INSIDE: “A Ukrainian Summer” – a special 16-page pullout section. HE KRAINIAN EEKLY T PublishedU by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profitW association Vol. LXXV No. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2007 $1/$2 in Ukraine Ukrainian and Polish presidents Former Canadian PM Brian Mulroney commemorate 1947 Akcja Wisla receives UCC’s and Ukraine’s top honors Ukrainian Canadian Congress David Tkachuk and Raynell Andreychuk. Over 400 guests gathered at Ottawa’s WINNIPEG – At an April 1 banquet Chateau Laurier Hotel witnessed UCC organized by the Ukrainian Canadian President Orysia Sushko presenting the Congress with the patronage of the Shevchenko Medal to Mr. Mulroney. Ukrainian Embassy, Canada’s 18th prime minister, Brian Mulroney, was honored Earlier, Ambassador Ostash awarded him with the highest award bestowed by the the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise on Ukrainian Canadian Congress, the behalf of the president of Ukraine. Shevchenko Medal, and the highest The importance of Mr. Mulroney rec- honor Ukraine extends to a foreign citi- ognizing Ukraine is very much under- zen, the prestigious Order of Prince stood and appreciated in Ukraine. The Yaroslav the Wise. ceremony was reported on Ukrainian tel- These special awards – presented in evision the following day. (Readers may the presence of current Prime Minister visit the UCC website, www.ucc.ca, to Stephen Harper and 14 of his Cabinet see footage from Channel 5) colleagues as well as numerous parlia- The fact that such a large and impor- mentarians, Ukraine’s Ambassador to tant group of Ottawa decision-makers Canada Ihor Ostash, former Premier of was present at this event shows the sig- Saskatchewan Roy Romanow, nificance Canada’s places in its relation- Archbishop Yurij of the Ukrainian ship with Ukraine and acknowledges Orthodox Church of Canada, Bishop Canadians of Ukrainian descent have Stephen Chmilar of the Ukrainian played and will continue to play a signifi- UNIAN/Mykola Lazarenko Catholic Church – commemorate the cant role in Canada’s development. Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko prays alongside Polish President Lech decision of Prime Minister Mulroney’s There was a large turnout of national Kaczynski during an April 27 ecumenical service in Warsaw commemorating the government to make Canada the first media at the banquet, impressing even 60th anniversary of Akcja Wisla. Western government and only the second long-time observers of the political scene in the world to recognize the independ- in Ottawa. Indeed, it is doubtful if in the by Larysa Marchuk and Zenon Zawada an ecumenical prayer service led by ence of Ukraine in December 1991. history of the Ukrainian community in Special to The Ukrainian Weekly Patriarch Lubomyr Husar of the Additionally, Ukrainian Canadians Canada there has ever been such a high- Ukrainian Catholic Church, assisted by remember that Mr. Mulroney appointed powered assembly of politicians and jour- LVIV – Ukrainian President Viktor Ukrainian and Roman Catholic clergy, in the first Ukrainian Canadian, John nalists at a UCC-sponsored gathering. Yushchenko on April 27 commemorated the Presidential Palace’s chapel. Sopinka, to the Supreme Court of Canada UCC board member Bob Onyschuk the 60th anniversary of Akcja Wisla, the They signed a joint statement to devel- and it was under his government that the related to the assembled audience how 1947 forced resettlement of 150,000 op bilateral cooperation as part of an first Ukrainian Canadian, Ramon Mr. Mulroney, while in Kyiv in 1989, Ukrainians and Lemkos, with a visit to extended reconciliation process between Hnatyshyn, became the head of state as made a strong gesture of moral support to Polish President Lech Kaczynski in the Polish and Ukrainian people and met Canada’s governor general. the emerging Ukrainian national libera- Warsaw and a Lviv requiem the same with Ukrainian diaspora leaders. Mr. Mulroney called two Ukrainian tion movement by meeting with pro- evening. Canadians from the province of The two presidents prayed together at (Continued on page 8) Saskatchewan to the Senate of Canada: (Continued on page 4) President fires two judges Ukraine’s new foreign affairs minister visits D.C. by Yaro Bihun from Constitutional Court, Special to The Ukrainian Weekly WASHINGTON – Ukrainian Foreign as political crisis continues Affairs Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk visit- by Zenon Zawada ed Washington last week for talks with Kyiv Press Bureau Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and other U.S. government officials, members KYIV – As Ukrainian President of Congress, businessmen, representa- Viktor Yushchenko began firing judges tives of Washington’s think-tanks and from the Constitutional Court, dismiss- other groups. ing two this past week, his opponents He used the last meeting of his April called on the international community to 30-May 1 visit – with representatives of intervene in the nation’s political crisis the Ukrainian American community at the before a civil war erupts. Embassy of Ukraine – to summarize some “The president’s latest unlawful of the major points discussed during his decree to dismiss a second Constitutional talks, beginning with the internal political Court judge forces us to state that Viktor problems that have been plaguing his Yushchenko is pushing Ukraine down a country over the past year: the political path of anarchy and chaos with his anti- duel between President Viktor Yushchenko constitutional acts,” said coalition part- and Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych. ners Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych, “We have our internal problems. But Yaro Bihun Verkhovna Rada Chair Oleksander every country has domestic problems,” Moroz and Communist Party of Ukraine he explained. “And what is going on right Ukrainian Foreign Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk converses with a group of young professionals and students from Ukraine who came to see him lay flowers at the (Continued on page 4) (Continued on page 5) Taras Shevchenko monument in Washington. 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2007 No. 18 ANALYSIS NEWSBRIEFSNEWSBRIEFS

Ukraine reaps harvest President sacks two judges ed its ability to bridge seemingly irrecon- cilable differences and tackle the most of presidential indecision KYIV – President Viktor Yushchenko difficult problems through a peaceful and has dismissed two judges of the democratic dialogue even in more chal- by Jan Maksymiuk question of whether democracy, which Constitutional Court, Valerii Pshenychnyi lenging conditions. (RFE/RL Newsline) RFE/RL Newsline was so joyfully celebrated on and Suzanna Stanik, Ukrainian media Independence Square in Kyiv during the reported on May 1. The dismissal President explains Piskun reappointment Following the tumultuous Orange 2004 Orange Revolution, has a chance to decrees, dated April 30 and May 1, Revolution in 2004, Ukraine is facing its respectively, say laconically that Judges KYIV – President Viktor Yushchenko survive in Ukraine. told reporters in Warsaw on April 27 that second serious crisis in just less than Despite ongoing street protests by Pshenychnyi and Stanik were released of three years. President Viktor Yushchenko their duties because of a “breach of oath.” his decision to reappoint Sviatoslav both supporters and opponents of the dis- Piskun as procurator general had been on April 2 issued a decree dissolving the solution of the Verkhovna Rada, the situ- Both judges were appointed to the 18- Verkhovna Rada and calling for early member Constitutional Court by former dictated by his desire to see the ation in Kyiv and in the provinces has so Procurator General’s Office more effi- elections in May, but both the govern- far been under the government’s control. President Leonid Kuchma. Lawmakers ment and Parliament refused to obey it. from the ruling coalition of the Party of cient when the country is in crisis, report- But it is evident Ukraine is slowly edging ed the presidential press service. “I want On April 26 Mr. Yushchenko signed toward political and legal chaos, which the Regions, the Socialist Party and the another decree, rescheduling the early Communist Party on May 1 appealed to the Procurator General’s Office to work may culminate in a violent scenario if the like a clock. This can only be achieved if elections for June. president, the prime minister, and the Constitutional Court to declare the Mr. Yushchenko’s new decree on early it has a leader,” Mr. Yushchenko said, Parliament fail to find a solution quickly. decree on the dismissal of Judge parliamentary elections effectively adding that certain political forces want- Could the current confrontation Pshenychnyi unconstitutional. Party of annuls his decree of April 2, which has ed to destabilize the office. He said he between the key institutions of Ukraine’s the Regions leader Viktor Yanukovych, been undergoing examination for its had not appealed against a court ruling to political system – the president and the Socialist Party leader Viktor Moroz and compliance with the Constitution of restore Mr. Piskun so as “not to waste Verkhovna Rada – have been averted? Communist Party leader Petro Ukraine by the Constitutional Court since time.” (Ukrinform) The seeds of a potential institutional Symonenko said in a joint statement the April 17. It is expected that the conflict in Ukraine were sown during the same day that Mr. Yushchenko’s dis- PM urges early presidential elections Constitutional Court, in accordance with 2004 Orange Revolution in a hurriedly missal of Judge Stanik “is pushing its rules of procedure, will soon end con- passed constitutional reform that enabled Ukraine onto a path of anarchy and KYIV – In order to settle the political sideration of this decree now that it is no all political players at that time to find a chaos.” The three politicians added that crisis, President Viktor Yushchenko longer valid. way out of an electoral impasse and the president “is trying to paralyze the should announce a snap presidential elec- Many Ukrainian legal experts and paved the way for Mr. Yushchenko’s vic- work of the Constitutional Court, which tion simultaneously with the early parlia- political commentators have opined that tory over Viktor Yanukovych in the is the only body capable of regulating the mentary elections, Prime Minister Viktor President Yushchenko’s April 2 decision repeat second round of the presidential relations between power branches.” They Yanukovych said on April 27, addressing to disband the Verkhovna Rada was poor- also called on the international communi- a rally on Independence Square. “We ly justified, predicting that the election. The 2004 political-reform package ty “to immediately intervene in Ukraine’s demand that the president make a brave Constitutional Court would invalidate it. move. If he respects his country and the included many vague formulations and situation and send its representatives, According to them, by issuing another people, he should take this honest and loopholes that Messrs. Yushchenko and who could perform the role of intermedi- decree Mr. Yushchenko obviates such an brave step,” the prime minister stressed. Yanukovych both have subsequently aries.” (RFE/RL Newsline) unfavorable turn of events. Mr. Yanukovych added that the political tried to use to their advantage. Prime In his first decree, Mr. Yushchenko Yatseniuk: no foreign mediators needed force he leads is not afraid of elections, quoted Article 83 of the Constitution, Minister Yanukovych eventually took the WASHINGTON – Ukrainian Foreign but without a presidential election these which stipulates that a government upper hand in January when the Affairs Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk said will not ease tensions in the country. majority in Parliament be formed by Parliament passed a law on the Cabinet in Washington on April 30 that Ukraine (Ukrinform) deputies factions. Since the ruling coali- of Ministers. This law expanded the is able to resolve the ongoing political tion had expanded its parliamentary rep- prime minister’s powers at the expense of 160 deputies contest new decree standoff between the president and the resentation with some 40 lawmakers the president even more than the Parliament without foreign intermedi- KYIV – More than 160 petitions from from other factions in March, Mr. Constitution amended in 2004, which aries, Interfax-Ukraine reported on May national deputies were registered at the Yushchenko argued the coalition violated essentially transformed Ukraine from a 1. “The current political tension in Constitution Court on April 27 question- the Constitution, thus providing him with presidential republic into a parliamen- Ukraine may be eased and the leading ing the constitutionality of President the right to disband the legislature in tary-presidential one. political players will find an acceptable Viktor Yushchenko’s April 26 decree on order to put the political process in the However, this law was not enough for solution without engaging international dismissal of the Verkhovna Rada and country back on a constitutional path. Mr. Yanukovych, who launched a cam- mediators,” Mr. Yatsenyuk said in a scheduling of pre-term elections for June However, the moot point for Mr. paign to lure away lawmakers from speech at the Carnegie Endowment for 24. At the same time the court continued Yushchenko’s opponents from the ruling opposition caucuses in order to build a International Peace. Mr. Yatsenyuk its hearings about the president’s April 2 coalition of the Party of the Regions, the majority of at least 300 votes that would reportedly stressed that the Ukrainian decree. (Ukrinform) Socialist Party and the Communist Party enable him to override presidential political elite has repeatedly demonstrat- is that the reasons for early parliamentary vetoes, amend the Constitution or even (Continued on page 9) elections are specified in Article 90 of the abolish the presidency in Ukraine. Had it Constitution. not been for Mr. Yushchenko’s decree on This article stipulates the president early parliamentary polls, Mr. may call early elections if the Verkhovna Yanukovych might have succeeded in FOUNDED 1933 Rada fails to form a majority in accor- this plan. THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY dance with Article 83 within 30 days But it would be totally wrong to put An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., after its first sitting; fails to approve a the blame for the current crisis only on a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. new Cabinet within 60 days after the dis- Mr. Yanukovych’s appetite for power. Yearly subscription rate: $55; for UNA members — $45. Mr. Yushchenko should also take a meas- missal or resignation of the previous one; Periodicals postage paid at Parsippany, NJ 07054 and additional mailing offices. or fails to gather for a sitting within 30 ure of responsibility, because on many (ISSN — 0273-9348) days during an ongoing parliamentary occasions he indicated he would like to session. None of these reasons was abolish the 2004 political reform and The Weekly: UNA: explicitly mentioned in Mr. regain the executive prerogatives enjoyed Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 Yushchenko’s April 2 decree. by his predecessor, Leonid Kuchma. The new presidential decree refers to In short, Prime Minister Yanukovych Postmaster, send address changes to: Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz Point 1 of Article 90 as a reason for the and President Yushchenko showed disre- The Ukrainian Weekly Editors: dissolution of the Verkhovna Rada. It spect for the Constitution amended in 2200 Route 10 Zenon Zawada (Kyiv) remains to be seen whether, as Mr. 2004 and the checks and balances that P.O. Box 280 Matthew Dubas Yushchenko implies, the defection of were included in it to shift the country’s Parsippany, NJ 07054 more than 30 opposition deputies to the authoritarian political system toward a The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com; e-mail: [email protected] ruling coalition in March may be consid- more European model. Both leaders have ered the formation of a new majority. But failed to pass a test of political responsi- The Ukrainian Weekly, April 29, 2007 No. 18, Vol. LXXV at any rate, as one legal expert recently bility and moderation and have shown Copyright © 2007 The Ukrainian Weekly told RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service, the they are true representatives of the post- new decree at least provides the Soviet mentality, for which a “strong- Constitutional Court with substance for man” is still the ideal of a political leader. discussion. Mr. Yushchenko’s decision to dissolve ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA Apart from causing headaches for the Verkhovna Rada should have been Constitutional Court judges, the current made in July 2006, when Our Ukraine, Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3041 constitutional crisis poses the disturbing the Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc and the e-mail: [email protected] Socialist Party buried all chances to Maria Oscislawski, advertising manager (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 recreate their post-Orange Revolution e-mail: [email protected] Jan Maksymiuk is the Belarus and ruling coalition, and the Verkhovna Rada Mariyka Pendzola, subscriptions (973) 292-9800, ext. 3042 Ukraine specialist on the staff of RFE/RL e-mail: [email protected] Newsline. (Continued on page 10) No. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2007 3 Lemkos of Ukraine remember ethnocidal Akcja Wisla by Zenon Zawada free travel [between Ukraine and Ukrainian people, which lost its land and Kyiv Press Bureau Poland]. We have the right to visit our roots, is dying. We can’t meet on our graves and cemeteries. The government native lands.” STRYI, Ukraine – Volodymyr Baisa is supposed to help us.” Among the least mentioned tragedies was an infant when his family was Ministers and Verkhovna Rada com- of Akcja Wisla are the massacres at forced to resettle 900 miles away, in the mittee chairs change so often that it’s dif- Pawlokoma and neighboring villages, 66 Kharkiv Oblast in 1945. ficult to coordinate the cooperation in murdered Ukrainian priests, more than They refused to remain, and soon legislative efforts, Mr. Venhrynovych 300 burnt Ukrainian churches and thou- began a treacherous trek back with the hope of returning to Chorne, their native said. Furthermore, Ministry of Justice sands of concentration camp prisoners at village in the heart of Lemkivschyna. and Ministry of Finance representatives Jaworzno, he said. By then it was too late, as the revised alleged Lemkos weren’t forcibly deport- “After 60 years, it would seem that Curzon line had already been drawn. ed, but left voluntarily, he said. time heals,” Mr. Venhrynovych said. “We couldn’t cross the border, which “Ukrainian historians have supported “But no. The pain remains in our hearts. was closed at that point,” he said. that this was a deportation bordering on Nobody has apologized for this tragedy.” The Baisas reluctantly settled in genocide,” Mr. Venhrynovych under- He said he wanted to hear an apology Drohobych, a region more closely scored. from Mr. Yushchenko at the April 27 resembling their homeland than The current coalition government has Lviv requiem on behalf of the Ukrainian Ukraine’s eastern edge, in 1947. installed Communist Hryhorii Popov to government, as the successor to the Sixty years later, Mr. Baisa led chair the government committee that Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic Drohobych’s Lemko community in reviewed Lemko affairs and Communist which collaborated in the first phase of mourning the anniversary of an ethno- Leonid Hrach to chair the Verkhovna Akcja Wisla. cide committed against his people, sever- Rada’s Human Rights Committee. However, no Polish or Ukrainian al thousand of whom now live in Zenon Zawada In the most far-reaching legislative leader has yet to issue a formal apology Halychyna. Drohobych Lemkivschyna Association attempt thus far, the Verkhovna Rada for the deportation and ethnocide, Mr. The modest ceremony, attended by Chair Volodymyr Baisa. failed by six votes to include deportee Venhrynovych said. Neither has either 150 Drohobych residents, included a status legislation on its daily agenda. Parliament. report on Akcja Wisla by Ivanna had no legal basis,” Prof. Uzdyhan said. “Today in democratic European coun- “Yushchenko said he bows his head Uzdyhan, vice-rector of Ivan Franko Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin intention- tries, they discuss the priorities of indi- before our people,” he said. “He might State Pedagogical University, and a per- ally drew the Soviet-Polish border at the viduals,” Mr. Venhrynovych said. “But have bowed his head, but he did not apol- formance by the university’s Boian Curzon line in order to tear at the heart of here, an entire sub-ethnos of the ogize.” Drohobytskyi chamber choir. the Ukrainian community and split it in In neighboring Stryi, Lemko leader two, enabling the Polish government to Oleksander Venhrynovych told more commit the ethnocide, she said. than 300 gathered in the Culture “There were various phases to imple- FOR THE RECORD: Yushchenko’s Building that the effort to preserve and ment one intention – ridding historic rehabilitate the Lemko culture is only lands and native homes of people whose beginning. only crime was that they were address to the Ukrainian nation Like the Jews in the Holocaust, Ukrainians,” Prof. Uzdyhan said. Following is the English translation will be an early parliamentary election Lemkos weren’t the only victims of Currently, an estimated 80,000 to of the text of the president’s televised in Ukraine. This is the only way to vac- Akcja Wisla, an ethnocide perpetrated by 100,000 Lemkos live in Poland, accord- address to the nation. It was released cinate Ukrainian politicians with the the totalitarian governments of Poland ing to ethnographers, in addition to tens by the Press Office of Ukraine’s sense of responsibility for each of you, and the Soviet Union. However, their of thousands in Ukraine, with the highest President on April 25. because you are the real power. You ethnic group suffered the greatest dam- concentrations in the Ternopil Oblast. rule the state and form the source of age. Evidence of the ethnocide’s success is Dear Fellow Citizens: government and the country’s govern- Akcja Wisla was the forced resettle- that fact that only about 10,000 Lemkos On April 2, I issued a decree to dis- ment. My position is uncompromising: ment of Ukrainians and Lemkos from presently inhabit Lemkivschyna. solve the Verkhovna Rada. As I I firmly demand the snap poll must be lands secured by Poland – an ethnic The ethnic cleansing was so thorough explained at that time, the motive well-prepared and held. cleansing conducted under the pretext of that even mixed families, in which one behind my decision was clear and sim- I would like to say that I heeded a fighting against Ukrainian insurgents. spouse was Lemko or Ukrainian, were ple – Ukraine’s parliamentary coalition statement by the Central Election “This argument doesn’t hold up to obligatorily included in the deportations. had been formed through unconstitu- Commission, which had been made criticism from a military point of view,” For many Lemkos living in Ukraine, tional means. Mandates of lawmakers two days ago, that it had no quorum, Prof. Uzdyhan said in her Drohobych were manipulated on the basis of polit- creating very serious obstacles and lecture. “Instead of waging military bat- their identity is limited to the knowledge that they have Lemko roots. ical corruption, which led to the making it impossible to hold the elec- tles against insignificant Ukrainian insur- manipulation of your votes and your tion on May 27, 2007. These impedi- gent forces, they apparently needed to Pockets of Lemko culture choice. This was, in fact, a revision of ments were also enumerated in yester- implement a resettlement against a civil- However, separate pockets of Lemko the political results of the elections and day’s ruling by the Supreme ian population 100 times greater in size.” a brutal violation of the fundamental Administrative Court of Ukraine. I Ukrainian insurgents numbered no culture have flourished. In the Lviv Oblast, Lemko choirs thrive in principles of the Constitution. The rul- expressed my concerns to Ukraine’s more than 1,400 soldiers, based on her ing coalition was deliberately expand- prime minister over the refusal of the research, Professor Uzdyhan said. Drohobych and Rudno. Lemkos gather for an annual June “vatra” (bonfire) in ing its majority to make its rule uncon- Cabinet of Ministers to finance your Ethnocide’s two main phases the town of Monastyrsk in the Ternopil trollable, posing a threat to the nation’s vote. This action is criminal. Oblast, regarded as the Lemko hub of sovereignty and Ukraine’s constitution- At the same time, one month has The ethnocide occurred in two main al order. passed since the Verkhovna Rada re- phases. Ukraine. The goal of the All-Ukrainian On July 11, 2006, the rules of coali- formatted the coalition unconstitution- Between 1944 and 1946, the Polish tion formation also were violated, ally. Now the president of Ukraine can and Soviet governments collaborated in Lemkivschyna Association is to support the rebirth of the Lemko sub-ethnos and when individual deputies joined it, but fully exercise his right to dissolve resettling more than 400,000 Ukrainians, all the participants of the political Parliament according to Article 90 of including Lemkos, from lands procured culture, said leader Oleksander Venhrynovych during an April 28 process, including me, Ukraine’s presi- Ukraine’s Constitution. by Poland to what is now independent dent, thought it was an episode. We I am confident in the legality and address in Stryi. Ukraine. thought it was necessary to pass this political expediency of such a decision. Plans are under way to establish Those regions once settled by ethnic episode, for the country needed politi- I am convinced Ukrainian society will Lemko cultural centers in Monastyrsk Ukrainians on territory that is currently cal stability after two election cam- understand it, as will all responsible and Kyiv, and festivals have been held in Poland are Lemkivschyna, Nadsiannia, paigns. However, in March of 2007, Ukrainian politicians. Lviv, Chortkiv and even as far east as Kholmschyna and Pidliashia. the practice of luring opposition law- So we will have the election. We Luhansk. Soviet and Polish communist propa- makers into the majority became wide- will hold it peacefully, fairly and in a ganda mislabel this phase as voluntary, Mr. Venhrynovych led the effort to spread and common. This led to mas- democratic manner, as should be done whereas the vast majority, such as the enable Lemkos to successfully earn “war sive violations of the Constitution. in a democratic state. In order to con- Baisa family, were forcibly resettled. participant” status in Ukraine, qualifying You, your choice, our freedom and our duct it without problems to democrati- In the operation’s second phase, the them for benefits that other World War II country, its sovereignty and unity were cally resolve problems in the country’s Polish government between April and veterans enjoy, such as a 50 percent in grave danger. As the guarantor of life and guided by Article 5 of July 1947 uprooted about 150,000 reduction in utility bills. Ukraine’s supreme law and the obser- Ukraine’s Constitution, I am signing a Ukrainians and Lemkos from the The most important remaining politi- vance of your rights and freedoms, I decree to call an early election for June Lemkivschyna, Kholmschyna, cal goal of Lemkos in Ukraine is to stopped this assault and had to interfere 24, 2007. Nadsiannia and Pidliashia regions and obtain deportee status from the in the situation in Ukraine’s Parliament My step is sober and reflects con- forcibly resettled them in northern and Ukrainian government in the form of a by disbanding it. structive political will. Ukraine needs western Poland. law that condemns what happened, apol- I fulfilled my obligation as changes. The people of Ukraine “If the resettlement of 1944 and 1946 ogizes for its role and grants Lemkos Ukraine’s president. I protected the deserve a better fate and better politics. was conducted on some formal, legal compensation, he said. national Constitution, and, in fact, I I am determined and eager to achieve basis in the form of the September 9, “We are striving for material and fulfilled my oath of office. this. 1944 agreement, then Akcja Wisla was a moral compensation from the Cabinet of So today I want to state firmly: there Thank you for your attention. flagrant and brutal abuse of power that Ministers,” he said. “We also want visa- 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2007 No. 18

