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INSIDE: • Ukrainian American cycles cross-country for a cause — page 9. • “An Artful Afternoon” highlights 14 artists — page 11. • Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus performs in New York — page 15. HE KRAINIAN EEKLY T PublishedU by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profitW association Vol. LXXV No. 21 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 27, 2007 $1/$2 in Ukraine Sixty years after ethnocidal Akcja Wisla, With no end to the crisis in sight, Lemkos work to preserve their heritage the tide in Ukraine turns yet again by Zenon Zawada most patriotic part of the Ukrainian by Zenon Zawada Kyiv Press Bureau nation,” Mr. Pavlychko, a longtime Kyiv Press Bureau admirer of Lemko culture, said to exu- KYIV – The tide in Ukraine’s political This is the first of the two-part series. berant applause. “Where there are crisis appeared to turn in favor of the Lemkos, there is Ukraine.” coalition government led by Prime LVIV – For 60 years, hundreds of As more than 500 Lemko leaders repre- Minister Viktor Yanukovych after three thousands of Lemkos have thrived in the senting seven nations convened at the judges dismissed by President Viktor diaspora after being forced by the Polish Liudkevych Lviv Philharmonic between government from their ancestral home- Yushchenko took control of the May 4 and 6 to commemorate the 60th Constitutional Court, leading it to its first land, which would forever lose its anniversary of Akcja Wisla and celebrate Ukrainian character. verdict in at least nine months. The verdict their achievements since, they also con- happened to be in the coalition’s favor, as Wherever they settled, the Lemkos fronted an uncertain future for their people. fiercely preserved the Ukrainian lan- it questioned the president’s authority to Unable to re-establish a life in their appoint or dismiss top judges. guage, culture and traditions, with their native Lemkivschyna (currently the unique Lemko accent. More importantly, the constitutional southern parts of the Podkarpackie and court is expected to rule soon that the At the fourth Congress of the World Malopolskie voivodships in Poland), Federation of Ukrainian Lemko Unions April 26 presidential decree to dismiss Lemko leaders continue to work towards Parliament was unconstitutional, which held in Lviv May 5, perhaps no one bet- Official Website of the President of Ukraine finding ways to thrive in the diaspora, may give the coalition government a ter summed up Lemko contributions to whether in Ukraine, Europe, North firm upper hand when brokering a reso- President Viktor Yushchenko told for- the diaspora than Ukrainian World America or within Poland itself. lution to the conflict with the president. eign investors on May 23 that the work- Coordinating Council Chair Dmytro Even the speeches delivered at the Desperation within the Presidential ing group set up to overcome Ukraine’s Pavlychko, whose father served with congress revealed the Lemkos’ new sta- Secretariat became apparent when Mr. political crisis had “exhausted itself” Lemkos in the Austro-Hungarian army. and pledged that any further steps “Lemkos are the most suffering and (Continued on page 8) (Continued on page 27) taken would be “based only on the law.” Cross blessed for student town of Ukrainian Catholic University by Oksana Shkodzinska blessed for UCU’s new “student town,” procession of the UCU community, A prayer service to the Most Holy which will include modern dormitories, a including students of Holy Spirit Mother of God was led before the cross LVIV – On May 22 the Ukrainian library, museum, classroom buildings, Seminary, together with Ukrainian by Ukrainian Catholic Archbishop of Catholic University (UCU) in Lviv chapel and conference center. The site of Catholic bishops and clergy, as well as Lviv Ihor Vozniak, joined by Ukrainian kicked off the next stage of its develop- the cross on Stryiska Street had been supporters the UCU. They walked from Catholic bishops and clergy and Roman ment, as in the presence of local repre- blessed by Pope John Paul II during his the university’s campus on Sventsitsky Catholic Auxiliary Bishop of Lviv sentatives of the church, government and visit to Ukraine in June 2001. Street through Stryiskyi Park on a warm Marian Buczek. Also participating were educational institutions, the cross was The May 22 ceremonies started with a and sunny day. members of various male and female religious orders. Afterwards Archbishop Vozniak blessed the cross. “We are standing in an extraordinary place, where the new cross was just blessed,” said Archbishop Vozniak in his greeting after the blessing ceremony. “In some time, buildings of the university town will stand here, where the youth of Ukraine will acquire knowledge and appropriate Christian spiritual formation.” The archbishop said that not only the UCU community and friends should be concerned about this planned building project for an academic and spiritual center, but also the people of Lviv, for whom this educational institution “is and should be a source of modest pride,” and all Ukrainians. “The university brings scholarly and spiritual change not only to those who study and teach at it, but to the whole society,” he added. Dr. Ivan Vakarchuk, rector of Ivan Franko National University in Lviv, also spoke at the gathering. The UCU’s rec- tor, the Rev. Dr. Borys Gudziak, noted that Dr. Vakarchuk, also a member of the UCU Senate, is himself a co-builder of the UCU. Petro Oliinyk, head of the Lviv Region Oblast Administration, said in his speech before the crowd that the govern- Ukrainian Catholic Archbishop of Lviv Ihor Vozniak blesses the cross for the new “student town” of the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv. (Continued on page 27) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 27, 2007 No. 21 ANALYSIS NEWSBRIEFSNEWSBRIEFS
Ukraine’s “political tourism” President, PM fail to agree stopped attending parliamentary debates after the president issued a decree on April and managed civil society KYIV – President Viktor Yushchenko 2 dissolving the Verkhovna Rada and call- and Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych on ing for snap elections. (RFE/RL Newsline) by Taras Kuzio when they participated in the blue maidan. May 21 talked for more than five hours Eurasia Daily Monitor A Tymoshenko bloc appeal to the behind closed doors but failed to set a date PM says Rada should pass bills prosecutor and Security Service of for early parliamentary elections, Ukrainian Parliamentary Assembly of the Council media reported. No statement was issued KYIV – Prime Minister Viktor Ukraine complained that students and Yanukovych said at a government meeting of Europe (PACE) experts on Ukraine high school pupils were both losing out following their talks. Meanwhile, the have pointed out that the ongoing “Blue Constitutional Court announced the same on May 23 that the Verkhovna Rada should on their studies and being placed in phys- urgently consider a number of bills on hold- maidan” demonstrations in downtown day that it has stopped assessing the validity ical danger. Earlier this month an illegal- ing early elections, Ukrainian media report- Kyiv’s Independence Square are incom- of Mr. Yushchenko’s April 2 decree dissolv- ly operating mini-bus organized by the ed. Mr. Yanukovych said he would meet patible with democracy. Although the ing the Verkhovna Rada and setting snap Party of the Regions crashed en route to with President Viktor Yushchenko later that maidan 2007 demonstrations are taking elections for May 27, and began considering Kyiv, putting the high school passengers day to press him to accept the adoption as place in the same location as those staged his decree of April 26, which invalidated the in the hospital (byut.com.ua, May 4). soon as possible of a “small package of bills by the “orange” supporters of then-presi- first one and rescheduled early polls for June There is a crucial difference between the to ensure honest and transparent elections.” dential candidate Viktor Yushchenko in 24. The previous week, presidential chief of 2004 Orange and 2007 Blue maidans: the Mr. Yanukovych reiterated his earlier stance 2004, today’s gatherings are not volun- staff Viktor Baloha said Mr. Yushchenko former was largely the work of sponta- that pre-term elections should be held in the tary. Rather, they are funded and managed neous, self-organized civil society, while the will ignore any Constitutional Court ruling by Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych’s fall. “[Setting] the date of early elections is latter is the product of a managed civil soci- on his decrees. Previously, on May 16, now considered possible. If the elections Party of the Regions through the use of ety that has emerged out of the managed, Messrs. Yushchenko and Yanukovych also so-called political tourism. take place, they will be held in late one-party democracy still prevalent in Mr. failed to agree on a date for early parliamen- September or early October,” Mr. “It should be stressed that maidan Yanukovych’s home region of Donetsk. tary elections, when the working group they 2007 is not Maidan 2004. If the Orange Yanukovych noted. Presidential Secretariat The 2007 Blue maidan is discredited created a week earlier to deal with the crisis Chairman Viktor Baloha told journalists on Revolution was based on broad popular by reports of Blue supporters being paid failed to supply them with the unanimously support of faith in the improved running May 22 that the date set down in the presi- to travel to Ukraine; similar reports about approved package of bills needed for pre- dent’s second decree – June 24 – remains in of the country and a better future, today’s Orange voters in 2004 do not exist. The term elections. Later that same day, some force, but he added that Mr. Yushchenko is demonstrations, on the whole, are artifi- Guardian (April 5) wrote, “However, it 20,000 supporters of Yanukovych and the prepared to move back the date to enable cially managed by both sides” was clear that not all Mr. Yanukovych’s Verkhovna Rada rallied on Independence the adoption of necessary legislative (maidan.org.ua, April 18). protesters had willingly traveled to Kiev Square in Kyiv. (RFE/RL Newsline) changes. (RFE/RL Newsline) Verkhovna Rada Chairman Oleksander [sic]” and quoted “Lyosha” from Krivyi President rules out use of