this don’t blame anybody. I believe that part of we don’t have that experience. contact on an individual basis. But there is information invasion. the reason is that these are older people with The Ukrainian state has no experience in no ongoing organizational contact, and As for young Ukraine, it needs to con- a well-developed world sense. normal relations with the diaspora. This is that’s too bad. quer its place under the sun, its information I say this directly because I am not a the terrible penalty for the historic lack of a space, at whatever price. If it wins the battle You mean you have no contact with state. There is no awareness that the diaspo- in the world of information it will gain the leader of the Ukrainian World (Continued on page 16) ra exists in the world as an extension of yourself, such as it is with the Germans or the Jews. That’s one thing. There is another price Ukrainian community in Russia: steadily blossoming for the lack of a country for so many years. I myself am from a village, as were my by Roman Woronowycz character. One group will deal with religious matters, others with forefathers. We still maintain a peasant Kyiv Press Bureau social services, and so on,” explained Mr. Rudenko-Desniak. m e n t a l i t y . Five million Ukrainians are scattered throughout Russia. Ukraine does not understand what it MOSCOW — The cultural and community life of Ukrainians They live in the major cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg as takes to live in the information age. If you in Russia, if not yet in full bloom, is steadily blossoming. You well as in outlying regions, most notably in the oil and gas want the world to know about you, you go can be sure of that. There are educational centers, music salons, regions of Tiumen. There are communities in Zelenyi Klyn, at into the world and announce your exis- libraries, Sunday schools for kids, and a steadily developing net- the eastern edge of Russia, where many Ukrainians settled in the tence. But I, as the Ukrainian, wait for the work of local organizations spread across the vast reaches of the last century; in Perm, where the notorious concentration camps world to come to me, bow before me and Russian Federation that are united under the Association of for political prisoners were located; and in the Kuban region, a tell me just how smart I am. Ukrainians in Russia. land that historically was Ukrainian. They are organized at a Not knowing how to live in the informa- Since the demise of Soviet Union in 1991, civil society in level far higher than one would expect merely seven years after tion age has caused Ukraine many prob- Russia has slowly taken shape, but according to the president of something approaching democracy was established in Russia. lems. I had a very simple idea. In Russia the association, Oleksander Rudenko-Desniak, it has some way Following is a look at three communities. the Ukrainian intellectual potential is vast. to go before it reaches the state of community development that Pardon me for saying this, but “metropo- exists in the United States or Canada. Ukrainian life in Moscow lias” tend to gather the best. In the last 300 “The diaspora in Canada or the United States was built Russian government statistics state that 265,000 people who years a vast Ukrainian intellectual potential through the course of 100 years. We have been building for five identify themselves as Ukrainian live in Moscow, although many has amassed here. It must be harnessed – in [years]. So we don’t have that experience,” explained Mr. people here say that it is really closer to 1.5 million. Ukrainians the sphere of culture, of information. R u d e n k o - D e s n i a k . here have developed a community infrastructure centered around At the first and second World Forum of “About five or six years ago there was a fascination with the Ukrainian National Educational Center, whose building is Ukrainians and at the congress I said that national self-identification. Traditional dance and song became currently under construction on the Arbat, the center of the old our diaspora needs to become a channel for popular, as did a sense of nostalgia. This wave then somehow market district of Moscow located in the shadow of the Kremlin. information about Ukraine into the Russian died. Today, new processes have begun, new organizations are Just as the development of Ukrainian institutions will take time, media world: objective information about emerging. But today they are being created with a certain sense so will the construction of the center of Ukrainian life in history, culture, current affairs, to destroy of professionalism.” Moscow. Leaders of the Ukrainian community here expect to the myths about Ukraine that remain in the Mr. Rudenko-Desniak said that in Moscow a Ukrainian wait another couple of years before the building is finished. The mind of the average Russian. This avenue Institute, comparable to the Ukrainian Research Institute at reason? “As usual, the issue is a lack of money,” explained the must be utilized through publications, Harvard University, has been established at the Moscow president of the Association of Ukrainians in Moscow, Valerii through television stations and computer Pedagogical Institute, while in Perm, a city located in Siberia, an S y m o n e n k o . c h a n n e l s . educational organization was recently started. Mr. Symonenko said his organization has been legally regis- So I thought that when I began publish- He explained that, given time, professional organizations of tered in Moscow since October 1992 and currently represents 15 ing this Ukrainian newspaper, probably the lawyers, doctors and teachers are sure to arise. “Ukrainians will organizations. It does not have its own offices but works out of first Ukrainian newspaper in the history of continue to gather, let’s say during Christmas or whenever, but Moscow, and traveled to Kyiv, it would the everyday work of the community will take on a specialized (Continued on page 19) cause some excitement there. Okay, it was 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1997 No. 46

Acting Treasurer Stefan Kaczaraj (left) and President Ulana Diachuk answer questions regarding the financial report. On the right is Director for Canada Assembly members listen to executive officers’ reports. Peter Savaryn. language daily newspaper Svoboda and Association, conducted by Vice- grant Mr. Blahitka’s request and to con- U N A General Assembly. . . The Ukrainian Weekly, respectively, Presidentess Dydyk-Petrenko. In a brief tinue paying his full salary throughout (Continued from page 1) Zenon Snylyk and Ms. Hadzewycz. address, Ms. Dydyk-Petrenko prompted the period of his leave. The members of Nestor Olesnycky, Director for Canada (Honorary member Genevieve Zerebniak General Assembly members to consider the assembly were asked to vote on Peter Savaryn, Vice-Presidentess Anya resigned from the General Assembly due to the fact that “we are standing on the approving the executives’ decision, Dydyk-Petrenko, Secretary Martha poor health.) threshold of a new century” and called which they did with two abstentions. Lysko, Treasurer Alexander Blahitka, The annual session, held Thursday on them to look to the future. She also The president then announced that, act- Auditors Stefan Hawrysz, William through Saturday, November 6-8, was reminded Assembly members that the ing in accordance with the UNA By-Laws, Pastuszek, Stefania Hewryk, Anatole shortened by one day, as all General next UNA convention is almost upon us the Executive Committee had appointed Doroshenko and Iwan Wynnyk, and Assembly members attended the official and asked them to ask themselves: “Did an acting treasurer. He is Stefan Kaczaraj, Advisors Roma Hadzewycz, Tekla blessing of the UNA’s new headquarters we accomplish everything we pledged to C.P.A., who has been the UNA’s chief Moroz, Stefko Kuropas, Walter building in Parsippany, N.J., on Sunday, do? Did we devote enough attention, accountant for the past four years, and Korchynsky, Eugene Iwanciw, Stefanie November 9. As a result, the Assembly time and expertise to significant mat- prior to that had served as an outside audi- Hawryluk, Taras Szmagala Jr., Alexander scheduled evening sessions in order to ters?” tor for the UNA. Mr. Kaczaraj will serve Serafyn, Andrew Keybida, Anne Remick, complete its agenda, which included The vice-presidentess noted that the out the remainder of the treasurer’s term. Roman Kuropas and the Rev. Myron reports of executive officers, advisors UNA today is facing “moments of cri- (The officers elected at the 1998 conven- Stasiw. Advisor Alex Chudolij was and auditors, as well as editors-in-chief sis,” the most important of which is tion assume office on July 1.) unable to be present during the Thursday of Svoboda and The Weekly and declining membership, as members pass Most of the day was then devoted to and Friday sessions, but was present on Soyuzivka Manager John A. Flis; a on and their ranks are not replenished. reports of General Assembly members, Saturday. Also participating was Acting review of fraternal operations, reports of Ms. Dydyk-Petrenko exhorted the assem- which consisted of addenda to their writ- Treasurer Stefan Kaczaraj. (Advisor Nick assembly committees and acceptance of bly: “This matter demands our immediate ten reports, copies of which were distrib- Diakiwsky excused his absence.) the 1998 budget. The annual meeting attention, otherwise we will betray those uted to all present, and a discussion of Also in attendance were honorary mem- culminated in the traditional banquet for generations that will follow us.” those reports. Among the major topics of bers of the UNA General Assembly Stepan General Assembly members and guests. The ceremony concluded with the discussion were UNA dividends, which Kuropas, Anna Chopek, Mary Dushnyck, The annual meeting began with the U.S., Canadian and Ukrainian national had been suspended by UNA executives Anna Haras, Walter Sochan, John O. Flis, traditional ceremony near Soyuzivka’s anthems and with the singing of for 1997 due to the expenses of upcom- Joseph Lesawyer and Wasyl Didiuk, as monument to Taras Shevchenko, the Shevchenko’s “Testament.” ing mergers with two other Ukrainian well as the editors-in-chief of the Ukrainian patron of the Ukrainian National General Assembly members then pro- fraternal organizations, and the UNA ceeded to the Main House library, where scholarship program, including how their sessions began with brief remarks scholarship funds are paid out to students by President Diachuk, who called for a in the United States and Canada. moment of silence in honor of the late The evening session on the first day of former Supreme Vice-Presidentess Anne deliberations was set aside for a meeting Herman and former Supreme Advisor of the Mission Statement Committee. Walter Kwas, as well as all branch and Once all the members agreed that the district officers and members who had statement should underscore the purpos- died during the past year. es set forth in the UNA’s charter dating An invocation was offered by the Rev. to its beginnings as a fraternal benefit Stasiw, who asked that God “grant the society, they worked to fine-tune the members clear consciences so that these wording of a statement that would deliberations are held in peace and for update the organization’s founding prin- the good of the UNA.” ciples in a concise and clear manner. The After greetings from Michigan Gov. committee reported its proposal for the John Engler were read, the agenda was UNA Mission Statement the next day, adopted and the minutes of the last annu- and the wording was unanimously al meeting were approved, General approved by all members of the General Assembly members turned to the busi- Assembly. ness at hand. The Mission Statement reads as fol- Mrs. Diachuk immediately reported lows: that the treasurer had requested a med- “The Ukrainian National Association ical leave of absence through the end of exists: to promote the principles of fra- Taras Szmagala Jr. reports on proposed amendments to the UNA By-Laws. On the current term of office. She said the ternalism; to preserve the Ukrainian, the left are Vice-Presidentess Anya Dydyk-Petrenko and Vice-President Nestor UNA Executive Committee, meeting that Olesnycky. morning, had unanimously decided to (Continued on page 5) No. 46 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1997 5

The Friday evening session was U N A General Assembly. . . devoted to a meeting of the General (Continued from page 4) Assembly’s By-Laws Committee, which Mission Statement Ukrainian American and Ukrainian examined amendments to the UNA By- Canadian heritage and culture; and to Laws suggested by members of the orga- The Ukrainian National Association exists: provide quality financial services and nization’s Standing Committee on the products to its members. By-Laws. The deliberations were chaired ■ to promote the principles of fraternalism; by Mr. Szmagala. “As a fraternal insurance society, the ■ to preserve the Ukrainian, Ukrainian American and Ukrainian National Association reinvests Among the proposed changes subse- its earnings for the benefit of its mem- quently approved by the entire Assembly ■ Ukrainian Canadian heritage and culture; and bers and the Ukrainian community.” — which will be presented for the action ■ to provide quality financial services and products of convention delegates next year — The Friday’s agenda included the mat- ■ to its members. ter of mergers involving two other were the following: Ukrainian fraternal organizations. • to create the position of senior vice- As a fraternal insurance society, the Ukrainian National Assembly members reviewed the details president as a full-time salaried executive of merger agreements with the Ukrainian position that will be reserved in 1998 for a Association reinvests its earnings for the benefit of its mem- National Aid Association of America representative of the Ukrainian Fraternal bers and the Ukrainian community. (UNAAA) and the Ukrainian Fraternal Association (this provision eliminates one Association (UFA). The General of the two existing non-salaried vice-pres- Assembly voted in both cases to autho- idents’ positions); • that no auditor, advisor, senior vice- ed by Robert Cook, as well as about the rize the Executive Committee to execute • to reserve three advisors’ seats and president, vice-president or director for fate of the Svoboda daily newspaper. the agreement of merger. one auditor’s seat for UFA candidates; Canada could be employed by the UNA Also a topic of discussion was the In the case of the UFA, however, • beginning with the year 2002, to on a full-time basis. announcement that the UNA Executive there was the additional provision of a change the executive structure of the On the final day of deliberations the Committee, at its meeting a day prior to new name for the merged entity, as the UNA to a corporate structure, whereby General Assembly heard the financial the General Assembly’s annual meeting, Ukrainian Fraternal Association insists the convention would elect an 11-mem- report prepared by Acting Treasurer had voted to close down the print shop that the new organization be called the ber board of directors, which would then Kaczaraj, who reported the following and go to an outside contractor to print Ukrainian National Fraternal Association. hire executives to run the day-to-day losses incurred during 1996: Ukrainian the UNA’s two official publications, Members of the General Assembly dis- business of the UNA; the board of direc- National Urban Renewal Corp. (UNURC Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly. cussed and debated the issue of the name tors would meet quarterly and would — the UNA headquarters building in At the conclusion of Mr. Kaczaraj’s change and then voted 12 to 9 (with one elect a chairman of the board; Jersey City), $1,142,923; Soyuzivka, report, it was the auditors’ turn to report abstention) to accept the UFA’s proposed • to increase fraternal dues from 15 $554,471; Toronto Sales Office, to the General Assembly. The auditors name change. However, that provision cents to $1 per month; $536,010; and Svoboda, $489,521; for a expressed satisfaction with the work of has to be approved by a two-thirds major- • to eliminate references to a specific total loss of $2,722,925. Furthermore, UNA executives, with the exception of ity at the 1998 convention of the UNA date (month) for the annual meeting of Mr. Kaczaraj reported that the UNA had Treasurer Blahitka. A motion to accept since it involves an amendment to the the General Assembly; lost $877,912 during the first nine the reports was made by the auditing UNA By-Laws. • to add provisions for two convention months of operations in 1997. He empha- committee and accepted by the members There is some concern that the issue recorders, that is, paid professionals who sized that it is imperative that something of the General Assembly. of the name change could be the down- would record the minutes of the proceed- be done in order to increase the UNA’s Reports of the Assembly’s Seniors’ fall of the proposed merger as many ings; and revenues and to reduce expenses. Committee and Sports Committee were members of the UNA feel strongly that • beginning with 2002, to provide for Mr. Kaczaraj also reported on the delivered and unanimously accepted. the Ukrainian National Association automatic honorary membership on the finances of the UNURC, noting that the The annual meeting concluded with should retain its name. The General board of advisors for any elected nation- Jersey City Home Office had been sold miscellaneous matters, including a dis- Assembly voted to go ahead with the al officer with 20 years of service to the for $21.2 million, but after adjustments to cussion of whether a resolution should be UNA-UFA merger even if the name UNA; the board of advisors would meet the sale price ($801,750) and selling adopted regarding a code of ethics for change is not passed by the UNA con- annually to advise the board of directors. expenses ($698,651), the sale brought in members of the UNA General Assembly. vention, and decided that such a contin- Among the proposals rejected by the $19,699,597 (i.e., amount realized). When That evening General Assembly mem- gency should be written into the agree- By-Laws Committee: the book value of the building ($14.66 bers and guests gathered in the Main ment of merger. • that the secretary and treasurer of the million) is deducted from the amount real- House dining room for a banquet with The remainder of Friday’s daytime UNA be hired, not elective, positions, ized, the net gain from the sale was Vice-Presidentess Dydyk-Petrenko and session was taken up by reports of the subject to appointment by the General $5,035,760. He added that there still are Vice-President Olesnycky acting as mas- Soyuzivka manager, and the Svoboda Assembly, which determines the terms rents in arrears for 1995-1997 totaling ters of ceremonies. Stepán Stépan, lead and Weekly editors-in-chief, as well as a of their employment; approximately $522,000. The UNA’s new baritone of the Lviv Opera, entertained review of fraternal operations — the • that the position of general counsel building in Parsippany, N.J., he reported, guests with renditions of operatic works UNA’s two newspapers, its print shop, be added to the Executive Committee, was purchased for $4,931,250, but addi- and folk songs; piano accompaniment scholarships, awards to students of thus enlarging that body to seven mem- tional expenditures for build-out of the was provided by Volodymyr Vynnytsky. Ukrainian studies schools, pedagogical bers, that the position be subject to the UNA’s space and renovations will bring The next day UNA executive officers, courses at Soyuzivka, the Kyiv Press approval of the General Assembly (as the cost to $6,137,403. auditors, advisors and honorary members of Bureau and the Fund for the Rebirth of proposed in the cases of the treasurer and The acting treasurer’s report elicited the General Assembly traveled to Ukraine. The examination of fraternal secretary), and that the general counsel an extended discussion about the work of Parsippany, N.J., for the official blessing of benefits continued into the next day. be allowed to maintain a private practice; the Toronto Sales Office, which is head- the UNA’s new corporate headquarters. Auditors complete review of UNA operations