not people, and do we not have tongues? On May 3, Mr. Yushchenko announced (CEC), hampered for weeks by the President fires... Can we not reach agreement? And we Stepan Havrysh as a replacement judge. Cabinet’s freeze on financing and absent (Continued from page 1) don’t have heads, and consciences?” Mr. Havrysh was a leading supporter of commissioners, achieved its first quorum former President Kuchma, openly sup- in weeks, even working through the four- Chair Petro Symonenko in a joint state- Dismissing judges ment released on May 1. porting his re-election to a third term of day weekend designated by the govern- “The president’s next step could be a In an April 30 presidential decree, Mr. the Ukrainian presidency. ment for the May Day holiday break. decree ordering tanks onto the streets,” Yushchenko dismissed Assistant Court He has always been an opponent of In preparation for pre-term elections, the statement further said. Chair Valerii Pshenychnyi, who violated the Mr. Yushchenko and Orange political the CEC said it received the necessary While the president’s opponents allege secrecy of the deliberation room by publicly forces. Mr. Havrysh is also member of election lists and nominations from most he is sabotaging the Constitutional Court disclosing how judges voted on several mat- the Social Democratic Party of Ukraine – major political parties and blocs, with the because he fears it will overturn his ters, the president’s lawyers said. United, notorious for its involvement in exception of the coalition forces. decrees to dismiss Parliament and call They also revealed that Mr. organized crime. The three coalition political parties all ignored a May 3 deadline to register for pre-term elections, his supporters argue Pshenychnyi illegally appointed fellow Presidential Secretariat Chair Viktor Judge Suzanna Stanik as the court’s pre-term elections set by CEC Chair it’s the Ukrainian president’s prerogative Baloha likely had a heavy hand in Mr. reporting judge. Yaroslav Davydovych. to dismiss judges who violate the law. Havrysh’s appointment, given his ties to The next day the president signed CEC Commissioner Andrii Mahera Through whichever prism the conflict the SDPU from Zakarpattia Oblast, Mr. another decree dismissing Ms. Stanik, said the commission is working efficient- is viewed, Mr. Yushchenko’s recent polit- Lozowy said. who was indirectly accused by the ly to prepare elections for the proposed ical gambits have demonstrated his will- Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) on Keeping a distance June 24 date. ingness to resort to most any controver- April 16 of accepting $12 million in Parliamentary opposition leader Yulia sial measures short of violence to survive In response to the coalition’s call for bribes through her elderly mother. Tymoshenko has firmly insisted pre-term the ruling coalition’s assault on the international intervention, the press office After the SBU’s press conference, the parliamentary elections not be delayed Ukrainian presidency. of the European Commission for Foreign Procurator General’s Office led by beyond the new June 24 date, regardless “It looks suspiciously like politically and Neighborhood Policy stated on May Donetsk prosecutor Oleksander of whether the coalition parties meet the motivated actions by Yushchenko, but 3 that the European Union (EU) will Medvedko claimed it had no legal basis maintain its position that the Ukrainian deadline. given the machinations taking place to investigate the allegations. political crisis is a domestic matter. However, political observers concur between the judges, it seemed sufficient Mr. Yushchenko has since replaced The nation’s politicians should reach a that the public would not view any pre- cause,” said Ivan Lozowy, president of Mr. Medvedko with Sviatoslav Piskun, a political compromise based on the term parliamentary elections as credible the Kyiv-based Institute of Statehood and Party of the Regions national deputy who Constitutional Court’s verdict, the press without the participation of the Party of Democracy, which is funded by served under former President Leonid office stated. The EU isn’t even consider- the Regions, the Socialist Party and the Ukrainian business donations. Kuchma and was left in place when Mr. Communist Party. “He seized the procedural violations to Yushchenko assumed the presidency in ing intervening because Ukrainian politi- buttress himself on the Constitutional Court. January 2005. cians have “all the democratic instru- Supporting the opposition Now he has better chances for a more favor- ments to resolve the situation,” the press Both Ms. Stanik and Mr. Pshenychnyi Opposition forces held a rally on April able decision,” Mr. Lozowy added. were judges appointed under the president’s office explained. During his visit to the United States on 28 on European Square that was attended Beside the façade of its alarming state- quota, which Mr. Yushchenko claimed gave by about 20,000 supporters. ments warning of chaos and war, Mr. him the prerogative to dismiss them. April 30-May 1, Minister of Foreign Affairs Arseniy Yatsenyuk said Ukraine’s Among those addressing the crowd Yanukovych and Raisa Bohatyriova of His opponents accused him of fla- was Mr. Yushchenko, marking the first political players are capable of resolving the Party of the Regions on May 3 once grantly violating Ukrainian law. time the president participated in a rally the crisis in an acceptable manner with- again signaled their willingness to accept “There’s not a country in the world in since dismissing the Verkhovna Rada on out involving international intervention. pre-term parliamentary elections as part which a president, who is responsible for April 2. Mr. Yushchenko has held that position of a political compromise. upholding laws and the Constitution, him- Once again, he fed the public’s since the start of the crisis, while coali- The prime minister called for renewed self destroyed the legal playing field with appetite for nostalgia by embracing Ms. tion leaders have been calling for interna- roundtable discussions to hammer out a his own hands,” Mr. Yanukovych said at Tymoshenko on stage. tional assistance for several weeks. law on pre-term elections, which should the May 3 Cabinet of Ministers meeting. He told his supporters pre-term parlia- “The world waved its hand at us and take place within a “realistic timeframe.” Ms. Stanik asked Mr. Piskun to review mentary elections are a foregone conclu- Mr. Yanukovych made a particularly the legality of the president’s dismissal told us to do whatever we want,” said sion. Ukraine is in the midst of a parlia- emotional, perhaps melodramatic, plea for decrees, while Mr. Pshenychnyi had a Hanna Herman, a Party of Regions mentary crisis, in which the coalition had peace at the May 3 Cabinet of Ministers personal meeting with Mr. Piskun to air national deputy. been unconstitutionally formed, he said. session. “We are not supposed to allow the his complaints. CEC in business “Today in Parliament a manipulation country to be divided, or spill a single drop The Procurator General said he would of deputies’ mandates is taking place, in of blood,” Mr. Yanukovych said. “Are we investigate their complaints. The Central Election Commission which the political results of the elec- tions are essentially being rewritten,” Mr. quet will go to support the Children’s the Wise to Mr. Mulroney. Yushchenko said. “This is a gross viola- Former Canadian PM... Hospital of the Future project in Kyiv, an The release also noted “Our country tion of the Ukrainian Constitution.” Furthermore, 171 national deputies (Continued from page 1) undertaking of the Ukraine 3000 stood with the brave people of Ukraine, of Foundation. Sen. Raynell Andreychuk the Baltic republics and the other captive have surrendered their mandates, which independence protesters in front of the ensured Parliament’s dismissal. Taras Shevchenko monument. and Northland Power President James nations of Central and Eastern Europe, In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Temerty served as masters of ceremonies Prime Minister Harper said. Today they Mulroney cited the contribution of for the event. are free people living in free nations. And they are grateful to the strong Western Canadians of Ukrainian descent to the * * * Ukraine’s ambassador development of Canada and the impor- leaders who stood firm against the tance that his government put on support- In a news release issued by the Office Communists and their apologists. ing democracy and national self-determi- of the Prime Minister, it was noted that “Ukrainians can rest assured, the Prime visits Rochester area nation of the people of Eastern Europe Prime Minister Harper applauded Minister concluded, that Canada’s new gov- WASHINGTON – Ukraine’s and the Soviet Union. Ukraine President Viktor Yushchenko for ernment will continue to support Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United States Oleh Money raised at the testimonial ban- awarding the Order of Prince Yaroslav right to determine her own destiny.” Shamshur visited Rochester and Irondequoit, N.Y., on April 20-22. He met with members of the Rochester and Irondequoit local govern- ments, the leaders of the Irondequoit- Poltava Sister-Cities Committee and members of the board of directors of the Ukrainian Federal Credit Union based in Rochester, as well as representatives of financial, industrial and investment groups. During the meetings the ambassador discussed Ukrainian-American bilateral relations at a regional level and stressed the importance of deepening sister-cities relationships between Poltava and Irondequoit. Dr. Shamshur also promot- ed investment opportunities in Ukraine, as well as its industrial, scientific, tech- nological and human potential. Ambassador Shamshur also met with the Ukrainian community of Greater Rochester and participated in a concert dedicated to the 15th anniversary of the The former prime minister of Canada receives the Order of Irondequoit-Poltava Sister-Cities Ukrainian Canadian Congress President Orysia Sushko Prince Yaroslav the Wise from Ukraine’s Ambassador to Committee. (Embassy of Ukraine in the presents the Shevchenko Medal to Brian Mulroney. Canada Ihor Ostash. United States) No. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2007 5

During his meeting with Secretary Ukraine’s new... Rice, he said, in addition to the obvious (Continued from page 1) major bilateral and international issues, now is part of a normal political process.” he said he also raised the possibility of He said that President Yushchenko “has improving bilateral cultural and educa- taken a strong but, we feel, correct posi- tional relations, including student tion” on holding early parliamentary elec- exchanges, which served their countries tions and other issues. The prime minister well in the past but had been neglected. and his allies disagree, of course, he He said he presented the secretary of added, stressing that the dialogue between state with his government’s draft of an action plan – or “roadmap,” as he called the opposing parties must continue. it – for the “formalization” of the U.S.- “That’s how a democracy works,” he Ukraine bilateral relationship. said. And if new elections do take place, The meeting at the State Department they will be as democratic as the previ- was one of the last of Mr. Yatsenyuk’s ous elections, he said. visit, which began the previous morning Minister Yatsenyuk said he thanked at the Carnegie Endowment for the United States for not getting involved International Peace with his speech and in these internal Ukrainian affairs. discussion focusing on Ukraine’s major “Ukrainian political problems should be political and economic concerns. resolved by Ukrainian politicians and not Ukraine’s economy was the dominant Yaro Bihun by the U.S. Congress or government.” theme of the foreign affairs minister’s Foreign Affairs Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk meets with Ukrainian American com- luncheon meeting with the U.S.-Ukraine munity representatives at the Embassy of Ukraine at the conclusion of his two-day Business Council, where he highlighted visit. Seated to his right is Ukraine’s Ambassador to the U.S. Oleh Shamshur. Ukraine’s good economic performance, showing an 8 percent GDP growth rate. rate meetings with Sen. Richard Lugar (R- erative, he added. But he also mentioned some of its prob- Ind.) of the Senate Foreign Relations As for the Ukrainian diaspora in the lem areas, including the lack of growth in Committee and David Price (D-N.C.), co- United States, he said Ukraine under- foreign investment. chairman of the House Advance Democracy stands its importance and respects all that As one of the 50 American listeners Commission. He also had a luncheon meet- it has and continues to do for Ukraine. later observed, it had been some time ing with members of the Congressional Along that line, he made a surprising since they witnessed a senior Ukrainian Ukrainian Caucus, co-sponsored by the personal disclosure that he has Ukrainian official so “confident, comfortable and Ukrainian Congress Committee of America. American familial links – with non other competent” as Minister Yatsenyuk. The During his meeting with Ukrainian than Petro Mirchuk, the lifelong promi- 33-year-old Ukrainian official also sur- American representatives, Mr. Yatsenyuk nent participant of the Ukrainian libera- prised many with his English fluency, was asked about the possibility of opening tion movement and its historian who died and his use of “idiomatic” English, as a Ukrainian cultural center in Washington. in Philadelphia in 1999. one long-time Washington observer He said the Ukrainian government is in As have most of Ukraine’s high-level noted after his appearance at Carnegie. the process of looking to buy an appropri- officials visiting Washington, Mr. Economics and trade also dominated ate building or premise for such a center. Yatsenyuk paid his respects to poet Taras his talks with Deputy U.S. Trade Indeed, he added, on his first day here he Shevchenko on his last day here by plac- Representative John Veroneau. (On his last inspected three possible sites. ing flowers at his monument. He did not visit to Washington, in March 2006, as “The problem is that they are some- have formal remarks to the 100 or so peo- Ukraine’s minister of the economy, Mr. what overpriced,” he said, but expressed ple who gathered there to witness the Yatsenyuk and U.S. Trade Representative his hope that a suitable building would be event. However, looking underfoot as he Rob Portman signed a bilateral World found and that the Verkhovna Rada descended the steps from the monument, Arseniy Yatsenyuk, foreign affairs Trade Organization accession agreement.) would approve funds for the project. he expressed his dismay at the state of dis- minister of Ukraine. On Capitol Hill Mr. Yatsenyuk had sepa- Asked about the plight of the Ukrainian repair and neglect of the terrace below, diaspora in Russia, he pointed out that there where weeds were taking over gaps left by is a Ukrainian cultural center in Moscow. missing paving blocks and sprouting He said he visited there two weeks earlier, through cracks between those still there. OBITUARY: Jurij Solovij, 85, but was embarrassed at the lack of unity in Without targeting any possibly respon- the Ukrainian community there. He said it sible party, he strongly suggested that the was fragmented into three major associa- situation should be remedied. Ukrainian American artist tions and close to 150 smaller groups – Asked later about who was responsi- by Yuriy Tarnawsky avant-garde Ukrainian émigré writers, unlike the large Ukrainian community in ble for the maintenance of the monument the New York Group (two versions). Siberia, which is well-organized. area, Ukrainian Congress Committee of NEW YORK – The renowned Ukrainian Although an artist, he became a virtual Kyiv will try to promote Ukrainian America President Michael Sawkiw Jr., American artist Jurij Solovij passed away member of the New York group by doing educational programs in Russia, as said that under the old regulations gov- on Monday, April 23, in Rutherford, N.J., at the art work for many of the group’s pub- Moscow is doing in Ukraine, he said. erning the Shevchenko monument, the the age of 85, after a brief illness. He had lications, in particular all 12 yearly publi- Russia, however, is not being very coop- National Park Service was responsible. been in poor health since being injured in a cations of Novi Poeziyi (New Poetry). house accident in 1993. His modernist graphics became the face Mr. Solovij was born on June 6, 1921, in that the group presented to the Ukrainian DISTRICT COMMITTEE of UNA BRANCHES Lviv. He graduated from the Lviv Arts and reading public. Crafts school in 1944 before emigrating to The few landscapes Mr. Solovij paint- OF NORTHERN NEW JERSEY Germany. He moved to the United States ed emit the same intense, existential air as announces that its in 1952 with his German wife, Lotte-Liese, his works with human figures – the empty and son, Jurij Jr., and settled in New Jersey, space in them is just as tortured and dis- ANNUAL DISTRICT COMMITTEE MEETING working for many years as textile designer figured as the miserable land and build- before retiring from that profession and ings in it. His most ambitious realized will be held on devoting himself fully to his art. project was “1,000 Heads,” which result- FRIDAY, May 18, 2007, at 2:00 p.m. Mr. Solovij was one of a handful of ed in works many times that number. In at the UNA Home Office Ukrainian émigré artists of his generation these, the artist explored different tech- 2200 Route 10, Parsippany, NJ who, after leaving his home country, niques, including those of sculpture. managed to cut the umbilical cord of tra- Even more ambitious were his designs for Obligated to attend the annual meeting as voting members are District Committee ditionalism that bound him to his past giant church frescoes, but they remained Officers, Convention Delegates and two delegates from the following Branches: and walked the modernist road of con- merely designs for lack of support. temporary Western art. Mr. Solovij’s work didn’t stop at visu- 25, 27, 37, 42, 70, 76, 133, 134, 142, 171, 172, 214, 234, 287, 340 His early works show strong influence al art. He authored many articles on art of German Expressionism, which over the and related topics, which were collected All UNA members are welcome as guests at the meeting. years became more and more displaced by in the book “Pro Rechi Bilshi Nizh Zori” the elements of abstract American art. His (About Things Greater than Stars, 1978), MEETING WILL BE ATTENDED BY: favorite – practically his only – themes and which are charged with the same Stefan Kaczaraj, UNA President were existential ones: birth, pain, death. fierce modernist spirit as his works of art. Michael Koziupa, UNA 2nd Vice President Crucifixion and martyrdom became the In 2000 the Ukrainian Institute of Christine E. Kozak, UNA National Secretary emblematic subjects of his paintings. America hosted a retrospective exhibit of Roma Lisovich, UNA Treasurer But he also painted portraits, often of Mr. Solovij’s works which overwhelmed Eugene Oscislawski, UNA Advisor well-known figures of the past and the the viewer by its expressive power and present – Taras Shevchenko (with an scope. His most recent show was in a DISTRICT COMMITTEE ambiguous club in his hand), Stepan gallery connected with the Artistic Arsenal Stephan Welhasch, District Chairman Bandera, Vasyl Barka, Pope John XX (in museum being constructed in Kyiv. It was Daria Semegen, Secretary the shape of a space capsule) and perhaps hailed by critics as a homecoming of a key Walter Honcharyk, Treasurer his best known – a group portrait of the figure of 20th century Ukrainian art. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2007 No. 18