force Moroz, whose Socialist Party (SPU) is a Rih in eastern Ukraine: “I only came here PACE offers Ukraine help in crisis member of the Yanukovych’s ruling Anti- because I work at a metallurgical plant KYIV – President Viktor Yushchenko KYIV – Rene van der Linden, head of Crisis Coalition, admitted, “All of the which belongs to an oligarch who sup- told a forum of foreign investors in Kyiv on coalitions, meetings and actions in the last the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council ports Yanukovych. ... They sent 40 of us May 23 that he will not take any decision to of Europe (PACE), said in Kyiv on May few weeks are the result of political tech- here in a bus and they’re giving us 100 resolve the ongoing conflict between him nology and not examples of civic action” 21 that the PACE is ready to provide assis- hrv [$20] per day,” she admitted. and Parliament by force, Ukrainian media tance to Ukraine in tackling the current (maidan.org.ua, April 16). Maidan.org.ua (March 28, 31, April 5) reported. “The only way to overcome the Paid political tourism was condemned political crisis, UNIAN reported. Mr. Van reprinted information distributed in east- parliamentary crisis ... is to hold pre-term der Linden was meeting with Verkhovna by President Yushchenko, who demanded ern Ukraine, offering the opportunity to elections. I want to say that every step I’m that the Procurator’s General Office inves- Rada Chairman Oleksander Moroz. Mr. undertake paid political tourism in Kyiv. going to take in the future will be based Moroz said he does not oppose early elec- tigate the tales of students and high school only on law,” Mr. Yushchenko said. The pupils pressured to give up their studies (Continued on page 18) tions, but added that they should only be Ukrainian president also said the working held following appropriate amendments to group that he and Prime Minister Viktor the Constitution of Ukraine and other legal Yanukovych set up earlier this month to changes. (RFE/RL Newsline) deal with the crisis has “exhausted itself,” Constitutional Court under pressure and is now being used to “drag out the Recalling Stalin’s victims in Bykivnia negotiation process.” Mr. Yushchenko KYIV – President Victor Yushchenko on by Pavel Korduban Yanukovych and President Yushchenko. promised that lawmakers from the opposi- Eurasia Daily Monitor As early as April 9, Parliament issued May 20 took part in a wreath-laying cere- tion Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc and Our mony and attended a church service to a statement accusing Mr. Yushchenko of Ukraine will take part in a session of the On May 21, the Constitutional Court “putting unprecedented pressure” on honor the victims of the totalitarian regime of Ukraine (CC) closed proceedings Verkhovna Rada next week, following the buried in mass graves in Bykivnia. “We are Constitutional Court judges. The follow- expected announcement later this week of a related to President Viktor Yushchenko’s ing day, Mr. Yushchenko’s representative now standing in Ukraine’s biggest ceme- April 2 decree to disband Parliament. date for early parliamentary elections. The at the CC, Volodymyr Shapoval, said that Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc and Our Ukraine (Continued on page 20) This was a pure formality, as Mr. any verdict regarding Mr. Yushchenko’s Yushchenko had on April 26 invalidated April 2 decree would be purely political. his own decree by issuing another decree Mr. Shapoval made his comments even disbanding Parliament and rescheduling before the CC officially started looking FOUNDED 1933 an early parliamentary election for June into the presidential decree, which hap- THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY 24. The CC launched proceedings on the pened on April 11. An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., April 26 decree on May 14. From the very beginning, both sides to No matter in whose favor the CC may a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. the conflict apparently agreed on one Yearly subscription rate: $55; for UNA members — $45. deliver its verdict, the opposing side will point: the CC would not rule in Mr. hardly recognize it. This is because the Periodicals postage paid at Parsippany, NJ 07054 and additional mailing offices. Yushchenko’s favor. His team and the (ISSN — 0273-9348) court has lost credibility, become inca- media backing the president were con- pacitated by political pressure, dismissals vinced that the majority of the CC’s 18 and resignations of its judges, and been The Weekly: UNA: judges sympathized with the Mr. Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 discredited by allegations of corruption. Yanukovych camp and were “corrupt.” In this situation, no legal ruling can solve Mr. Yanukovych’s side has insisted that Postmaster, send address changes to: Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz the political crisis caused by Mr. Mr. Yushchenko’s decision to disband The Ukrainian Weekly Editors: Yushchenko’s decision to disband the Parliament had been unconstitutional. 2200 Route 10 Zenon Zawada (Kyiv) Verkhovna Rada. The ultimate solution In this situation, the strategy of the P.O. Box 280 Matthew Dubas can apparently only be political, reached Yushchenko team has been to incapaci- Parsippany, NJ 07054 between Prime Minister Viktor tate the CC, while the Yanukovych camp has been at pains to maintain the status The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com; e-mail: [email protected] quo. On April 16 the Security Service of The Ukrainian Weekly, May 27, 2007 No. 21, Vol. LXXV Correction Ukraine (SBU), which is loyal to Mr. Copyright © 2007 The Ukrainian Weekly Yushchenko, accused CC Judge Suzanna The story “Thirty years ago: Greetings Stanik of corruption, saying that some from Earth … in Ukrainian” (May 13) by property had been handed over to her Yaro Bihun contained two inaccuracies. close relative, apparently in return for ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA While Cornell University had active certain services. Mr. Stanik flatly denied Slavic and Ukrainian clubs, Andrij this, and her husband alleged, in an inter- Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3041 Cehelsky was a member only of the view with Channel 5 on April 24, that he e-mail: [email protected] Ukrainian Club. Similarly, while he was had been offered a “big sum of money” Maria Oscislawski, advertising manager (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 a member of a number of Ukrainian himself in return for influencing his wife. e-mail: [email protected] Kozak dancing groups inspired by the On April 18 representatives of Yulia Mariyka Pendzola, subscriptions (973) 292-9800, ext. 3042 popular Kuban Cossaks of that period, he e-mail: [email protected] did not dance with the latter ensemble. (Continued on page 19) No. 21 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 27, 2007 3 NEWS ANALYSIS: Politicians’ views on media reveal divergent values by Marta Dyczok ed for Kyiv. A new tendency – noted by Olha on the news. It seems that the political RFE/RL Newsline Kuchma-era tactics such as legal Herasymyuk, a former television person- culture and professionalism of journalists actions, harassment and other forms of ality and current Our Ukraine national are improving, but to a large degree con- A look at Ukraine’s mass media pro- intimidation have been on the rise. The deputy – is that journalists are increas- tinue to reflect the major political divi- vides interesting insight into the ongoing pioneering Ukrayinska Pravda website ingly avoiding difficult topics relating to sions in society. political standoff in Ukraine. Because the has been sued six times during the last the coalition. “I am noticing that journal- Two final points concern the interna- country finally has a relatively free six months by Verkhovna Rada Chairman ists are refraining from critical tones tional dimension. Mr. Yanukovych and media, the behavior of the various politi- Oleksander Moroz. when reporting on the coalition or gov- his coalition partners are appealing to cal actors is reasonably visible. Their Rynat Akhmetov, Ukraine’s richest ernment activities,” she said during a Western public opinion, despite renewing actions toward the media, in turn, reveal man and an influential member of the recent interview. “It’s clear that they are pressures on the media at home. Mr. the divergence in political values that are Party of the Regions, recently launched becoming increasingly frightened.” Moroz, leader of the Socialist Party, pub- at the heart of the crisis. legal action against the popular website Given the renewed pressures they are lished his thoughts on the crisis on the The current situation is very much a Obozrevatel, after its reporter Tetyana facing, this return to self-censorship is pages of the International Herald continuation of the political struggle Chornovil found some of Mr. hardly surprising. Tribune, not Izvestiya – a huge change from 2004. One of the slogans of the Akhmetov’s old neighbors from his There is, nonetheless, some good news from 2004, when the focus was on Orange Revolution was “No More Lies!” hometown of Oktiabrskoye and pub- and reason for optimism. Great strides Moscow. (Ni Brekhni!), and since coming to lished a series of stories about his youth. have been made in developing investiga- The tone of Western reporting on Mr. power President Viktor Yushchenko has The newspaper in 2000 ran what tive journalism, a genre practically non- Yanukovych and the coalition has started to deliver on this promise. turned out to be a fabricated story, which existent in the era of former President changed, too. On April 22, a Daily However, after the Party of the Regions falsely quoted Renate Wohlwend, rappor- Leonid Kuchma. Channel 5, the website Telegraph article described the Ukrainian of Mr. Yushchenko’s rival, Viktor teur with the Parliamentary Assembly of Obozrevatel, and STB TV all conducted prime minister as “a former weightlifter Yanukovych, won at the parliamentary the Council of Europe (PACE), as saying independent investigations into allega- and onetime racing driver,” who speaks polls in the spring of 2006, they and their that Mr. Yushchenko’s April 2 decree dis- tions of corruption among Constitutional “in the soft baritone that accompanies his coalition partners have been enacting a solving Parliament was unconstitutional Court judges when the latest crisis broke. deceptively mild manner” when he creeping coup, slowly moving back into and he should resign. Analytical programs have also explains that “ ‘the Ukrainian people positions of power and reintroducing the Equally troubling was a remark to the improved, with two shows really stand- have an old democratic tradition.’ ” No old way of doing things. Nowhere is this press by Vadym Dolhanov, the husband ing out: “Ya Tak Dumayu” (This is What mention was made of his criminal record, more visible than in the media. of Constitutional Court Judge Suzanna I Think), hosted by Anna Bezulyk on the well-reported falsification of the 2004 So the real question is: What kind of Stanik, who was dismissed by Mr. Studio 1+1; and “Five Kopeks” (best election, or the creeping coup d’état that relationship does the government have Yushchenko as the court was considering translated as Your Two Cents) with precipitated the current crisis. with the media? Messrs. Yushchenko and the legality of the president’s April 2 Roman Chaika on Channel 5. The struggle between these two politi- Yanukovych appear to have very differ- decree. Responding to a question from a To some degree, innovation is also on cal blocs, and their very different politi- ent ideas about the relationship between female journalist about the couple’s prop- the rise. On April 13 a group of national cal cultures, is likely to continue. The the media and the state. erty holdings, Mr. Dolhanov responded and regional television stations staged a degree and nature of state intervention Since becoming president, Mr. by asking the journalist what kind of “Day Without Politicians on TV,” where into the work of the media will remain an Yushchenko has adopted a liberal underwear she was wearing. they deliberately avoided inviting the important indicator of just how far demo- approach to media policy, with minimal The Yanukovych team has also slowly usual talking heads and provided their cratic consolidation has progressed in state intervention beyond general regula- been trying to re-establish structural con- viewers with an alternative perspective Ukraine. tory measures and overseeing a slow trol over the media. After the 2006 par- process of removing the state from media liamentary elections, the majority coali- ownership. He has allowed the media to tion (the Communists, Socialists and the write, print, broadcast and post whatever Party of the Regions) appointed their IN THE PRESS: Commentary they wish, and this has allowed freedom own loyalists, Eduard Prutnik and Ihor of speech to flourish for the first time in Chaban, to head the State Committee for the country’s recent history. TV and Radio Broadcasting. on Ukraine’s political crisis Despite facing constant criticism from On March 20, the state-controlled Commentary by Tatiana Silina in Whatever is happening in Ukraine the media, Mr. Yushchenko has not taken Ukrainian National Television Channel 1 Dzerkalo Tyzhnia on the web, April today is no longer taken as a fight any steps to reintroduce state-sponsored canceled its only political debate pro- 7-13: between good and evil, between censorship, and this is the behavior of a gram, “Toloka,” one day after Yulia democracy and authoritarianism. democratic leader. Where Mr. Tymoshenko and Our Ukraine leader “It is no secret that many European “It is perfectly clear to everyone in Yushchenko falls short, as with so many Viacheslav Kyrylenko were guests on the politicians, who were gladly wearing the world that this is nothing but an other issues, is in doing little to introduce show and had positive comments from inane grasping after power – for per- or facilitate structural changes that would 80 percent of callers. orange scarves two years ago, are sigh- help consolidate these gains. There was also an attempt to circum- ing with relief today: how good that we sonal reasons, not as a means of serv- Prime Minister Yanukovych and his vent the parliamentary Freedom of didn’t go too far in our relations with ing this country.” coalition partners are taking advantage of Speech Committee, which is led by that unpredictable country! … Editorial in the Kyiv Post, April 12: this and gradually moving to re-establish Tymoshenko ally Andrii Shevchenko. “Europe is sick and tired of the control – the creeping coup. Their behav- Some members of the committee met Ukraine problem. This country is los- ior toward the media suggests that their without him and elected Party of the ing the last of their favorable attitudes “Analysts and pundits working for political culture remains stuck in pre- Regions lawmaker Olena Bondarenko and its last chances for fruitful cooper- both sides in the current political stand- 2004 semi-authoritarianism. acting chair on April 26. ation. Europe is fed up with Ukraine’s off agree that the timing of the crisis A telling incident occurred shortly How have journalists reacted to all of obscure problems. indicates that the real battle being after the Party of the Regions began its this? At best, their response can be “Europe has apprehensions that waged is first and foremost for the political comeback. On July 12, 2006, described as mixed. Although a truly even a successful settlement of the cur- country's economic resources. … only a few months after the elections, independent media does not exist any- rent crisis might be followed by anoth- “It is always easier to pass blame Party of the Regions National Deputy where, Ukraine’s media has further to go er crisis in a couple of months. and to assign responsibility for internal Oleh Kalashnikov assaulted two journal- toward this ideal than some. Despite the “Europe sees no guarantees that the problems to external forces. But there ists just outside Parliament. improvement in working conditions after appeased Ukrainian politicians will imme- are enough large and independent eco- The journalists, Marharyta Sytnyk and the end of state-sponsored censorship, diately start reforms and work day and nomic players within the country, who Volodymyr Novosad from STB televi- overall the professionalism of many jour- night for the good of this country. Europe have remained largely on the sidelines sion, had the audacity to film him near nalists remains woefully poor. sees no such leader at the moment. during the crisis. the Verkhovna Rada. Despite a major The basic elements of professionalism, “Europe has never had any illusions “Their voices have yet to be heard, outcry from journalists, Mr. Kalashnikov autonomy, distinct professional norms, about [Prime Minister Viktor] and their actions can help resolve the faced no consequences – he continues to and public-service orientation are largely Yanukovych, is disillusioned about standoff for the benefit of the country's sit in Parliament and make statements missing. Only one media outlet, maid- [president Viktor] Yushchenko, and is economy and democracy. about the importance of constitutional an.org.ua, bothered to check the source still mistrustful about [opposition leader “The first name to come to mind is that government and the rule of law. of the Strasbourg disinformation story. Yulia] Tymoshenko – an unknown enti- of the man who is reportedly the country's Most media outlets simply reprinted what Since the Kalashnikov incident, ty with strong populist and authoritarian richest: Rynat Akhmetov. It is up to peo- was fed to them. attacks on the media, some physical, inclinations. ple like him to take a clear, pro-Ukraine Many journalists still lack a clear have increased. A recent example took “More likely than not, few will vol- position in this political crisis. … understanding of the role the media play place on March 30, when Crimean jour- unteer to mediate between the conflict- “They cannot put their business in a democratic society and, despite nalists Olena Mekhanyk and Oleksander ing sides. By far, such statements of interests ahead of the country. They are improvements, the media are still not Khomenko of the Chornomorka televi- intent have only come from Polish most capable of telling Yanukovych to achieving their main purpose of provid- sion station were attacked as they filmed President Kaczynski (who would like back off. Doing so would ultimately ing clear, balanced and in-depth informa- coalition supporters boarding trains head- to make himself known in the eyes of benefit Ukraine and their businesses. tion and analysis of major events. Those the European community) and the “If they fail to do so, they will show who work for coalition-controlled media Russians (who are always ready to lend that they have not changed since the Marta Dyczok is an associate profes- outlets continue to print and broadcast their younger brother a helping hand). Orange Revolution. Their true colors will sor in history and political science at the what they are told. Ukraina TV’s “Big European leaders are in no surface and they will dispel any hopes University of Western Ontario. The views unflinching adherence to the Party of the hurry to soil their hands and reputa- that they are genuinely pro-Ukrainian expressed do not necessarily reflect those Regions party line is one demonstration tions in these dirty political squabbles. businessmen and politicians. …” of RFE/RL. of the extent of this problem. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 27, 2007 No. 21 Ukrainian Catholic University reception in Kyiv aims to build support base by Zenon Zawada master’s degrees in theology for the first Kyiv Press Bureau time. “In the name of the Holy See, I want KYIV – The Ukrainian Catholic to express sincere thanks to the University (UCU) hosted its first Kyiv Ukrainian government, which, taking reception on May 17 with the aim of into account the Church’s efforts, gave commemorating the fifth anniversary of the UCU the first state accreditation of its inauguration and beginning to build theological degrees in Ukraine,” Father its support base in the nation’s capital. Jurkovic said. “This step in a definite More than 150 guests arrived for the way helped to cardinally correct histori- evening reception at the Apostolic Nuncio’s cal injustice, born in a system that places residence, including Ukrainian and interna- ideological principles above the dignity tional businessmen, lawyers, government of the nation and its inviolable rights for officials and Ukrainian Catholic and spiritual self-determination.” Roman Catholic Church leaders. Since 1999 the UCU has graduated In a promising start to UCU’s fund- 400 students whose academic achieve- raising efforts in Kyiv, Apostolic Nuncio ments weren’t recognized by the to Ukraine Ivan Jurkovic presented Ukrainian government, Father Gudziak Patriarch Lubomyr Husar with a personal said. “It was a sign of witness on their donation from Pope Benedict XVI of part that they believed in the education 100,000 euros ($135,219) to support the the school had to give and they were will- university. ing to swim against the current,” he said. “It’s a very beautiful gesture,” said “What was noteworthy that I’d like to Father Borys Gudziak, Ph.D., the rector bring before you today is that many of Zenon Zawada of UCU. “In his statement addressed to those theology students were women. For Apostolic Nuncio Ivan Jurkovic, Ukrainian Catholic Church Patriarch Lubomyr Ukraine in April, he commended the gov- the first time in 1,000 years of Christian Husar and Ukrainian Catholic University Rector Borys Gudziak address a May 17 ernment for recognizing theology and history in Ukraine, women received a reception in support of the university at the Apostolic Nunciature in Kyiv. UCU. Now we have this beautiful sur- degree of theology in their own land. prise, which goes a long way for us.” Seven years later, this degree was recog- requesting, but wanting to share with who can follow the example of the Patriarch Husar, Father Gudziak and nized (in 2006),” Father Gudziak under- people the wealth of programs the UCU Ukrainian diaspora in the U.S. and start Apostolic Nuncio Jurkovic delivered scored. has to offer.” making fund-raising donations for the brief remarks on the UCU’s five years of The UCU is currently working with The change in plans didn’t affect the UCU in Ukraine.” growth, the successes of which include the National Academy of Sciences to interest or participation of the now bur- Also in attendance was Borys the new 59,000-square-foot Faculty of secure government recognition of the geoning UCU community in Kyiv. The Tarasyuk, the former foreign affairs min- Theology and Philosophy building and candidate of science and doctor of sci- Ukrainian Catholic Education Foundation ister and leader of the Rukh-Ukrainian library. ence degrees in theology. (UCEF) was able to give information on Right Wing Bloc that will run in the pre- For Father Gudziak, the participation The May 17 reception was originally the UCU to the guests as they departed. term parliamentary elections. of UCU students in the Orange planned to be the official inauguration of Among those leading Kyiv’s UCU Father Gudziak said he discussed with Revolution was significant because they the UCU’s Kyiv office, with a possible community is Andrii Hunder, director of Mr. Tarasyuk the endangered status of defended principles of freedom and fund-raising component. corporate communications and public certain diaspora academic institutions democracy in Ukraine. However, the organizing committee affairs for Pleon Talan, an international that are in dire need of support from the Patriarch Husar told the guests, many decided to accept an offer from the private and public sector consulting firm. Ukrainian government because private of whom received their first exposure to Apostolic Nunciature to host the event, Born and raised in London, Mr. Hunder funds have been exhausted. In particular, the UCU, that it is the first Catholic uni- which doesn’t allow for fund-raising, said was a seminary student at UCU’s Rome the Ukrainian Free University in Munich, versity on the territory of the former Natalia Klymovska, the director of infor- campus for ten years before entering the Germany, and the Shevchenko Scientific Soviet Union. mation and external affairs for the UCU field of public relations. Society in Sarcelles, France, need help. “This is not a Lviv or Halychyna insti- who directed the committee’s efforts. “We want people to know the UCU,” Meanwhile, the UCU has its own con- tution exclusively, though the headquar- The decision was buttressed by Pope he said. “The main supporters of the struction plans, Father Gudziak said. ters and main place of activity is the city Benedict XVI’s April statement to UCU are the diaspora, especially in the On May 22, the UCU community will of Lviv today,” Patriarch Husar said. Ukraine’s new ambassador to the Holy U.S. However, there are many “But this is a Ukrainian Catholic See, Tetiana Izhevska, in which he Ukrainians and people living in Ukraine (Continued on page 18) University envisioned for Ukraine. We expressed support for the UCU and com- hope that within a very short time, this mended the Ukrainian government for university will be active in the capital recognizing its theology degrees. city Kyiv and other cities of Ukraine.” “We thought the first step would be a Kyiv City Council names street In its most significant academic very nice opportunity for people to meet accomplishment, the UCU leadership each other at the Nunciature,” Ms. successfully lobbied Ukraine’s Ministry Klymovska said. “Once we’ve made the in honor of Metropolitan Lypkivsky of Education to grant government recog- initial step introducing ourselves, then Ukrainian World Congress cations and meetings in Kyiv with vari- nition last year to bachelor’s degrees and we can cooperate further. We are not only ous deputy mayors, committee chairs and TORONTO – Back on August 26, faction leaders. 2006, the Kyiv City Council voted to Finally all the fractions in the Kyiv rename Uritsky Street in the center of City Council in whole or part, except the Kyiv Metropolitan Vasyl Lypkivsky Immediate job opening Socialists, agreed to support the proposal Street. The Ukrainian World Congress and it was placed on the Kyiv City was most instrumental in this effort, via at direct communications and personal Council agenda for April 26. meetings at Kyiv’s City Hall. Metropolitan Vasyl Lypkivskyj, one of The matter was initiated by the the founders and the primate of the THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY Ukrainian Orthodox Brotherhood from Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Northport, Fla., in January 2003 but Church, lived on the subject street in received a negative response from Kyiv and served as pastor of the Full-time layout artist based at our office in Deputy Mayor M. Poshyvanov. In April Solomenska parish nearby beginning in Parsippany, N.J. 2004 the Brotherhood repeated its 1905. On May 9, 1919, he celebrated the request in a letter to Mayor Oleksander first Ukrainian-language liturgry in St. Omelchenko and again in August 2005. Michael Sobor in Kyiv, an act for which Position requires knowledge of QuarkXpress, Adobe Photoshop, In February 2006, a member of the he was defrocked by the Russian Church. Microsoft Office, etc. for Macintosh systems. Knowledge of InDesign a Kyiv Commission on street naming and In 1921 he was elected metropolitan of plus. Bilingual (English/Ukrainian) skills a definite plus. site designation, Serhii Bilokin informed the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox the brotherhood that the commission had Church. Persecuted by the Soviets, he Position involves photo scanning and editing, advertising design, page decided unanimously on January 25, was arrested in 1938 and executed. design and layout, typesetting in English and Ukrainian, troubleshooting. 2006 to recommend the renaming. Moisei Uritsky was a Ukrainian-born Unfortunately, recommendations by secret police activist in Petrograd during the October Revolution. In the course of Those interested in an opportunity to join The Ukrainian Weekly’s pro- city commissions are non-binding on the Kyiv City Administration or the Kyiv proceedings involving the renaming, duction team are encouraged to send a resume and a cover letter City Council. No further action was UWC President Askold S. Lozynskyj met explaining their interest in the position, along with salary requirements, taken until the Ukrainian Orthodox with, among others, Deputy Mayor to: Editor-in-Chief, The Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box Brotherhood asked the UWC to take on Volodymyr Holovach, who proposed that 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054; or to [email protected]. this project and the UWC sent its first the UWC compile a list of streets in Kyiv letter in December 2006 to current mayor it proposes should be renamed in future For information call 973-292-9800, ext. 3049 of Kyiv, Leonid Chernovetsky. The letter Kyiv City Council action. The UWC was followed up with personal communi- intends to pursue this proposal. No. 21 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 27, 2007 5 Coalition for a Secure and Democratic Ukraine OSCE trains judges, prosecutors meets with Ukrainian national deputies in D.C. how to fight human trafficking WASHINGTON – Members of the to assist Ukraine. However, he said he Organization for Security Using a “train-the-trainers” Coalition for a Secure and Democratic believes that the progressive relationship and Cooperation in Europe methodology to develop the capacities Ukraine met with members of the Ukrainian paused once Ukraine ceased to be a nuclear of trainers, participants examined sev- Parliament’s Ukraine-U.S. Caucus on April power and behaved in questionable ways. KYIV – Twenty-five Ukrainian eral case studies. 