Daily or weekly by fax or e-mail, IntelNews provides compre h e n s i v e coverage of the latest news in Ukraine: • Economics • Exchange Rates • Politics and Parliament • Taxes • Trading Activity • National Issues and Trends • Stock Index • Business Regulations • New Laws and Resolutions

Now offering the IntelNews Business Journal (formerly Economic Review) a comprehensive weekly review of financial news in Ukraine

For subscription or advertising information, call (410) 433-4941 or (310) 452-0959

Share The Weekly with a colleague. The Ukrainian National Association’s Auditing Committee conducted a review of Order a gift subscription by writing to: UNA operations on November 3-5, on the eve of the annual meeting of the associ- Subscription Department, The Ukrainian Weekly, ation’s General Assembly. Seen above (from left) at the UNA’s new headquarters 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. in Parsippany, N.J., are: Iwan Wynnyk, William Pastuszek, Stefania Hewryk, Cost: $60 (or $40 if your colleague is a UNA member). Stefan Hawrysz and Anatole Doroshenko. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1997 No. 46

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION’S NEW HEADQUARTERS IN PARSIPPANY

Moving day: Trucks line up outside the UNA’s old headquarters building in UNA’ers and community representatives gather in the atrium for the blessing of Jersey City, N.J. the new Home Office.

Branch secre- taries attend cere- monies The branch secretaries present at the blessing of the UNA’s new Home Office included:

Julian Kotlar, Branch 42 Maria Haluszczak, Branch 70 Andre Worobec, Branch 76 Nadia Demczur, Branch 86 George Yurkiw, Branch 130 Yaroslav Zaviysky, Branch 155 Maria Rejnarowycz, Branch 158 Walter Bilyk, Branch 170 Genevieve Kufta, Branch 171 Lon Staruch, Branch 172 Barbara Bachynsky, Branch 184 Lesia Goy, Branch 194 John Pryhoda, Branch 200 Mychajlo Spontak, Branch 204 Eugene Oscislawski, Branch 234 Cyril Bezkorowajny, Branch 256 Andrew Keybida, Branch 322 Olga Liteplo, Branch 361 Roma Hadzewycz The UNA’s new corporate headquarters in Parsippany, N.J., located at 2200 Route 10 (westbound). No. 46 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1997 7 UNA blesses... (Continued from page 1) Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, Ukrainian American Coordinating Council, Coordinating Committee to Aid Ukraine, Ukrainian Medical Association of North America, The Ukrainian Museum, Ukrainian Free University, Organization for the Democratic Rebirth of Ukraine, Ukrainian American Bar Association, Americans for Human Rights in Ukraine, Plast Ukrainian Youth Organization (Newark, N.J., Branch), Ukrainian American Youth Association (Whippany, N.J., Branch), Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (Morris County Chapter), Ukrainian American Professionals and B u s i n e s s p e r - s o n s Association of New York and New Jersey, Self Reliance credit unions of New York, Jersey City, Newark and Passaic- Clifton-Whippany, N.J., St. John Ukrainian Catholic Church of Whippany and others. Almost all the members of the UNA General Assembly — UNA executive officers, auditors, advisors and honorary members — who had just completed their annual deliberations at the Soyuzivka resort the previous day attended the cere- monies. Also present were many employ- UNA, Svoboda and The Weekly employees pose for a photograph outside their new office building. ees of the UNA and its two official publi- cations, Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly, and their families. The event began with welcoming remarks by President Ulana Diachuk, who then turned the proceedings over to the masters of ceremonies, Vice- President Nestor Olesnycky and Vice- Presidentess Anya Dydyk-Petrenko. Brief congratulatory messages were delivered by several representatives of Ukrainian organizations and institutions. A concert program featuring the Lviviany vocal-instrumental ensemble, with soloist Volodymyr Tsimura, and bandurist Alla Kutsevych of Lviv. Afterwards guests proceeded to the second floor, where the offices of the UNA and its publications are located, for a reception. Guests toasted the UNA’s new home with champagne, and sampled chocolate-flavored vodka, hors d’oeu- vres and a hot buffet prepared by the nearby Ramada Hotel of East Hanover, N.J., whose general manager is Orest Fedash. The reception was sponsored by the Self Reliance Federal Credit Union of Newark, N.J. According to President /CEO Ihor Laszok, the credit union plans to open a branch office in the UNA headquarters building in spring 1998. The UNA’s new home office is locat- ed at 2200 Route 10 (westbound); the building was formerly known as Clergy conduct the blessing service; they are (from left): the Rev. Marian Struc, the Rev. Myron Stasiw and the Rev. Oleh Hucul. Executive 10.

Raising a toast to the UNA in its new home are: (from left) Nestor Olesnycky, Jaroslaw Fedun, The Rev. Myron Stasiw blesses the offices of The Ukrainian Weekly. Walter Sochan, Michael Halibej and Jerry Kuzemczak. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1997 No. 46