NEWS AND VIEWS THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUSTA is reborn Akcja Wisla: the event, At the organizing meeting in July 1952, 40 students set in motion what was to become the Federation of Ukrainian Student Organizations (SUSTA). In August its origins and context of that year, the organizing process, which was primarily entrusted to the student by Tarik Cyril Amar Regained Territories could claim “hromada” in Cleveland, continued at a joint meeting with New York student between 100,000 and 200,000. Again, clubs to lay the foundation for a November forum. Out of this forum was created CONCLUSION deportees hoping for a quick return an interim secretariat responsible for organizing SUSTA’s founding congress held Akcja Wisla’s effects, like its origins, sometimes refused any assistance or even at Columbia University in April 1953. The 68 delegates representing 22 Ukrainian were manifold. As Timothy Snyder has to accept legal title to their new farms, student clubs elected an 11-member executive board headed by Eleonora argued, Akcja Wisla was the final part in fearing this would prejudice their claims Kulchycka. Total membership at the time was 654 students at 50 universities. a series of population shifts, which made back home. Flash forward almost 50 years; The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America Poland an ethnically preponderantly Akcja Wisla, while aiming at assimila- executive board earmarked $5,000 to assist the organizing committee of the SUSTA Polish state. While the assimilation of the tion, was also a great propaganda show, conference that was to be held in Chicago on June 7-10, 2001. After nearly 10 years of deported Ukrainians remained elusive, reinforcing a powerful and malignant dormancy, it was believed that SUSTA and its network of university Ukrainian clubs Akcja Wisla did bring the destruction of image of a treacherous Ukrainian “Other,” would arise once again to promote Ukrainian American issues on college campuses. the last remnant of a traditional non- which could be dealt with only by an iron When students were asked, “What does it mean to be a Ukrainian student liv- Polish settlement area in postwar Poland fist and deserved any punishment that ing in America?” their answers were divided based on whether students were and made Poland’s new south-eastern might imply. With newspapers spreading reared in America or Ukraine. This, according to Christina Duzyj, director of border unprecedentedly ethnic. the idea that all Ukrainians were at least American affairs at the Ukrainian Students Union of Canada (SUSK), was the Some effects were paradoxical. Most potential pro-German “collaborators” reason why there was no unified Ukrainian student “movement” in the United obviously, by its quick and devastating “bandits,” “cut-throats” and “Banderites” States. According to the students’ answers, American-born Ukrainians had success Akcja Wisla disproved its perpe- – and that all Lemkos were Ukrainians – emphasized the importance of Ukrainian culture, rather than on the country of trators’ pretext of still having to fight a and Akcja Wisla obviously built on the Ukraine. These activities included varenyky-making, pysanka demonstrations significant Ukrainian military under- same collective assumption, some com- and Ukrainian musical events rather than political activism. ground. In fact, their victims were pre- munities in northwestern Poland were However, according to SUSTA’s current constitution, which was adopted on April ponderantly helpless, while the UPA’s warned that the “murderers of Gen. 1, 2006, the organization is not politically affiliated and is non-denominational. and the OUN’s combined losses of sever- Swierczewski” were about to arrive. After the most recent SUSTA conference held on April 21, it seems that we al thousand members were sufficient to Moreover, other settlers in the are again witnessing the reawakening of a sleeping giant. But something feels essentially eliminate them in postwar Regained Territories included Poles driv- different from 2001. Judging by the conference and talking with these students, Poland, even while some fighters en out of former eastern Poland, i.e., we see a fierce determination to accomplish great things for Ukrainian studies escaped to Soviet Ukraine and shifted those who were likely to have been radi- and the community. Widespread use of new technology like the Internet and their target to the Soviet authorities. calized in their attitude to Ukrainians by mobile phones, just as during the Orange Revolution, will surely help this The public presentation of Akcja Wisla ethnic conflict and their own victimiza- revived organization bring its ideas to fruition. as counter-insurgency also made the tion there. Some local communities We look forward to SUSTA’s reaffirmed role as a training ground for the deportees hope that they would be blocked train stations to prevent the dis- Ukrainian community’s future leaders. Prove what you can do in SUSTA, trans- allowed to return as soon as the under- embarkation of the deportees and set up late your passion and your knowledge to your career, but use it also to sustain ground was defeated. This, in turn, ren- vigilante groups to watch them, while other Ukrainian organizations, whether professional, cultural or political. dered them less likely to look on their rumors spread about Ukrainians gather- We wish the newly revitalized SUSTA great successes in the coming years. new surroundings as permanent – the ing former German weapons, uniting May the new SUSTA continue the proud legacy of the early SUSTA, which was more so as the material conditions of the stereotypes of fear through the associa- a symbol of hope for the future of the Ukrainian community as a whole. deportees, while not generally compara- tive logic of the unconsciousness. Finally, as The Weekly said in 2001, we remind students of our “open invita- ble to those inflicted on Soviet deporta- Yet such a nightmare situation, mighti- tion to students and student clubs to let yourselves be heard. Tell our readers tion victims, as Grzegorz Hryciuk has ly worsened by authorities, who at the about your activities and share your opinions. Use this paper as a networking pointed out, were still very hard. same time wanted the deportees to assim- tool. The pages of The Ukrainian Weekly will welcome you.” Propaganda clichés of swapping poor ilate, obviously contradicted this aim. In mountain dwellings for the rich farms left fact, as reported from Olsztyn District, behind by expelled Germans are silly. the region with the largest number of A majority of the deportees did Akcja Wisla deportees, the latter kept May receive individual farms, but they were having better contact with the so-called Turning the pages back... often in a dilapidated state with land “autochthonous” and remaining German classed officially as inferior and distrib- populations than with Polish settlers uted according to labels of political unre- brought in to Polonize the area. Put dif- 9 liability stuck on the deportees during ferently, from the Polish party-state’s repressive perspective, those regarded as Last year after the newly elected Verkhovna Rada came Akcja Wisla. Moreover, the deportees unreliable found common ground instead 2006 into power, the Socialist Party of Ukraine made it clear that it were impoverished not only by war but of assimilating to the reliable. would not support any legislative effort to recognize the by the deportation itself, which led to a Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) as a fighting force or grant severe lack of tools, horses, furniture and Within a fundamentally lawless its veterans government benefits. This was despite the fact that Orange political forces even basic foodstuffs. regime, Akcja Wisla created its own comprised the parliamentary majority. There were some state credits for them extra-legal space and practices, some of Oleksander Moroz, SPU leader, rejected President Viktor Yushchenko’s call for UPA but, as analyzed by Igor Halagida, they which doubled as propaganda by the recognition to be among the conditions for forming the parliamentary coalition government. amounted to little when distributed and deed. Those accused – rightly or wrongly After placing flowers at Kyiv’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Park of also demonstrated discrimination: De – of membership in or support for the Eternal Glory on May 9, Victory Day, which commemorates the defeat of the Nazis facto, most deportees could expect about Ukrainian underground, combatants and by the Soviets during World War II, Mr. Moroz said, “We don’t need to include an 10,000 zloty, while Polish settlers in the civilians, faced public trials with organ- issue that will divide society.” ized publicity in a special military court Without the Socialists, the votes from Our Ukraine and the Yulia Tymoshenko set up for Akcja Wisla. Importantly, as Tarik Cyril Amar, Ph.D., who is a Eugeniusz Misilo has pointed out, even blocs weren’t enough to pass legislation that would grant UPA veterans equal status Eugene and Daymel Shklar Research with Red Army veterans, both historically and financially. the Army Penal Code articles most fre- Fellow at the Harvard Ukrainian quently employed in this judicial repres- Serhii Taran, director of the Institute of Mass Information in Kyiv, said that the Research Institute (HURI), wrote his dis- Party of the Regions was more likely to support UPA recognition than the Socialists. sion were different for Ukrainians and sertation at Princeton University on the for Polish opponents of the regime. According to Dr. Taran, recognition of the UPA by the Socialists would compromise history of the city of Lviv between 1939 the party’s left-wing ideology that enabled its success in the elections, while the Party Ukrainians were sentenced mostly under and the 1960s. (He lived in Lviv for two article 85, emphasizing attacks on Polish of the Regions, Dr. Taran continued, won the elections largely because it convinced years.) He is currently preparing the dis- eastern Ukrainian voters that it could provide for them materially. independence or the integrity of Polish sertation for publication with the support territory, Poles under Article 86, stressing In four years, eastern Ukrainians switched their support from the Communists to a of fellowships at the Harriman Institute party representing big business and bourgeois values. “When the Regions came to attempts to change the political system or Ukrainian Studies Program (last fall), at challenge its authorities. At the same power and demonstrated the ability to provide material resources, eastern Ukrainians HURI (currently) and the United States switched their party allegiance,” Dr. Taran said. time, the press, especially until 1948, Holocaust Memorial Museum in kept reinforcing the image of the “fas- Viktor Yanukovych, in a speech in 2004 as prime minister, seemed willing to sup- Washington (this summer). port UPA recognition. He said: “I am sure that it’s worth giving this status to all those cist” Ukrainian nationalists, while apply- The paper above is the basis for a ing similar stereotyping to at least parts who fought and freed our dear land. It’s not necessary to separate them as ‘ours’ and presentation by Dr. Amar at the confer- ‘foreign.’ This is an issue for the nation, for city governments and in no case should of the Polish underground. ence on Akcja Wisla organized by the Thirdly, Akcja Wisla succeeded as well there be such animosity within a nation.” Ukrainian Studies Program of the In a May 6 radio address, President Yushchenko said that UPA recognition should as failed in its assimilationist aims. It Harriman Institute at Columbia largely failed to make Poles out of be a condition for forming a parliamentary coalition. “This is our debt to the genera- University on April 26. The conference tion of our fathers,” he said. Ukrainians but, as Timothy Snyder has theme was “Post-World War II Polish- suggested, it may have succeeded to some Ukrainian Relations: Remembering the extent in making Ukrainians out of Source: Recognition of UPA remains a controversial issue in Ukraine,” by Zenon 1947 Forced Relocation Campaign Zawada, The Ukrainian Weekly, May 14, 2006. ‘Akcja Wisla.’ ” (Continued on page 11) No. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2007 7 NEWS ANALYSIS: Boris Yeltsin, 1932-2007 – from populist to pariah by David Marples charismatic Mr. Yeltsin. ated by many Russians with internal 1996. However, undeterred, at the end of He now became the main political decline, corruption and the rise of oli- his presidency in 1999 Mr. Yeltsin agreed Boris Nikolaevich Yeltsin always opposition to Mr. Gorbachev, always garchs who were able to exploit the mass to the renewal of the war, which contin- seemed larger than life, and with a political advocating that societal and economic sale of government resources at cut-rate ues today with heavy losses of life and career that spanned more than three reforms should take a more radical direc- prices for immediate profits. Russia under atrocities on both sides. decades, with two terms as president of tion. He was a co-founder within the Mr. Yeltsin embarked on shock therapy Though Mr. Yeltsin adhered to agree- Russia, he went a long way to determining Supreme Soviet of the Interregional (initiated by Yegor Gaidar) that dramati- ments with neighboring republics, he at the course of the post-Soviet Russian state. Group of Deputies, which included most cally lowered the living standards of most times resorted to bullying tactics, particu- As a politician he leaves a notable but of the reformist elements in the Soviet of the population. By 1998 the state was larly with Ukraine, where he continued to essentially flawed record. Overall his leadership. bankrupt and the ruble collapsed. failures appear to overshadow his tri- demand control over the Black Sea Fleet Nevertheless, it was less through the Mr. Yeltsin’s political directives were and the city of Sevastopol until his re- umphs, although the latter are far from federal structure of the USSR than that of equally questionable. In October 1993 he negligible. election as president in 1996. Thereafter the Russian republic that Mr. Yeltsin “resolved” a critical impasse with the he was mollified and signed a Treaty of The most positive elements of his period challenged Mr. Gorbachev. Parliament by sending in tanks, which in power came at the beginning rather than Friendship with Ukraine in 1997, agree- In May 1990 he was elected chairman destroyed the building where he had ing to a 20-year lease for the fleet, 83 the end, essentially because Mr. Yeltsin was of the Russian Supreme Soviet, and two defied the putsch leaders two years earli- a more dynamic figure out of office than as percent of which remained in Russian months afterwards gave up his er, killing more than 150 people. the Russian president. To examine his hands. In return he was prepared to Communist Party membership under the In 1994 he ordered the Russian army career adequately, it needs to be analyzed waive Ukraine’s energy debts to Russia lights of the cameras at the 28th to invade the autonomous republic of in historical perspective to demonstrate (something his successor, Vladimir Putin, Congress of the CPSU. By now Mr. Chechnya, a volatile region that had for- how ultimately he turned against the would clearly not do). Yeltsin recognized that perestroika, Mr. mally declared its independence in 1991. Communist Party that nurtured him. With Belarus, he initiated a union Gorbachev’s economic renewal program, It was a fundamental blunder, and the ill- Mr. Yeltsin was born in the village of state, in which Russia would be the dom- had come to a standstill. Mr. Gorbachev prepared troops proved unable to match Butka, not far from the Siberian town of inant partner, though it was never formal- had filled the Politburo with so-called the Chechens’ guerrilla tactics, sustaining Sverdlovsk (formerly and currently, “hard-liners” who were opposed to fur- an embarrassing defeat and armistice in (Continued on page 10) Yekaterinburg) on February 1, 1931. ther reforms and felt that the progress Though he was admitted to the toward a more diverse civil society was Communist Party of the Soviet Union undermining the Soviet Union. (CPSU) at the age of 30, his political In March 1991 Mr. Gorbachev recog- Quotable notes advance began seriously in 1968, when nized the growing power of the USSR’s he became a secretary of the Sverdlovsk constituent republics by holding a refer- “ …in the longer historical perspective, it is clear that [Boris] Yeltsin, unlike Regional Committee of the party, and endum on revising the union agreement his predecessor [Mikhail] Gorbachev, was a genuine man of transition. first secretary of this important industrial of December 1922 to allow the republics “He knew things had to change, but he had neither the ideas nor the tools to region in the period 1976-1985. full sovereignty over all aspects of their change them. He had some of the instincts of a populist democrat but all the Robust, energetic and burly, Mr. affairs other than defense and foreign pol- habits of a lifetime Communist Party apparatchik. He admired Western abun- Yeltsin had a reputation for productivity icy. Russia demanded its own presidency, dance but never understood how Western societies actually work. and for his ability to communicate with which was included as part of the referen- “In truth, he belonged neither to the Soviet Union, which Gorbachev had local workers. This “populism” would dum questions on Russian territory. hoped to revive, nor to the West, which [Vladimir] Putin now rejects. serve him remarkably well in the later Thus, although the republics agreed to “Had we ever been realistic about him, we would have understood his limita- Soviet period. the notion of a revised union, the referen- tions from the beginning – and appreciated his strengths. And had we not In March 1985 Mikhail Gorbachev dum served to notify the Soviet leader- embraced him uncritically, we would have been less disappointed when things became the general secretary of the ship that it now had to deal with a huge, turned out differently from what we, too, had hoped. Central Committee of the CPSU and newly empowered Russia. before long brought Mr. Yeltsin to Mr. Yeltsin duly won the first Russian – Anne Applebaum, writing in her column titled “Russia’s Agent of Change,” Moscow to take on the sensitive task of presidential election in June, 1991 moved The Washington Post, April 24 running the Moscow city party organiza- into the Kremlin, and embarked on a fair- tion, formerly run by Viktor Grishin, ly ostentatious tour of the United States, allegedly a rival of Mr. Gorbachev for where he was received warily, as one “He thought that it would be easier for Russia to carry out reforms if it the leadership. who might upset the carefully nurtured unloaded other republics. What did unloading other republics mean? It meant the In the early days of glasnost and pere- friendship between Mr. Gorbachev and dissolution of the country. And he went down this path. Without Russia, Ukraine stroika, as Mr. Gorbachev began weeding President George H.W. Bush. Upon his and Belarus, the Soviet Union could not be the same. It was a break-up. out party leaders who opposed radical return he banned the Communist Party “I think however that both he and I thought of one thing, to do more for the changes, this seemed an appropriate from all Russian factories. people. Our approach to this task was different. I was against shock therapies. I move. But, within weeks of taking up his In August 1991 the hard-liners within thought that we had to do it step by step. To be fair, the nation supported him at new position, Mr. Yeltsin mounted a fran- Mr. Gorbachev’s administration tried to the time. This is history.” tic attack on corruption that offended sabotage the forthcoming union agree- many Moscow city bosses. ment by mounting a putsch in the streets – Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, in his message of condolence On November 11, 1987, and according of Moscow, placing the Soviet leader aired on April 23 on Ekho Moskvy, as reported by the BBC Monitoring Service. to Mr. Yeltsin after he had been ordered under house arrest at his summer home in by Mr. Gorbachev to get out of his hospi- the Crimea. It seemed that the USSR tal bed, the Siberian was given a dressing might return to the past after all. “Yeltsin was a historic figure who served during a period of momentous down by the Soviet leader and removed Yet, the plotters inexplicably failed to change. He played a key role as the Soviet Union dissolved, helped lay the foun- from office. In February 1988 he was arrest Mr. Yeltsin, who led resistance dations of freedom in Russia.” also ejected from the ruling Politburo. from the Russian Parliament, at one point However, this abasement did not end Mr. climbing on to a tank and demanding the – George W. Bush, president of the United States, as quoted by The Yeltsin’s political career. return of Mr. Gorbachev. The putsch col- Independent of London. Although he returned to the hospital lapsed within three days, but in that time and reportedly tried to commit suicide, Mr. Yeltsin had asserted control over he was permitted to serve the USSR as a weapons and military forces on Russian “… Though Mikhail Gorbachev began the dismantlement of Soviet-style deputy chairman of construction. territory. communism, it was Mr. Yeltsin who ensured that the process led, albeit tem- Henceforth, however, he became disillu- His duplicity came to the fore when on porarily, to democracy and liberal capitalism. sioned with Mr. Gorbachev and regarded the one hand he appeared to welcome “He was also the chief protagonist of the Soviet Union's peaceful break-up, him as a bitter enemy. Mr. Gorbachev back to Moscow, but on which has allowed 14 nations besides Russia to pursue their own destinies, In the spring of 1989 Mr. Yeltsin the other humiliated him before the including three that are now members of the European Union and NATO. returned to high office when he was Russian Parliament, furiously shouting “Had Mr. Gorbachev, or Russia’s current leader, Vladimir Putin, had his way, elected a deputy of the Congress of that it was Mr. Gorbachev who had neither of these extraordinarily positive changes would have happened. People’s Deputies, a new assembly in appointed the plotters to their posts and Tragically, Mr. Yeltsin ended up destroying much of what he had achieved. ...” Mr. Gorbachev’s reformed bicameral leg- maintained faith in the treacherous islature. Though he narrowly missed Communist Party. – editorial, The Washington Post, April 24. being elected directly to the Supreme By December 1991 Mr. Yeltsin had Soviet, the higher body, one of the lat- asserted control over all resources in the ter’s members gave up his seat to the Russian republic, thereby leaving Mr. “Boris Nikolayevich Yeltsin helped to destroy the Soviet Union and did much Gorbachev as a puppet ruler. It was a to bring Russia’s democracy into existence. The former construction engineer David Marples, Ph.D., professor of coup from within. On December 8 he was not a great builder of institutions; the democracy was flawed. But he had the history at the University of Alberta and assured the expiry of the Soviet Union by right instincts. director of the Stasiuk Program for the signing an agreement with Ukraine and “For liberating Russians from the yoke of the one-party state and the planned Study of Contemporary Ukraine. He is Belarus at Belavezha, near Brest, which economy, he deserves immense gratitude. Yet his nepotistic and capricious rule the author of “Motherland: Russia in the formed the Commonwealth of spawned colossal lawlessness and corruption, paving the way for his authoritari- 20th Century” (2002) and “The Collapse Independence States. Mr. Yeltsin had an successor, Vladimir Putin. ...” of the Soviet Union, 1985-1991” (2004). reached the pinnacle of his power. This article was originally published in His eight years as president were less – Economist. com, April 23. the Edmonton Journal. auspicious and are today correctly associ- 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2007 No. 18 Ukrainian Canadian curlers compete for Bulba Cup by Wasyl Wysoczanskyj Wysoczanskyj, appeared on the way to getting the steal it needed to send the OTTAWA – The 2007 Bulba Cup was game to an extra end when it buried a rock contested on Saturday, April 13, at the in the four foot. However, with his second Ottawa Curling Club and for the third rock, Ottawa’s Zenon Woychyshyn exe- straight year, a team from Ottawa won the trophy symbolizing Ukrainian cuted a double angle raise takeout of the Canadian men’s curling supremacy. Montreal shot rock, leading Ottawa to a 6- Ottawa, skipped (captained) by 3 victory. The win not only avenged an Mychajlo Wysoczanskyj, took early con- earlier loss to Montreal in the round robin trol of the championship game against but was Mychajlo Wysoczanskyj’s first Montreal by stealing a single point in Bulba Cup title as skip (captain). each of the first two ends. The teams then Two-time defending champion Brian traded single points through the next Muzyka’s Ottawa rink (team) struggled to three ends, leaving Ottawa leading 3-2 find its form through the round robin, with last rock in the last end. while John Hladky’s Montreal rink could Montreal, skipped by Wasyl not recover from the last minute with-

Nestor Lewycky Participants of the 2007 Bulba Cup.

drawal of their third. ipating since the cup was first played is Named after Taras Bulba, the Bulba as follows: Montreal and Ottawa, four Cup was initiated in 1990 by a group of championship titles each; Quebec and avid Ukrainian Canadian curlers and, Ontario, two each; and Toronto, one. with a short break in the mid-1990s, has The winning skips in the Bulba Cup been held annually as a competition championships were: Wasyl Wysoczanskyj, between curling rinks from Montreal, five wins; John Hladky, four; Brian Ottawa and Toronto. Muzyka, two; and Ihor Kovalew and Originally, the Bulba Cup was a com- Mychajlo Wysoczanskyj, one each. petition between one rink from Montreal The 14th Bulba Cup will be held in and one from Toronto, but it evolved into March 2008 at The Royal Montreal a provincial rivalry pitting Quebec Curling Club in Montreal; six rinks are against Ontario. In 2000 it reverted to a expected to compete. competition among cities, with Ottawa Ottawa skip Mychajlo Wysoczanskyj delivers the rock on the way to the 2007 being represented for the first time. Mychajlo Wysoczanskyj and Zenon Bulba Cup championship. The record of wins by the rinks partic- Woychyshyn contributed to this story.