27 to discuss Ukraine’s current political sit- Mr. Bilorus emphasized the need to judges and prosecutors are taking part The course was conducted by experts uation, economic development in Ukraine restore the status of a strategic partnership in an OSCE training course on ways from the Ukrainian Supreme Court, and the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations. with the U.S. He added that although to combat human trafficking that Academy of Judges, the Ministry for The three parliamentarians from Ukraine Ukraine is doing better in terms of econom- began in Kyiv on May 21. Family, Youth and Sport, the Internal were Oksana Bilozir (Our Ukraine), Oleh ic growth and high GDP levels, it still needs The three-day course focused on Affairs Ministry, the International Labor Bilorus (Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc) and Leonid assistance with crucial issues such as mem- prosecuting trafficking cases and Organization and its International Kozhara (Party of the Regions). The meeting bership in the World Trade Organization improving the protection of trafficking Program on the Elimination of Child took place at the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation’s (WTO) and the North Atlantic Treaty victims. Participants discussed nation- Labor, the United Nations Office in office in Washington. Organization (NATO). Mr. Bilorus al and international regulations on traf- Ukraine, the European Court of Human The deputies agreed that Ukraine current- expressed optimism about the future of ficking for forced labor and trafficking Rights and the Italian Carabinieri ly faces a political crisis and that there is an Ukraine’s economy and reiterated the need in children, existing court practices General Headquarters, as well as spe- urgent need to resolve the stalemate in order for collective security for Ukraine to grow and ways to help child-victims. cialists from local NGOs. A children’s to focus on priorities that will move the as a prosperous and respected country. “Trafficking in human beings is one psychotherapist also tooking part in the country forward; however, they differed on The deputies also expressed their desire to of the worst crimes of our times. Men, course. the means to accomplish this. cooperate with members of Congress and women and children suffer from sexu- Participants of the course will be Mr. Bilorus and Ms. Bilozir agreed on the said they have already made significant al and labor exploitation, and are used able to offer two-day anti-trafficking need to have early elections to gain a new progress on determining specific issues to as donors for illegal organ and tissue training classes for their colleagues in mandate for government and supported address at this year’s meeting with the transplantations. This course will several regions of Ukraine. Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko’s Congressional Ukrainian Caucus. Issues up broaden the understanding of the The course was jointly organized second decree dissolving Parliament, while for discussion include energy security, eco- problem and help law enforcement by the Office of the OSCE Project Mr. Kozhara stated that both of the presi- nomic security, collective security (i.e., officials and the judiciary develop Coordinator, the Ukrainian Academy dent’s decrees were unconstitutional. NATO), WTO integration and economic skills urgently needed to ensure an of Judges and the Academy of Mr. Kozhara also said that the prime min- competitiveness. The Verkhovna Rada mem- effective fight against this crime,” said Prosecutors. It was financed by volun- ister’s government was most effective in bers declared their intensions of having such Iryna Voytuk, the president of the tary contributions from the Austrian moving Ukraine forward and warned of the meetings on a regular, three-month basis. Ukrainian Academy of Judges. Government. danger that would befall Ukraine in terms of A video of the event can be viewed stifling economic progress if the Yulia online on the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation’s Tymoshenko Bloc was elected into govern- website at www.usukraine.org. ment. He also said he did not believe that In addition to meeting with the Coalition FOR THE RECORD: Statement international mediation could effectively for a Secure and Democratic Ukraine, the assist in the resolution of the crisis. Verkhovna Rada delegation’s visit to the Addressing Ukraine’s relationship with the United States included meetings with the U.S. by Committee of Voters of Ukraine United States, Deputy Bilorus, who served as State Department, Congressional Ukrainian Following is the text of a statement dures established for regular elections. Ukraine’s first ambassador to the United Caucus, U.S.-Ukraine Business Council and on the social and political situation in • Prior to declaring the snap elec- States, explained that U.S.-Ukraine coopera- members of the Ukrainian community. Ukraine issued on April 25 by the tion, the national deputies should tion in the early 1990s was productive and For more information or to join the Committee of Voters of Ukraine. renew their activities and make that significant accomplishments were made, Coalition for a Secure and Democratic amendments to the Law on such as nuclear disarmament, a strategic part- Ukraine, readers may contact Marta The political crisis in Ukraine Elections. They should establish a nership between the two countries, economic Matselioukh at [email protected] or at came to a boil. Controversies proportional election system with cooperation, and the United States agreeing 202-223-2228. between political forces are so deep “open lists” of candidates for nation- that any further escalation would al deputies. The CVU believes that bring about disastrous consequences “open regional lists” would be the for the Ukrainian nation. At the best option for Ukraine. NNSA works with Ukrainian agency same time, the majority of decision- • If the “closed lists” are preserved, makers have realized that the only the Verkhovna Rada should amend the way to overcome the political crisis Law on Elections and the Law on to thwart nuclear smuggling at border is to hold snap elections of national Political Parties. Such acts should Embassy of the United States ing and proliferation of weapons of mass deputies in 2007. Ukrainian people secure secret rating voting of party destruction. We will continue to strengthen are of the same mind. According to a congresses for the priority of candi- KYIV – The Department of Energy’s our cooperation as we work together to survey of the Kyiv International dates on a party’s list. Parties and (DOE) National Nuclear Security complete installation of the NNSA radiation Institute of Sociology, about 80 per- blocs which have already nominated Administration (NNSA) and the detection equipment at the remaining sites cent of Ukrainians are going to take their candidates for a snap election Administration of the State Border Guard in Ukraine,” said NNSA’s Deputy part in the early election – the figure should publish data on their candidates Service of Ukraine (ASBGS) on May 21 Administrator for Defense Nuclear is unique even for regular elections. on official websites of such parties. commissioned a radiation detection check- Nonproliferation Will Tobey in Washington. At the same time, the CVU • As the unified register of voters point at the Kurchurgan vehicle crossing in believes that a campaign arranged in cannot be formed on a tight sched- Ukraine, near the border with Moldova. Attending the commissioning ceremony were U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine William a rush, lack of funding and poor orga- ule, working groups for the forma- A joint ceremony was held at the crossing nizational efforts, violation of princi- tion of lists of voters should renew in Ukraine to highlight the installation and Taylor, NNSA Assistant Deputy Administrator for International Material ples of transparency and openness their activities as soon as possible. operation of radiation detection equipment would only exacerbate a crisis, let • In order to enforce responsibility provided by the NNSA. The ceremony also Protection and Cooperation David Huizenga, and Col. Gen. Mykola Lytvyn, alone solve the conflict. Voters will of national deputies before their con- recognized the ongoing cooperation be able to form their opinion about stituency, the Verkhovna Rada of between the United States and Ukraine in who is in charge of the ASBGS. The Second Line of Defense program political forces if a perfect and demo- Ukraine should pass the Law on preventing illicit trafficking of nuclear and cratic election process is organized. Rules of Procedure of the Verkhovna radioactive material across Ukrainian bor- works with foreign governments at border crossings, airports and seaports to install The Committee of Voters of Rada immediately after unblocking ders. Ukraine initiates the following their activities. In particular, the law specialized radiation detection equipment Under the 2005 DOE and ASBGS measures to be taken for the should impose a ban on faction and train officials to detect smuggled Implementing Agreement, NNSA’s Second improvement of the election process switching, require personal voting of nuclear and other radioactive materials. To Line of Defense Program is providing assis- and rising responsibility of elected national deputies (no handing over of date, the program has installed equipment at tance to the Ukrainian border guard service officials before the voters: deputies’ cards) and implement mech- over 100 sites around the world. to conduct training, hold technical work- • Political forces should reach a anisms for cooperation of national shops, and provide and maintain radiation Established by Congress in 2000, the compromise and cancel their incon- deputies with their voters (monthly detection equipment at border crossings and NNSA is a separately organized agency sistent and contradictory resolu- reports, etc). The law should provide other points of entry. within the U.S. Department of Energy tions. Terms of compromise and for various penalties for violation of As part of this assistance, NNSA has responsible for enhancing national security obligations of parties should be set such norms, up to termination of a deployed radiation detection equipment at through the military application of nuclear forth in an open document. national deputy’s office. five sites in Ukraine on the Moldovan bor- science. The NNSA maintains and enhances • Compromise should include an The CVU expects political par- der, including Kuchurgan, where the com- the safety, security, reliability and perform- agreement on holding the snap parlia- ties to waive their personal claims missioning ceremony was held. The NNSA ance of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile mentary election in October 2007 and reach a consensus, while taking will work with Ukraine to equip an addi- without nuclear testing; works to reduce upon voluntary dissolution of the into account the opinions of non- tional 25 sites. global danger from weapons of mass Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine of the affiliated Ukrainian NGOs. “Ukraine and the United States are work- destruction; provides the U.S. Navy with fifth convocation. The term of the ing closely together to stop nuclear smug- safe and effective nuclear propulsion; and campaign should be four months. All English-language text provided gling. This partnership plays a critical role responds to nuclear and radiological emer- counterparts should observe proce- by the press service of the CVU. in the global fight against the illicit traffick- gencies in the U.S. and abroad. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 27, 2007 No. 21