TH E UK R A I N I A N WE E K LY ONVETERANS’DAY: A tale Our veterans by M. P. Kusen But perhaps another minor miracle could happen for the Kusen family, like that As you, dear readers, have probably noticed, this issue contains a significant Over 50 years ago during World War II, chance meeting in Luneville, France, all amount of material about veterans and the military. That, of course, is by design, as we two American soldiers of Ukrainian descent those years ago. And that is what did hap- had decided to honor our veterans with a special section in the issue published imme- had a chance meeting in a little town in pen when Elisha Kusen (son of Steve) diately after Veterans’ Day and Remembrance Day, both marked on November 11. eastern France. They were in different mili- picked up the phone to try to find his cousin Since 1954, following an act of the U.S. Congress, November 11 became a day to tary units that just happened to converge on Michael (son of William). Elisha grew up in honor veterans of the armed forces. (Originally, the date of November 11 date was set the same small town at the same time. Tennessee where he still currently lives aside in the United States as Armistice Day to commemorate the signing in 1918 of When they met they smiled, embraced and with his wife and son. In mid-March 1997 the armistice ending World War I.) Meanwhile, in Canada, November 11 is spoke Ukrainian to each other. It was a little Elisha was in New York City on business Remembrance Day — a day observed to recall those who were killed in world wars. respite from the harshness and daily when he’d decided to try to find out if Therefore, it is appropriate that we have printed articles recalling and honoring drudgeries of the war. But more than that it Michael was still living in New York. After veterans and others who survived the great cataclysms of this century, and remem- was a minor miracle, because they were a few calls and messages Elisha’s hopes bering those who served and serve their countries in the armed forces. brothers, William and Steve Kusen from were answered when Michael returned his This issue also focuses on two very visible and active Ukrainian organizations: the New York City. call. William and Steve Kusen grew up Ukrainian American Military Association, which this year marks the first anniversary “Hello,” Elisha said in a slight southern together in uptown Manhattan on Madison of its founding by a particularly active group of U.S. military personnel, and the accent. Ukrainian American Veterans, who began celebrations of their 50th anniversary at Avenue along with their brother Joseph “Is this Elisha Kusen?” Michael asked. their recent convention held at Soyuzivka. Kusen who served in the Pacific. The Ukrainian American Military Association was established by active and William, the oldest, was drafted into the “Yes it is.” reserve personnel from various military services who were already using their Army first, on March 28, 1941. Shortly “My God,” replied Michael, “I haven’t Ukrainian heritage to bridge contacts between the United States and Ukraine. thereafter, Steve was also drafted into the seen you since you were about 8 years old. I Members of the UAMA provide Ukrainian military interpreters for missions between Army, and Joseph was drafted into the have a vague memory of you running their land and the land of their forefathers. Thus, they have a very special role to play Army Air Force. around in my mother’s yard. How old are in the relationship between the U.S. and Ukraine. The organization earlier this year William was assigned to the 152nd you now?” officially became affiliated with the UAV. Signal Company of the 12th Armored “Forty-two,” Elisha answered. The Ukrainian American Veterans organization unites more than 500 veterans Division – a tank corp nicknamed the “You’re 42, I’m 50. I can’t believe how who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf. Its goals are to “Hellcats.” William reached the rank of much time has gone by.” promote veterans’ concerns and also, as noted in the organization’s mission state- technical sargeant as a radio repair special- The reminiscing went on, and the next ment, “to sustain the Constitution, government and laws of the United States.” As ist. His unit crossed the English Channel in day the two estranged cousins had lunch noted in its constitution, one of the purposes of the UAV is “to aid the Ukrainian peo- early November 1944 and established an together in a Brooklyn restaurant. That’s ple in promoting the growth of democracy in the newly proclaimed Ukraine, and to assembly area in Auuffey, France, by mid- when Michael learned that Elisha had also acquaint the people of the United States with the true allegiance and fidelity of all November. The Allied military forces were contacted their cousin Peter, the eldest son Ukrainians to the principles of the government of the United States, its Constitution moving swiftly across France, and in early of their Uncle Joseph. and laws...” As well, the UAV seeks “to maintain the Ukrainian nationality in a status December the Hellcats had reached a stag- Peter lives in Newark, N.J., with his of high esteem and respect in these, our United States.” ing area for an offensive into Germany. It wife and three children. Peter had invited The organization traces its roots to the 1947 convention of the Ukrainian Youth was the town of Luneville in the province Elisha to his home that Saturday. And from League of North America, where a group of activists took steps toward the establish- of Lorraine, about 100 miles from the Peter’s invitation an impromptu cousin’s ment of a permanent national veterans’ organization (Ukrainian Americans veterans’ Rhine River and the city of Strasbourg, reunion began to form in the next few days posts date back to the period after World War I). Their idea became reality when the Germany. And it was there that the two as Peter contacted his brothers and sisters. founding convention was held on Memorial Day 1948. brothers met. On Saturday, March 15, Peter Kusen Since then, the UAV has been active in many spheres, from annually organizing William and Steve Kusen hadn’t seen and his wife, Patty, hosted a cousin’s observances of Memorial Day to helping provide hospitals in Ukraine with the tools each other for more than two years since reunion filled with stories and questions they need to take care of the Ukrainian populace’s health. It has embraced communi- they both had furloughs in New York. and the full dynamics of a family rediscov- ty-wide initiatives like the erection of the Taras Shevchenko monument in Now, it seemed like a gift from fate that ering itself after so many lost years. There Washington, and it has been involved in veterans’ causes, for example, placing a these two brothers should have this was laughter and a new generation of chil- UAV memorial plaque in Pearl Harbor. chance meeting just before the Allied dren running about and the exchanging of Both the UAMA and the UAV are active in patriotic American endeavors, and forces final assault into Germany. And the photos and addresses. There was talk of both are fully involved in Ukrainian community life. Both organizations — one new two brothers made the most of their time recording the family history and invita- and eager to contribute to our country, the other a venerable old hand composed of together in Luneville. Their reminiscing tions and plans for other gatherings. It is a persons who have already contributed much to the United States — deserve our was enhanced by their singing as William very heart-warming experience to rekindle attention and our support on Veterans Day and always. played the mandolin, and they even man- the feeling of belonging to an extended aged to find and share a kovbasa. Yet, family. After such a long absence, to look unknown to them, Hitler was about to put into the faces of cousins and see the resem- up his last ferocious attempt to defend blance of deceased uncles and aunts cre- Germany. The German High Command ates a tender bond. I know because my Nov. was planning the “Ardennes Offensive,” name is Michael Kusen, and the next TurningTurning the pagespages back...back... or as we Americans came to call reunion was at my house. it, “The Battle of the Bulge.” 13 Fortunately, both brothers sur- vived the final days of those 1954 Following is the full text of The Ukrainian Weekly’s editori- European battles. And remarkably al about the first observance of Veterans’ Day in 1954, after an all three brothers came home unin- act of Congress designated November 11 as the day to honor jured and were noted for meritori- all veterans who fought in defense of the United States. The editorial appeared on the ous service. William was addition- front page of The Weekly on November 13, 1954. ally awarded three bronze stars. * * * After the war each brother Last Thursday, November 11, marked our nation’s first “Veterans’ Day.” resumed his civilian life and even- For nearly 30 years we have commemorated November 11, the anniversary of the tually each married and had a fam- ending of World War I, by paying tribute to the heroes of that tragic struggle by ily: William had a son and two rededicating ourselves to the cause of peace. daughters, Steve had two sons, Recognizing that the United States since World War I has been involved in two and Joseph had three sons and two other major conflicts, which have added millions of veterans living and dead to the daughters. They were living the honor rolls of our nation, Congress, in an act approved on June 1, 1954, officially American dream amid postwar changed the November 11 legal holiday from Armistice to Veterans’ Day. prosperity – each eventually And so last Thursday Americans everywhere, here and abroad, for the first time bought a home and moved away observed Veterans’ Day. A day, in the words of President Eisenhower’s proclamation, on from the congested city apartment which a grateful nation paid and will pay each year on the same day “appropriate homage life in which they grew up. But as they uprooted themselves, they to the veterans of all wars who have contributed so much to the preservation of this nation.” The freedom and liberty which are our heritage today have been preserved only also drifted apart. Over the years, their children (10 cousins) grew up through the sacrifices of our veterans. On nine occasions since the founding of our barely knowing each other. And country, Americans have had to shoulder arms in wartime defense of their nation. with the passing of time, one by We must always remember that nearly 1 million of the defenders never returned one, the brothers died: William in from battle. 1967 in New York City; Joseph in We must never let the passage of time obscure or minimize this nation’s eternal 1981 on Long Island, and Steve debt of gratitude to all our veterans, for our United States of America exists today – died just four years ago in free, proud and unafraid – because of their sacrifices in time of national peril. Fayetteville, Tenn. With Steve Sources: “Weekly Commentator: Veterans’ Day Salute,” The Ukrainian Weekly, Kusen’s death, the last paternal Brothers William (left) and Steve Kusen as November 13, 1954. link for the 10 cousins was gone. they met in France during World War II. No. 46 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1997 9 ON REMEMBRANCE DAY: Voices from the camps by Andrij J. Semotiuk Frankl, also a former Auschwitz inmate, was able to devel- the time the ordeal was over, Mr. Lahola was drenched in op a deeper understanding of the human mind and the foun- blood. He was then forced to join the others who were led to Finally the train stopped. After four days of starvation dation of his theory of human survival. Frankl observed that the barracks. and thirst, sealed and wired shut in stench and filth with 120 while many inmates perished, some Auschwitz inmates Silence ruled the barracks. It was clear that a complaint other prisoners in a boxcar with no toilets or water, John managed to survive despite the hardships and privations. He meant instant death. A “punishment hole” where prisoners Lahola was apprehensive, but relieved, that his uncertain asked why? This was a good question. How did people like were beaten until dead served as an effective reminder of journey was over. For four days and nights the fearful occu- John Lahola manage to survive in such inhumane condi- the futility of complaining. pants jointly recited prayers in Polish as they anxiously t i o n s ? There were no beds. The prisoners were jammed togeth- awaited their fate. Four days earlier the prisoners had been In his book “Man’s Search for Meaning,” Frankl states er on shelves just large enough for four prisoners to lay forcibly taken from Gestapo headquarters in Nazi-occupied that the answer was to be found in the prisoner’s attachment down on their sides one way, while four lay the other. Lviv and loaded on to this train bound for an unknown des- to some larger explanation of his existence – some higher Latrine breaks occurred only in the early morning during tination. It did not matter that most of them were Jews and purpose to his life. Frankl hypothesized that the difference which the guards shouted at the inmates to get up and then Ukrainians – in Polish prayer they all found common between those who perished and those who survived was to beat them to hurry them along. Then there was the routine solace. Now, as the SS guards flung open the boxcar doors, be found in the manner in which the inmates translated the roll call in the courtyard when the prisoners were required to a welcome burst of fresh air flooded the compartment. But meaning of their suffering to themselves. Those inmates stand naked in the snow without a single piece of clothing then the prisoners realized where they had arrived: who lived with higher purpose in life were able to endure to protect themselves against the cold. A u s c h w i t z . the hardships and sacrifices because they could be explained Each prisoner was issued one pair of pants, one shirt and It was now more than three months since John Lahola as necessary evils that had to be surmounted for the sake of one jacket. If he was ever discovered with anything else, he was arrested for his support of the partisan underground the higher end. Those inmates who lived without a larger was beaten to death. As soon as a weaker prisoner fell, he resistance to the Nazi occupation of Ukraine. For a split sec- philosophical framework through which to interpret their was thrown into ice water – an instant death. By nightfall ond while the Gestapo was placing him under arrest in Lviv, suffering died. This knowledge armed Frankl with a each day, there was always a pile of human corpses waiting he caught a glimpse of his mother across the street. As Mr. weapon he could employ in helping fellow inmates. to be burned. Resistance was impossible. Lahola sought to wave goodbye, he was struck over the Whenever a fellow inmate would turn to Frankl exhibit- For two weeks newcomers were “initiated” to head by the butt of the soldier’s gun. Mr. Lahola did not ing signs of depression or resignation, Frankl would ask the Auschwitz. First they were divided into groups of 100. know then that, in that place, at that moment, and in that prisoner why he doesn’t just give up – throw in the towel so Then, to induce terror and submission to camp authority, manner, he was parting from his mother forever. With his to speak. Frankl would then intently listen to the prisoner’s every 10th man was shot arbitrarily – for no reason. Then arrest began the relentless march of events that now ended response, which would usually be something along the lines some of the prisoners were strapped down to benches here, with these fellow prisoners, in this – the most notori- of “I would give up, but I have a wife or a child, or maybe a especially made for this purpose. They were beaten by ous death camp of Nazi Germany. political cause or religious belief, etc.” Whatever the prison- the Gestapo so badly that their screams didn’t sound “Never shall I forget that night, the first night in camp er would proffer in that moment, Frankl would seize upon h u m a n . which has turned my life into one long night seven times as the anchor to that inmate’s continued survival. As the SS guards cut back on food rations, famine cursed and seven times sealed,” wrote Elie Wiesel, one of Perhaps this explains how John Lahola survived the stalked the camps. In the face of death, the pursuit of any the former inmates of Auschwitz. Like Mr. Lahola and death camps. He wore a red triangle on his prison garb sig- form of nourishment became a never-ending obsession, vir- countless other former prisoners who experienced the horror nifying that he was a “political prisoner.” Could it be that tually no price was too high to satisfy the hunger pangs con- of Auschwitz, Mr. Wiesel is tormented by his memories of his passionate devotion to a “free Ukraine” helped him stantly tormenting them. the camp. overcome the camp repression? After all, there was so much It was under these conditions that psychiatrist Victor Enforced starvation turned Mr. Lahola into a scavenger. to endure. He recounted some of his experiences for us in Whenever a camp guard threw away an empty can of food his video memories. he would scoop it up and clean it out with his fingers. Such Andriy J. Semotiuk is a former United Nations corre - Upon arrival at Auschwitz, each prisoner was registered a can meant two or three days of nourishment. Once while spondent, and Canadian Human Rights Commission and assigned a number. While two others held on, a prison searching through the personal effects of some prisoners Tribunal Panel member. Mr. Semotiuk is a member of both guard roughly tattooed a number on the prisoner’s arm with who had been removed by the guards, Mr. Lahola found a the American and Canadian bars, and practices law in three needles. The number permanently branded onto Mr. Edmonton with the law firm of Hansma and Associates. Lahola’s arm was 154820, which became his new name. By (Continued on page 16) Ukrainian Canadian soldiers and the battle for Hong Kong by Myron Momryk In the meantime, in 1928, Mr. units, they were virtually untrained and cold and despair claimed many victims. Slipchenko joined the Winnipeg Grenadiers lacked proper equipment. The Japanese Survival was a daily struggle. Some of the The transfer of Hong Kong from British as a machine gun instructor and mechanic, were still officially at peace with the British Ukrainian soldiers managed to acquire gar- to Chinese administration dominated the and remained within the unit until 1932. On Commonwealth, and the Canadian and lic, which proved very useful as medicine. news for many months in 1997. For the September 12, 1939, Mr. Slipchenko re- British military authorities hoped that the Other Ukrainian prisoners made crafts older generation of Ukrainian Canadians, enlisted with the Winnipeg Grenadiers two Canadian battalions would have suffi- which they exchanged for additional food particularly those who remember World when the militia unit was placed on active cient time for additional training in Hong with the other prisoners. War II, Hong Kong evokes a profoundly service. On his attestation form, Mr. Kong. During this brief period, Mr. The preoccupation with food and sur- emotional response. This is particularly true Slipchenko stated that his religion was Slipchenko had the opportunity to become vival tested the most enduring friendships for the Ukrainian Canadian community in Greek Orthodox and that he spoke acquainted with the small community of among the Canadian soldiers, including the Winnipeg. Ukrainian, Russian and Polish, in addition Russian exiles who had fled Siberia to Ukrainian Canadians, which in some cases The Winnipeg Grenadiers were a militia to English. After basic training, the Hong Kong after the Russian Revolution. were rooted in the community organizations regiment, and several young Ukrainian Winnipeg Grenadiers were sent, in May Following the Japanese surprise attack on and halls in Winnipeg. Canadians from the city and other parts of 1940, for garrison duty in Bermuda and Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Canada The Japanese guards visited various Manitoba joined the local unit in the 1920s Jamaica to replace a British unit. In and the rest of the British Empire and forms of physical punishment and abuse on and 1930s. Others joined during the Jamaica, the battalion performed guard Commonwealth joined the U.S. in declaring Depression of the 1930s to supplement their all of their prisoners, and many Canadians duties at an internment camp and had only war on Japan. On December 8-17, 1941, the were particularly offended by the Japanese income. There was a large influx of new limited opportunities to continue their train- Japanese military attacked the Chinese recruits in September 1939, when war was practice of slapping their captives’ faces. ing. The battalion experienced further diffi- mainland near Hong Kong, and on Ukrainian soldiers, who were familiar with declared against Nazi Germany. Among culties due to a heavy incidence of malaria December 18 crossed to the island of Hong this number was Ivan Slipchenko, an older similar practices in the Russian Army, tried and dengue fever among the troops. K o n g . to allay their comrades’ outrage by explain- recruit who was 36 years old and married. Mr. Slipchenko spent over a month in the The battle for Hong Kong was fierce. On Mr. Slipchenko was born in Stebliv, a ing that this was a cultural practice in cer- hospital due to illness. The battalion was December 25 the governor of Hong Kong town near Kyiv, on March 7, 1903. He tain Asian and East European armies and stationed in Jamaica until September 13, surrendered to the Japanese armed forces. A completed two years at an agricultural col- not a punishment specifically targeted at the 1941, when the unit returned to Canada. At total of 130 Winnipeg Grenadiers were lege in 1923. With his cousin, he left Stebliv Canadians. The Japanese treated their own the end of the two-week leave, Mr. killed in this action, including six Ukrainian on May 10, 1923, and traveled across soldiers and civilians in the same way. Slipchenko and the other members of the Canadian servicemen. While such explanations calmed some out- Siberia to China. Settling in Harbin, along Winnipeg Grenadiers embarked from The fall of Hong Kong came as a shock with a large community of Ukrainians and bursts of temper, they could not completely Vancouver on October 27, 1941, for Hong to the friends and families of the Winnipeg other exiles and refugees from the Russian erase the strong resentment these and other K o n g . unit. After this date, there was rarely any Revolution, he worked as a bus driver for physical punishments aroused. There was a shortage of soldiers, and reliable news about the fate of the Canadian two years. There were various plans to escape to the volunteers were sought from other units soldiers who had fought in this engagement On February, 25, 1925, Mr. mainland. George Berzenski, with three which were added prior to departure. A until the war in the Pacific ended in August Slipchenko immigrated to Canada, where other Canadians, made an attempt on number of Ukrainian Canadian soldiers 1945. In the chaos of battle, Mr. Slipchenko he had relatives. He worked as a farm August 20, 1942. Mr. Berzenski had asked joined the Winnipeg Grenadiers at this time. could have found refuge among the Russian laborer near Edmonton, then near Mr. Slipchenko to join in the escape so they In total, there were an estimated 81 soldiers exiles in Hong Kong, but decided to remain Yorkton, Saskatchewan, for a year. He could use his contacts among the Russian of Ukrainian origin in the unit – most were with his unit instead. Thus, he shared the then enrolled at an agricultural college in community in Hong Kong, but Mr. from Manitoba, but a few were from other fate of the other Canadian prisoners of war. Winnipeg, worked in a garage in his Slipchenko refused and tried to dissuade parts of Canada. The Japanese held all prisoners of war in spare time, and later set up his own oper- Mr. Berzenski from his rashness. The The 1,975 soldiers of the Canadian con- complete contempt, and the Canadians ation, which he ran until 1931. attempt failed when the boat the escapees tingent of two battalions, the Winnipeg became convinced that they would all be had commandeered capsized, leading to Grenadiers and the Royal Rifles of Canada, executed sooner or later. The lack of food, their capture. All four were executed on Myron Momryk is project archivist, arrived in Hong Kong on November 16, medicine and proper clothing compounded August 23, 1942. Manuscript Division, at the National 1941, to bolster the British garrison. the suffering of captivity. Conditions in the Archives of Canada in Ottawa. Compared to the other British and Indian Japanese camps were severe, and disease, (Continued on page 18) 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1997 No. 46 Ukrainian-American Military Association meets at Soyuzivka by Yaromyr Oryshkevych KERHONKSON, N.Y. — The week- end of September 26-28 was a historic one at Soyuzivka: it was the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Ukrainian American Veterans (UAV), the first anniversary of the Ukrainian-American Military Association (UAMA) and the 50th anniversary of the Great Raid of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). The hall was full at the Saturday night banquet, which featured the installation of the new UAV officers and the official announcement of the UAMA’s affilia- tion with the UAV. But the Saturday morning UAV/UAMA joint session was the main attraction of the weekend. It was the culmination of a year dur- ing which UAMA members participated in many missions to and from Ukraine. Many of those who participated were present to give slide presentations, and reports on their activities and the signifi- cance of those missions. The sole purpose of the existence of the UAMA is to provide Ukrainian military interpreters for missions between the United States and Ukraine. Lt. Col. Yaromyr Oryshkevych (DCANG), outgo- Ukrainian American Military Association members get ready for a 10-mile march marking the 50th anniversary of the ing UAMA president, made opening Great Raid of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army. remarks in which he presented three chal- lenges to the UAMA/UAV membership: This notwithstanding, Capt. Holowinsky sions should be done through Moscow and the competition in which they engaged contacting senators and representatives to represented the defense attaché in Kyiv and not through Kyiv. Most recently in Siberia (using only Russian equipment, have them put pressure on the Defense when he went to Yavoriw, Ukraine, to par- Maj. Golash and Lt. Col. Yevich experi- weapons and techniques). He was able to Language Institute to reopen the recently ticipate in Cooperative Neighbor ‘97 exer- enced first hand the difficulty of commu- quite confidently dispel the myth of the closed Ukrainian section; 2) including the cises in early July. The NATO-sanctioned nicating with individuals who insist on superiority of the Russian spetsnaz. Sgt. Ukrainian Catholic and Ukrainian military exercise had 1,000 participants using Russian, when American inter- Maj. Zahody also encouraged young Orthodox Churches in the list of religions from Ukraine, the U.S., Greece, Georgia, preters were sent there to translate into Ukrainian Americans to join the U.S. mili- that can be printed on military identification Czech Republic, Slovakia, Moldova and Ukrainian; this is tantamount to a new tary and become future interpreters. (dog) tags; and 3) influencing the American Romania. It was an exercise in which U.S. brand of Russification, said Maj. Golash. Lt. Ihor Kobryn talked of his involve- Automobile Association and other similar officers tried to bring Ukrainian officers up Col. Eugene Sydor (USAR) spoke of ment with Peace Shield ‘96 held in west- organizations to change their perception of to U.S./NATO standards. They used his involvement in the 1994 celebration ern Ukraine. The Ukrainian interpreters and terminology about Ukraine (and stop Ukrainian equipment and were trained to of the 50th anniversary of the refueling involved were able to create a glossary of referring to it as a member of the Russian use each others’ weapons. Secretary of base in Poltava, in which several other military terms. The Ukrainian troops Federation, as is the case in the 1997 edi- Defense William Cohen was present for the Ukrainian interpreters (Master Sgt. considered the U.S. troops in awe, and tion of AAA’s Europe Travelbook). closing ceremonies. Bohdan Cholach [USAR], Maj. Taras were impressed with the NCO corps. Lt. Col. Walter Chyterbok (USAR) Maj. Roman Golash (USAR), along Myhowych [USAR]) took part. Several At this point, Col. Vasyl Sydorenko was program chairman and presented the with Lt. Col. Inia Yevich (USAR), went to crew members from 1944 missions par- (military attaché at the Ukrainian remainder of the speakers. Ukraine on a military medical mission to ticipated. U.S. linguists interpreted many Mission to the United Nations) arrived, Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Pylypiak study infectious diseases. Maj. Golash questions and answers about American and had an opportunity to greet the (USAR) accompanied a delegation of reflected on his mission participation over B-52 and B-1 bombers, and answered assembled military and veterans. California National Guard members to the previous four to five years, and that it many personal questions (about life in Finally, Sgt. Mark Iwankiw described Ukraine, where they had an opportunity was in the national interests of the U.S. to the United States) from local Ukrainians. his role in Cooperative Nugget 97 (which to visit the Chornobyl nuclear power maintain peace in Eastern Europe. The Poltava base was short-lived, included Master Sgt. Cholach), recently plant and see some of the consequences What was interesting is how the lan- because once the Germans discovered concluded at the Joint Readiness Training of the accident. His report stirred consid- guage situation has changed. Several where the American bombers were being Center in Ft. Polk, La., which involved the erable emotion among the listeners. years ago, their hosts in Ukraine made a refueled, the base was bombed, and then U.S. and Ukrainian armies. Sgt. Iwankiw Capt. Yuri Holowinsky (USAFR) talked sincere effort, with some apologies for Stalin didn’t want it re-opened because interpreted for dignitaries and for the com- about his participation in the Reserve Russian words, to speak Ukrainian. Maj. he desired no American presence in his manders. During his presentation he pro- Attaché Program, which accepts students Golash even cited an instance during “worker’s paradise” after the front went vided everyone with colorful photos and a from all services and various ranks. The Peace Shield ‘95 when some Russian further west. detailed description of the field of opera- unfortunate aspect of this program is that journalists questioned when and with Col. Sydor also noted that he possess- tion and the plan of the exercise (which the desk officer under whom the Ukrainian whom the U.S. and Ukraine were prepar- es a computer program that simultane- included 15 nations), whose basic purpose reserve attaché works speaks no Ukrainian ing to fight. There was also the implica- ously translates Ukrainian into English was to enhance peacekeeping readiness and has never been to Ukraine. tion that U.S. arrangements for such mis- and vice versa. This can be of invaluable training. Russian was still used in many assistance to interpreters in the field who Ukrainian units, but they were impressed may be tasked to translate technical doc- with the Americans’ Ukrainian interpreters uments necessary for their missions. when they expected Russian. Col. Askold Mosijczuk (USA) also During pauses in the presentations, the spoke about a WRAMC medical mission audience had an opportunity to examine to Ukraine, and the high-level delegation photo albums of Autumn Allies 95, in that he accompanied to the Kyiv military which Capt. Oleh Bula (USMC) and medical center. They found that very few Master Sgt. Cholach were interpreters for vaccinations were available for children 200 Ukrainian marines participating in in the past, and that left the current mili- joint maneuvers in Camp LeJeune, N.C. tary population very vulnerable to vari- Lt. Col. Oryshkevych concluded the ous infections. activities with a mention of the work done Other topics included: disarmament of by Col. Ihor Kotlarczuk (USAR) in help- nuclear missiles and the ramifications of ing the Ukrainian military begin to formu- exposure to personnel (e.g. those who late its version of the Uniformed Code of fought the fire, and performed the clean- Military Justice (UCMJ). Other UAMA up at Chornobyl). They discussed the members who were absent but participated possibility of setting up telemedicine in foreign missions were: Sgt. Andy conferencing between the U.S. and Midzak (USAF), who flew with Maj. Ukraine. Another area of discussion was Orest Jowyk (USAF) and Lt. Mark the purity of the blood supply to prevent Brykowytch (USAF) to Uzyn, Ukraine, to transmission of the AIDS virus. participate in an air show, which stimulat- Sgt. Maj. Danylo Zahody (USA) ed significant interest. Capt. Ihor Balaban Sgt. Maj. Danylo Zahody presents coins commemorating the UPA’s Great Raid described the several-month-long joint (USAR) flew to Kazakstan to participate to UAV National Commander Dmytro Bodnarczuk (right) and UPA Veteran training his unit had in Washington state Michael Kowalczyn (second from right). with the Russian spetsnaz (special forces), (Continued on page 17) No. 46 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1997 11 Ukrainian American Veterans hold golden annivers a r y convention