had created “a culture of strategic partner- [For more on observances of the 60th state administrations held a special ses- Ukrainian and Polish... ship” between Ukraine and Poland. “I con- anniversary of Akcja Wisla, see story on sion and voted to finance the monument (Continued from page 1) sider this process one of the biggest histor- page 3.] with their respective oblast budget funds. “With words of support, I turn to the ical victories that our two large nations As regards financing various projects, In his address, President Yushchenko Ukrainian diaspora in Poland and assure achieved,” the Ukrainian president said. however, Mr. Yushchenko apparently also stated that the Lviv, Ternopil, Ivano- you that our country will do everything He said Ukraine and Poland face hasn’t reached a consensus with local Frankivsk, Rivne, Zakarpattia and Volyn possible to satisfy your national rights to large-scale and far-reaching tasks and are leaders. oblast councils had agreed to finance the create new centers of Ukrainian culture, to called “to unite Europe, give it a new In accordance with his April 5 presiden- renovation of 44 graves of Ukrainians in open Ukrainian schools and other projects,” political, economic and spiritual stimu- tial decree, the president stated that a mon- Poland, in accordance with the Bilateral Mr. Yushchenko said in his speech in Lviv. lus, and open a new European epoch.” ument will be erected in Lviv this year to Protocol on Joint Actions for 2005-2007. But the special session of oblast state “I am continuing the work of transfer- Mr. Yushchenko blamed Akcja Wisla honor all Ukrainian victims of forced administration and council chairs also ring the national home (narodnyi dim) in on the “Communist, totalitarian regime,” deportations and resettlements, to be passed an appeal to the president Przemysl (Peremyshl) to the Ukrainian which should be arrested and prosecuted. financed by western Ukrainian benefactors. expressing their concern for the lack of community.” He also referred to the Jaworzno concen- However, that same day the chairs of government financing for restoring At the evening commemoration, Mr. tration camp, where 800 were imprisoned the Lviv, Ternopil, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukrainian military cemeteries and burial Yushchenko declared that the two nations and 650 were killed. Rivne and Zakarpattia oblast councils and sites on Polish territory, indicating they would not finance it. The oblast leaders also formed a com- mission to select the monument’s design. Mr. Yushchenko has taken significant initiatives on behalf of Akcja Wisla vic- tims, community leaders said. “I think Ukraine has entered a new, quality stage in evaluating Akcja Wisla,” said Volodymyr Sereda, chair of the Zakerzonnia Union of Associations of Deported Ukrainians. “Today is a historic chance to correct injustices that Ukrainians experienced in Poland during the rule of totalitarian regimes. And they have been voiced in the president’s remarks and his decrees.” President Kaczynski did not travel with his Ukrainian counterpart to Lviv for the requiem at the Opera and Ballet Theater. Alexander Kwasniewski was the first Polish president to verbally condemn Akcja Wisla in April 2002. However no Polish president has issued a decree or res- olution officially condemning the event. The upper chamber of the Polish Parliament, the Senat, officially con- demned Akcja Wisla – doing so in August 1990; however, the lower house, the Sejm, has not followed suit. No. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2007 9

been adopted in the Verkhovna Rada have the first presidential decree. Mr. Moroz that 4.4 percent would vote for a candi- NEWSBRIEFS no legal effect since, starting from April expressed his readiness to file a new case date other than those listed above; 13.9 (Continued from page 2) 2, according to a presidential decree, the with the Constitutional Court questioning percent said they could not cite their Six deputies initiate impeachment Verkhovna Rada of the 5th convocation the validity of this order. Referring to choice; and 8 percent said they would not has been dismissed, Our Ukraine leader Article 5 of the Constitution, Mr. Moroz vote. The margin of error for the poll was KYIV – Six national deputies have ini- Viacheslav Kyrylenko stated when com- called the president’s order an attempt to 3.5 percent. (Ukrayinski Novyny) tiated impeachment proceedings against menting the Parliament’s resolution on infringe on the authority of the Verkhovna President Viktor Yushchenko, it was holding simultaneous pre-term parliamen- Rada and usurp power. (Ukrinform) Pope to meet with Yushchenko reported on April 27. The six are: tary and presidential elections. Opposition welcomes new decree ROME – Pope Benedict XVI will Kateryna Samoilyk, Oleksii Baburin and “According to President Viktor meet with President Viktor Yushchenko Mykola Kravchenko of the Communist Yushchenko’s decree, the parliamentary KYIV – Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc of Ukraine on May 7, when the Party, Yurii Karakai of the Party of the elections will take place on June 24. Our leader Yulia Tymoshenko welcomed the Ukrainian president visits the Vatican. Regions, and Serhii Polischuk and Ukraine and other democratic forces are presidential decree of April 26 postpon- Mr. Yushchenko also expects to meet Oleksander Kovtunenko of the Yulia within the electoral process, and the ing new elections to the Verkhovna Rada with Italian business leaders. Tymoshenko Bloc. In their draft resolu- nationally elected president is a guarantor to June 24. She said she believes the (Ukrinform) tion, which was registered on April 26, the for the election process to be transparent president signed the decree to meet the deputies argued that via his April 2 decree and democratic,” Mr. Kyrylenko pointed requirements of the Central Election CPU: no confidence in president the president had attempted to curtail the out. Earlier he said in an interview with Commission and the ruling coalition. The KYIV – The leader of the Communist constitutional mandate of the Parliament. Channel 5 that integration of the Our president’s representative to the Party of Ukraine, Petro Symonenko has They cited Mr. Yushchenko’s violation, on Ukraine Bloc with the People’s Self- Verkhovna Rada, Roman Zvarych, noted initiated a drive to collect signatures on a several occasions, of the Constitution of Defense and the Ukrainian Pravytsia bloc that the president signed the decree dis- statement expressing no confidence in Ukraine. (Ukrayinski Novyny) is absolutely possible. (Ukrinform) missing Parliament based on his reason- President Viktor Yushchenko. Mr. President insists on new elections Rada announces extraordinary session ing that any revision of electoral results Symonenko announced the drive, which could result in usurpation of power. he said would be conducted throughout KYIV – President Viktor Yushchenko KYIV – The Verkhovna Rada has Referring to Article 5 of the Constitution, Ukraine, during a speech in Parliament appeared at an opposition rally on announced an extraordinary session to Mr. Zvarych noted that the Ukrainian on April 27. (Ukrayinski Novyny) European Square in Kyiv on April 28, move amendments to the state budget for nation is the only source of power and assuring a crowd of some 20,000 support- 2007. It has also put on the agenda a that power should not be usurped by sen- SPU questions president’s health ers of the dissolution of the Verkhovna draft resolution on conducting snap par- ior officials. (Ukrinform) KYIV – National Deputy Vasyl Volha Rada that early parliamentary elections liamentary and presidential elections. 31.7 % would vote for Yanukovych of the Socialist Party said he wants to ini- will take place on June 24, as scheduled Rada Chairman Oleksander Moroz noted tiate medical supervision of President by his latest decree. “I will soon that Parliament plans to adopt the resolu- KYIV – Of the 2,039 respondents Viktor Yushchenko. Speaking in the announce decisions that will guarantee tion in line with Articles 3 and 5, Part 2, polled by the Kyiv International Institute Verkhovna Rada on April 27, he called of the Constitution. The draft resolution the election takes place in a calm and of Sociology on April 14-19, 31.7 per- on fellow deputies to establish a tempo- states that the Parliament considers it appropriate manner,” Mr. Yushchenko cent said they would vote for Viktor rary investigative committee to deter- necessary to hold parliamentary and pres- said without mentioning specific meas- Yanukovych for president if the elections mine the president’s state of health. This idential elections within 90 days after the ures he plans to take. “I have sufficient were held that week. Other respondents committee, as well as an international relevant amendments proposed to the means to ensure the preparation and stag- voiced their preferences as follows: 18.8 experts’ group should be created and Constitution, but no later than December ing of these elections. I will overcome percent for Viktor Yushchenko; 14.7 per- should propose that the president under- 9. The Rada ordered the government to any criminal sabotage. Any failure to act cent for Yulia Tymoshenko; 2.5 percent go a medical screening. Mr. Volha said it take appropriate measures to provide will be brought to account,” he added. for Petro Symonenko; 1.9 for Yurii might be appropriate to seek the presi- financing of the elections, and the Meanwhile, Prime Minister Viktor Lutsenko; 1.5 percent for Oleksander dent’s dismissal based on his health sta- Yanukovych said at a rally of his support- Central Election Commission should Moroz; 1.4 percent for Volodymyr tus, in accordance with Article 110 of the ers on Independence Square in Kyiv on ensure timely preparations for the elec- Lytvyn; and 1.4 percent for Natalia Constitution of Ukraine. (Ukrayinski April 27 that by issuing his decree to tions. The Rada’s Committee on State- Vitrenko. Other poll findings indicated Novyny) reschedule snap elections for June 24, Building should draft a new version of President Yushchenko violated all the the law on the election of national agreements the two of them had reached deputies, taking into account introduction prior to that decree. (RFE/RL Newsline) of the open voters’ list by June 10. A draft law on amendments to the Deputies call for December elections Constitution should be elaborated by KYIV – Lawmakers from the ruling June 15 and provide for conducting snap coalition of the Party of the Regions, the presidential and parliamentary elections. Socialist Party and the Communist Party (Ukrinform) on April 30 passed a resolution calling for Rada says new decree is illegal early presidential and parliamentary polls to be held not later than December 9, fol- KYIV – The Verkhovna Rada of lowing the introduction of relevant Ukraine at its April 26 sitting passed a amendments to the Constitution, UNIAN resolution with 255 voices stating that reported. The resolution tasks an ad hoc there are no legal grounds for the presi- parliamentary commission with preparing dential decree announcing a new date for appropriate constitutional amendments by elections. The resolution said the Rada June 10. It is not clear what legal force, if considers the presidential decree of April any, the resolution will have in the ongo- 26 to be illegal. It also said the Cabinet ing institutional crisis in Ukraine. After of Ministers must be guided by the issuing his two decrees on the dissolution Verkhovna Rada resolution of April 2, of the Verkhovna Rada and early elec- which banned financing the elections. tions, President Yushchenko does not (Ukrinform) consider the current Rada a legitimate АІА Moroz says president usurps power legislature. Meanwhile, lawmakers from  У А У the ruling coalition continue to hold par- KYIV – Verkhovna Rada Chairman (586)759-6563 liamentary sittings pending the Oleksander Moroz said he believes the Constitutional Court’s verdict on the pres- president’s second decree on new parlia- idential decrees. 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RAMADA HOTEL (Continued from page 7) Share The Weekly JFK International Airport ized. He also periodically demanded with a colleague. Jamaica, NY 11430 more rights for Russians living abroad, For directions: 718-995-9000 ext 2109 particularly in the Baltic states. His term in office was plagued by sus- Order a gift subscription by writing to: Or, apply in person: tained illness, including a quintuple cardiac The Subscription Department, Monday-Friday 9:00am-3:00pm bypass and bouts of drunkenness. On one occasion he was unable to alight from the JFK International Airport LUNA BAND The Ukrainian Weekly, presidential plane during a stopover in 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Cargo Area A, Building 151 Ireland, as a band played on the tarmac. Music for weddings, zabavas, Parsippany, NJ 07054; Second floor, Room 300 Yet, as a Russian analyst once commented, festivals, anniversary celebrations. 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Without doubt most Russians prefer Mr. Serious personal injury, real estate Putin and the current stability. for personal and business use, rep- The Ukrainian Weekly However, it is in the late Soviet years resentation of small and mid-size is looking for advertising that the figure of Mr. Yeltsin really businesses, securities arbitration, shines as a stubborn and defiant politi- sales agents. divorce, wills and probate. cian who played a major role in the demise of the Soviet Union (and the For additional information (By Appointment Only) career of Mr. Gorbachev) that was at contact Maria Oscislawski, least as important as the arms race or 157 SECOND AVENUE Advertising Manager economic stagnation and decline. For NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10003 973-292-9800 ext 3040 that alone, his place in history is assured, and historians will perhaps choose to for- (212) 477-3002 or e-mail [email protected] give the sorry years that followed. No. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2007 11

escape resettlement by adopting Polish Akcja Wisla... identities through conversion and forged (Continued from page 6) documents. Those who resented being Lemkos. Yet we need to bear in mind that seen as Ukrainians but were driven to this is a clearly under-researched issue, assimilation were likely to choose a Polish which, moreover, is marked by strong identity over a Ukrainian one. Moreover, points of view, partly colored by politics of Akcja Wisla weakened the Greek-Catholic national identity reaching back to the 19th Church in Poland, which in turn may have century and currently undergoing some amounted to removing a traditional revival. Thus, Lemko reactions varied – Ukrainianizing factor among Lemkos. EUGENE JAROSEWICH also, importantly, according to region. The history of the Lemko-Ukrainian Some Lemkos supported the UPA relationship from the 19th century on, January 6, 1926 – April 30, 2007 units fighting in their area, especially in while beyond the scope of this paper, was the East. As Grzegorz Motyka and Peter clearly ambiguous: While some Lemkos Potichnyj argue (with, however, different self-identified as Ukrainians, others have With deep sadness, the family of Eugene Jarosewich, born in Peremyshl, emphasis on the significance of regional continued to resist this identity until now, informs our community that our beloved husband, father, brother and preferring local, Rusyn, Old-Ruthenian, divides), the majority of the soldiers in grandfather passed away April 30, 2007, at his home in Washington, DC. two important units, under commanders Carpatho-Slavonic, or simply Lemko “Khrin” and “Stakh,” were local Lemkos. identities. The first as well as the second world war left legacies of tension and The parastas was held on Friday, May 4, at Hines Rinaldi Funeral Home According to Peter Potichnyj, there is in Silver Spring, Maryland. even more and earlier evidence of mutual recrimination not only between Ukrainians and Poles but also between Lemkos in UPA and UPA-directed units Ukrainians and some Lemkos. as well as leadership positions. The UPA The funeral liturgy was held Saturday, May 5, at the Ukrainian Catholic During Akcja Wisla some Lemko vic- was not merely an outside intruder. National Shrine of the Holy Family in Washington, DC, followed by tims as well as some representatives of While Akcja Wisla was not the only interment at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Maryland. the Polish authorities, for instance factor pushing some Lemkos toward a Wladyslaw Gomulka, who may have modern Ukrainian identity, common vic- remembered being sheltered by Lemkos He leaves behind in sorrow his timization as Ukrainians with Ukrainians in 1943, were still arguing that Lemkos wife Lydia may have been important in producing should be exempted from deportation. daughter Irene with husband Aleksandr Burakovskiy this result. At the same time, as Ewa Thus, the inhabitants of Krosno village daughter Martha with husband Stephen Holder Michna has stressed, the extent of assimi- petitioned Gomulka, arguing that they son Andrew with wife Tania and their sons lation among Lemkos has not really been were Lemkos, loyal to Poland and that researched yet. Nicholas and Daniel the latter’s targeting them for repression Prima facie, faced with Polish resettle- brother Myron with wife Daria and their children and deportation contradicted the spirit of ment, some Lemkos fighting with the Christine and Myron, Jr proletarian internationalism, correspond- UPA may well have been motivated not brother-in-law Roman Makarushka ed to the Nazi “gospel of race hatred and by Ukrainian nationalism but a simpler superiority,” and would, if not stopped, and family in Europe my-enemy’s-enemy logic, as historian leave a “black spot in history on our Bogdan Horbal has stressed and UPA young worker-peasant republic.” In lieu of flowers, the family suggest that charitable contributions can be commander “Khrin” acknowledged to an Yet, according to current estimates, near- made to the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family extent, describing how he first talked to ly three-quarters of Poland’s Lemkos were his Lemko soldiers about defending their (please note Jarosewich/Belltower Fund in memo) or to the Ukrainian deported to Soviet Ukraine, while Akcja village, then the Lemko region, and only Catholic Education Foundation. In order for the family to properly thank Wisla removed 30,000 to 35,000 to north- finally all of Ukraine. Some forced draft- everyone, please send contributions to Martha Holder, 3101 New Mexico western Poland. That the option of sparing Avenue NW, Unit 512, Washington DC 20016. ing into UPA units did also occur, at least the self-identifying Lemkos largely although its extent is unclear. Lemkos, lost out as much as the option of making one should also keep in mind, were also distinctions between Ukrainians marked an drafted into the Soviet forces, yet, important turn. Yet it was also, again, an notwithstanding the fact that many incomplete turn. When the Polish authori- Lemkos were poor, it would be hasty to ties permitted the establishment of a suspect that this reflected widespread Ukrainian Association in 1956, the inclu- pro-Soviet commitment. sion of a Lemko section and some Lemko- In the central and western Lemko oriented publications did not satisfy some regions especially, the UPA complained Lemko representatives. The tensions that the locals were often hostile and likely between Ukrainian and Lemko identities In loving memory of to inform to the Polish authorities. Faced had clearly not been obliterated by Akcja with anti-Ukrainian propaganda and preju- Wisla. In 1958, an internal Soviet HALYNA LOBAY dice, Lemkos may also have felt a need to Ukrainian report for Mykola Pidhornyi was emphasize that they were not Ukrainians still – or again? – making a distinction or have been embittered by being officially nee MAKARENKO identified with the latter. Some tried to (Continued on page 13) SEPTEMBER 1, 1919 – MARCH 15, 2007 our dear Wife, Mother and Grandmother, У О ОО  Ь   a direct descendant from the Kuban Cossacks, нашої дорогої economist, university librarian, historian, artist.  У , А І АІ The funeral liturgy was held on March 19, 2007, at St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic св. п. Church in New Haven, CT, followed by interment at the Orange Center Cemetery.

І   О І ЬО Memorial masses for the happy repose of her soul: яка відійшла у вічність 2 квітня 2007 р. Ukraine: Kyiv, Lviv, Hayi-za-Rudoyu U.S.A.: New Haven, CT; West Haven, CT; Hartford, CT; Orange, CT; будуть відправлені Los Angeles, CA; Apopka, FL; New Rochelle, NY Canada: Montreal /АУ1ОІ І ЯІ 4ІУ 5І Spain: Torreciudad (Huesca) в Українських католицьких церквах: She is also remembered at daily Masses in Connecticut, Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, • св. Юра в ю-орку, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., Massachusetts, Illinois and Rome, Italy. субота, 12 травня 2007 р., год. 9:30 ранку; • церква св. 1ророка й 1редтечи оана Bрестителя в ан-ієґо, We thank our extended family and friends for their prayers and condolences and год. 9 ранку; kindly ask to continue praying for Halyna. • св. ихаїла в ю-5ейвен, Husband: Ivan Lobay год. 8:30 ранку; Daughters: Maria Lobay • каплиця при Українському атолицькому Університеті у 4ьвові, Halyna Vitagliano with husband Franeis п’ятниця, 11 травня 2007 р. Granddaughter: Michaela ічна ї пам’ять! May she rest in peace! 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2007 No. 18 No. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2007 13

within the context of the times, hardly the misleading and apologetic explana- have lasted longer, implying that it would Akcja Wisla... have been clearer in condemning Wisla’s tion of Akcja Wisla as a necessary count- have been won anyhow, while recognizing (Continued from page 11) counter-productive effects: er-insurgency operation against UPA that Akcja Wisla had been “painful from a between “Ukrainians” and “Lemkos,” fol- “... implementing Akcja Wisla was “terror,” he also, in a backhanded way, humanitarian point of view.” lowing a Polish party commission in accus- incorrect and has brought irrecoverable admitted its dubious nature, describing it Major advances in the historiography ing the latter of nationalist agitation and losses. The application of the principle of as not fully justifiable by the “criteria of of Akcja Wisla, still marked by official western-instigated “separatism,” denying collective responsibility, alien to social- a broadly understood humanitarianism” propaganda but for the first time naming their Ukrainian identity. ism, of a whole part of the population for but nevertheless worthy of “positive specific figures and mechanisms, includ- the activity of bands, [in] mass repressions As seen above, it is not easy to say appreciation by history.” He repeated the ing the Jaworzno camp and the special (forced resettlement) was accompanied by when exactly Akcja Wisla ended. It is, same line in an important article pub- Wisla court, however, had to wait until serious infringements of the principles of however, easier to see when its underly- lished in 1959 and several monographic the early 1970s. They were also still Leninist nationality policy. As a result, ... ing principles started being undermined publications of the Polish postwar army. accompanied by direct censorship. Akcja ‘W[isla]’ has brought – next to eco- and when it began to become history – 1958 was also the publication year of Even within Communist Poland, the nomic losses ... – serious, still uncorrected even if, at first, in a deeply distorted way. Jan Gerhard’s “Luny w Bieszczadach,” a extreme convergence of ethnic national- political losses, namely: a strong feeling Akcja Wisla cannot be explained with- milestone in the postwar Polish mythology ism and Communism producing Akcja of injustice among the deported and an of the fight against Ukrainian nationalism. Wisla lasted for only a comparatively out reference to assimilationist or increase in nationalist attitudes among the Polonization strategies. Yet if this was an It featured Akcja Wisla as well as a Gen. short period and was increasingly chal- deported as well as [their] Polish sur- Swierczewski, justifying forced resettle- lenged from the later 1950s. Ultimately, essential element, then it is also impor- roundings. The still unchanged discrimi- tant to note that it was quickly weakened: ment by international comparison, military however, we can see now that even a “lib- nation in various spheres of life has rein- necessity, and the alleged economic advan- eralized” or “de-Stalinized” Communist Even during Akcja Wisla, Ukrainians forced this situation.” tages for the resettled themselves. regime could not allow a principal were at least partly resettled in larger Stung by Ukrainian diaspora publica- Interestingly, however, Gerhard, joining reassessment of Akcja Wisla. This had to groups than initially planned, thus sub- tions, by 1958 the Soviet Ukrainian the discussion of Blum’s work, also wait for the end of Communism and, verting the aim of assimilation by disper- authorities, too, stated openly – if internal- seemed to publicly qualify the military while not complete, has, by historical sion. According to Grzegorz Hryciuk, the ly – that, before 1955, postwar Polish pol- necessity of Akcja Wisla by writing that standards or if we think in terms of gener- Polish authorities retreated quite soon icy toward the Ukrainian minority had from assimilationist maximalism. For contained “mistakes ... especially during” without it the fight against the UPA would ations, been developing quickly. whatever reasons, many surely oppor- the first postwar years, adding, quite tunistic or contingent, Greek-Catholicism insightfully, that the mass population was severely repressed and abused but movements of 1945-1946, the deportation never fully and formally abolished as in of the Germans from Poland, and the PACKAGES, CARS AND Ukraine, while Orthodoxy had even a lit- moving of Poles to Poland had “created an CONTAINERS TO tle more leeway. incorrect idea that the national question UKRAINE AND EASTERN For Akcja Wisla to enter the process of was completely solved for Poland, that in EUROPE becoming history, which we still are par- Poland there were, so to speak, no minori- ticipating in today, two inter-related things ties left, [and] that Poland had become had to happen: Poland had to be permitted monolithic in national matters [iednolit- Travel service: Air tickets and visas to Ukraine and other countries. to abandon Stalinism and the official atti- noiu v natsionalnomu vidnoshenni], which Money transfer to Ukraine and other countries. tude to Ukrainians and to Akcja Wisla had had led to policies of “forced Polonization Ukrainian and European CDs for sale. Ukrainian souvenirs and kercheifs for sale. to start changing. These factors coincided [prymusovoi polonisatsii].” Telephone cards: 80 min. for $5 in the mid-1950s and, not coincidentally, Regarding history, Akcja Wisla and its it was also in the second half of the 1950s context were first discussed at an official NEWARK, NJ CLIFTON, NJ PHILADELPHIA that first signs of a public history of Akcja conference of the Polish Academy of 688 Sanford Ave 565 Clifton Ave 1801 Cottman Ave Wisla appeared in Poland. Science and the Ministry of Defense. By 1956 an internal report of the While the speaker, Gen. Ignacy Blum, íÂÎ.: (973) 373-8783 TÂl.: (973) 916-1543 Tel.: (215) 728-6040 Polish Ministry of the Interior could, conferred historiographic authority on (888) 336-4776 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2007 No. 18 Ukrainian Federation of America Art Exhibition honors two former congressmen Michael Murphenko