NEWS AND VIEWS THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY Yanukovych’s makeover Suffering honored: commemoration “Victor Yanukovich [sic], prime minister of this strategically important nation of the Holocaust and the Holodomor wedged between Russia and the West, has undergone one of the most extreme makeovers in global politics. Just two years ago, the Russian-backed machine by Alexandra Hawryluk said: “It is generally assumed, that politics, politician was a pariah in the West after he claimed victory in the 2004 presiden- warfare and economic activities are the Suffering creates a bond of understand- tial elections, which were marred by fraud and a brutal poisoning that left his subject matter of history. To the prophets, ing and compassion that can have the opponent disfigured. … God’s judgement of man’s conduct is the power to transcend social, national and reli- “[Today] He has positioned himself as a champion of rule of law and demo- main issue; everything else is marginal. gious boundaries. And it was this bond that cratic values, a visitor to Washington, Brussels and Davos, as well as Moscow.” Prophets do not mince words ... Isaiah brought the representatives of the Ukrainian Thus writes, Marc Champion from Kiev [sic] in the May 15 issue of The Wall writes (35: 7,8) ‘The envoys of peace and Jewish communities of Montreal to a Street Journal. weep bitterly, the highways lie waste ... joint ceremony – held at St. Mary the witnesses are despised, there is no regard The story, which ran on the eminent newspaper’s front page, noted how Mr. Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church on Yanukovych has changed his hairstyle, his advisers, his pronouncements (e.g., for man.’ There is nothing that we forget as Sunday, April 22, 2007 – honoring the vic- eagerly as the wickedness of man. The his previous anti-NATO and Russo-centric stands) and the company he keeps tims of the Holocaust and the Famine- (most notably Russian President Vladimir Putin, to whom he used to run, it earth holds such terrifying secrets. The Genocide. For the first time in Canadian dead are buried and the crimes, forgotten.” seemed, at each opportunity). Plus, Mr. Champion notes, “He even polished his history Jews and Ukrainians prayed togeth- Ukrainian, which he now speaks in public instead of his first language, Russian.” Yet in the face of war, torture, persecu- er for the loss both nations had endured at tion and genocide, it is all too easy to Similarly, Simon Bell, writing in the London-based Sunday Telegraph, notes: the hands of genocidal tyrants. “The pro-Moscow leader who was prevented from becoming president of Ukraine question not only the effectiveness of Every year for the last 25 years the humanity’s efforts at fighting evil, but to by the ‘Orange Revolution’ is attempting to reinvent himself as a Western-leaning Christian-Jewish Dialogue of Montreal has conciliator who defends democracy.” Now Mr. Yanukovych underlines that question God’s very existence. However, been organizing a memorial service for the to question “if not His existence, then His “Ukraine is not Russia,” claims that under his government “Ukraine-NATO rela- victims of the Shoah at various Protestant tions have been based on a deepening cooperation with the alliance,” and supports love and care for us” is precisely the goal and Catholic churches in the city as part of of evil, maintained Dr. Melnyk. So, how “gradual integration” with the West, the Telegraph reports. the permanent international inter-faith dia- How is it that these two newspapers (and others) have discovered a “new and do we deal with that? “We answer evil logue. For most of the pastors, priests, rab- through the practice of good, through improved” Viktor Yanukovych? The answer may be found in a series of articles pub- bis and invited guests, and members of the lished two months ago in Ukrayinska Pravda: spin-doctors, and from the United music, through poetry, through everything Christian-Jewish Dialogue of Montreal, that makes life richer and more meaning- States, no less. You see, Mr. Yanukovych’s Party of the Regions hired American spin- among them the National Chair of the doctors to advise the party on its elections campaign and to promote its leader, both in ful. We answer through gatherings like Canadian Jewish Congress, Dr. Victor today which keep the memory of those Ukraine and abroad. Paul Manafort and his team, according to Pravda, are running an Goldbloom, this year’s commemoration expensive PR operation that is meant to be kept out of the public eye. They come up who perished and raise their existence, was their introduction to the traditions of however brief or long it may have been ... with the messages that need to be delivered, and they keep their clients on message. both Eastern Christianity and the That is how, Ukrayinska Pravda writes, Mr. Yanukovych came to refer to Ukraine before God’s presence in prayer.” Ukrainian Orthodox Church. As the last evocative notes of “Vichnaya as a bridge between the West and the East, how Mr. Yanukovych told his U.S. listen- In his welcoming remarks, the chair of Pamiat” (Eternal Memory) drifted over the ers that he and President Viktor Yushchenko are not opponents, or even rivals – in the Christian-Jewish Dialogue of Montreal solemn crowd of about 100 (sung by the St fact, they agree on the course Ukraine should take, though perhaps not its velocity. and parish priest of St. Mary the Mary the Protectress Church Choir under So, it must be asked: Are we seeing a case of a true makeover, or is it simply Protectress Church, the Very Rev. Dr. Ihor the direction of Claudia Melnyk), Hyman that Mr. Yanukovych’s advisers have taught him how to handle himself? Is it Mr. Kutash, quoting Romans 12:21 set the tone Gisser, cantor at the Congregation Beth-El, Yanukovych who is enjoying success as his ratings have improved, or is it his for the event: “ ‘Do not be overcome by began to sing the kadish, the ancient spin-masters who are the success story? evil, but overcome evil with Aramaic prayer for the repose of the dead. The proof, we say, is in the pudding – perhaps most notably in the prime minister’s good’...[because] it is not evil but goodness When his singing ended, Rabbi Elina actions leading up to and during Ukraine’s political crisis. Do Mr. Yanukovych and his and unity in diversity that has the last word Bykova, a native of Kyiv who is now work- team negotiate in good faith? Do they play fair? Does Mr. Yanukovych keep his in this world, which belongs to God.” ing in Temple Enamu-El-Beth Shalom in word? Do his words really mean anything at all? Recent developments in Ukraine In the church hall seven thick red can- Montreal, read her own beautifully poetic lead us to answer in the negative. Most pointedly, if the president and the prime minis- dles were set out on a long table covered Ukrainian translation of the kadish. ter agreed to pre-term parliamentary elections (on May 4) and then to a new date for with a crisp, floor-length snow white table- Where did this kind of inter-faith gath- those elections (on May 23), why then is Ukraine still going nowhere fast? cloth, decorated with one beautifully ering originate, one might ask? Basically At the end of the day, the question remains: Does a makeover re-make the man? embroidered runner. To the sound of spe- interfaith dialogue was inspired by a 1965 cial prayers read by the Parish Council Vatican Council document called “Nostra secretary, Victor Zwtekow, the candles Aetate.” This document radically changed were lit one by one by the representatives the Catholic Church’s teaching regarding June of the Israeli Consulate, Canadian Jewish the Jews by recognizing the validity of Turning the pages back... Congress, Ukrainian Canadian Congress, the Jewish covenant with God, by honor- Montreal Holocaust Memorial Center and ing their religious heritage, by banning the Embassy of Ukraine. prayers for the conversion of Jews to 1 As dignity-imbued as these moments Christianity and by inviting Catholics to were, it was the lighting of the sixth candle Four years ago, in conjunction with the 70th anniversary of engage in a dialogue with them. by the Holocaust survivor, Yehudi 2003 the Famine-genocide of 1932-1933, the Verkhovna Rada held At the same time, under the leadership Lindeman, and the lighting of the seventh its first parliamentary hearing dedicated to the subject, as of Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II, candle by the Famine survivor, Anna reported by The Ukrainian Weekly on June 1, 2003. ecumenical relations, that is relations Melnyk, that caught at people’s hearts. As Citing the conclusion of the congressionally mandated U.S. Commission on the between various Christian Churches in the striking photograph from last Ukraine Famine that the Great Famine was a genocide of the Ukrainian nation (whose blossomed: the Anglican, Catholic, September’s memorial service at Babyn report was released in 1988), Ukraine’s Parliament passed a resolution on May 15, Lutheran, Orthodox, Presbyterian Yar in Ukraine, here in Montreal a 2003, that declared “the Famine of 1932-1933 was an act of genocide against the Churches entered into dialogue via aca- Ukrainian and a Jew stood united in Ukrainian nation, based on the hellish plans of the Stalinist regime” demic conferences and community work. remembered pain, united in the need to Hennadii Udovenko, chairman of the parliamentary Committee on Human Rights, This facilitated the development of the honor all those who died. explained, “With this document we noted for the first time that we discussed openly Jewish-Christian dialogue because at In his homily, Dr. Alexander Melnyk, and condemned the politics of genocide.” chair of the Parish Council of St. Mary’s, (Continued on page 9) Pleased with the passing of the resolution, Mr. Udovenko said the he believed that a law firmly establishing Ukraine’s position on the Great Famine as genocide against the Ukrainian nation is needed. Another result of the debate, continued Mr. Udovenko, was that specific plans for a memorial museum complex on the Great Famine had been decided. The resolution stated that “in an independent Ukraine the terrible