Master of ceremonies Stephen M. Wichar Sr. introduces Rep. Benjamin The 1st Battalion, 156th Field Artillery of the New York Army National Guard Gilman (left). The new national commander of the UAV, Stephen Szewczuk, is prepares for a six-gun salute on the Veselka veranda. seen on the right.

by Stephen M. Wichar Sr. On Saturday morning the committee chairmen Amelia Berezowsky (Philadelphia); Judge Advocate began presenting their findings and recommendations. Olga Pope (St. Charles, Mo.); Chaplain Pauline Pender KERHONKSON, N.Y. – The 50th anniversary of the Midway through the morning meeting, the Ukrainian (Farmington, Conn.); Historian Jeanne Elnick (Warren, Ukrainian American Veterans – an organization that American Military Association presented a slate of Mich.); Service Officer Kay Brega (Spring Valley, unites soldiers who served in World War II, Korea, speakers in a seminar-like session. Beginning with Lt. N.Y.); Welfare Officer Natalie Chuma (New York) Vietnam and Desert Storm – was marked at the Col. Yaromyr Oryshkevych, president, the speakers and Liaison Officer Helen Drabyk (West Palm Beach, Ukrainian National Association’s Soyuzivka resort on effectively described their roles in the UAMA. All the F l a . ) . September 26-28. speakers emphasized their unity of purpose in appris- The golden anniversary banquet was a sellout, and all The golden anniversary convention proved to be a ing the military that Ukrainians have capable and com- of Soyuzivka participated. The presentation of colors milestone in UAV history, as the convention committee, petent personnel who are both fluent and knowledge- was executed by a detail of soldiers from Headquarters under the leadership of Steven Szewczuk, used all able in translation and interpretation of Ukrainian mat- Service Battery of the 1st Battalion, 156th Field resources to make this veteran’s gathering memorable t e r s . Artillery, New York Army National Guard, under the and exciting. More than 60 delegates, representing 500 The Nominations Committee presented a list of candi- command of 1st Sgt. Joseph C. Patti. After posting the veterans across America, assembled for deliberations. dates for the 1997-1999 term of office. The following colors, the Zoloti Dzvony ensemble sang “The Star- They came from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, were named and elected: National Commander Mr. Spangled Banner” and “Sche Ne Vmerla Ukraina.” An Connecticut, Massachusetts, Ohio, Florida and Szewczuk (King’s Park, N.Y.); Vice-Commander armed gun detail saluted the ceremonies with a volley of Michigan. Mathew Koziak (Highland Park, N.J.); Finance Officer fire from six cannons stationed alongside the banquet In addition, the Ukrainian American Military Wasyl Liscynesky (Parma, Ohio); Judge Advocate Association, a unit composed of officers and non-com- hall. Taps were sounded. Miroslaus Malaniak (Buffalo, N.Y.); Publications and Harold Bochonko, one of the UAV’s most distin- missioned officers on active duty, met at Soyuzivka for Public Relations Officer Mr. Wichar (Clinton Township, the first time as an affiliate of the UAV. guished officers and vice-chairman of the convention Mich.); Welfare Officer Bohdan Samokyszyn (Parma, committee, opened the ceremonies with statements of Michigan led the delegates’ roster with 11 represen- Ohio); Quartermaster Roman Didycky (Grosse Pointe tatives. In addition to assigned delegates from UAV welcome and then introduced the master of ceremonies Woods, Mich.); Chaplain Myroslaw Pryjma (Warren, Mr. Wichar. Post 101, the Michigan State Department, with Stephen Mich.); Historian Vasyl Luchkiw (New City, N.Y.); Wichar as commander, sponsored and organized a char- Mr. Wichar welcomed the delegates, members of the Scholarship Officer Michael Demchuk (Seven Hills, dais and guests. He said, “Today’s 50th observance was a tered bus for the convention. As a result, Michigan Ohio); Immediate National Commander Dmytro made up one-third of the Soyuzivka population that fitting occasion upon which to reflect the precepts which Bodnarczuk (Albuquerque, N.M.) veterans embraced and upheld justice, liberty, democracy weekend. Incorporated into this contingent was the Concurrently with the UAV conference, the Zoloti Dzvony song ensemble. and the promotion of peace among free nations.” National Ladies Auxiliary conducted its own business The MC called on Past National Commander (PNC) On Friday morning after registration, UAV officials sessions. Their nominating committee named and raised their military standards and National Eugene Sagasz to act as officer of the day, who in turn elected the following to the Ladies Auxiliary executive called on PNC Roman Rakowsky to be his aide-de- Commander Dmytro Bodnarczuk called the convention board: President Irene Pryjma (Warren, Mich.); Senior to order. Although most of the morning session was camp. This detail discharged the installation rituals for Vice-President Ann Bezkorowajny (Monroe, N.Y.); newly elected officers. The outgoing UAV commander, devoted to reports by retiring officers, delegates also Junior Vice-President Olga Wengryn (Passaic, N.J.); voiced their concerns about veteran problems, encour- Secretary Alberta Cieply (Warren, Mich.); Treasurer (Continued on page 17) aged a greater commitment to serving the American veteran-oriented programs, building a greater scholar- ship program, revitalizing the national charter, etc. How to foster growth in membership became a key issue after veterans admitted a shrinking and serious decline in membership. After routine matters (minutes, credentials, reports, etc.) were completed, delegates were assigned to the fol- lowing committees: Adopt a Hospital Program, Auditing, Constitution and By-Laws, Credentials, Finance and Budget, Future Conventions, Membership, Nominations, Publicity/Public Relations, Raffle, Research and Documentation, Resolutions, Rituals/Service, Scholarship Fund, Ways and Means/New Product Development, and Welfare. Commander Bodnarczuk then suspended the after- noon assembly so that committees could meet in confer- ence and prepare reports for the following business day. On Friday evening a traditional hospitality night was held for all delegates and guests. After an extravagant steak dinner, the remainder of the evening was in the capable hands of the versatile Zoloti Dzvony ensemble from Warren, Mich., with Olga Dubrivny-Solovey con- ducting. Attired in Ukrainian costumes, the 16 singers dazzled the audience with their electrifying renditions of Ukrainian folk songs, in addition to American and Ukrainian military favorites. Afterwards the audience was invited to continue an “evening glow” at the Halych building, compliments of the singing ensemble. The evening belonged to the Zoloti Dzvony. The Zoloti Dzvony ensemble performs during the banquet. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1997 No. 46