“HILISM”

May 17 – June 10, 2007

Exhibition Hours – 12 to 6 pm daily (closed Mondays) Opening reception Thursday, May 17, 2007, at 6 pm

Cosponsored by JENKINTOWN, Pa. – Ukrainian Federation of America Appreciation Awards The Permanent Mission of Ukraine were presented to founders and chairs of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, former Congressmen Charles F. Dougherty and Jon D. Fox on the to the United Nations occasion of the 10th anniversary of the re-establishment of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus. Seen above (from left) are the guests of honor and UFA Consulate General of Ukraine in New York board of directors members: Dana Judyna, Marijka Tatunchak, Taras Lewyckyj, Lada Pastushak, Andrew Horbowy, Daria Lissy, Mr. Dougherty, Zenia Chernyk, Mr. Fox, Vera M. Andryczyk, Walter Maruschak, Roksolana Harasymowych, Bohdan Korzeniowski and Roman Cyhan. The awards were Ukrainian Institute of America presented during the UFA’s general membership meeting and awards recep- 2 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10021 tion held on March 24 at the Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center.

tel: 212-288-8660 fax: 212-288-2918 Got a group? Need The Weekly? [email protected] Call our subscription department to find out how you may qualify www.ukrainianinstitute.org for a group discount on your Weekly subscriptions. (973) 292-9800 ext. 3042 No. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2007 15 OUT AND ABOUT

May 10 Lecture with Alexis Kochan, “Ukrainian Ritual Songs: May 18 Lecture by Myroslav Shkandrij, “Kyiv Under the Winnipeg, MB A Personal Journey,” Oseredok Ukrainian Cultural and Toronto German Occupation, 1941-1943: Dokia Humenna’s Educational Center, 204-942-0218 Memoirs,” University of Toronto, 416-926-2075

May 11 Bowling Party, sponsored by the Buryverkhy Sorority May 18 Film screening, “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Seven Hills, OH of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization, Seven Hills Jenkintown, PA Chest” in Ukrainian, Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Bowling Lanes, 216-447-1868 Center, 215-663-1166

May 11 Klooch CD release party, Ukrainian American Youth May 18-20 Ukrainian Festival, St. George Ukrainian Catholic Parma, OH Association hall, 216-870-8955 or 440-655-6230 New York Church, 201-805-1545 or [email protected]

May 12 Debutante Ball, “Bal’ Buryverkh,” featuring music by May 19 Graduation banquet and ball, School of Ukrainian Independence, OH Zahrava, DoubleTree Hotel, 440-237-2631 Jenkintown, PA Studies, Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center, 215-663-1166 May 12 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, sponsored by Whippany, NJ Whippany and Irvington Branches of the Ukrainian May 19 Book presentation, “Like Blood in Water” by Yuriy American Youth Association, Ukrainian American New York Tarnawsky, The Ukrainian Museum, 212-228-0110 Cultural Center of New Jersey, 908-370-2210 or 908-377-7797 May 19 Memorial evening for Dr. Jaropolk Lassowsky, New York Shevchenko Scientific Society, 212-254-5130 May 12 “Vechirka” (dance for teens), sponsored by the Plast Whippany, NJ Ukrainian Scouting Organization Spartanky Sorority, May 20 “Dueling Violins: The Krechkovsky Sisters,” sponsored Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey, Alexandria, VA by The Washington Group Cultural Fund, The Lyceum, [email protected] 202-244-8836

May 12 Book presentation, “Poetry Translations” by Ostap May 20 Concert, featuring the Voloshky dancers, Ukrainian New York Tarnawsky, Shevchenko Scientific Society, Jenkintown, PA Educational and Cultural Center, 215-663-1166 212-254-5130 May 20 Barbecue dinner, Taras Shevchenko School of May 13-September 16 Art exhibit, “A Collection Revealed: The Ukrainian Parma, OH Ukrainian Studies, 440-886-3223 or 330-554-6429 New York Museum at 30 – Painting and Sculptures,” The Ukrainian Museum, 212-228-0110 Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Please send e-mail to May 17 Bandura Downtown concert series, “Saints and [email protected]. Items will be published at the discretion of the New York Sinners: Songs of Worship, Penitence and editors and as space allows; photos will be considered. Please note: items Celebration,” New York Bandura Ensemble, will be printed a maximum of two times each. The Ukrainian Museum, 212-228-0110

May 17–June 10 Art Exhibit by Michael Murphenko, “Hilism,” New York Ukrainian Institute of America, 212-288-8660 Ukrainian Catholic Education Foundation î ß ã ü Ñ Ö ã ú î ß ü Prepares to Expand

The Ukrainian Catholic Education Foundation continues to be successful at raising funds to help the Church in Ukraine. Consequently, it needs more “workers for the vineyard,” and is carrying out a search for a new Executive Director (see Job Description below for more details). " ( ȃž›ȱ–Š“˜›ȱ˜—˜›œȱŽœŽ›ŸŽȱ–˜›ŽȱŠĴŽ—’˜—ǯȱȱ¢ȱœŽ™™’—ȱ˜ —ȱŠœȱŽ¡ŽŒž’ŸŽȱ % & % & director of the UCEF, I will have more time for them.” So said John F. Kurey, * '! )'! Esq., who will continue to serve as President of the Foundation. The main recipient of the UCEF’s support is the Ukrainian Catholic University, a leading educational institution of the Ukrainian Catholic Church.

UCEF Executive Director—Job Description

Basic Job Description: The Executive Director is responsible for the overall management of the Foundation’s operations and for fundraising duties. ˜–Žȱ—ŽŒŽœœŠ›¢ȱšžŠ•’ęŒŠ’˜—œDZ Ȋ ˜––’ĴŽǰȱŽ—Ž›Ž’ŒȱŠ—ȱ–˜’ŸŠŽȱ‹¢ȱŠȱŽœ’›Žȱ˜ȱœŽ›ŸŽȱ ˜ǰȱ‘Žȱ”›Š’—’Š—ȱ Catholic Church and the Ukrainian Catholic University. Ȋ ¡™Ž›’Ž—ŒŽȱ’—ȱ–Š—Š’—ȱŠȱŽŠ–ȱ˜ȱ™Ž˜™•ŽȱŠ—ȱꗊ—ŒŽœǯ • Fundraising experience preferred. Ȋ ›Š—’£ŽȱŠ—ȱŽĜŒ’Ž—ǯ • Willing to travel 25-50% of time and as required. • Education level: College degree or higher. • Respect for Ukrainian Catholic teachings and the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. ˜–™Ž—œŠ’˜—ȱŠ—ȱ‹Ž—ŽęœDZȱCompensation will be competitive and based on Ž¡™Ž›’Ž—ŒŽȱŠ—ȱšžŠ•’ęŒŠ’˜—œǯȱȱ‘ŽȱȱŠ•œ˜ȱ˜ěŽ›œȱŠȱŒ˜–™Ž’’ŸŽȱ‹Ž—Žęœȱ package.

For a more detailed job description please see: " # ! " $ !! http://www.ucef.org/executivedirector

Need a back issue? If you’d like to obtain a back issue of The Ukrainian Weekly, send $2 per copy (first-class postage included) to: Administration, The Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2007 No. 18

PREVIEW OF EVENTS Soyuzivka’s Datebook Friday, May 11 The Ukrainian Institute of America is locat- ed at 2 E. 79th St. To attend the opening MONDAYS, June 25-August 27, 2007 WHIPPANY, N.J.: The Arts and Culture reception RSVP by calling 212-288-8660 or Steak Night with Soyuzivka House band located on Veselka Patio Committee of the Ukrainian American e-mailing [email protected]. Cultural Center of New Jersey and the ini- tiative committee of the New Jersey Saturday, May 19 WEDNESDAYS, June 27-August 29, 2007 branch of the Shevchenko Scientific Hutsul Night with Soyuzivka House band located on Vorochta Lawn Society invite one and all to view a video NEW YORK: The Ukrainian Museum from Ukraine and take part in a discussion and the University of Alabama Press/FC2 FRIDAYS, June 29-August 31, 2007 on the topic “The Genesis of the Political invite everyone to a reading on the occa- Odesa Seafood Night with Soyuzivka House band located on Veselka Patio Crisis in Ukraine.” Participants in the sion of the publication of Yuriy video presentation: Yulia Tymoshenko Tarnawsky’s new book of mini-novels, SATURDAYS, June 30-September 1, 2007 and Viacheslav Kyrylenko; video program “Like Blood in Water.” Mr. Tarnawsky Ukrainian zabavas (dances) featuring a live Ukrainian band participants: political scientists, journal- will be joined by Jeremy Davies, Adam ists, politicians and the Ukrainian public. Jones, Steve Katz and Joseph McElroy. A The program begins at 7:30 p.m. at the reception will follow the reading. The May 13, 2007 July 1-8, 2007 UACCNJ, 60 N. Jefferson Road, event takes place at 6 p.m. at The Mother’s Day Luncheon 11:30 a.m.- Plast Camp – Tabir Ptashat, Session #2 Whippany, NJ 07981. For information Ukrainian Museum, 222 E. Sixth St. 2 p.m., $15++ call 973-585-7175. (between Second and Third avenues). July 1-15, 2007 Reservations are required; please call 212- May 19, 2007 Roma Pryma Bohachevsky Ukrainian Saturday, May 12 228-0110 or write to info@ukrainianmu- Tri Valley High School Prom Dance Workshop, Ages 16 and up seum.org. For further information visit the NEW YORK: The Shevchenko Scientific museum’s website at www.ukrainianmuse- May 25-27, 2007 July 2-6, 2007 Society invites all to a presentation of the um.org. book “Poetry Translations” by Ostap Memorial Day Weekend BBQ, Exploration Day Camp, Session #2, Tarnawsky. This book, published on the NEW YORK: The Shevchenko Scientific Orchidia Patrons’ Reunion, ages 7-10 occasion of the author’s 90th anniversary, Society invites all of its members to par- Summer kick-off and zabava comprises translations of American and ticipate in the society’s annual meeting July 6-8, 2007 European poets, among them nine Nobel with reports, which is scheduled for 2-4 June 1-3, 2007 Fourth of July Festivities: Tiki Bar Prize winners. After an introduction by p.m. Preceding the meeting will be ses- Ukrainian Language Immersion Entertainment, Concerts, Zabavas Vasyl Makhno, Marta Tarnawsky will sions of the society’s scholarly sections, Weekend offered at SUNY report on her work on the bio-bibliograph- starting at 1 p.m., after a noontime lunch. New Paltz July 8-10, 2007 ic index of the life and the creative her- The program will take place at the soci- Discount Days, 25% off all room rates itage of Ostap Tarnawsky, as well as her ety’s building, 63 Fourth Ave. (between June 4-8, 2007 new findings regarding his biography. Ninth and 10th streets). For additional Stamford Clergy Days – July 11-15, 2007 Selected poems will be read by Svitlana information call 212-254-5130. Makhno. The program will take place at Spring Seminar Ukrainian Film & Cultural Festival – featuring Roma Pryma the society’s building, 63 Fourth Ave. Sunday, May 20 (between Ninth and 10th streets) at 5 p.m. June 9, 2007 Bohachevsky Ukrainian Dance For additional information call 212-254- JENKINTOWN, Pa.: The School of the Wedding Workshop, Ukrainian films 5130. Voloshky Ukrainian Dance Ensemble is coordinated by Yuri Shevchuk, hosting its annual Spring Festival at St. June 10-15, 2007 founding director of UFCCU, Thursday, May 17 Michael Ukrainian Church, 1013 Fox UNA Seniors Week Ukrainian arts and crafts, and more Chase Road. The festival begins at 1 p.m. NEW YORK: The “Art at the Institute” with a performance by the Voloshky June 15, 2007 July 13-15, 2007 program presents “Hilism” an exhibition of School at 2:30 p.m. Admission: adults, $5; Wallkill High School Retirement Party Ukrainian Language Immersion recent and past works by Michael children between the ages of 3 and 12, $3. Weekend offered at SUNY Murphenko a contemporary artist from Come join us for an entertaining day on June 15-17, 2007 New Paltz Kyiv. The public is invited to the opening the beautiful grounds of St. Michael’s. For 4th Annual Adoptive Parents reception for the exhibition at 6 p.m. The additional information contact Andreja Weekend July 15-20, 2007 exhibition will continue through June 10. Kulyk, 856-755-9280. Ukrainian Heritage Day Camp, June 16, 2007 Session #1, ages 4-7 Party July 15-21, 2007 June 17, 2007 Discovery Camp, ages 8-15 Father’s Day Luncheon and program featuring Syzokryli Ukrainian July 22-27, 2007 Dance Ensemble, tenor Roman Ukrainian Heritage Day Camp Tsymbala and band Vidlunnia with Session #2, ages 4-7 Marian Pidvirnyj, 1 p.m., $20++ July 22-28, 2007 June 21-24, 2007 Sitch Sports Camp, Session #1, UMANA Convention ages 6-18

June 24-July 6, 2007 July 27-29, 2007 Tennis Camp Ukrainian Language Immersion Weekend offered at SUNY June 24-July 1, 2007 New Paltz Plast Camp – Tabir Ptashat, July 29-August 4, 2007 Session #1 Sitch Sports Camp, Session #2, ages 6-18 June 25-29, 2007 Exploration Day Camp, Session #1, ages 7-10 UKRAINIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION OF NORTH AMERICA LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS

IF YOU ARE A PHYSICIAN, DENTIST, OR OTHER HEALTH PROFESSIONAL EITHER PRACTICING OR TRAINING, HERE’S YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN YOUR COLLEAGUES IN NORTH AMERICA’S PREMIER ASSOCIATION OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS.

To book a room or event call: (845) 626-5641, ext. 140 FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE WRITE TO: 216 Foordmore Road P.O. Box 529 UKRAINIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION OF NORTH AMERICA Kerhonkson, NY 12446 2247 W. CHICAGO AVENUE E-mail: [email protected] CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60622 Website: www.Soyuzivka.com TELEPHONE: 773-278-6262 OR FAX YOUR REQUEST TO 773-278-6962

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ADDRESS: ______SUPPORT THE WORK OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY. CITY: ______Send contributions to: The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund, STATE: ______ZIP: ______2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054 DAYTIME PHONE: ______No. 18 SPECIAL SUMMER SUPPLEMENT TO THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY 1 A Ukrainian Summer Supplement to The Ukrainian Weekly, May 6, 2007 If it’s 2007, then it must be the 11th year of “A Ukrainian Our thanks, as usual, go to the readers and community activists Summer,” our annual supplement dedicated to summertime activities who submitted materials for this annual issue – and on deadline – that offer participants a little, or a lot, of something Ukrainian. thus enabling us to promote the diverse activities offered in the United This year’s 16-page pull-out section contains info on places to go, States, Canada and Ukraine for everyone from preschoolers to adults. things to do, events to attend – from dance camps in New York state We extend a special thank-you to Ukrainian Canadian mountain to spelunking in the Ternopil region of Ukraine; from Ukrainian climber Danylo Darewych, who shared with us his exciting experi- studies at Harvard to sports camp at Soyuzivka. not to mention ences in the Andes. youths camps all over the place. And, of course, there are Ukrainian And to you, Dear Readers, we say: Enjoy this special supplement festivals – we just can’t do without them! as a prelude to your wonderful “Ukrainian Summer”! Roma Pryma Bohachevsky summer dance programs slated for Soyuzivka by Chryzanta Hentisz KERHONKSON, N.Y. – If you’ve ever watched in amazement as dancers glided, jumped and whirled around the stage, executing perfect moves in a dizzying kaleidoscope of color, and wondered where they learned to dance like that – the answer is simple. The dancers were trained by the Roma Pryma Bohachevsky Ukrainian Dance Foundation, whose summer programs are well-known as the premier training ground for young dancers wishing to improve both their basic skills and their Ukrainian dancing. This summer the programs will all take place at Soyuzivka, the estate of the Ukrainian National Association. The workshop and camps will be under the direction of Ania Bohachevsky Lonkevych, who has ably contin- ued her mother’s legacy of training the finest Ukrainian dancers in the states and beyond. Ms. Lonkevych began dancing at an early age, attending the first-ever dance camp and then workshops since 1978. She also became one of the original members of the Syzokryli Ukrainian Dance Ensemble when it was founded in 1978. She ulti- mately assisted her mother and taught classes in Bridgeport and Fairfield, Conn., and Perth Amboy, Passaic and Clifton, N.J., in addition to helping run Ms. Bohachevsky’s various programs. Ms. Lonkevych will be assisted by Kristine Izak and Irene Halatyn Orlando Pagan, both of whom were trained by Ms. Dancers perform the “Pryvit” on stage at Soyuzivka. Bohachevsky to carry on her work. Ms. Izak, artistic director, earned a B.A. summa cum laude in dance, Mr. Pagan is known and admired not only for his Mr. Pagan is artistic director of the Syzokryli majoring in choreography and performance, and has Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, and the Roma Pryma taught at private dance schools in the Philadelphia area exceptional dancing but his charismatic teaching and Bohachevsky Schools in New York as well as Zolotyj since 1991. She attended her first workshop in 1988 and exciting choreographies. Most recently, his energetic Promin in Hartford, Conn., Barvinok in Astoria, N.Y., was soon given the opportunity to assist Ms. “Culture Shock” and whimsical “All Work and No and Mriya in Hempstead, Long Island. Bohachevsky in teaching and choreographing. Ms. Izak Play” thrilled audiences at the Verkhovyna Youth Larisa Pagan, a soloist with Syzokryli and an experi- has recently choreographed such popular works as Festival and other venues. Mr. Pagan began dancing “Don’t Be Afraid To Live,” set to the music of Maria with Ms. Bohachevsky in 1987 and under her tute- (Continued on page 4) Burmaka, and “Reach,” a modern lyrical piece which lage became a principal dancer in Syzokryli as well has been presented numerous times at the opening and as a choreographer and teacher of Ukrainian dance. closing ceremonies of Race for the Cure at the He was a demi-soloist with the Dance Theater of Philadelphia Museum of Art. Ms. Izak is also a talented Harlem and worked in film and onstage with world- Camp ignited a love artist who creates beautiful scenery and costumes to renowned dancers and choreographers, including enhance the fanciful fairy tales we see performed every Mikhail Baryshnikov, Mark Morris, Arthur Mitchell year. and Alvin Ailey. of Ukrainian culture by Anna Chelak MORRISTOWN, N.J. – The most important thing an adult can provide for a child is the guaran- tee of a successful future. Although some may set up college funds, there is a different way to assure that your child will have the confidence, peer sup- port and happiness needed to achieve that goal. Ten years ago this summer, I attended my first dance camp directed by Roma Pryma Bohachevsky at the beautiful resort of Soyuzivka. I was a tiny, shy and anxious 7-year-old, a first grader who couldn’t speak Ukrainian and reluctantly danced only once a week during the year. It was the first time I would be spending more than a night away from my parents and had only the comfort of my older sister there with me. I was absolutely, posi- tively terrified. Waking up early every morning for highly disciplined and rigorous ballet and character rehearsals was not my idea of a good summer. I cried almost every night the first week. Yet there was something so amazing, so exciting and fantastic about those two weeks, something that has made me return to the camp year after year and has led me to a summer of Ukrainian dance for the 11th time this summer. The camp truly changed my life because it ignited a passion and love of the unique Ukrainian culture reflected in the Ukrainian community in the United States. The joy of being Russ Chelak (Continued on page 4) Dance campers and instructors at Soyuzivka in 2006. 2 SPECIAL SUMMER SUPPLEMENT TO THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY No. 18