truth of those years must ACTION ITEM be publicized by the state, inasmuch as the Famine of 1932-1933 was organized by the Stalin regime and should be publicly condemned by the Ukrainian nation and the international Immaculate Conception Schools need help community as one of the largest genocides in history in terms of number of victims.” Recognition is needed, the resolution further stated, to help stabilize the country’s Immaculate Conception Schools in Warren, Mich., are seeking your help. internal social-political relations, correct the historical injustices and help the country We are appealing to the Ukrainian American communities for their help – financial avoid future “attempts at new dictatorships and violation of the most sacred of human assistance in solving an urgent situation at the Immaculate Conception Schools (ele- rights, the right to life.” mentary and high school). In order to sustain these outstanding schools, rated in the It also expressed the need for Ukraine to have the international community recog- top 100 of the United States (see U.S. News & World Report, January 18, 1999), it nize the Great Famine as genocide, in order that the country could finally “be consid- takes $600,000 per year, over and above tuition, to cover school expenses. ered a fully worthy, civilized nation.” The school is one of only two in the U.S. with a Ukrainian Catholic education cur- The voting was close, with just the minimum 226 votes for and 183 out of the 410 riculum and college preparatory program. That is why we are asking the Ukrainian lawmakers present abstaining. Surprisingly, no one voted against the resolution, and American community at large for help. Contributions can be made through the fol- there was no prior discussion or debate on the part of the Communists. Additionally, lowing Michigan Credit Unions: Ukrainian Selfreliance Credit Union, account No. 16615 and Ukrainian Future Credit Union, account No. 11777. (Continued on page 18) For more information, readers may call Boris Potapenko at 586-216-3798. No. 21 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 27, 2007 7 TheThe thingsthings wewe do...do... PERSPECTIVES
by Orysia Paszczak Tracz BY ANDREW FEDYNSKY Being there – so at home in Ukraine One country, two tracks Have you ever come to a place you’ve and 1015) are visible. This is Kniaz Orange and blue; right bank/left bank; Ukrainian national psyche, reflecting the never been before and felt right at home? Volodymyr’s town, from which Kyiv pro-West/pro-Moscow; Ukrainian-speak- horrendous realities of Ukrainian history, That’s how I felt when I first arrived in expanded into Kniaz Yaroslav’s town (the ing/Russian-speaking: Ukraine is divid- where civil war occurred with disastrous Ukraine in 1993; over the years, that feel- areas of St. Sophia and Zoloti Vorota). ed, with a line drawn between one politi- frequency. That legacy defines bitter dif- ing hasn’t changed. Kniahynia Olha’s residence, a palace in- cal orientation and another, the closeness ferences today. Just look at the annual Other cities, other countries have beauty, the-round, was located on this hill. The in the popular vote for the respective confrontation taking place on the maidan interesting architecture and historic places. earthen rampart (val) that surrounded that positions reflecting the division in the (Independence Square) in Kyiv between But being in Ukraine, whether in Kyiv, first town is still there. The various histori- country. And the result has been stale- Red Army veterans and those from the Lviv or any small town or village, is so cal locations are clearly labeled. mate at the highest level of government. Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) – still much more fascinating to me. Even though Past the National Historical Museum on This is hardly new. The country has fighting battles from half a century ago – I am far removed from the place – my par- this hill is one of the ravines leading down been split since the death of Hetman one side cursing in Ukrainian and the ents left as young adults – I am so drawn to to the Podil, the old lower town along the Bohdan Khmelnytsky, 350 years ago this other in Russian. it. After all, it is my ancestral homeland, banks of the Dnipro River. This was the year. In 1648 he led a revolution against A free and independent Ukraine where my roots are found. I suppose if I did commercial port part of the medieval city. Polish rule and then three years before his allows them to do that and stations young not know much about the place, maybe it It still has two very closely parallel streets passing aligned his country with policemen between them, to make sure would be like any other tourist spot – old named Nyzhnii Val and Verkhnii Val (the Muscovy. Within a decade, Ukraine had the octogenarians who once aimed guns and interesting, and so what? low and the high ramparts). Khoryv and two hetmans at the same time: one on the and now wave canes at each other, don’t But, because it is the source of my Shchekavytska streets are there, too, and, left bank of the Dnipro River, the other hurt themselves or anyone else and get roots, it is so very special. I am so at home in another area, Lybidska Street is near the on the right; one tilting toward Moscow, home safely, where some of them, no in Ukraine! Yes, I know, to the people stream that still manages to flow within the the other toward Warsaw, with both play- doubt, will see their grandchildren off to there I am a foreigner, a curiosity; I might city. Talk about Ridna Shkola coming ing a side game with Istanbul. Both pur- school the next day, where the Ukrainian even be regarded as one of those (expletive alive, as one of my sons exclaimed. ported to lead the country as a whole and, language, happily, is gaining ground with at times deleted) diasporans. And yet, often In a few places, the original pink-hued riven by personal ambitions and animosi- every passing day. I am taken as being from another city or stonework of medieval Kyiv is purposely ties, turned on each with a vengeance. A And that’s the real story: the divisions the next province. They think I am a exposed, for example in the pavement on single word describes that period of that plagued the country for generations native, but just not from right there. Volodymyrska Street near Velyka Ukrainian History: “ruina” (ruin). still exist, but there’s a different reality in Thanks to my parents, I mastered the lan- Zhytomyrska. The same stones and bricks Not surprisingly, Ukraine’s neighbors Ukraine that bodes well for the future: guage, and only rarely does someone made from this local material are visible in took full advantage, partitioning the coun- • After being partitioned for close to notice that it is not quite what is spoken the walls of St. Sophia in Pecherska Lavra, try between Poland and later Austria- 300 years, Ukraine’s territory for the past there now. But that’s whole other story. the rebuilt Uspenskyi Sobor, and other Hungary in the west and Russia in the two generations has been unified and I love walking around, whether in the ancient buildings. east. It all culminated in catastrophe in consolidated. city, town or village – or the open coun- The names of the streets, city districts, 1914, when young Ukrainians were con- • After the 1991 referendum on inde- tryside. I feel such comfort and a deep hills and parks are testimony to the antiquity scripted into two armies, which clashed pendence, approved by a margin of better soul-nourishing satisfaction. It is home in of Ukrainian cities, towns and villages. For over issues that mattered not at all to the than 9-1 with every oblast and the a very deep sense, something that cannot example, below the ravine of old Kyiv Hill, soldiers who shivered with fear and cold Crimean Autonomous Republic voting in be explained in any logical way. the areas are called Honchari (potters), in the trenches that scarred their land. It favor, Ukraine’s status as a sovereign state The streets of Lviv, Kyiv, Kolomyia, Kozhumiaky (tanners – remember the story was heart-breaking when both sides of is no longer questioned. Just to make sure, Ternopil and Ivano-Frankivsk have become of Kyrylo Kozhumiaka?) and Dihtiari (tar- No-Mans-Land sang Christmas carols on a professional military establishment so familiar to me that I rarely need to refer to burners and sellers). Yaroslaviv Val January 6, Christmas Eve for both repeatedly and quietly affirms its commit- the city maps. I just head off in the direction (Yaroslav’s Ramparts) is the street where ment to defend the country’s borders. I “know” I’m supposed to go. It’s spooky, the actual ramparts were raised around his Orthodox (right bank) and Greek-Catholic • Passions that once led to fratricide but I’m rarely wrong. Of course, there have expanding city. Volodymyrsky Uzviz is the (left bank) Ukrainians. On Christmas Day, are now channeled into a framework of been times where I have been completely, street along which – according to the chron- they went back to killing each other. political parties, the Central Election terribly, most embarrassingly wrong, with icles – people walked from the upper town Fratricide and internecine conflict Commission, the Verkhovna Rada my poor feet paying the price. On the other to the Dnipro River to be baptized in 988. have been a common subject in hand, quite a few times I have been asked Virmenska Street is where the Armenians Ukrainian literature. In Nikolai Gogol’s (Parliament), government ministries, a for directions, and have known what to say. settled and lived in Lviv from its earliest (Mykola Hohol to Ukrainians) “Terrible Supreme Court, etc. Their decisions are Once at the Zoloti Vorota (Golden times. The village of Pechenizhyn definitely Revenge” (1832), Ivan murders his contested, to be sure, but thus far, all Gates) in Kyiv on a Sunday morning, a has something to do with the Pechenihy brother, Petro. When God allows the vic- sides respect them. man with a young son asked me how to tribe of Volodymyr’s times. The stories tim to determine his brother’s punish- • Above all, Ukraine – unlike several get to a particular street. I thought it was behind the toponyms are endless and, if you ment, Petro is so overcome by hatred he other post-Soviet states – has a free down this way but, just in case, took out know even a shred of Ukrainian history, so condemns Ivan’s children, descendants press, free speech and freedom of assem- my