16-ËÈ äÛ¥Ì¸ ìèë ◊ÅìêãÄäà“ UIA to feature music of Stankovych Ó„‡Ì¥ÁÛπ NEW YORK — A concert featuring the music of Yevhen Stankovych, one of the central figures of contemporary Ukrainian music, will be held on November 22 at the Ukrainian Institute of America. Performing at the concert are violinist ‚¥‰ Ô’flÚÌˈ¥, 26-„Ó ‰Ó ÒÂ‰Ë, 31 - „Ó „Û‰Ìfl 19 97 . Anatoliy Bazhenov, pianist Naida è˪Á‰ Û˜‡ÒÌËÍ¥‚ Û ˜ÂÚ‚Â 25-„Ó „Û‰Ìfl Magomedbekova, clarinetist David Gresham and composer/conductor Virko 1. íÄÅßê Ñãü ûçÄäßÇ ß ûçÄó é ä Baley leading the Music At The Institute 2. íÄÅßê Ñãü ëíÄ ê ò é Éé ûçÄñíÇÄ Ú‡ åéã éÑ ò é Éé (MATI) Chamber Ensemble with the Flux Quartet — Tom Chiu and 2. ëíÄ ê ò é Éé èãÄëí ì ç ëí Ç Ä Cornelius Dufallo, violins; Kenji Bunch, ̇ ΢‡Ú‡Ò¸ÍËı Ú Â Ì ‡ ı viola; and David Eggar, cello. Gore Mountain North Creek, N.Y. The concert, sponsored by Dr. W. Howard Hoffman, is being held as part 퇷ÓÓ‚‡ ÓÔ·ڇ 410.00 ‰ÓÎ. ¥ 15.00 ‰ÓÎ. ‚ÔËÒÓ‚Â of “Music at the Institute’s” presentation of “Composer’s Choice.” ✲ 퇷ÓÓ‚‡ ÓÔ·ڇ ÔÓÍË‚‡π: ÔËÏ¥˘ÂÌÌfl, ÔÓı‡˜Û‚‡ÌÌfl (ÒÌ¥‰‡ÌÓÍ ¥ ‚˜Âfl), Ú‡ÌÒÔÓÚ The program features the Sonata ✲ ‰Ó ΢‡Ú‡Ò¸ÍËı ÚÂÂÌ¥‚, ‚ËÚfl„Ë, ¥ÌÒÚÛ͈¥ª ΢‡Ú‡ÒÚ‚‡. Piccolo for violin and piano (1977, U.S. ✲ éÔ·ڇ Ì ÔÓÍË‚‡π: ‰ÓªÁ‰Û ‰Ó Ú‡·ÓÛ. premiere); Triptych “In the Highlands” ✲ ÇÔËÒÓ‚Â (ÌÂÁ‚ÓÓÚÌÂ), ÔÓÍË‚‡π: Ú‡·ÓÓ‚Û ‚¥‰Á̇˜ÍÛ È ‡‰Ï¥Ì¥ÒÚ‡ˆ¥ÈÌ¥ ‚ˉ‡ÚÍË. for violin and piano (1972); String Quartet (1973); “A Humble Pastoral” for ä‡ÚË Á„ÓÎÓ¯ÂÌÌfl ÏÓÊ̇ ‰¥ÒÚ‡ÚË ‚ è·ÒÚÓ‚Ëı ëÚ‡Ìˈflı. óËÒÎÓ Ú‡·ÓÓ‚ËÍ¥‚ π Ó·ÏÂÊÂÌÂ. violin, viola and cello (1996); and á„ÓÎÓ¯ÂÌÌfl ·Û‰ÛÚ¸ ÔËÈχÚËÒfl ‚ Ú‡Í¥È ˜Â„Ó‚ÓÒÚ¥, flÍ ·Û‰ÛÚ¸ ÔËıÓ‰ËÚË. Chamber Symphony No. 5, “Secret Calls” for clarinet and strings (1995, ä‡ÚË Á„ÓÎÓ¯ÂÌÌfl Á ÔÓ‚ÌÓ˛ ÓÔ·ÚÓ˛ Ú·‡ ‚ËÒË·ÚË U.S. premiere). ‰Ó ‰Ìfl 5-„Ó „Û‰Ìfl 19 97 ÓÍÛ, ̇ ‡‰  Â Ò Û : Composer Yevhen Stankovych was Composer Yevhen Stankovych Mr J. Danyliw born in 1942 in Svaliava, in the P . O . B ox 507 Southampton ,PA 18 9 6 6 Zakarpattia Oblast of Ukraine. A prolific óÂÍË ‚ËÔÓ‚ÌflÚË Ì‡:◊WATAHA BURLAKIW“ composer, since 1966 he has authored – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 10 symphonies, six chamber sym- ä‡Ì‰Ë‰‡Ú¥‚ ‰Ó ·Û·‚ Ú‡·Ó¥‚ ÔÓÒËÏÓ „ÓÎÓÒËÚËÒfl ‰Ó ÔÎ. ÒÂÌ. phonies, an opera (“When the Fern û. ÑÄçàãßÇÄ Ú‡ ÔÓ‰‡ÚË Ò‚Ó˛ ‡‰ÂÒÛ ¥ ˜ËÒÎÓ ÚÂÎÂÙÓÌÛ. Blooms”), four ballets, a large number of – – – – – – – – – – – – – – works in the oratorical, vocal chamber êéÑàóß ß Ééëíß and instrumental chamber genres, as ÏÓÊÛÚ¸ Á‡ÏÓ‚ÎflÚË Í¥Ï̇ÚË ‚ well as incidental music to six music The Queensbury Hotel theater plays and over 100 films. 88 Ridge Street Stankovych studied at the Kyiv Glens Falls, New York, 12801 Conservatory under Borys Liatoshynsky Tel.: (518) 792-1121 and later under Myroslav Skoryk. $60 Á‡ Í¥Ï̇ÚÛ Beginning with his first compositions, é·Ó‚’flÁÍÓ‚Ó ÔÓÍÎË͇ÚËÒfl ̇ ◊Ukrainian Parents“ Stankovych declared himself as a com- poser of dramatic temperament. While his technique is contemporary, folkloric themes are paramount in his works (for example, the opera “When the Fern Blooms” (1978) and “Kaddish: Requiem for Babyn Yar” (1991). Stankovych’s uniqueness lies in his pronounced affinity with the vernacular, his blending of folk motifs with orches- tral colors, reproducing the unique aspects of the folk song and of multilay- ered polyphony. JOIN US FOR A FAMILY STYLE Stankovych believes that a composer Ken Howard TRADITIONAL THANKSGIVING DINNER cannot create music in isolation from his Virko Baley AT SOYUZIVKA cultural lifeline, and works to extend that THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1997, AT 1 PM lifeline to his audience. Taras Shevchenko State Award. Stankovych’s elaborate polyphonic tex- The composer’s works have been per- * Extensive Salad Bar tures and meditative lyricism are reminis- formed in Canada, the U.S., Germany, * Turkey Dinner With all the Trimmings cent of the strict instrumental style of France, Switzerland, Finland, Spain, China, * Viennese Dessert Table Baroque music, while the full-bodied the Philippines and Yugoslavia, in addition * Coffee & Tea affected melodies with an obvious post- to the former USSR. His works have been Romantic coloring give the music warmth recorded on the Melodiya, Analekta, ASV, and expressiveness. Stankovych’s music is Naxos and Troppe Note/Cambria labels. remarkable in many respects, showing his Last year Stankovych was composer- emotional freedom, consummate technical in-residence in the canton of Bern, mastery and flexibility of form. Switzerland. As the Soviet Union collapsed, Maestro Baley is the founder and music Stankovych wrote several monumental director of the Las Vegas Chamber Players SPECIAL ORDER: WHOLE TURKEY works commemorating Ukraine’s victims. and Nevada Symphony Orchestra, and prin- FOR YOUR FAMILY $25.00 SURCHARGE His “Kaddish: Requiem for Babyn Yar” cipal guest conductor and artistic advisor of RESERVATIONS FOR THANKSGIVING DINNER ARE REQUIRED was the composer’s gift to the memory of the Kyiv Camerata. He has recently Jews who perished at the hands of the Nazis returned from Moscow where he conducted in Kyiv in September 1941 (the work was the Russian National Orchestra with double premiered in September 1991 in Kyiv); chorus and soloists in Vyacheslav “Requiem For Those Who Died of Famine” THANKSGIVING DINNER ONLY ...... $20.00 PER PERSON Artyomov’s “Requiem,” a work dedicated CHILDREN UNDER 12 ...... $10.00 PER CHILD commemorates the 6 million who perished to the victims of communism in Russia, at of hunger in 1932-1933 in Ukraine (pre- Tchaikovsky Hall on November 7. The ************************************************************** miered in 1993 in Kyiv); and “Black Elegy” work became the first requiem mass to be THANKSGIVING DINNER WITH OVERNIGHT STAY: is a remembrance of the victims of the broadcast over Moscow State Radio in Chornobyl tragedy (premiered in 1991 in STANDARD ROOMS $80.00 PER PERSON, $150.00 PER COUPLE 1988. While in Ukraine Maestro Baley con- W i n n i p e g ) . ducted the Kyiv Camerata in a recording DELUXE ROOMS $95.00 PER PERSON, $175.00 PER COUPLE Stankovych is the recipient of several session of the ensemble’s third CD. major awards. His Chamber Symphony No. CHILDREN 13-17 MEALS ONLY $40.00 Tickets for the “The Music of Yevhen 3 was selected by UNESCO’s World Stankovych” concert, to be held at the CHILDREN 12 & UNDER MEALS ONLY FREE Tribune as one of the 10 best works of Ukrainian Institute of America, 2 E. 79th 1985. He has been recognized with several St., are $20; $10, senior citizens; $5, stu- OVERNIGHT STAY INCLUDES STEAK DINNER AT 7 PM AND BREAKFAST FRIDAY. awards in Ukraine, including the country’s dents. For tickets call the institute at (212) TAXES AND GRATUITIES highest award for artistic creativity, the 2 8 8 - 8 6 0 0 . No. 46 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1997 13 Leontovych String Quartet and Vynnytsky to perform at Weill Hall NEW YORK — The Leontovych String Quartet and USSR, the U.S., Canada, Europe, pianist Volodymyr Vynnytsky will appear in concert at Australia, Mexico, Hong Kong, Japan and Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall on Monday, November China. In 1985 he was appointed profes- 24, at 8 p.m. The concert is presented by the Musicians sor of violin at Boston University, where Corporate Management. he currently serves as chairman of the Quartet members are Yuri Mazurkevich, first violin; string department. Mr. Mazurkevich is a Yuri Kharenko, violin; Borys Deviatov, viola; and laureate of the Helsinki, Munich and Volodymyr Panteleyev, cello. Montreal international violin competi- The concert program will include the following: tions. In 1990, 16 years after his emigra- Skoryk, “Melody” ; Shostakovich, Quartet in F-sharp tion, he was invited to perform in Minor, No. 7, Op. 108; Brahms, String Quartet in A Moscow, Kyiv, and Lviv. Mr. Minor, Op. 51, No. 2; and Franck, Quintet in F Minor Mazurkevich has been a member of the for Piano and Strings. Leontovych String Quartet since 1991. The quartet is named after Mykola Leontovych, the Violinist Yuri Kharenko was born in 19th century Ukrainian composer and folk music collec- Kyiv. A graduate of the Lysenko Special tor, particularly noted for his choral arrangements of Music School, he went on to study with folk music. Prof. A. Shtern at the Kyiv Conservatory. Since its founding at the Kyiv Philharmonic in 1976, He joined the Leontovych String Quartet the Leontovych String Quartet has performed more than in 1983 and has performed throughout 2,000 concerts, appearing in major international festi- the former Soviet Union and Europe. Mr. vals and concert halls throughout the former Soviet Kharenko has appeared at various inter- Union, Eastern Europe, Germany and Italy. national festivals, including Music The quartet made its American debut tour in 1988 Mountain, the Newport Festival in Rhode with performances at the United Nations, Harvard Island, the Texas Music Festival in University and Music Mountain Festival in Connecticut, Houston and in New York on radio sta- the oldest continuing international music festival in the tion WQXR. In 1994 he appeared as a U.S. It has since appeared at Music Mountain for seven soloist at the Kyiv Music Fest. Prior to consecutive years, as well as at festivals and chamber emigrating to the U.S. in 1991, he was on music societies throughout the country. the faculty of the Kyiv Conservatory. Mr. A prize-winner of the Leo Weiner International Kharenko was named Outstanding Artist String Quartet Competition in Budapest, the quartet was of Ukraine and is a recipient of the given the Lysenko Award in 1989 for popularizing Lysenko Prize. Ukrainian chamber music, making this the first time the Violist Borys Deviatov was born in award was given to an ensemble rather than a composer. Vorkuta, Russia. He attended the Some 13 works were written for the Leontovych String Vorkuta Music School and the Cherkasy Concert bill designed by Ihor Barabakh featuring members of the Quartet by Ukrainian and Russian composers, and the Music School in Ukraine. Mr. Deviatov Leontovych String Quartet and pianist Volodymyr Vynnytsky. quartet has premiered works by such composers as studied with Prof. Olenych at the Lviv Schnittke, Sylvestrov, Skoryk and Hrabovsky. Conservatory in 1973-1978. He is the winner of sever- Conservatory and the Moscow Conservatory, where he In the former Soviet Union, the quartet recorded more al prizes as both violist and conductor, and has toured received a doctorate degree in chamber music. He than 30 works for radio broadcast and Melodiya extensively since 1978 throughout the former Soviet served as professor of cello and string quartet at the Records. In the U.S., it records for Greystone Records. Union, Hungary, Czecho-Slovakia and Poland in solo Kyiv Conservatory in 1976-1991. Mr. Panteleyev has Yuri Mazurkevich, a native of Lviv, studied with the recitals and as soloist with orchestras. Mr. Deviatov appeared as soloist with the Kyiv Chamber Orchestra, renowned violinist David Oistrakh in Moscow. He has joined the Leontovych String Quartet in 1990. performed many solo recitals, as well as given numerous appeared as a highly acclaimed soloist and member of Cellist Volodymyr Panteleyev, co-founder of the master classes. He was named Outstanding Artist of the Pomerants-Mazurkevich violin duo in the former Leontovych String Quartet, studied at the Kyiv (Continued on page 15)

NOW ON CD!!! A GREAT XMAS GIFT!!! “Musical Masterpiece! A rare combination of beautiful folk music and exceptional musical talent. This outstanding CD is a must! Hear the best of the best!” Daniel J. Walikis...WHRW-FM Binghampton, NY

“Truly, these songs are all jewels!” Bohdana Bashuk CKJS Radio, Winnipeg, Man.