A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do... Harvard Ukrainian Summer Institute = university courses + special events by Peter Woloschuk CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – The Harvard Ukrainian Summer Institute (HUSI) 2007 is offering an intensive eight-week curriculum of accredited university instruction in Ukrainian studies which will run from Monday, June 25, through Friday, August 17. A wide variety of special events will supplement the institute’s academic offer- ings. The program for 2007 includes guest lectures by prominent faculty, roundtable discussions with visiting scholars on current events in Ukraine, and cultural presentations, such as screenings of Ukrainian films and readings by a number of noted Ukrainian authors. In speaking about the upcoming sum- mer program, Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute (HURI) Director Michael S. Flier stressed the fact that “as in past years, students have the opportu- nity to come to Harvard in the summer to immerse themselves in a unique, inten- sive Ukrainian experience they will not soon forget.” The intensive program is sponsored jointly by the Harvard University Summer School and HURI, and has offered cours- es since 1971. HUSI was developed to offer college- and graduate-level courses in Ukrainian topics – it is the only pro- gram of its kind in North America. Ukrainian language training is a principal but not sole focus of the program. The students of the 2006 Harvard Ukrainian Summer Institute in front of the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute. HUSI’s language courses are profi- ciency-based and are aimed at develop- and Russia. Many students now come In reviewing the offerings of the sum- Ukrainian HUSI students have become ing communications skills in a variety of from Ukraine, taking advantage of new mer program, Prof. Flier said, “Over the lifelong contacts and professional col- real-life situations. An entry test deter- academic opportunities; these students summer we offer a range of Ukrainian laborators. Ukrainian HUSI alumni mines placement. The language program also serve as a resource for other stu- language courses taught by our experi- often go on to greater academic achieve- relies on Harvard’s extensive language dents on present-day Ukraine. enced staff: Alla Parkhomenko (begin- ment or reform in their home country. resources, including a library of recorded In its 36-year history HUSI has wel- ning), Yuri Shevchuk (intermediate) and Take for instance Lviv National material, video films and programs, comed more than 2,000 students and Volodymyr Dibrova (advanced). University’s Center for Master’s access to Ukrainian radio and television boasts some outstanding alumni, includ- Additionally, students can take topical Program Development in Sociology and news and other programs, regular lan- ing Father Borys Gudziak, rector of the courses from specialists in the fields of Cultural Studies. The director, Iryna guage labs, and extracurricular activities Ukrainian Catholic University; Timothy literature (George G. Grabowicz on Starovoyt, is a HUSI alumna, and many aimed at creating a near immersion lan- Snyder, professor of history at Yale reassessing the 20th century Ukrainian of the center’s faculty are also HUSI guage environment. University; Federigo Argentieri, profes- literary canon), political science alumni. This center supports some of the Students enrolled in HUSI can take sor of History at John Cabot University (Alexander Motyl on theoretical most sophisticated and up-to-date grad- advantage of Harvard’s many research in Rome who was instrumental in getting approaches to current Ukrainian politics), uate education and research in Ukraine, and instructional facilities – including Robert Conquest’s “Harvest of Sorrow” and socio-linguistics (Prof. Flier on the and is instituting a reformed doctoral the largest Ucrainica library collection published in Italian; Kazuo Nakai, a competition between the Ukrainian and curriculum that will serve as a model for outside of Eastern Europe – various prominent specialist in Ukrainian studies Russian languages in Ukraine and the other academic departments and institu- museums and a state-of-the art language at the University of Tokyo, Japan; and phenomenon of the hybrid “surzhyk”). tions in Ukraine. resource center. William Gleason, formerly the first And finally, through the lectures, round- Admission to the HUSI is based on Over the years participants have director of the Fulbright Program in table discussions, films and readings, academic performance, a letter of recom- included undergraduate and graduate stu- Ukraine and a member of the U.S. HUSI participants gain a valuable broad mendation and an essay. To be eligible to dents as well as professionals from North Foreign Service Institute. Kateryna perspective on current Ukrainian history apply, candidates must be 19 years old or and South America, Asia, Africa, Yushchenko, the first lady of Ukraine, is and culture.” have completed one year of college; Australia, Western and Eastern Europe also an alumna. The summer program in Ukrainian exceptional high school students may be studies was launched in 1970 by Prof. considered through the Secondary School Omeljan Pritsak, HURI’s founder, to Program. They must submit the Harvard maintain and strengthen a solid founda- Summer School registration form, the tion of Ukrainian studies in the West and non-refundable $50 registration fee to open the Ukrainian course offerings at (payable to Harvard Summer School), a Harvard to college students at other insti- separate Harvard Ukrainian Summer tutions. Since the fall of the Soviet Institute application form (available on the Union in 1991, the program has been institute’s website, http//www.huri.har- enhanced by the increasing enrollment of vard.edu//husi/husi_admissions.html) and students from Ukraine. In recent years, the supplementary materials that are listed the program has attracted more and more on that form by May 25 to: Ms. Tamara graduate and post-doctoral students, Nary, Harvard Ukrainian Summer whose enrollment has enriched the level Institute, 34 Kirkland St., Cambridge, MA of scholarship during the eight-week 02138. International applicants must summer session. An additional and include Summer School Form F with their important new component in the student applications. body consists of professionals in such Students are required to enroll for a fields as government service, journalism minimum of eight units of undergraduate and business. or graduate credit from the courses As a result, HUSI's mission has offered this summer. Although full expanded and, while still supporting tuition for the Harvard Summer School is Ukrainian studies in the West, it also $4,550, students enrolled in the HUSI serves to break down the barriers isolat- program pay a subsidized tuition rate of ing Ukrainian studies in Ukraine from $2,650 for eight units of credit. Celebrating the Fourth of July in Harvard Square (from left) are: Andriy Vulochyn the rest of the world. And this has bene- For further information contact the (Lviv), Natalia Budnikova (Moscow), Tomasz Kapusniak (Lublin), Tetyana fited the advancement of true scholar- Harvard Ukrainian Summer Institute at Pechonchyk (Kyiv), Olena Ovchynnikova (Uman) and Olha Tychkivska (Rohatyn). ship on both sides. Many American and 617-495-7833. No. 18 SPECIAL SUMMER SUPPLEMENT TO THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY 3

A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do... An enriching summer at the National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy by Michael Jaskiw CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Around this time last spring, I decided to enroll in the summer program at the National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy. The pro- gram is designed for college and advanced high school students from outside of Ukraine. The first four weeks are spent in Kyiv, studying Ukrainian language, history and culture; an optional fifth week takes students on an extended field trip to another region of the country. In preparation for my first trip to Ukraine, I found myself addressing multiple concerns, from the pedestrian to the existential. The first task was to assure my parents, to their satisfaction, that the underlying logistics were solid. In this regard, the program’s coordinators helpfully provided information about arrival, accommodations, etc. However, some of my other concerns were weightier. – I had spoken Ukrainian from infancy, had attended “Ridna Shkola” (School of Ukrainian Studies) and was a member of Plast. Up to that point in my life, however, the expression of my Ukrainian identity had been largely confined to family circles and diaspora organizations. I had been introduced to the complicated and often tragic history of Ukraine, and had already formed a certain image of the country and its people. As I grew older I became increasingly aware of differ- ences between Ukraine as portrayed in family narratives and Ridna Shkola textbooks on the one hand and Ukraine as described in the general media on the other. My trip Participants of the 2006 summer program at the National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy. would provide a reality check. Would the language skills and information base I had acquired serve me well? Was Architecture and Culture (which contains full-scale recre- that in most of our families has not been the primary lan- I in for a pleasant surprise or a rude awakening? ations of traditional Ukrainian homes from all corners of guage of daily interactions since the time of our grandpar- My experience at Kyiv Mohyla gave me the opportu- the country) and the small but poignant Chornobyl muse- ents. On Saturdays, we learn about historical events and nity to address these questions. um. Since the visits are escorted yet unhurried, students artistic achievements that are generally remote from our The summer program has two major strengths. The leave not just with a postcard image of the location, but own place and time. We participate in organizations – first and most obvious is location. Kyiv remains at the with an appreciation of how that particular site or museum Plast/SUM, dance groups, church choirs – that were center of Ukrainian history, culture and political activity. relates to Ukraine’s historical and cultural legacy. recreated decades ago by immigrants from Ukraine. No other city can provide visitors with a better sense of Finally, the program also provides an ample amount Through these activities, we develop an appreciation for both the past and the potential future of Ukrainian society. of free time for students. It is summer, after all, and stu- Ukrainian traditions and culture. These experiences con- For the diaspora student making a first visit, the city dents are free to pursue their desired form of relaxation tribute to our Ukrainian identity and foster a certain con- holds many surprises. Kyiv is the seat of the Ukrainian during evenings and on weekends, whether it is further ception of the country from which that identity flows. federal government. As expected, all official messages – exploring the city or swimming in the Dnipro River. Our common experiences are effective both in transmit- from signs to advertisements to announcements on the As I had assured my parents, the underlying logistics ting information (such as language skills) and in generating subway – are in Ukrainian. However, the language of were solid. Our group lived in downtown Kyiv just off a sense of community. But, in isolation, these experiences most day-to-day activity in Kyiv is Russian. Indeed, a the university campus and had excellent accommoda- have a shortcoming. Our history books, songs, poems and fluency limited to Ukrainian makes the diaspora visitor tions. The provided meals (breakfast and lunch on family narratives risk conveying a limited image that fails to at times awkwardly conspicuous. weekdays) were good, and Kyiv offers an impressive capture the depth and complexity of contemporary Ukraine. But this fact gave way to an even more surprising obser- selection of restaurants, supermarkets and entertain- The diaspora’s efforts to perpetuate Ukrainian lan- vation. An extended trip to Kyiv reveals that the popular ment. The city is very metropolitan, and can provide vir- guage, traditions and culture are welcome and valuable, characterization of Ukraine as hopelessly torn between tually every amenity that a U.S. student expects. but we should always be mindful of their genesis. The Western-leaning Ukrainian elements and Russian-speaking The Summer Program at the National University of Ukrainian linguistic and cultural literacy that we enjoy Eastern elements is quite inaccurate. I met strong Kyiv Mohyla Academy certainly provides a wonderful in North America can only be improved by an under- Ukrainian patriots from the younger generation who sup- opportunity to improve language skills and to brush up standing of the country that provided this legacy. An ported a unified Ukraine free from Russia’s centripetal pull on Ukrainian history and culture. I would suggest, how- extended trip to Ukraine provided the impetus for me to – but who spoke primarily Russian. This raised the inter- ever, that the greatest benefit is the chance to gain a more challenge and re-evaluate my understanding of Ukraine esting question as to how Ukrainian identity should be nuanced appreciation of modern Ukrainian identity. and its influence on my identity. defined. As far as modern Kyiv is concerned, that identity For the vast majority of our lives, diaspora Ukrainians For those interested in having a similar experience, the is not confined to those with full Ukrainian fluency. connect with their heritage by proxy. We learn a language Summer Program at Kyiv Mohyla is an ideal starting point. The second major strength of the Kyiv Mohyla summer program is its integration of classroom teaching with daily immersion in Ukraine’s history and culture. On Monday through Friday students take classes in the morning and go An immersion program in language and culture on field trips in Kyiv and its environs in the afternoon. by Father Jeffrey Stephaniuk The daily routine includes classroom instruction, arts The level of classroom instruction is tailored to the and crafts, preparation of concert material for perform- needs of students. My session consisted of around 20 SASKATOON, Saskachewan – A summer program of ances, and excursions within Saskatoon and around students; we were assigned to classes based on our level Ukrainian language and culture is being offered in Saskatchewan. of fluency. The instruction is high quality and the indi- Saskatoon from July 1 through August 6. The Mohyla A sports program is a highly valued part of the rou- vidual classes are short enough – around three hours a Institute, named after the great Ukrainian metropolitan tine, including soccer. New for 2007 will be activities day – to maintain the attention even of students on their of the 17th century, Petro Mohyla, has been offering this utilizing some of the sporting venues around the city of summer vacations. It is particularly interesting to hear immersion program since 1970. Saskatoon. The weekend routine includes travel oppor- how the instructors perceive the linguistic and political It is a five week Ukrainian immersion program for tunities, family visits and Sunday church services. divisions in Ukraine. After all, these professors study students in grades 10, 11 and 12. No prior knowledge The Mohyla Language and Cultural Immersion these phenomena and live with them on a daily basis. of Ukrainian is needed for the Grade 10 course. Program concludes with examinations for the Ukrainian The series of field trips, led by full-time Kyiv Mohyla Computers and the Internet are a big part of the instruc- language course materials, a final concert and a trip to students, are intended both to satisfy the tourist impulse tion, and an online learning component is a major part Dauphin to perform onstage at Canada’s National and to reinforce the language, literature, folklore and his- of the grades 10 and 11 program. Ukrainian Festival. tory taught in the mornings. Participants in the program Program participants are offered a high school lan- Financial support comes from several organizations visit the most notable tourist attractions of the city; the guage credit for Ukrainian by teachers certified in the within the Ukrainian community, especially from lay Zoloti Vorota, the Sobor of St. Sophia, the maidan province of Saskatchewan. All students who successful- organizations and parishes of the Ukrainian Orthodox (Independence Square), the World War II Museum, etc. ly complete the program receive a school credit, recog- Church. Other support comes from Sask Lotteries, the In addition, the trips include less obvious but equally nized by every province in Canada. Ukrainian Canadian Congress Saskatchewan Provincial interesting attractions, such as the Museum of National Additionally, lessons are offered in Ukrainian song, Council and the Taras Shevchenko Foundation. dance and instrumental music. Finally, presentations on Registration is open to interested teenagers from an Michael Jaskiw is completing his sophomore year at Ukrainian history and contemporary Ukraine are made Orthodox background, as well as Catholics, who are inter- Harvard University. Questions may be addressed to him by various visiting lecturers. ested in the Ukrainian cultural content of the program. at [email protected]. Information about the This internationally recognized immersion summer For information on tuition, early-registration dis- 2007 Kyiv Mohyla summer school is available at camp is the only one of its kind in Canada; students counts and applications, readers may call 306-653-1944 http://www.summerschool.ukma.kiev.ua/program.htm. attending hail from various parts of North America. or visit www.mohyla.ca. 4 SPECIAL SUMMER SUPPLEMENT TO THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY No. 18

A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do...

Foundation Dance Workshop for advanced dancers. I succeed in all aspects of my life. Camp ignited a love... will return for my fourth workshop this coming summer. For more information on how to enroll in these pro- (Continued from page 1) Memories of my first timid moments at the ballet barre grams, please visit the summer camps section at on stage and the thrill of performing is only magnified and the nervousness and uncertainty I felt before step- www.syzokryli.com. ping onto the stage for the first time constantly return to by the pride and enthusiasm of the audience. * * * my thoughts, but they only help me to appreciate the The friendships I made as a young girl are now wonderful opportunity and experience I had as a young Anna Chelak, 17, is a junior at West Morris Mendham stronger than ever. We have grown as a generation with camper. High School in Mendham, N.J., where she is a diploma admiration and respect for older dancers. We now attend I will be a junior counselor this year and am excited candidate for the International Baccalaureate program the Roma Pryma Bohachevsky Ukrainian Dance as ever to not only help the young dancers, but to learn as well as a member of both the National Honor Society from them as well. I am now a former apprentice and and World Language Honor Society. She is an ardent young member of the Syzokryli ensemble and attribute member of her school’s music program, service club and who I am today, as a dancer and as a person, to the student government. She performs as a senior member of memories and friends I made during the summers I the Ukrainian dance school Iskra of Whippany, N.J., and spent at these camps. That experience has given me the as a young new member of the semi-professional personal strength and perseverance that has helped me Ukrainian dance ensemble Syzokryli in New York City.

will work on developing their technique and dancing Roma Pryma Bohachevsky... ability while taking classes in ballet, character or (Continued from page 1) Ukrainian dance and repertory. A large group of coun- enced costume couturier and make-up artist, will work selors, hand-picked by Ms. Lonkevych, is ready to help her magic in presenting beautiful costumes and creative students on a one-on-one basis, enhancing the dancers’ make-up for the performances. learning experience. Each camp will present a final pro- The first program, the Ukrainian Dance Workshop, gram that will highlight not only the dancers’ achieve- will run from July 1 through July 14. The workshop is ments in Ukrainian dance but also character and ballet. intended for advanced dancers at least 16 years of age. While all of the participants in the dance programs All of the dancers will participate in a rigorous and work intensively, dancing long hours every day, there exacting program, taking classes in ballet, character or are also many opportunities to enjoy the facilities at Ukrainian dancing and repertory. Soyuzivka and socialize with their fellow campers. The traditional final performances by the workshop Campers get to enjoy a “vatra” (bonfire) with skits pre- participants will be the highlight of the first Soyuzivka pared by the dancers and the counselors; “Clash” Day, Ukrainian Film and Cultural Festival. when everyone, including counselors, instructors and Beginning to advanced dancers age 8 to 16 will have the director, dresses in outrageous outfits for rehearsal; the opportunity to attend either one, or both, of the and a farewell banquet. They also show off their new- camps being offered in two sessions: Dance Camp I found skills and tricks at the Soyuzivka “zabavy” from July 22 to August 4 and Dance Camp II from (dances) – making the traditional kolomiyka fun and August 5 to August 18. exciting not only for the participants but for the crowds Nina Kobryn will be on hand as “komendantka” for of onlookers as well. both camps, along with a large group of counselors to For further information regarding registration and Anna Chelak and Yarko Dobriansky during a per- ensure 24-hour supervision of the campers. requirements readers may look under the heading formance of Syzokryli’s “Pryvit.” Dancers at these camps, no matter what their level, “Summer Camps” at www.syzokryli.com. No. 18 SPECIAL SUMMER SUPPLEMENT TO THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY 5

A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do... Consider exploring the natural wonders of Ternopil Oblast in Ukraine by Natalie Rudnichenko visitors into a true fairytale world of the underground. Special to The Ukrainian Weekly It’s possible to examine the outlines of animals, flowers and other interesting and strange bas-reliefs in crystal TERNOPIL, Ukraine – If you haven’t yet planned your contours and stone blocks. Another cave not far from summer vacation, consider the Ternopil Oblast, an oasis Borschiv called Verteba is a museum of archaeology for both the capricious traveler and beginner tourist. and Trypillian culture that is unique – even by world One of three oblasts that comprise Ukraine’s cultural standards. It’s called the Dnister Pompeii for the cradle of Halychyna, Ternopil is home to 25 waterfalls, unprecedented number of artifacts found on its territory, 34 castles and the Dnister River canyon, one of and its structure is different from that of nearby caves. Europe’s longest. Verteba is simply an enormous hall of several hun- Perhaps most overlooked are its 100-plus caves, which dred meters in length and width, the ceiling of which is make the region distinct on the global tourism map. Similar supported by hundreds of massive stone columns. It’s large, horizontal gypsum caves with their peculiar form impossible to get lost there, even without a guide. haven’t been discovered anywhere else, scientists confirm. For the ultimate extreme, it’s worth a trek to Mlynky, Ukrainian speleologists continue to make discoveries a cave on the outskirts of the village of Zalissia, 25 kilo- on a daily basis, estimating that only 20 percent of meters (16 miles) from the city of Ternopil. caves hidden in the depths of the Ternopil region have Guides equip hikers with overalls and helmets with been uncovered. flashlights, the better to navigate a very thin and per- Ternopil’s caves were formed between 15 million and ilous track. 20 million years ago, according to experts, when a sec- The entire hourlong route forces an explorer to pro- tion of the Rus geological platform, which these lands ceed on his or her stomach, on his or her back, pushing were a part of, was covered by a shallow, continental sea. As a result of many natural factors, firm, stratified through narrow paths – first the arm, then the leg, after- gypsum layers were formed, as well as separate reser- wards the rest of the body. voir-lagoons resulting from the sea’s flow. There’s no lack of adrenaline, rush impressions and More than 10 million years ago, this territory became romance, because the underground kingdom is filled dry land, leaving mighty dense forests in its bed. with colorful red, white and black crystals. During the subsequent millennia, numerous tracks, corri- It’s worth pointing out that this cave hike is only for dors and underground lakes formed from various geologi- those with strong nerves and excellent health. A hiker emerges from Mlynky cave. cal events, allowing for geologists and tourists to now visit. You can organize excursions to the caves on your Interestingly enough, the formation of caves contin- own, but it’s always better to rely on an experienced Ternopil region, tourists are advised to bring with them ues to this day. tour guide who can prepare the entire route. a warm jacket, two sets of sportswear, hiking boots, a Along with atmospheric waters, which penetrate lay- The Ternopil region’s low prices will impress raincoat, a cap and a pair of sunglasses. ers of limestone, carbonate compounds are carried Western tourists. The standard hiking items should go in a backpack – underground. They create various forms – stalactites, An individual or group tour for a day, during which hik- a mug, spoon and kettle. stalagmites and columns – creating an underground ers visit three or four caves, costs between $30 and $45 per Hotel accommodations are not a problem, as the local beauty that attracts hikers. person, including trans- The region’s largest cave, Optymistychna, located in portation, entrance passes, the Nichlava River basin near the village of Korolivka, two meals, medical insur- is a grandiose labyrinth that has no equal among gyp- ance and organizational sum caves in terms of its length. and excursion services. Today, the overall length of explored tracks amounts The price of an to more than 220 kilometers (136 miles). In fact, entrance pass to a cave, if Optymistychna holds the Guinness World Record for it’s not included in the the world’s biggest labyrinth of gypsum caves. tour package, ranges However, so far its mysteries are accessible only to between $1 and $6, experienced speleologists. depending on the route’s Several kilometers from Optymistychna near the vil- length and difficulty. lage of Strilkivtsi lies another interesting cave, Ozerna. By the way, the caves It floods periodically, creating a sixth ocean under- are all absolutely safe, but ground, amidst stone labyrinth aquariums where it’s it must be stressed that possible to go boating or scuba diving. following the instructions But not everyone is capable of such courageous jour- of the tour guide or neys. instructor is mandatory. Inexperienced tourists are better off starting at It’s now possible to Kryshtaleva cave in the village of Kryvche, which is 15 buy anything in Ukraine kilometers (nine miles) from the city of Borschiv. that may come in handy Called “the underground pearl of Podillia,” to hikers. Kryshtaleva’s lit pedestrian tourist route is 2,800 meters Taking into account the long (1.7 miles), and an interesting excursion plunges changeable weather in the A tour guide leads a group of hikers through Mlynky cave.