“They sing with their souls, not just their voices. As one listens, one forgets the technique of their craft, and this is exactly that which creates true artistry.” Yaryna Drabyna CFMB Radio, Montreal, Que. CHEREMSHYNA Along Paths of a Dream

“Exceptional! I was so moved by these beautiful songs. I listened with tears in my eyes. Bravo!” Lida Shewchuk... Radio Ukraina, Kyiv, Ukraine

CD $15 (US) Cassette $10 (US) + $3 (US) S+H per item

Send cheque or money order to: CHEREMSHYNA 19 Vendome, Kirkland, Que. H9J 3W4 Canada Or call: (514) 697-5506 or 624-0476 or 426-0140 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1997 No. 46 Ya ra to celebra te book’s launch N E W YORK — Yara Arts Group MaMa “A Light From the East” in 1990. invites the public to an evening of wine, The summer studies program at poetry and music to celebrate the publi- Harvard, attended by Ukrainians from all cation of “Ten Years of Poetry from over the world and non-Ukrainians from Yara Theatre Workshops at Harvard,” a all walks of life, offer a unique cultural hand-made volume of contemporary haven for the Yara theater workshop. Ukrainian poetry in award-winning They encourage students to be sponta- translations by Virlana Tkacz and neous and original in their interpretations Wanda Phipps. of Ukrainian poetry, and it is the blend- The event, which commemorates 10 ing of interpretations, experiences and ideas that have elicited by a positive 7 Room apt. years of Yara’s Theatre Workshops at the Planning a trip to Harvard Ukrainian Summer Studies response from those students. Julian Richmond Hill, Queens. Program, will take place on Sunday Zahalak, a graduate student at the Very clean, quiet, November 23, at 7 p.m. at the Ukrainian University of Chicago enthused, “I was safe neighborhood. $1,000. UKRAINE? Institute of America, 2 E. 79th St. The introduced to aspects of Ukrainian cul- (718) 847-1365. evening will feature bilingual poetry per- ture I didn’t know existed.” Personalized formances, music and a special sale of Over the last 10 years, with the help of the book. Participants will include Yara designer Watoku Ueno and d r a m a t u r g / Travel Service at actors, alumni from the theater work- translator Wanda Phipps, Virlana Tkacz Reasonable Rates shops and musician Julian Kytasty on has brought the poetry of various bandura. Ukrainian authors and epochs to the stu- The Yara Theatre Workshops at dents at Harvard beginning with the sum- •VISAS•HOTELS•MEALS• Harvard, begun by Virlana Tkacz in mer of 1988-1989 which focused on the •TRANSFERS•GUIDES• 1988, were the springboard for creating works of Les Kurbas and also featured the poetry of Taras Shevchenko and Mykola •AIR TICKETS• the Yara Arts Group, now a resident the- ater company with the La MaMa Kulish, to this past summer, during which •CARS WITH DRIVERS• Experimental Theater in New York. students performed “Seven Veils,” the •INTERPRETERS• Yara’s trademark multilingual perfor- works of seven contemporary Ukrainian poets: Mariana Sawka, Mykola Vorobiov, •SIGHTSEEING• mances based on Ukrainian literature are well-known to the Ukrainian American Anka Sereda, Viktor Neborak, Liudmyla community. Taran, Mykola Miroshnychenko and LANDMARK, LTD The Yara Arts Group has staged origi- Oksana Zabuzhko. nal theater productions annually at La toll free (800) 832-1789 MaMa since its debut in 1990, last winter DC/MD/VA (703) 941- presenting “Virtual Souls” at the La Correction 6180 MaMa Annex. It was the 1989 piece presented at In The Ukrainian Museum’s press Y E V S H A N Harvard, “Les Kurbas: Fragments in release about the blessing of the corner- Distributor of fine Ukrainian products - Cassettes, Compact Performance,” that featured scenes from stone for its new building in New York discs - Videos - Language tapes & Dictionaries - Computer three Kurbas productions, including City, which was published in The fonts for PC & MAC - Imported Icons - Ukrainian Stationery FLOWE R S Shevchenko’s “The Sky’s Unwashed,” Weekly on October 26, the first name of - Cookbooks - Food parcels to Ukraine that provided the material and impetus to Anna Alyskewycz was incorrectly ren- Call for a free catalog produce Yara’s first performance at La dered as Alma. 1-8 00- 2 65-9 8 5 8 VISA - MASTERCARD - AMEX ACCEPTED FAX ORDERS ACCEPTED (514) 630-9960 Delivered in Ukraine BOX 325, BEACONSFIELD, QUEBEC CANADA - H9W 5T8 1-800-832-1789 Landmark, Ltd. Air Ukraine National Airlines

FIRST QUALITY non-stop flights UKRAINIAN TRADITIONAL-STYLE MON U M E N T S NEW YORK - KYIV SERVING NY/NJ/CT REGION CEMETERIES OBLAST NEW YORK - LVIV WEST ARKA M E M O R I A L S only 8 hours 2282 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ont., Canada M6S 1N9 P.O. BOX 746 Chester, NY 10918 Great service and most affordable prices on the market Gifts 914-469-4247 Ukrainian Handicrafts BILINGUAL HOME APPOINTMENTS For information and reservations, please call: Art, Ceramics, Jewellery A. CHORNY Books, Newspapers Cassettes, CDs, Videos 1-800-UKRAINE Embroidery Supplies GOV’T FORECLOSED homes from (1-800-857-2463) Packages and Services to Ukraine pennies on $1. Delinquent Tax, Repo’s, or our corporate offices: Tel.: (416) 762-8751 Fax: (416) 767-6839 REO’s. Your Area. New York - (212) 557-3077 Toll Free 1-800-218-9000 New York - (212) 599-0555 Chicago - (312) 640-0222 SEIZED CARS from $175. Arrival and departure information: JFK - (718) 656-9896 Porsches, Cadillacs, Chevys. Arrival and departure information: JFK - (718) 632-6909 BMW’s, Corvettes. Also Jeeps, 4WD’s. Your area. Toll Free 1-800-218- Air Ukraine 9000 Ext. A-1871 for current 551 Fifth Ave., Suite 1002, 1005 New York, NY 10176

Air Ukraine - Cargo Tel. 718-376-1023, FAX 718-376-1073

2307 Coney Island Ave. (Ave.T), Brooklyn, NY 11223 No. 46 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1997 15

UCC donation helps flood vic- WINNIPEG – Winter is just around the corner, but many Manitobans are still coping with the damage to their homes and per- sonal possessions caused by last spring’s historic flooding by the Red River. Many residents of flooded com- munities have had their patience and finances stretched to the limit awaiting promised government assistance that, for those in des- perate need, has been slow in c o m i n g . Groups from sea-to-sea raised greatly needed funds to assist in Manitoba’s flood relief effort. Of the numerous fund-raising efforts, one was conducted by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Toronto Branch, which raised a total of $30,000. A check for that amount was pre- sented in Toronto to Oleh Romaniw, president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Headquarters. Mr. Romaniw formally presented the check to Frank Pitura, minister of government services for the province of Manitoba.

L e o n t o v y c h . . . (Continued from page 13) Ukraine and is a recipient of the Lysenko Prize. A laureate of the Margueritte Long- Jacques Thibaud International Piano Competition in Paris (1983), pianist Volodymyr Vynnytsky has established himself as a distinctive musical personal- ity and has received critical and audience acclaim for his fresh and penetrating readings of the scores. A native of Lviv, Mr. Vynnytsky studied at the Lviv Music School for Gifted Children under the tutelage of Lydia Golemba and later at the Moscow Conservatory with the distin- guished pianist Evgeny Malinin. He received his doctorate in 1983 from the Moscow Conservatory and subsequent- ly taught at the Kyiv Conservatory. Mr. Vynnytsky concertized extensively throughout Ukraine, the other republics of the former Soviet Union, and Europe. In addition, he actively pro- moted new music as a member of the Perpetuum Mobile Kyiv Chamber Orchestra, which performed works of 20th century composers, many of whom had never been heard in the for- mer Soviet Union. Mr. Vynnytsky’s recordings include works by Mozart, Bortniansky, Chopin, and Liszt for Kobza Productions (Kyiv- Toronto), the works of modern Ukrainian composer Myroslav Skoryk for Yevshan Records (Montreal), and archival record- ings of Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto and Britten’s “Young Apollo” Concerto for the Ukrainian Broadcasting Corporation in Kyiv In 1994, Mr. Vynnytsky and cellist Vagram Saradjian, performing as a duo, won the Distinguished Artists Award in New York and went on to make a critically acclaimed debut at Carnegie Hall. Mr. Vynnytsky, who has been resid- ing in the U.S. since 1991, is a visiting member of the piano faculty at State University of New York in Purchase, N.Y., and artist-in-residence at the Music and Art Center of Greene County in Hunter, N.Y. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1997 No. 46

World Forum of Ukrainians that was friends in the United Arab Emirates, but to tell them, “my dear friends, it is great that Rudenko-Desniak... held in Kyiv this past August. The reac- that would mean nothing. we gathered here, sat down together, drank (Continued from page 3) tion to it in the Western diaspora was If we want to make truly real this idea of a few toasts. But the forum ends and anoth- good diplomat. I used to repeatedly invite pretty much negative. What were your world Ukrainianism we need to do a lot er one doesn’t occur for five years. What do our colleagues from the West and tell them, i m p r e s s i o n s ? more. First, we have to identify the charac- we do in the meantime?” teristics of each of these groups in the world Everything that is essential must be done “Please visit because we have no experi- To use a diplomatic word, I had “seri- ence about developing a national communi- Ukrainian movement. Ukrainians in the between forums. We must build on the ous” impressions. It is difficult to be United States and Canada are one thing. work. If not, the idea of a world Ukrainian ty in a democratic society. We simply have affronted by the people who organized the none. We don’t know what to grab on to.” Ukrainians in Western Europe are another. movement will end up an abstraction, a nos- forum. You can’t be offended, you must Ukrainians in the post-Soviet space are a talgic abstraction. I would rather have it a Today I no longer have this problem understand what went on. because in these past years we have been third. And so on. We must determine what reality, and it can be a reality. We use many terms out of habit: “World is essential for each of these groups. The second problem also is a serious bruised in the head so often that we now do Ukrainianism.” But what does that mean? have our own experience. It is a bitter one, Second, we must find the points at which one. It regards certain disagreements You see, we want to assure ourselves that not all that sweet. our interests converge. The idea of building with my colleagues here in Moscow, in membership in one nation assures us that all I can’t tell you that the problem has been a Ukrainian state is a wonderful idea. It is Russia. They asked me at one time, why, other problems will be solved. I’m exagger- solved. We can’t solve a problem in five supported on an emotional and philosophi- when the statutes of the Association of ating, of course, but you understand the sit- years that developed over 500 years. There cal level. But an organizational process also Ukrainians in Russia were being u a t i o n . is a national mentality, a societal mentality. is needed. approved, was there no point made that But then when people gather it becomes There exists a post-imperial syndrome. If organizations form in Kyiv that take an important goal of the AUR is the apparent that they hold varied ideas as to The experience that we have gained in on coordinating responsibilities in these building of an independent Ukrainian the last five years is personal experience. societal interests, different ideas about the matters, they must then actually be coordi- state. Let me say first that the statutes But I repeat, I would have been delighted to world in general. These are very different nating organizations. They must gather the were voted on before my time. have greeted guests here from the States, people. So if we are talking about world threads together. They have to create this I told them that it is not a responsibility from Canada. If they don’t want to visit Ukrainianism, then there is a need to build a thing just like with any organization – not of Russian citizens to build the Ukrainian Moscow, they can go to Tiumen. If not world system, not to declare that it exists. like a state organization, but like an individ- state. We founded this organization (the Tiumen, they can travel to Vladivostok or You can declare independence, not world ual, cultural organization, as an organization AUR) to protect our rights. First of all, it is to Cheliabinsk. Wherever they would like. Ukrainianism. That you must build. of our efforts, of our links. an organization that should protect our They can visit St. Petersburg. Then you must unite. You asked me I think such an organization should be rights and ensure our rights. They should see life here today. It is not about contacts with the West. I have good able to develop an exchange of individuals, We wholeheartedly and spiritually good, and it is not bad. This is the reality. friends there, I believe. But I have no con- let’s say from here to Australia, or support a normal Ukrainian state and We live it; there is no other. tact with the Western diaspora. Private con- Argentina or the United States, and vice visit our historical homeland with joy. tacts and official organizational contacts are versa, not as a work exchange, but as an But why should the building of a I’d like to turn to the topic of the two very different things. I could have great exchange of people who are interested in Ukrainian state be the main objective for cultural ties and development and associat- citizens of Russia of Ukrainian descent, ed problems. This would be one way to or of the United States? This is a very and Congress of Ukrainian Nationalists begin an exchange of information, an interesting question. October Revolution... leader Slava Stetsko remembered those exchange of our views on the world. It is not an easy task to determine the for- who perished. Mr. Chornovil said he was (Continued from page 1) These issues cannot be resolved at a mula for the existence of a truly worldwide called “political battles” among the various willing to seek peace with leftists but not with those who will not admit that the forum. The work must be done between Ukrainian community. It is easier to talk political groups of the Parliament. Soviet Union “committed unspeakable acts forums not at the forum itself. This is what I sweetly of it at gatherings. But gathering No disturbances were reported in other of horror.” want to convince my friends in Kyiv. I want and working are not one and the same. cities of Ukraine, including the nation’s Ukraine still officially celebrates October capital, where leftists and rightists also Revolution Day, the Soviet holiday that held separate rallies. In a sea of red flags, officials began removing the inmates. As a commemorates the overthrow of the Voices from... cook, Mr. Lahola was one of the last to more than 3,000 mostly elderly people Kerensky provisional government and the (Continued from page 9) leave since he had to prepare meals for gathered in European Square to reaffirm beginning of the Bolshevik Revolution. their support for the Communist Party and jar of goose fat. He was in heaven as he German soldiers from the front. This year President Leonid Kuchma The Nazis now engaged in a frantic the failed Soviet experiment. Less than a smeared the fat over his camp ration of proposed that the holiday become a day of three-month effort to hide the prisoners and mile away, nearly 2,000 national democ- bread over the next few days. memory and reconciliation, and be reduced transfer them from one concentration camp rats gathered in St. Sophia Square, where a After months on a diet of subsistence from two days to one. The president said to another. Thus Mr. Lahola and others memorial service was held in remem- and hunger, Mr. Lahola was told by the SS restructuring the holiday would “reduce from his camp were forced to march west- brance of those exterminated in the purges guards to unload a bread truck. To be political and ideological confrontation.” ward for three days and nights until they of the 1930s. After a procession down caught stealing bread was instant death. The president’s effort backfired when the reached the German border. There, as the Volodymyrska Street, the commemoration Nonetheless, in an unattended moment, leftist forces of the Verkhovna Rada, led by men huddled together in the sleet and dri- continued in Shevchenko Park, located Mr. Lahola devoured as much bread as he Yurii Donchenko, who chairs the ving snow, they were loaded onto boxcars across the street from Shevchenko State Committee on Social Policy and Labor, could. Then he hid more bread away into and transferred to Mauthausen, a concentra- University. There Ivan Drach, president of criticized the proposal for “encroaching on his clothing to take back to the barracks. tion camp near Linz, Austria. Not long the Congress of Ukrainian Intellectuals, the right of the people to rest and recre- Luckily, that day he passed through the afterwards, they were again transferred, this Rukh Chairman Vyacheslav Chornovil ation,” and soundly defeated it. camp gates unchecked. However, his fee- time to Melk, a converted army camp ble body could not process the sudden where the prisoners worked in coal mines. onslaught of food. He became violently ill, Then again they were transferred, this time vomiting everything he had eaten. He was by tug boat into Germany to the Ebensee so sick he gave whatever bread he smug- concentration camp. There, on May 6, gled into the camp to the other inmates, 1945, liberation day, an American tank because he knew he wouldn’t be able to eat pulled through the gates of the camp, and it himself. the astonished soldiers informed the Shortly thereafter, Mr. Lahola hid among exhausted prisoners that they were finally some prisoners assigned the task of peeling f r e e . potatos. The camp cook chose him to help The prisoners went wild. In their rush to in the kitchen. He was safe and in a place enter a bakery to get some bread, several of where he could attend to his hunger, albeit them were trampled to death. Others died at great risk. His main job was to fill big from overeating at a time when their bodies pots with soup for the SS officers. He were incapable of processing the food they would carry the soup pots to the soldiers at hungrily consumed. The long nightmare, meal times. He would wrap a rag around his however, was finally over. hand to help carry the pot, and as he pre- Today, more than 50 years later, John tended to hurry along, would purposely spill Lahola lives in North America. Yet even some of that soup on to the rag. Later, back now he is still swept away with emotion THE MICHAEL AND ORSON SKORR ORCHESTRAS in the barracks, he would rinse the rag into whenever he reflects on these events. his cup and drink the dribbles of soup for More than anything, his three years of extra nourishment. incarceration in Nazi concentration Every day for three years John Lahola camps exemplifies the fact that to live PACKAGES TO UKRAINE and the others endured this torment. Every requires struggle – that resignation and day more people died in the gas chambers. surrender are the surest prescriptions for as low as $ .69 per Lb Every day their bodies were stripped of death. His experience demonstrates that jewelry and gold teeth and then piled up on the essence of life is not found in events DNIPRO CO carts to be wheeled over to the incinerators. that occur in our lives which, more often than not, are arbitrary or accidental. NEWARK, NJ P H I L A D E L P H I A CLIFTON, NJ * * * Rather, John Lahola’s life shows that the 698 Sanford Ave 1801 Cottman Ave 565 Clifton Ave Finally, the end drew near. For months real question is how to lead your life no rumors circulated in the camp that the matter what events life brings you. John Tel. 201-373-8783 Tel. 215-728-6040 Tel. 201-916-1543 Russian front was coming closer. A huge Lahola believes his survival depended on *Pick up service available fire was built to destroy camp papers and dedicating himself to a larger cause that documents. On January 18, 1945, prison helped him find meaning in his suffering No. 46 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1997 17

the newly elected Ladies Auxiliary presi- Ukrainian American Veterans... dent, made the presentation. (Continued from page 11) An announcement was made recogniz- Mr. Bodnarczuk, was called to put a clo- ing Walter Berezowsky, Walter sure on the installation services. Mr. Senyshyn and Ted Zeniuk of Post 4, Szewczuk, commander-elect, and Ms. Joseph Lesawyer of Post 7 and Jules Pryjma, auxiliary president-elect, were Zaharchuk of Post 2. All four gentlemen called to make acceptance statements. were present at the first UAV banquet The Ukrainian diplomatic corps was held in Philadelphia 50 years ago. Lt. Col. Oryshkevych, outgoing presi- represented by military advisers to Ukraine’s Mission to the United Nations, dent of the Ukrainian American Military Association, was invited to speak on Col. Vasyl Sydorenko and Maj. Vadym behalf of his organization. He thanked Yakhno. Both were invited to address the the UAV 50th anniversary convention for audience. officially adopting the UAMA as a mem- After the Rev. Oleksa Chouter was ber-affiliate of the UAV. called to deliver an invocational. Maj. Golash, the president-elect of the Vincent Dunn, chairman of the UAMA, underlined that the new merger Economic Development and Promotion “could only bring positive and produc- Committee in the Ulster County tive results in common future endeav- Legislature, was called to the podium to ors.” present a proclamation. Rep. Benjamin The last speaker was UAV Scholarship Gilman (R-N.Y.) delivered a resounding Officer Demchuk, who announced the speech about veterans, their rights and names of scholarship winners for 1997. their important role in the American Mr. Wichar expressed his thanks to all Ukrainian community. participants and to Soyuzivka Manager During other introductions and John A. Flis for his extraordinary hospi- acknowledgments, Mr. Wichar called on tality, and adjourned the banquet pro- PNC Polche and Ms. Chuma to the main ceedings. He also invited the guests to table for the presentation of a plaque stay for the Commanders Ball. Dance Col. Vasyl Sydorenko and Maj. Vadym Yakhno, miliary advisers to Ukraine’s honoring the late Ladies Auxiliary music was provided by the popular Mission to the United Nations, with Christine Shumenko and John Melnyk of President Rosalie Polche. Ms. Pryjma, Lviviany orchestra from Ukraine. M i c h i g a n .

Ukrainian-American Military. . . (Continued from page 10) in a parachute-jumping exercise. After lunch about 10 UAMA members (several with full rucksacks and canteens) participated in a 10-mile commemorative hike over a measured course, to mark the The veterans of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) and of the 1st Division of the 50th anniversary of the Great Raid of the UPA. Afterwards, the UAV and UAMA Ukrainian National Army in Ukraine still need our financial support. had a joint ceremony at which Maj. Please help them through your generous donations to the Social Service Golash read an account of the Great Raid, and Sgt. Maj. Zahody presented commem- of Ukrainian War Veterans during our November compaign. orative medals to participants of the Great Raid. Thus, the new generation of U.S. Social Service of Ukrainian War Veterans military honored the previous generation for its efforts and sacrifices. Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center, On Sunday the UAMA members gath- 700 Cedar Road, Rm-122A, Jenkintown, PA 19046 ered to elect their new officers. The office of vice-president became de-facto the office of president-elect, as Vice- President Maj. Golash was elected to the presidency. Capt. Holowinsky was elect- ed vice-president, and immediate Past President Lt. Col. Oryshkevych was elected membership chairman. The posi- tions of secretary (Lt. Col. Chyterbok), treasurer (Lt. Cmdr. Chuck Dobra), his- torian (Lt. Col. Leonid Kondratiuk), and senior enlisted advisor (Sgt. Maj. Zahody) remain unchanged. The next UAMA conference will take place either in Boston or Washington, with details of dates and location to be announced. * * * Ukrainian-speaking U.S. military who are in the Guard, Reserve or active compo- nents may contact Lt. Col. Oryshkevych at [email protected] to get further details of membership in the UAMA or to submit information. Names of military members who have a qualifying Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) score in Ukrainian (and speak Ukrainian fluently) will be sent to Points of Contact (POCs) who organize missions to and from Ukraine, and may be given orders to par- ticipate in such missions.

FOR SALE BY OWNER Totally refurbished: 3 bedroom, living room, dining room, family room, new kitchen, 1 and a half baths, 17x32 foot deck on oversized park-like grounds. Close to all transportation. House is a must see at $182,000 (908) 688-4994 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1997 No. 46

fashion, and after the factions had mobi- from the Canadian armed forces on March Verkhovna Rada... lized their troops, 280 lawmakers gave the Ukrainian Canadian... 2, 1946, and returned to his previous occu- (Continued from page 1) nod to five additional candidates. (Continued from page 9) pation as a garage operator. He was 43 required by the new law, and to approve the The commission’s major task immedi- Mr. Berzenski was born in Rossburn, years old. candidate lists and voter petitions. It also is ately will be to approve the candidate lists Manitoba, and worked as a mechanic in Most of the Hong Kong veterans had dif- responsible for determining the budget for and the voter petitions for all the parties that Russel, Manitoba, when he enlisted in the ficulties adjusting to civilian life because the elections, which comes from govern- wish to take part in the elections. According Winnipeg Grenadiers in September 1939. the abuse they endured in the Japanese ment coffers, as well as for drawing up and to the new law that process must be com- He was 26 years old and had married only camps left most of them physically frail. At printing the official ballots and overseeing pleted 120 days prior to the elections, which days before his departure for Hong Kong. least two of the Ukrainian veterans volun- the actual elections. are scheduled for March 29. In 1943 Canadian prisoners were sent to teered again for the Canadian Army during Ivan Yemets, the outgoing director of the To be officially registered for the March camps in Japan, where they were obliged to the Korean War, and one was turned down CEC, said after the Verkhovna Rada 1998 elections, parties must submit peti- perform heavy labor in the country’s mines outright for medical reasons. Steven approved only five of the required 15 mem- tions with the signatures of 200,000 voters, and shipyards. Prisoners with technical Zacharko was accepted, but never went bers on November 4 that “right now, of which 10,000 must be gathered from skills (such as Mr. Slipchenko) were held in back to Asia. He served in Germany in the nobody is working on developing the orga- each of 14 various oblasts. the Yokohama Camp and exploited at the 1950s for several years before doffing his nization and making preparations for the In the new mixed electoral system, vot- shipyards. Others were held in camps in greens for the last time. e l e c t i o n s . ” ers will make two selections. They will Fukuoka and Osaka. Mr. Slipchenko also suffered from the Opponents of the president had first choose one candidate from a list of In January 1945 some prisoners were lingering effects of his incarceration partic- claimed then that the president was pack- those running outside the party system chosen by lot to broadcast prepared texts ularly the severe malnutrition – and later on ing the commission with his supporters and then make a party choice, presumably over Japanese radio, saying that they were an industrial accident added to his misery. and said that members of the president’s based on the party’s platform and their alive and had been taken prisoner by When he died, on April 24, 1972, Mr. administration should not take seats on candidate list. Japan. Mr. Slipchenko was among them, Slipchenko was a member of the Hong Kong Veterans Association, Ukrainian the commission. In fact, three of the nine Of the 450 Verkhovna Rada seats, 225 and when short-wave operators in Canada Canadian Veterans Association Branch No. rejected candidates hold posts in the will go to the individual candidates selected and the U.S. monitoring Japanese trans- 141, the St. Andrew’s Brotherhood Society, administration. The president’s chief of in each of the 225 electoral districts of missions picked up his message, they for- and was a parishioner at St. Mary the staff, Yevhen Kushniarov, accused the Ukraine, which are to be established by the warded it to his wife in Winnipeg. It was Protectress Cathedral in Winnipeg. Communists in the Parliament of block- CEC as one of its first orders of business. the first news of him she had received Canadian participation in the Hong Kong ing the election of the CEC by pocketing The other 225 seats will be divided among since Christmas 1941. campaign was investigated by a Royal their ballots in what was a vote by secret the parties that take at least 4 percent of the In all, members of the Canadian units of Commission in 1942, and was the subject ballot. vote according to the percentage of votes Hong Kong spent 44 months in Japanese of a number of other special investigations After two days of haggling between they receive. captivity, and as mentioned above, the con- and reports over the years. The Hong Kong Parliament leaders and President The party candidate lists rank the mem- ditions they endured were harsh. The death Veterans Association has regularly Kuchma, during which the president said bers of each party and determine in what rate among prisoners of war in Japanese expressed its concern about the high rate of he would not withdraw his nominees, order the parties will seat their candidates. camps was 27 percent, compared to 4 per- sickness and death among the survivors. several of candidates were again present- Individuals on party candidate lists can cent in German POW camps in Europe. By Only 758 of the 1,418 survivors were still ed for approval before the legislature. withdraw their names after the elections, late July 1945, of the 1,975 Canadians who alive in 1987. This time no additional members were which then allows those below them to arrived in Hong Kong, 557 had succumbed The role of Canadians in the battle for selected. Only 288 of the 416 deputies move up a notch. to disease, exposure or despair, or had been murdered by their captors. Nine of these Hong Kong and the tragic conditions in the registered for the day’s session, chiefly Many political parties have packed their victims were Ukrainian Canadians. prisoner of war camps have remained a because many lawmakers are preoccu- candidate lists with celebrities in the hope On August 15, 1945, the Japanese guards controversial topic for Canadian military pied with election-year politics, which that name recognition will draw voters to informed the prisoners that the war was historians. However, there is general con- made it impossible to get the 226 majori- their slates. However, it is expected that over. News of the Canadians’ release sensus that the colony would have fallen to ty of votes required to fill the nine vacan- many of the candidates will be lopped from arrived in Winnipeg during a meeting of the the Japanese regardless of the state of the cies to the CEC. the lists, including celebrities with no politi- Ukrainian Canadian Committee. Among contingent’s military training and prepared- Finally, on November 12, after having cal background, after having served their those released was Paul Arsenych, the son ness. Ukrainian Canadians who fell in the decided to vote by computer in the routine p u r p o s e . of Jaroslaw Arsenych, the UCC’s secretary battle for Hong Kong are buried at the Sai general. When Mr. Slipchenko was liberat- Wan War Cemetery and the nearby Stanley ed by U.S. troops on September 15, 1945, Military Cemetery, now both under Chinese he weighed under 100 pounds. administration. Mr. Slipchenko returned by ship to Every Remembrance Day, Ukrainian Seattle, Wash., and from there to Canadians should make a special effort to Vancouver. He made his way back to keep the memory of their sacrifice alive. Winnipeg on a hospital train and spent (I would like to thank Walter some time en route in a military hospital in Slipchenko, the son of Ivan Slipchenko, for Brandon, Manitoba. He was discharged his comments on a draft of this article.)