industry is being actively developed, offering visitors vari- ous options based on personal taste and budget. For example, the Alligator Hotel in Ternopil’s city center costs about $50 a night, including breakfast. After the cave excursions, its guests can try bowling, enjoy the aqua-park, or relax in the sauna or spa center. On the other hand, a small motel in a local district center provides lodging for one-fifth the price and offers a tired tourist the basic necessities – clean bed sheets and hot water. Ukrainian tourism, however, faces one problem – roads which, particularly in local regions, leave some- thing to be desired. But that’s a matter the tourist indus- try can’t address on its own (government assistance is much-needed in this sphere). Any possible discomforts are compensated by sincere Ukrainian hospitality, the delicious national cuisine and unforgettable excursion routes. Information for tourists To make reservations for a tour of the caves: Tour company Oksamyt-KL, log on to http://www.oksamyt- kl.com.ua, or call (80352) 43-09-23, 52-70-48. For tourist information: Ternopil State Oblast Administration Department on Tourism Issues: http://www.ternotour.com.ua, (80352) 43-35-29. For information about the Ternopil Oblast: A group photo after a hike through Mlynky cave. http://www.terinvest.com.ua, http://www.oda.te.gov.ua. 6 SPECIAL SUMMER SUPPLEMENT TO THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY No. 18

A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do... Chornomorska Sitch’s 39th annual Sports School to be held at Soyuzivka by Andrij Panas and Omelan Twardowsky KERHONKSON, N.Y. – Chornomorska Sitch is holding its 39th annual Sports School at Soyuzivka, the upstate New York estate of the Ukrainian National Association, located in Kerhonkson, N.Y. This year’s program will encompass two one-week sessions that will be held from July 22-August 4. As in previous years, the Sitch Sports School offers campers four sports: soccer, volleyball, tennis and swimming. The experienced hand-picked staff of trainers includes Andrij Panas, Hryts Serheev and Yaroslav Twardowsky for soccer; Michael Zawadiwsky for volleyball; and Stephan Sosiak for tennis. Marina Nozhenko, a graduate of the Dnipropetrovsk State Institute of Physical Culture and Sports, will teach swimming. In addition to the day-to-day activities of camp, participants will have the opportunity to use their newly honed skills at the Ukrainian Youth Olympics. The event, which is sponsored by the Ukrainian Sports Federation of the Campers and staff of Chornomorska Sitch’s Sports School at Soyuzivka. U.S.A. and Canada (USCAK), will be held at the Ukrainian American Youth Association (SUM) resort in Ellenville, moral and physical enrichment. Many grad- newly established Ukrainian American and Mr. Panas all hold various posts. N.Y., on July 28-29. uates of the school have gone on to hold Cultural Center of New Jersey, where for- More information about the With its tradition of coupling sport with positions of prominence in various mer Sitch School participants Markian Chornormorska Sitch Sports School can Ukrainian culture, the Sitch Sports School Ukrainian organizations and sports clubs Hamulak, Daria Twardowsky-Vincent, Mr. be found at www.soyuzivka.com or prides itself on giving its campers both throughout North America, including the Serheev, Mr. Twardowsky, Mr. Zawadiwsky www.chornomorskasitch.org. Kobzarska Sich provides an opportunity to study bandura, vocal music by A. W. Murha tor at the Lviv Secondary Musical Arts School, and Mr. participants a unique opportunity to sing sacred works Lazurkevych is the director of the Lysenko Lviv State by Ukrainian master composers. USM101 will also pro- EMLENTON, Pa. – The Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus Musical Academy Bandurist Chorus. vide practical pointers for church singers, cantors and will hold its summer educational program, Kobzarska Sich, The two-week bandura course, for students age 12 conductors alike relative to common problem areas of here at All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox Church Camp from and up, starts August 5 and culminates in a concert on church singing. Sunday, August 5, to Sunday, August 19. August 19. Students spend seven hours a day learning The goals of the workshop are to provide participants Kobzarska Sich is organized by a highly qualified the chance to sing musical works that are difficult to staff; participants will have the privilege to learn from about the history of Ukrainian music and techniques of the bandura. Every level of bandura playing, from accomplish in a usual church setting and improve the some of the most talented and distinguished Ukrainian church singing experience. USM101 will be directed by musicians. beginners to advanced, is welcome, as is Kharkiv-style playing. Dr. Mahlay, a former conductor at St. Vladimir Joining the Kobzarska Sich staff this year will be Cathedral Choir of Parma, Ohio. Oleh Mahlay, artistic director and conductor of the The one-week Bandura Workshop, for students age 9- 11, is slated for August 5-12. The Vocal Workshop for Designed for busy individuals who can only make a Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus; Julian Kytasty, artistic long weekend as opposed to a week long vocal work- aspiring singers age 12 and up runs August 11-19. Daily director of the New York School of Bandura; and shop, USM101 begins Thursday, August 9, in the individual and small group vocal lessons with two to Natalia B. Mahlay, artistic director of the Zorya Female evening and ends Sunday, August 12. Vocal Ensemble. three different voice instructors will be available for par- This year’s programs are dedicated to the 100th In addition, master bandurists Oleh Sozansky and ticipants in the Vocal Workshop. anniversary of the birth of Hryhory Kytasty, who found- Taras Lazurkevych of the Bandurna Rozmova duo will A new feature of Kobzarska Sich is the Ukrainian ed Kobzarska Sich in 1979. Over the years a generation be returning from Ukraine. Mr. Sozansky is an instruc- Sacred Music 101 (USM101) course, which will give of young people have had an opportunity to learn ban- dura and to continue the maestro’s work. While Kobzarska Sich concentrates on music, partici- pants have free time to enjoy activities such as tennis, basketball and swimming – all on 90 acres of land on the Allegheny River. Call Anatoli Murha, camp administrator, at 734-658- 6452 for more information or send an e-mail to [email protected]. Visit www.ban- dura.org/bandura_school.htm to download an applica- tion.

Tourism to Ukraine is on the increase KYIV – The number of foreign tourists visiting Kyiv in 2006 was registered at 208,930. According to the chief of the Kyiv City Administration for Tourism, Hotel and Resorts, Mykola Hrytsyk, Kyiv travel agen- cies provide services for one-third of the foreign tourists and two-thirds of Ukraine’s tourists visiting the capital city. He added that in 2007 Kyiv will see the inauguration of two five-star hotels and that the city expects a tripling of foreign tourists by the end of 2008. During 2006 a total of 18.9 million foreign citi- zens visited Ukraine – a 7 percent increase from 2005. Participants from Kobzarska Sich 2006 after their final camp concert. (Ukrinform) No. 18 SPECIAL SUMMER SUPPLEMENT TO THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY 7

A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do... Four-day festival will highlight 2007 summer season at Soyuzivka estate by Nestor Paslawsky This will lead up to a new group meet- Besides the dance workshop there will be are events in and of themselves. With the ing at Soyuzivka: the Ukrainian Medical several artists from Ukraine featured at first weekend’s Sports Jamboree and golf KERHONKSON, N.Y. – Soyuzivka is Association of North America (UMANA), the festival. It’ll be an event not be be tournament followed by the traditional awakening from its winter slumber and arriving for its annual convention. missed with dancing, singing, music and, Miss Soyuzivka event, and the two dance has been aggressively preparing for the Soyuzivka is very excited about hosting of course, several feature-length camp recitals, there is something happen- rapidly approaching 2007 summer sea- this event and looks forward to welcoming Ukrainian- and English-language films, ing for everyone. son. This summer there will be several this medical group as only Soyuzivka can. plus a vendor plaza. The official end of summer comes with additions and changes that should make And, what would summer at After that torrid start to July, Labor Day weekend and, as anyone who’s this the most exciting summer season yet. Soyuzivka be without “Tabir Ptashat,” Soyuzivka begins its camp season, tradi- ever been to Soyuzivka can tell you, this The managing staff led by Olesia the Plast day camp for preschoolers, tionally kicked off with the Heritage Day is a weekend that outshines all others – the Guran, Sonia Semanyshyn and, of which is now in its 19th year, along with Camp, designed for children age 4-8 and last blast of the summer with dances, ten- course, Andriy Sonevytsky, a.k.a. Chef Tennis Camp for two weeks at the end of a new group for kids 8-10, plus nis and swimming championships, and Snake, are preparing the cultural center June. Discovery Camp. The camps are many other fun happenings that attract for everyone’s summer enjoyment. July will be an exciting month, with a designed for the children to learn about guests from near and far. Be there! The season kicks off with Memorial new camp and a new major event on the their Ukrainian heritage and culture, and It doesn’t matter whether you are com- Day weekend. Last year Soyuzivka hosted Soyuzivka schedule. also about the surrounding wildlife. ing for a relaxing vacation, an exciting the UNA convention; this year the estate The Roma Pryma Bohachevsky The end of these camps brings the start weekend or attending one of Soyuzivka’s starts off with a more traditional “zabava” Ukrainian Dance Workshop will be held of the Sitch Sports School. This will be many camps. Guests can be sure that (dance) weekend featuring Hrim. The at Soyuzivka for the first time. the camp’s second year at Soyuzivka. they will have a memorable time at weekend also includes an Orchidia With the dance workshop’s decision to Also at the end of July, the Soyuzivka Soyuzivka, enjoying our gourmet meals reunion. come to the estate, it made sense to Dance Camp begins its two-session/four- and theme nights, dancing under the After that, in rapid succession, the showcase these fabulous dancers. Thus week run. These dance camps are becom- stars, tanning at the pool and having estate will host the UNA Seniors as well was born the Soyuzivka Cultural and ing more and more popular, and each ses- cocktails at the Tiki Bar. See you soon! as several reunions, graduations and Film Festival. This four-day event will sion ends with a recital. For more information or to make christenings. begin on July 11 and end on July 14. Besides the camps, August weekends reservations call 845-626-5641. Soyuzivka’s Heritage Day Camp now offers programs for kids age 4-10 by Bohdanna Puzyk returns to teach the children an array of tra- ditional Ukrainian camp songs and some of KERHONKSON, N.Y. – Summer is the newer songs. Dusia Hanushevska and quickly approaching and the camp season Natalka Junas have planned quite a selec- is right around the corner. Here at tion of crafts, from decorating wooden Soyuzivka, the estate of the Ukrainian boxes to creating embellishments for a tra- National Association, we are making plans ditional Hutsul costume. Andrij Oprysko, for this year’s Heritage Day Camp. who has worked with Heritage Day Camp The day camp program has been since it was known as Chemney Camp, expanded this year to include children returns to continue teaching Ukrainian age 4-10 years old. In the past our pro- dancing. Mr. Oprysko introduces the gram was designed for children age 4 to younger campers to dance with some sim- 8, however, we have seen that not all 8- ple steps and works with the older children to 10-year-olds are ready for a sleep- to enhance their dancing talents. away camp. As a result, this year “older” Bohdana Puzyk engages the children children are being encouraged to partici- in games that build on their Ukrainian pate in Heritage Day Camp. language vocabulary. The games are fun The camp’s aim is to further children’s and exciting and reinforce team play. knowledge of their Ukrainian heritage New to this year’s group of counselors through song, dance, crafts, games and is Chrystyna Mandicz-Centore who will stories. introduce the children to new and excit- The camp instructors from last year ing Ukrainian “kazky” (tales) along with are returning again this year to continue some of the old and familiar stories that Do you want to dance? Andrij Oprysko with his pupils. making the program interesting and fun all children love to hear. for the children. A new addition this year is a program Kurras. Along with dance and music hikes designed to teach the campers the Renowned Ukrainian singer Olya Fryz for campers age 8-10 with Svetlana their program will include daily nature Ukrainian names of the trees and animals that they will see. For the craft sessions they will learn the art of making a pysan- ka, will create their own kyptar (Hutsul vest) and will do other fun-filled projects that are age-appropriate. Heritage Day Camp program is fun and educational, and campers learn many dif- ferent things about their Ukrainian culture and heritage in a warm and nurturing environment – not to mention at a great location. For information call Soyuzivka, 845-626-5641.

THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY

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To subscribe, write to The Ukrainian Weekly, Subscription Department, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054; call (973) 292-9800; or e-mail [email protected] 2006 participants and staff of Soyuzivka’s Heritage Day Camp. 8 SPECIAL SUMMER SUPPLEMENT TO THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY No. 18 No. 18 SPECIAL SUMMER SUPPLEMENT TO THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY 9 10 SPECIAL SUMMER SUPPLEMENT TO THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY No. 18

A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do... Ukrainian American Youth Association camps offer wide range of activities by Andriy Bihun NEW YORK – As nature produces its first hints of fair weather and warm tem- peratures, the Ukrainian American Youth Association’s (UAYA) campgrounds bus- tle with activity in anticipation of a sum- mer chock full of super activities and camping fun for all ages. This year’s vacation line-up promises a combination of the traditional camping adventures we’ve grown to expect and love, along with a number of exciting new surprises. The season opens with early offerings beginning on June 24 at the UAYA camp- ground in Baraboo, Wis. Baraboo offers six camps for children of all ages, starting with the youngest “sumenyata” at age 4. One of the annual favorites here is the Soccer Camp, which is the only UAYA camp in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to this popular sport. Soon after, the summer camp schedule shifts into full gear at our other camp- grounds around the United States. Some of the Ukrainian American Youth Association’s future leaders enjoy themselves at camp. At camp “Khortytsia” in Huntington, Ohio, not only will kids enjoy the warm spend a week at Kholodnyi Yar, followed weather at a widely renowned recreation- by a second week in Ellenville. This camp- al camp, but the more adventuresome can ing program teaches participating youth enjoy nature at an outdoors camp as well. much about outdoor life and includes a At the Kyiv resort near Detroit, this number of offsite experiences on the rivers year’s summer program has been expand- as well as in the forests and mountains of ed to a four-day program for children of New York state. all ages – you won’t want to miss it! The Ellenville line-up offers new addi- In upstate New York, Filmore’s tions as well. This year’s Recreational “Kholodnyi Yar” also expects some (“Vidpochynkovyi”) camp is expanded to changes this year. Last year’s offer a special program for older kids, age “Praktychnyi” camp was a huge success, 12-14 in mid-July. Praktychnyi (traditional- and a joint camping adventure is planned ly known to Ellenville campers as “River this year together with UAYA’s Ellenville Camp”) moves to a new time slot as part of resort. Participants of Praktychnyi will the joint camp with Kholodnyi Yar.

The House of Ukraine, Inc in San Diego, California invites you to its 32nd annual Smiling faces are evidence of the new friendships made during summer camp. As a result of last year’s hugely popular this year, with two one-hour get-togethers UKRAINIAN FESTIVAL bandura program at Arts Camp, Ellenville is full of magical fun each day. proud to announce the addition of Kobzar Don’t know what to do all summer? August 31 - September 2, 2007 Camp, dedicated to Ukrainian musical arts Want to meet some new Ukrainian friends and the bandura. Headlining the two-week and make memories that will last a lifetime? camp will be well-known musical masters Explore the Ukrainian American Youth from Ukraine, Oleh Sozansky and Taras Association’s summer camps and you’ll Lazurkevych (widely known in the United never want to do anything else. Check out States for their 2006 “Bandurna Rozmova” the website at www.cym.org/us/ellenville, tour). Ellenville also re-introduces its write to us at [email protected] or “Mama and Ya” (or “Tato and Ya”) program call 845-647-7230 for more information. Ukrainian street festival planned for New York City on May 18-20 by Taras Schumylowych The famous Ukrainian chorus Dumka of New York will give a concert of Ukrainian NEW YORK – On Friday, Saturday sacred music at St. George Ukrainian and Sunday, May 18, 19 and 20, Seventh Catholic Church on Sunday, May 20, at 1:15 Street (between Second and Third p.m. The Dumka Chorus performs under the featuring the avenues) will be closed to traffic and open for a celebration by the Ukrainian direction of Maestro Wasyl Hrechynskyj. SUZIRYA Dance Company community of New York City. Enjoy the weekend outdoors, listening to singers and watching those ever- from Edmonton, Canada St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church is sponsoring the 31st annual street festi- famous Ukrainian dancers with their and val, which promises to be the biggest and boundless energy, amazing high jumps best yet. The official opening will be on and spectacular steps performing the LVIVSKI MUZYKY from Lviv, Ukraine Friday evening, May 18. Hopak and other folk dances. There will be many booths featuring All in all, the festival is an excellent For more information call 619 460 5733 Ukrainian food – varenyky, kovbasa, hol- opportunity to discover or revisit this fasci- ubtsi, home-baked goods. Others will sell nating ethnic neighborhood in the East [email protected] Ukrainian arts and crafts – embroideries, Village, where the thriving Ukrainian com- www.houseofukraine.com wood carvings, ceramics and pysanky munity has blended its rich cultural tradi- (traditional Ukrainian Easter eggs). tions into the fabric of New York City life. No. 18 SPECIAL SUMMER SUPPLEMENT TO THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY 11

A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do... Plast’s scouts look forward to International Jamboree and summer camps by Halyna Kuzyszyn-Holubec NEW YORK – Plast youths from around the world are looking forward to a jam-packed summer of camps. But the most highly anticipated event is Plast’s International Jamboree, taking place in Canada on August 4-19. To be held at the Plastova Sich camp- ground and many other sites throughout eastern Canada, this summer’s jamboree marks the 95th anniversary of Plast, the 50th anniversary of the first International Jamboree in North America and the 100th anniversary of the scouting movement. Participants will have the opportunity to take part in many interesting activities, including visits to the Canadian capital of Ottawa, a music festival, diverse exhibits and canoeing. The youngest Plast members – “novatstvo” (children age 6-11) – will have the chance to take part in a day camp on August 16-19 at Plastova Sich, where they will be assigned to groups Ulana Slabitsky containing children from other countries. Youth counselors at Plast camp at the “Novyi Sokil” campground in 2006.

Chatham, N.Y.), “Pysanyi Kamin” opportunity to acquire merit badges, (Middlefield, Ohio) and “Novyi Sokil” learn about Ukrainian culture and history, (North Collins, N.Y.) – will host three- and practice various camping skills. They week camps for “novatstvo” and also offer a wonderful chance for Plast “yunatstvo” on July 7-28. Three-week members from various cities to get to camps (“tabory”) are the culmination of know one another and learn what it is to an entire year’s worth of activities for be a part of a worldwide organization. Plast members and are a standard part of For more information on all of Plast’s the Plast program. There is a requirement summer camps readers may long on to that a child be enrolled in the organiza- www.plastusa.org, where they will find tion for at least three months before details about each camp being offered attending a Plast camp. and links to sites of individual camp- At “tabory” Plast youths have the grounds.

Flag-bearers during camp ceremonies at “Novyi Sokil.”