sile launcher at Pervomaisk, an ICBM base Newsbriefs in Ukraine. All 132 SS-19 silos in Ukraine (Continued from page 2) will be eliminated by the end of 1998, and Furthermore, Interpol has helped to return the CTR program has begun preliminary Ukrainian women working abroad as prosti- work to eliminate all Ukrainian SS-24 mis- tutes. The numbers of women involved in siles and launchers. Ukraine became prostitution abroad has significantly nuclear-weapons-free on May 30, 1996, when the last nuclear warhead was sent to decreased, according to Col. Viktor Radetskyi, director of the National Interpol Russia for elimination. In Russia on October 18, the delegation toured the Bureau. (Eastern Economist) Research Institute of Chemical and Harvest to exceed last year’s low Machine Building near Sergeiv Posad where SS-N-8 submarine-launched ballistic KYIV — Ukraine’s harvest is set to missiles are eliminated. (U.S. Department reach 37 million tons of grain, 12 million of Defense) more than last year, said First Deputy Agriculture Minister Borys Supikhanov on Missiles to be used for commercial launches November 11. Last year’s total was one of KYIV —The Ukrainian-Russian joint UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION MEMBERS !!! the lowest in decades. He said 2.2 million venture Kosmotras was registered on tons of sunflower seeds will be harvested, November 11 and the consortium will spe- also an increase over 1996. Up to 2.2 mil- cialize in modernizing SS-18 intercontinen- Looking for a First Mortgage? lion tons of sugar are expected to be pro- tal ballistic missiles for commercial launch- duced. (Respublika) es. The first commercial launch of a missile Need to refinance? Congressional site visit to Ukraine, Russia is expected to be carried out in 1998. Ukraine will handle most of the technical Looking for - WASHINGTON — Reps. Mac issues, according to Oleksander Serdiuk of Thornberry (R-Texas) and Vic Snyder (D- Ukraine’s National Security Agency. The Ark.), members of the House National Ukrainian side will consist of KB Pivdenne, Security Committee, recently returned from PivdenMash and AT Khartron. Ukraine and Great Rates a five-day visit to former Soviet missile Russia will each own 50 percent of shares sites in Russia and Ukraine that are being in the joint venture. The new Dnipro mis- Low Fees dismantled as part of the Cooperative sile could be included in the large-scale Threat Reduction program (CTR). So far, Teledisk project, which will involve the 66 SS-19 silos and 58 SS-19 missiles in launching into orbit of 840 American satel- Prompt Approval Ukraine have been eliminated; each of these lites for the new generation global computer missiles carried six nuclear warheads. network. Modernization of the missiles is During the mission, the congressmen over- expected to cost more than $100 million. CALL 1 (800) 253-9862 saw the partial elimination of an SS-19 mis- (Eastern Economist) No. 46 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1997 19

Ukrainians in St. Petersburg covered the Ukrainian community... cost of the work, which was a minor prob- (Continued from page 3) lem compared with finding a place to erect the temporary offices of the educational the monument. That had to be obtained center, also located on the Arbat. through the city government. Ms. Yolos Mr. Symonenko said no Ukrainian said the city of St. Petersburg finally gave churches exist in Moscow, and that the only them a square not far from Nevsky Ukrainian church in the region, the Prospect, the city’s main thoroughfare. Epiphany Cathedral of the Ukrainian Currently the foundation for the monument Orthodox Church — Kyiv Patriarchate in is being erected. An unveiling is scheduled Noginsk, 30 miles north of Moscow, was for March 1998. recently shut down by the Russian govern- Life in the hinterlands ment. He explained that the cathedral catered mostly to Russians because few On the other side of the Ural Mountains, Ukrainians live in Noginsk. in the rich oil and gas fields of the Tiumen He also said no official government- region of western Siberia, life for sponsored day schools exist in Moscow, but Ukrainians is not bad. More than 250,000 that the government sponsors one after- Ukrainians, many of whom spent time in school program for Ukrainian kids and that the political prisoners’ camps of western there is a private Sunday school program. Russia and their families, as well as others For Ukrainians in Moscow seeking who traveled to the region to work after oil intellectual stimulation, in addition to the and gas were discovered in 1954, live in recently organized Ukrainian Institute at the region today. They form the largest the Moscow Pedagogical University, there minority group in the Tiumen region, is the Library of Russian and Ukrainian ahead of the Tatars and Bashkirs. But, Literature (soon to be renamed), which more importantly, they earn an average of was given to the Association of up to $500 a month in the three large Ukrainians in Russia this past July. It has refineries located in the area, and the work been functioning since 1987 and has a col- is steady. lection of 30,000 Ukrainian books and The president of the Association of periodicals from all over the world, National Cultural Autonomy of the according to the library’s director, Oleksii Hantymantsivskyi autonomous district, H r y h o r o v y c h . Petro Yaremchuk, who arrived there in the early 1960s from Zhytomyr as part of the Mr. Hryhorovych said the library is actu- Komsomol movement that encouraged ally an extension of a similar one estab- young people to move to Siberia to work in lished in Moscow in the 1920s by Lenin the oil and gas fields, said seven organiza- and shut down in 1936 by Stalin. tions fall under his umbrella organization, Meanwhile, those who want to hear and they are all very active. Ukrainian music can turn to the Ukrainian “In the city of Surgut, we have had a Music Salon to satiate their thirst. The Sunday school for five years now,” salon offers classical, theatrical and pop explained Mr. Yaremchuk. “More than 100 music in the Ukrainian language on a students attend every year. We have monthly basis, featuring performers from Russians who have come to us wanting to such renowned centers of music as the learn Ukrainian.” Bolshoi Theater and the Tchaikovsky A major project for Mr. Yaremchuk’s Conservatory of Moscow. organization is the establishment of a day Mr. Symonenko said that although school in the city of Surgut, where many many Ukrainians and non-Ukrainians take Ukrainians in this region live, which part in Ukrainian cultural events, unfortu- would be the first in Russia. “We are try- nately, only several hundred of the thou- ing to have the regional authorities give sands of Ukrainians in Moscow are active us permission for one daily school that participants in Ukrainian life. “If there is a would teach Ukrainian,” explained Mr. concert, many will show up, but when it Yaremchuk. comes to working there are only several He said a Ukrainian Cultural Center hundred we can count on,” explained Mr. has been established in Surgut’s Palace of S y m o n e n k o . Culture through the efforts of Hanna Shevchenko to return to St. Petersburg Lytvyn, who is assistant director of the palace. Ms. Lytvyn is also director of the St. Petersburg can not be considered Ukrainska Rodyna (Ukrainian Family) one of the centers of Ukrainian life in Society, which established the cultural Russia. The city, long known for its c e n t e r . artists, writers and the Hermitage, which The center has its own choir, the Zoria houses the world’s finest collection of art, Choral Ensemble of Slavic Music. The has about 200,000 Ukrainians, few of group performed in Great Britain during whom are active. Many of them are the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the ancestors of Ukrainian Kozaks who end of World War II. worked and also died in the 17th century But what truly binds the Ukrainian com- to build the city. munity in this region is the Ukrainian There are no Ukrainian schools in St. evenings sponsored by the cultural center. Petersburg and no churches. Zina Yolos, Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, a delegate to the Congress of Ukrainians Ukrainians come together at the center for in Russia, said the two Ukrainian organi- cultural events and concerts by Ukrainian zations in St. Petersburg are working to performers. Not long ago Nina Matvienko establish at least one school. “Right now performed, as has the Yavir Ensemble. we are doing what we can to have a When there are no concerts, there are Ukrainian language program.” Her dozens of periodicals from Ukraine as well daughter, who was with her in Moscow at as videocassettes and audiocassettes, all the congress, spoke halting Ukrainian, courtesy of the Ukrainian Consulate located although her mother explained that she in Tiumen. understood the language thoroughly. She This community also has the benefit of a said that most of that knowledge was a priest from Ukraine who travels here during result of visits to Ms. Yolos’ hometown Christmas and Easter, which is a rarity for of Poltava. Ukrainian communities in Russia. Oddly, The two Ukrainian organizations of St. he is a priest of the Greek-Catholic Church. Petersburg, the Shevchenko Cultural- But at least he is Ukrainian. “Some people Educational Society and the Fund for don’t like it because most people here are Ukrainian Culture, are also working to Orthodox. But they come to hear liturgy complete an ambitious project to finally anyway,” said Mr. Yaremchuk. As for a establish a monument to Taras Shevchenko Ukrainian Orthodox Church presence here, in the city where he studied and achieved Mr. Yaremchuk said, “we don’t hear much fame as an artist. from them.” The two groups have commissioned a That, however, appears to be a minor To subscribe: Send $60 ($40 if you are a member of the UNA) to The Ukrainian Weekly, bust of the Ukrainian bard from the famous obstacle for this active Ukrainian communi- Subscription Department, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054 Ukrainian Canadian sculptor Leo Mol. ty to overcome. 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1997 No. 46

PREVIEW OF EVENTS Saturday, November 22 Ukrainian Research Institute is holding a lecture by Henry Hale, adjunct assistant NEW YORK: The New York Branch of professor of international politics, Fletcher the Ukrainian American Youth Association School of Diplomacy, titled “Ukraine and (SUM-A) invites its members and friends the Dissolution of the Soviet Union.” The to its traditional fall dance to be held at the lecture will be held in the HURI seminar Ukrainian National Home, 140 Second room, 1538 Massachusetts Ave., at 4 p.m. Ave., at 9 p.m. Music will be by Svitanok. Tickets: $15, at the door. For table reserva- Friday, November 28 tions call the Dibrova Ukrainian Club, NEW YORK: The Ukrainian Art and (212) 473-2955. Literary Club is sponsoring an exhibit of Sunday, November 23 photographs and installations titled “The Mysteries of Eurasia” by Kyiv artist NEW YORK: The Ukrainian Music Oksana Chepelyk, winner of the 1996 Institute of America, New York Branch, is Pierre Cardin Alta Moda Grand Prix and holding a 45th anniversary concert at the currently an ArtsLink Fellow at Maryland Ukrainian National Home, 140 Second Art Place in Baltimore. The opening, Ave., at 2:30 p.m. The program will consist which will take place at 7 p.m., will fea- of classical and popular repertoire, featuring ture poetry reading by Yuriy Tarnawsky faculty and UMI alumni, among them: and will be followed by a wine and cheese Daria Karanowycz, Thomas Hrynkiw, reception. The event will be held at the Oksana Charuk-Bodnar, Halyna Kolessa, Mayana Gallery, 136 Second Ave., fourth Alla Kutsevych, Sonia Szereg, Andriy floor. For more information call Slava Dobriansky Jr., Yuri Furda, Natalka Gerulak, (212) 260-4490. Honcharenko, Oles Kuzyszyn and M. Maczaj. Also appearing is the Promin vocal Sunday, November 30 ensemble, under the direction of Bohdanna CHICAGO: The Ukrainian Institute of Wolansky, on the occasion of the ensem- Modern Art presents a concert featuring ble’s 25th anniversary. Admission: $10; $5, violinist Anatoliy Bazhenov. Mr. seniors and students. There will be a buffet Bazhenov will be accompanied by his reception following the concert. For addi- wife, pianist Naida Magomedbekova, and tional information call (973) 498-0863. their son, violinist Alexander Bazhenov. NEWARK, N.J.: St. John the Baptist The program includes works by Vivaldi, Ukrainian Catholic School will host an Bach, Lysenko, Ravel and Sarasate. The open house at the parish hall (back meet- concert will be held at the institute, 2320 ing room), 719 Sanford Ave., at 11 a.m. W. Chicago Ave., at 2 p.m. The kindergarten curriculum, school mis- Monday, December 1 sion and programs will be discussed. For additional information call Sister CAMBRIDGE, Mass.: The Harvard Chrysostom, school principal, (973) 373- Ukrainian Research Institute is holding a 9359. lecture by Robert S. Kravchuk, assistant professor of political science, University of CHICAGO: A multi-media exhibit titled Connecticut, titled “From Hyperinflation to “Winter Kaleidoscope” opens at the Stabilization in Ukraine, 1991-1996.” The Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, 2320 W. lecture will be held in the HURI seminar Chicago Ave. The exhibit features paintings, room, 1583 Massachusetts Ave., at 4-6 p.m. prints, fiber, sculpture, ceramics and draw- ings. Among participating artists are: Mikola Saturday, December 6 Bagan, Ihor Bilinsky, Elena Diadenko, WARREN, Mich.: The Ukrainian Cultural Valeriy Didur, Olexander Dubovyk, Nina Center is hosting a meeting with Dr. Myron Lapchuk, Wasyl Kacurovsky, Alexandra Kuropas, author of the recently published NEW YORK SCHOOL OF BANDURA Kochman, Alexandra Kowerko, Jaroslawa book “Ukrainian-American Citadel.” The ARTISTIC DIRECTOR: JULIAN KYTASTY Kuchma, Konstantyn Milonadis, Yuri presentation will be followed by coffee and BRANCHES: NEW YORK, YONKERS, ASTORIA, UNIONDALE Olishkevich, Volodymyr Pavlyk, Volodymyr pastry. Among sponsors of the evening are: Pavlevsky, Michajlo Urban and Wanda the Detroit District Committee of the Individual and group lessons at all levels. Urban. An opening reception will be held at Ukrainian National Association, the noon-4 p.m. The exhibit runs through Shevchenko Scientific Society, the Parents interested in founding a branch of the NYSB January 4. Gallery hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Association for the Advancement of in their area are encouraged to contact us. Saturday and Sunday, noon-4 p.m. Ukrainian Culture, and the Ukrainian Monday, November 24 Graduates of Detroit and Windsor. The Nick Czorny, administrator, (718) 658-7449 event will be held at the center, 26601 Ryan Julian Kytasty, artistic director, (212) 995-2640 CAMBRIDGE, Mass.: The Harvard Road, at 7 p.m. Admission: $5.

SELF RELIANCE (NEWARK, NJ) Federal Credit Union 734 SANDFORD AVENUE, NEWARK, NJ 07106 Tel (201) 373-7839 • http://www.selfreliance.org • Fax (201) 373-8812 BUSINESS HOURS: Tue & Fri - 12:00 noon to 7 PM • Wed & Thurs - 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM • Sat - 9:00 to 12:00 noon • Mon. - Closed

25-È äÛ¥Ì¸ ìëè ¥ 10-ËÈ äÛ¥Ì¸ ìëè Á‡ÔÓ¯Û˛Ú¸ ̇

‚ Ô’flÚÌˈ˛ 28-„Ó ÎËÒÚÓÔ‡‰‡. ê‡Ï‡‰‡ ÉÓÚÂθ ßÒÚ É‡ÌÓ‚Â, ç˛ ÑÊÂÁ¥ èÓ˜‡ÚÓÍ 9-Ú‡ „Ó‰. ‚˜. É‡π ÓÍÂÒÚ‡ “íÖåèé” á‡ ¥ÌÙÓχˆ¥flÏË ÚÂÎÂÙÓÌÛ‚‡ÚË ‰Ó é΄‡ äÓÎÓ‰¥fl, (201) 763-1797