This summer’s highly anticipated jam- designed to help future counselors pre- boree is sure to spark many new friend- pare interesting and necessary activities ships for many Plast members and create for the organization’s youngest members. wonderful memories for the future. This summer’s Plast camp roster also Prior to the August jamboree, many boasts the renewal of “Shkola Plast members who wish to become coun- Bulavnykh” – a special kind of counselor selors take part in “vyshkoly,” or coun- training camp where young women selor training camps, where they acquire develop youth counselor skills and the skills and knowledge necessary to wilderness adeptness, so as to prepare work with young children and serve as them for working with “yunatstvo” (Plast role models for younger Plast members. youths age 12-18). This camp will take The course for counselors of novatstvo place at its traditional grounds in Hunter, will be held at the “Novyi Sokil” camp- N.Y., on June 23-July 5. ground in North Collins, N.Y., on June All three of Plast’s campgrounds in the 23-July 4. It will consist of a program United States – “Vovcha Tropa” (East

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A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do... Ukrainian Homestead ready to greet Folk dance workshop and camp visitors to scenic Pocono Mountains to be held in Lehighton, Pa. by Bohdan Pastuszak ty of parking, and over 200 acres to explore. by Paula Holoviak The camp will conclude with a per- This year, on August 18 and 19, the formance on Saturday, July 7, at 7 LEHIGHTON, Pa. – This year marks the Homestead will hold its two-day cultural Folk LEHIGHTON, Pa. – The p.m. This performance is open to the 50th anniversary of the Ukrainian Homestead. Ukrainian American Heritage Festival, featuring dazzling dances, melodic public, free of charge, and will be fol- Located in the Pocono Mountains of Foundation (UAHF) will sponsor the songs, and beautiful arts and crafts. The festi- lowed by a dance in the Ukrainian 18th annual folk dance workshop Pennsylvania just 75 miles north of Homestead ballroom. val also includes an evening of dancing until and camp for children and young Philadelphia and 90 miles west of New York For more information on the camp dawn. adults from Monday, July 2, through City, the Homestead offers visitors a wide or the adult workshop, contact Dr. From picnics or formal events to soccer Friday, July 6, at the Ukrainian range of activities in a beautiful country setting. Paula Holoviak at 570-708-1992, Founded in 1957 by the Organization for and volleyball tournaments, this country place Homestead. has the room and the facilities for small or The camp runs daily from 10 a.m. Sandra Duda at 610-377-7750 or the Democratic Rebirth of Ukraine (ODWU), Joseph Zucofski at 570-622-8056; or the Homestead is dedicated to the celebration large groups to hold whatever events they to 4 p.m. and includes dance instruc- e-mail [email protected]. of Ukrainian heritage and culture. choose. It is open year-round for skiers, bik- tion, singing, traditional crafts, The camp is supported by The Homestead has been a unique gather- ers, campers, rafters, hunting and fishing sports, lunch, swimming and a Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts, the ing place for friends and family for 50 years. enthusiasts, conventioneers and vacationers. snack. Instruction is offered to chil- regional arts funding partnership of The Ukrainian Homestead, just five miles Nearby attractions include the historic town dren age 5 and up, with advanced the Pennsylvania Council on the from the Pennsylvania Turnpike (NE of Jim Thorpe, whitewater rafting, the Crystal workshop instruction for experi- Arts, a state agency. State govern- Extension, Exit 74), is available for wed- Cave, the coal mine museum and an old-fash- enced dancers. ment funding comes through an dings, family reunions, company picnics, ioned drive-in movie theater. As in previous years, the work- annual appropriation by the swim parties, ballroom and polka dances, ski The Homestead hosts the Ukrainian Gold shop will include instruction with Pennsylvania General Assembly and trips, and Ukrainian arts and crafts instruc- Cross Children’s Camp, the Kazka Dance Andrij Dobriansky (New York City) from the National Endowment for tion. Camp and Mountain Bike Camp. for the younger participants, and the Arts, a federal agency. PPA is Ukrainian liturgy is celebrated every For more information or to make reserva- classical and folk training from administered in this region by Berks Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day in tions, call the Ukrainian Homestead at 610-377- David Woznak of the Kashtan Arts Council. Additional funding the resort’s outdoor chapel. Services include: 4621 or 215-235-3709 or e-mail [email protected]. School of Ukrainian Dance in Parma, comes from the Schuylkill County motel rooms, dormitory rooms, Ukrainian and Visit the website www.ukrhomestead.com for a Ohio, for the advanced dancers. A American kitchen, three halls for rental, plen- complete schedule of events. special feature of this year’s camp is Commissioners through the a workshop on the art of pysanky Schuylkill County Council for the (Ukrainian Easter egg-decorating). Arts and from the Pennsylvania In addition, an adult workshop, open Humanities Council, which in part- Delta service to/from Ukraine to expand to parents and visitors, will be held nership with the Pennsylvania each morning with local pysanka Council on the Arts supports projects KYIV – Delta Airlines sees great potential ice to five flights per week on the Kyiv-New artist Georgine Postupack Borchik. combining the arts and humanities. for expansion in the Ukrainian market, York route, and daily flights are being consid- according to the company’s office in Kyiv. ered. From New York, Delta passengers can During the first 10 months since Delta began find easy connections to Seattle, Chicago, Los its non-stop Kyiv-New York service some Angeles, San Francisco, Miami and other Don’t forget your summer reading: 56,000 passengers have flown that route. cities. Delta began non-stop flights between Ukraine is Delta’s third market in Eastern New York and Kyiv on June 2, 2006. The Ukrainian Weekly Europe. The airline will soon expand its serv- (Ukrinform) 14 SPECIAL SUMMER SUPPLEMENT TO THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY No. 18 No. 18 SPECIAL SUMMER SUPPLEMENT TO THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY 15

A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do...

pretty good. Eight of the 16 people who Conquering... had set out on the trek two weeks previ- (Continued from page 16) ously reached the summit of Aconcagua, boil enough water to drink properly that but everybody had been affected by the day. I fell asleep sometime after 10 p.m., altitude. convinced that our chances for a summit In my opinion, several factors con- attempt the next day had been blown into tributed to the ravages of altitude our oblivion. group felt. The first of these had been the wind. It had howled so ferociously the Summit Day, February 4 day before our summit day that it had I came groggily awake. Something was been impossible to get a decent rest and wrong. Why had I awoken? The wind – I difficult to boil up enough water for eat- couldn’t hear the confounded wind! It had ing and drinking. I’m convinced that I finally died down! The unexpected silence didn’t drink enough both on the day had brought me awake. The summit! No before and the day of the summit wind meant that we would be attempting attempt. Nor do I feel that I spent enough the summit today! time acclimatizing at Camp 2. I spent a I was instantly a tangle of mixed emo- day and a half at a high altitude before tions: part of me had been hoping for a heading for the summit. It was enough to decent rest day, another part of me was reach the summit, but it wasn’t enough to buzzing with nervous anticipation. I make it pleasant. I shudder to think what glanced at my watch – only 1:30 a.m. would have happened had the weather “Sleep, rest, you idiot, you’re gonna need turned nasty while we were near the it,” I told myself. But sleep wouldn’t come summit. In the end, however, all’s well – I was too nervous. The roaring wind had that ends well. earlier prevented sleep and now, ironically, Conclusion the absence of wind was also indirectly Overall, the Aconcagua expedition was preventing sleep. I finally gave up trying Mountaineers Yuri Monczak, Danylo Darewych and Blair Campbell. to sleep, boiled some water, ate breakfast, a good one for me. I got to visit dressed and packed. Argentina, a country to which I’d never the Germans? Or the Chilean? It’s OK, I’ll travelling companions still heading up. Vincent showed up at 5 a.m. Already been before. I had excellent friends, Yuri just follow his tracks, must keep ... Not The descent down was mostly uneventful there was a conga line of headlights head- and Blair, on my team (but I was sorry again! What did I miss this time? What’s and we reached our tents at 8 p.m. We had ing up the slope to start the traverse. We that they didn’t make the summit); the the guy above yelling down to his buddy – been on the go since 5 a.m. – a total of 15 fell into step at the end of the line but soon trek in revealed a completely new land- not to go his way up the snow? Stuff it, found ourselves passing people; then, sur- hours. I crawled into my sleeping bag scape to me; I met and climbed with that way still looks easier than that jumble prisingly, we found ourselves at the head without even bothering to make dinner. friendly people from all over the world; of rocks to the left. Man, that sun is beat- of the line. and I was able to test myself at a higher ing down, it’s hard to think. Focus, keep it Aftermath We plunged ahead, but it was hard altitude than I ever had before and to pass work. All the snow that had fallen over the together ...” The next day I staggered down from that test, albeit not with flying colors (I course of our move from Plaza Argentina In the end I’ve no idea how long it took Camp 2 to Plaza Argentina with one of the still find myself regretting the fact that I to Camp 1 and Camp 2 had not melted on me to make it up the Canaleta – I complete- heaviest loads of my life. Blair was there didn’t enjoy the summit). these slopes, but piled up. We were usually ly lost all sense of time. Mercifully, at the to embrace me and take some photos. It One thing’s for sure: there is no easy up to mid-calf in the snow, but frequently top of the Canaleta, the fog seemed to lift was good to see him. I was tired, but felt mountain at high altitude. ploughed through at knee level, and some- from my brain. I felt stronger and was able times the snow was up to our waists. It to keep up a steady pace as I traversed left took two-three steps in one spot to stamp towards the summit blocks, even gaining out a path. It was a tedious and tiring ground on the trio of Russians. I felt satis- Connecticut State Ukrainian Day process, but oddly satisfying. I was feeling fied that I had overcome whatever malaise strong and was doing most of the trail- had affected me. I was looking forward to slated for September 9 in Stamford breaking. reaching the summit and enjoying the view. Dawn broke, the sun rose high enough Two steps from the summit that sense by Donald K. Horbaty continues thanks to the steadfast support for its rays to reach over intervening ridges of impending satisfaction was wiped out. and devotion of people from the various and cast their warming glow upon us. We A wave of nausea overcame me. Trying to STAMFORD, Conn. – The Connecticut parishes in Connecticut – a shining were blessed with absolutely perfect draw a deep breath to overcome the urge State Ukrainian Day Committee has example of what inter-parish cooperation weather conditions. Up a short slope, we to upchuck, I took the last steps onto announced that the 40th annual Ukrainian should be. Behind the scenes a contin- followed in the steps of a father-mother- Aconcagua’s summit. Vincent came over Day Festival will be held Sunday, gent of older and younger adults in each son trio of Russians and came to the base to congratulate me, but I waved him off. I September 9, at St. Basil’s Seminary. parish prepare the thousands of varenyky, of the last obstacle, the Canaleta. It is was not in a celebratory mood. Priests will be available for confes- holubtsi, tortes, etc., consumed at this known as the most notorious part of the I sat down and fought off the choking, sions beginning at 9 a.m., and liturgy is event. entire climb: a 1,300-foot, 33-degree slope constricting feeling. I didn’t know if it was at 11 a.m., celebrated by Bishop Paul Since its inception over $400,000 has of loose rocks. By this time my pace was altitude sickness, but I didn’t want to hang Chomynycky. been raised by the festival committee for dropping to a one-step two-breaths and out to analyze it further. When the worst of Coffee will be available for those who many Ukrainian causes. sometimes even three-breaths routine, and the nausea had passed, I handed my cam- arrive early to see the wares of over 20 Admission to the festival, which I needed more frequent and longer rest era to Vincent and told him, “Take my pic- vendors; Ukrainian and picnic food and includes free parking, is $10 (for those stops. It was difficult to keep up with the ture please, but make sure it shows the beverages will be available later in the age 12 and over) at the gate and $5 for Russians ahead, but I gritted my teeth and pain I’m in.” I intended to use the picture day. advance tickets, which may be purchased put my head down and plodded forward. to remind myself how much suffering is At 3 p.m. a lively program of Ukrainian from one of the 10 parishes or by con- Vincent set off ahead with the three involved in high-altitude mountaineering song and dance will delight all. Following tacting ticket chairwoman Helen Rudy of Russians, while I followed along behind. the next time I set my sights on some lofty the program there will be dancing under East Hartford, Conn., at 860-568-5445. At first I was going well, but the higher I objective. the stars to a Ukrainian band. The festival will be held rain or shine. got up the Canaleta the slower I got. Two My time on the summit passed in a blur. Ukrainians from the Northeast are For more information or to volunteer breaths between steps became three, then I posed for a few more summit shots, brought together in an atmosphere of fun, to help during the festival, call Donald four. Soon I found myself regularly slump- spoke briefly to the older Russian (who goodwill and friendship at this annual Horbaty, festival chairman, at 203-269- ing over my trekking pole. Then things turned out to be originally from Ukraine) festival in the Nutmeg State. The festival 5909. really started to get foggy. As I slumped and took a quick peek at the stupendous onto the pole, I started dozing off. The South Face of Aconcagua. It was a gor- strange thing was that I couldn’t tell geous, clear day with views stretching whether it was for a couple of seconds, kilometers into the distance, but I didn’t International tourism expo held in Kyiv tens of seconds, several minutes or more. take the time to enjoy it. “Come on, stupid!” I told myself. “This More than anything I remember an KYIV – More than 60 travel compa- Ukraine’s regions, as well as national is no time to fall asleep. Just keep going, overwhelming urge to get down as fast as nies were represented at the 13th Ukraine stands representing Austria, Greece, you’re so close. There ... a couple of steps possible. No sense of victory, no sense of International Travel and Tourism Egypt, India, Spain, Cyprus, Malaysia, – that’s better ... damn mushy snow ... I’ll triumph, no sense of satisfaction. I had Exhibition 2007 held in Kyiv in March. Poland, Turkey, Switzerland and other just rest ... Whoa, how long was that? ... expended some two weeks of effort to get The exhibition was organized by countries. This year for the first time How far ahead is Vincent? Ah, he’s up there and in the end I spent less than five PremierExpo (Ukraine) and ITE Group Jordan and San Marino were represented, ahead to my left, sticking to slightly rocki- minutes on the summit of Aconcagua. PLC (Great Britain) with the support of while the number of exhibits representing er ground towards the middle of the “I’m getting out of here,” I told the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture and Italy, China, the Czech Republic and Canaleta ... Come on, try to keep the pace Vincent, and promptly bolted off the top. Tourism and the Kyiv City State Montenegro grew significantly. A new ... Hello? Who’s that up above me? I don’t Or rather I slowly plodded off the top. On Administration. The exhibition show- section devoted to business tourism was remember him passing me. Is that one of the way down we bumped into our other cased tourist packages from all of part of the 2007 exhibition. (Ukrinform) 16 SPECIAL SUMMER SUPPLEMENT TO THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY No. 18

A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do... TREKS AND TRAVELS: Conquering the highest mountains, one peak at a time TORONTO – Teacher Danylo Darewych is well-known Blair and I spent most of the day of January 30 simply to mountaineers for his climbing and alpine pursuits, par- resting and hanging out at Camp 1. All our trek-in com- ticularly his conquest of Mount McKinley (Denali) on June panions were also there. 16, 2002 (see The Ukrainian Weekly, September 1, 2002). The following day, January 31, Blair and I headed up He has taken the 2006-2007 school year off to do some again carrying gear to Camp 2. The second half of the trail intensive and wide-ranging climbing, so far the most ambi- was painful for all of us. Blair and I, Frank, Vincent, Bob, tious of which has been his trip to Argentina and the ascent Fran, Mario and one of the Serbs bunched up, and slowly of the highest mountain outside the Himalayas, Aconcagua. trudged uphill together. No one said much of anything – For the rest of the year, Mr. Darewych has his sights set every breath was much too precious to waste on talking. It on more climbing in Alaska and an assault on Mount was a relief to finally reach Camp 2. We cached our gear and Logan in the Yukon. Then there are still the Himalayas – got out of there as fast as possible. Both Blair and I were he has not decided where he might go, but is considering feeling the altitude and had developed mild headaches. K-2 (the second highest mountain in the world) or Broad Two days later, after a rest day in Camp 1, we were Peak, both in Pakistan. back in Camp 2 to stay, thrilled to be just one long day The article below, edited by Oksana Zakydalsky, was away from the summit, and congratulated ourselves on a prepared by Mr. Darewych for the Alpine Club of Canada job well done. Newsletter. However, all was not right at Camp 2. We learned that a trio of Poles had gone for the summit the previous day in by Danylo Darewych bad weather and one of them had not returned. They were a Aconcagua, at 6,962 meters (22,841 feet) the highest mother and son team, being guided by an old Himalayan mountain in North and South America, features a normal veteran. The mother explained that when they were coming route that requires no technical climbing skills apart from down, her son had refused to descend, insisting that he was the use of crampons. As a result, it draws climbers from going to stay up high and do a “survival” thing. When he all over the world – 4,271 people received climbing per- failed to show up the next day (the day we got to Camp 2), mits in 2005-2006. the guide had gone up to look for him, but didn’t find him. I, too, was drawn by the lure of this “easy” high-alti- We later learned from radio reports that people had tude mountain and ventured onto its slopes in January- seen him but he had refused all help, threatening to hit Danylo Darewych unfurls the Ukrainian flag at the people with his mountaineering axe and kick them with February of this year. I learned – not for the first time – summit of Aconcagua in Argentina. that you can never underestimate any mountain, especially his crampons. Nobody had been able to get near him. He not one as high as Aconcagua. was found dead the next day. He was 28 years old. His ing in his gut. He looked pale and drawn and had difficul- behavior and death underscored what a disturbing effect Preparation ty standing up. altitude can have on normally rational people. I cannot I found two climbing partners – experienced moun- We quickly cached our gear and retreated to Plaza even begin to imagine the anguish his mother had been taineers Blair Campbell from Toronto and Yuri Monczak Argentina. On the advice of the camp doctor we decided through waiting for her son at Camp 2. from Montreal. The flights to Mendoza, Argentina, the to take another full acclimatization day before proceeding There was more bad news the next morning – Blair pick-up and accommodations in Mendoza, transportation upwards again to Camp 1. was not feeling well and decided that he was not acclima- to the trailhead town of Puente de Inca and mule services Two nights later (the night before we were due to tizing properly and wouldn’t be strong enough for a sum- were taken care of through the Internet. head up to Camp 1 again) it was Yuri’s turn to experi- mit attempt. I tried to convince him that he should wait Blair, Yuri and I flew into Mendoza separately, where ence problems. He awoke in the middle of the night another day, but his mind was made up – he was going each of us picked up a 20-day climbing permit for $330, hyperventilating madly and having trouble breathing. In down. He packed his things, and after a few parting pho- and we met at Puente del Inca at 2,700 meters. the morning Yuri visited the camp doctor who stated tos and a sad farewell, descended back to Plaza Argentina. There are two approach routes that are regularly taken that Yuri didn’t have oedema, but he wasn’t acclimatiz- Left partnerless I went over to discuss things with to the foot of Aconcagua – although it entailed a longer ing properly and suggested that he not go any higher. Vincent, who was also without a partner. We agreed that three-day hike, we chose the one through the Vacas and After some consideration, Yuri decided that, for him, the we should try for the summit tomorrow, waking up at 4 Relinchos valleys to the Plaza Argentina that was less expedition was over. a.m. and heading out at 5. However, early that afternoon traveled and less despoiled. Yuri accompanied us up to the gear cache to retrieve his the wind picked up in strength and tried to blow us all off gear. He made it up without any problem, breathing well, the mountain. Drifts of snow began to build up in the The climb walking steadily. I was secretly hoping he might change his vestibule and fine snow particles were being blasted into mind, but Yuri stuck to his decision. He simply did not want We started our approach hike on Tuesday, January 23, the tent. When some of the tent poles began bending back to risk getting altitude sickness higher up the mountain. and, with mules carrying most of our heavy load, the 36- under the heavier gusts of wind, I went outside to build We said goodbye to Yuri and watched him descend kilometer hike was a fairly pleasant and uneventful affair, the rock wall around the tent a little higher but, as the cold back towards Plaza Argentina. Yuri later told us that that albeit hot and dusty. Blair, Yuri and I had a chance to began creeping in through my big down jacket, I retreated night he slept exceptionally well for the first time and become reacquainted and meet the people starting the trek into my tent. even briefly considered coming back up to rejoin us. In on the same day. It was quite the international group: Rob It took forever to cook food and, in the end, I never did the end, he walked back to our starting point, covering the and Ed from Seattle/Tacoma, Wash.; Fran, Mario and their 36 kilometers in one long day, and returned to Montreal. (Continued on page 15) guide Bob from Colorado; four Serbs (whose names I never could get straight); Frank and Vincent from Utrecht, Holland; and Teresa and Odd from Norway. Since we were all more or less on the same acclimatization sched- ule, we ended up spending quite a lot of time with each other. On the third day we reached Plaza Argentina, our base camp, which was situated on a moraine at 4,200 meters at the foot of Aconcagua, which towered above us. Awed by its immense height, we wondered whether we had bitten off more than we could chew, but reassured ourselves, “One step at a time, and one step at a time.” At Plaza Argentina, we set up our tent, found our out- house and the location of the clean water supply, regis- tered with the Park Rangers, received our numbered human waste bags, and had our pulses and oxygen satura- tion levels measured by the doctor. Our plan called for a day of rest at Plaza Argentina, fol- lowed by a carry of gear up to Camp 1 (at 4,950 meters), return to Plaza Argentina and then a move up to Camp 1 a day later. This procedure was to be repeated up to Camp 2 (5,800 meters), from where we would stage our attempt on the summit (6,962 meters). This tried and tested approach of “carrying high and sleeping low” is designed to acclimatize the body to the combination of reduced air pressure and a lower concentration of oxygen at high alti- tude, and to prevent altitude sickness. Things began to go wrong on our first carry up to Camp 1 on January 27. Yuri and I quickly adopted the methodical plodding uphill step. Blair, however, was hav- ing trouble getting into the rhythm, stopping frequently to catch his breath, and he fell behind. When we stopped for a rest, Blair complained of a headache and nauseous feel- Danylo Darewych in the Andes.