guidebook to check, explaining that I much more interesting. and ancestors (and therefore his own, as bly – rights that were dramatically was from Canada. Well, he was from One place I must visit this summer is well) to a fate so monstrous that God demonstrated, defended and affirmed Zaporizhia. We enjoyed a laugh, talked for the site of the excavations by Vikentiy Himself is aghast and orders both broth- during the Orange Revolution. a bit, and then they went on their way – in Khvoika – the Paleolithic site on Frunze ers to share the horror. Ukraine has been independent for all the direction I had originally indicated. Street in the Podil. That’s about as far Nearly a century later, Volodymyr of 15 years and, like the United States To be in Ukraine’s shrines or on the actu- back as our human history goes. Talk Sosiura – best known for his World War with its blue and red states, is coping al sites of ancient history is quite moving. about Ukrainian antiquity, eh? II anthem, “Love Ukraine as you love the with a political divide defined to a great The first time I entered St. Sophia Sobor I am at home in Ukrainian churches, no sun,” – wrote a poem (1924) about a extent by a history of civil war. in Kyiv, I sensed this strange physical and matter which denomination. The atmos- Bolshevik who aims at the trident Candidates campaign behind blue-and- spiritual emotion, and was moved to tears. I phere, the reverence, the iconography, the (tryzub) on his brother’s uniform and yellow banners even as supporters wave did not expect this. Suddenly I felt all that people, the singing – it is mine, it is famil- then wonders how to tell their mother orange flags, blue flags, raspberry and antiquity and history and the souls from iar, it is what I grew up with. (The only when he comes home. black and the crimson of the Soviet those times surrounding me. Seeing the church that was foreign to me, I later Provided, that is, another brother had- Union. Hey, in the U.S. many still salute reconstructed St. Michael the Golden- learned, belonged to the Moscow n’t already killed her: in Mykola the stars and bars of the Confederacy. Domed Sobor is an emotion of another Patriarchate. Back in 1993 we came to a Khvyliovyi’s “Myself, A Romance” As in all politics, serious issues are at kind. The beauty and majesty of the mag- church in Chernivtsi during a service. What (1928), the narrator, “Me” – also a stake in Ukraine: careers, reputations, nificent cathedral is one thing, but knowing was very strange and uncomfortable to me Bolshevik – embraces his mother, even contracts and jobs. Above all, however, it how ancient it is and what had been done to was the way the women were scurrying as he shoots her in the temple, all is about reconciling two historical tracks it, and how it rose as a phoenix makes it so around, hunched over, heads down, ker- because her religious faith made her an and in the process defining a nation. It much more glorious. chiefs over their foreheads. It was as if they enemy of the people. He wonders if he looks tangled, unruly and, frankly, scary Walking along Virmenska (Armenian) were afraid to stand up straight, and face the did the right thing ... at times. Both sides have demonstrators Street and the other oldest streets of Lviv is priest, the altar and the icons directly.) On the other hand, there’s Mother camping out on the maidan. Still, even also fascinating. From the external buttress- And so, I will be back this August. Ukraine in Taras Shevchenko’s “Plundered high-stakes politics can get boring and so, es on the buildings, you just know how very Since 1993, I have been fortunate to lead Grave” (1843), who regrets she didn’t to pass the time while waiting for a deal old they are. I find photographing court- a folk art and culture tour to Ukraine each strangle her son, Bohdan, while he was to be cut, a soccer game broke out yards, gates, doors, and windows and win- year, during my vacation (oh, that day job still a baby. In Gogol’s “Taras Bulba” between Orange and Blue. Don’t know dowsills in Lviv to be especially satisfying. interferes). I enjoy showing off my other (1835), a father doesn’t hesitate. (I’ve read who lost, but as events move forward and One special spot for me is the old Kyiv “home” to those who join me. In the last the novel and seen the movie and, really, people absorb lessons from the past, it Hill, where Volodymyrska Street begins, at few years I have stayed for a bit after the the Kozak leader Taras had no choice. But looks more and more that Ukraine wins. the top of Andriyivskyi Uzviz, and where group leaves to wander the streets of Lviv my God! To kill your own son?) the remains of the Desiatynna Tserkva and Kyiv. And, as usual, I will be luxuri- I could go on ... Clearly this horren- Andrew Fedynsky’s e-mail address is: (Church of the Tithes, built between 989 ating in the sheer pleasure of being there. dous theme speaks of deep trauma in the [email protected]. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MAY 27, 2007 No. 21
Lemkivschyna to Poland instead, he said, large scale, national problems related to Sixty years after... because they knew they stood to lose deportation and return of property, espe- (Continued from page 1) their Ukrainian identity. cially forest property, Lemkos feel at tus as a scattered, diaspora people, with “This is evidence that Lemkos felt them- home in Poland, and they feel comfort- each speaker having his own accent, selves part of the Ukrainian community, felt able in Poland, and I am joyful for that,” whether Polish, Serbian or just plain a Ukrainian spirit and wanted to be part of Mr. Zieniewicz said. Jersey. the greater Ukrainian nation, even when it Those remarks were met by mild They also demonstrated their unity by was Soviet,” Prof. Serhiichuk said. applause, though some Lemkos didn’t referring to each other as “Dorohi Documents prove the Polish totalitarian agree. krayany” (dear countrymen). government hatched Akcja Wisla far ahead “That is a blatant lie,” said Zenon “Before our generation stands one of of the assassination of Gen. Karol Halkowycz of New Jersey, president of the biggest goals of our life, that is to say Swierczewski in March 1947, which was the Organization for the Defense of the most important strategy for our exis- the official pretext used to carry out the Lemko Western Ukraine. “If the Lemkos tence: how to preserve our sub-ethnos; deportations, he said. “They planned on cre- how to preserve and revive a spiritual, ating a single-nation Poland, where there material and original culture of a high tra- weren’t supposed to be ethnic minority dition that was destroyed; and how to rights for Ukrainians, Lithuanians, Germans revive our Lemkivschyna,” said and others who populated the territory of Oleksander Venhrynovych, chair of the modern-day Poland,” Prof. Serhiichuk said. Lemkivschyna All-Ukrainian Association. From then on, Polish authorities care- “It’s the essential issue of why we gath- fully watched the activities of er as a world community gathers and why Ukrainians, preventing them from clus- we gather at congresses. It’s the most Zenon Zawada tering in any given town or village, pro- painful issue in our lives,” he stated. Oleksander Venhrynovych, chair of hibiting Ukrainian churches and schools, the Lemkivschyna All-Ukrainian and even going so far as to forbid the Akcja Wisla Association. singing of Ukrainian songs at marriages, Prof. Serhiichuk said. Just as the Nazi Holocaust savagely The Polish government ranked indi- persecuted the Jewish people and became Between 140,000 and 170,000 ethnic viduals perceived as threats on a scale of a defining episode in their modern histo- Ukrainians, ethnic Lemkos and those of A, B and C, indicating who needed to be ry, Akcja Wisla devastated the Lemko mixed marriages were forcibly deported watched more carefully. people like nothing else in their history. during Akcja Wisla’s second phase To prevent Ukrainians from illegally On April 28 and 29, Ukrainians and between April and July 1947, he said. returning to their native lands, the gov- Lemkos commemorated the 60th year More than half of them were Lemkos, ernment passed a decree in July 1949 anniversary of the forced deportations in said Volodymyr Nakonechnyi, a post- depriving them of their abandoned farms Drohobych, Stryi, Zymni Vody and Lviv, graduate student at Taras Shevchenko and equipment, even if they didn’t find where President Viktor Yushchenko State University in Kyiv who is writing Vice Consul of the Polish Consulate in new owners, Prof. Serhiichuk said. pledged his support for Lemko cultural his dissertation on Lemko history. Lviv Marcin Zieniewicz. “Only respecting the rights of the rebirth both in Ukraine and Poland. Prior to Akcja Wisla, Lemkos peti- Ukrainian people on Polish lands, only Akcja Wisla’s “essential goal of reset- tioned the Soviet Union’s government to the return of their property, only apolo- were comfortable, they would be allowed tling Ukrainians was assimilation into a include their lands in Soviet Ukraine, par- gizing to them for the crimes committed to migrate back to their ancestral home.” new Polish environment,” said Prof. ticularly when it became apparent the Red by the Polish government as the succes- Lemkos in Poland have financial and Volodymyr Serhiichuk, among Ukraine’s Army would win, said Prof. Serhiichuk, sor to the Polish Communist regime – legal obstacles in returning to their native most prominent historians, in a historical who directs the Center for Ukrainian only those things can to some extent lands, Mr. Halkowycz said, and the Polish assessment he presented to the Fourth Studies at Shevchenko State University. lessen that pain and heal that wound government doesn’t want it to happen. Congress of the World Federation of The Lemkos were very disappointed given to Ukrainians by Poland with that “The Polish government is happy as Ukrainian Lemko Unions. when the Soviets decided to surrender horrible deportation of 1947,” he said. long as the Ukrainian community in Poland is fragmented,” he said. “They “Comfortable” in Poland? are inserting ‘Rusynstvo’ into Ukraine so Sixty years after Akcja Wisla, Lemkos there is infighting, instead of one com- face their biggest challenges in precisely mon Lemko organization in America.” the country that had absorbed and Yet the situation is encouraging in forcibly assimilated them. those cities and towns where Lemkos have established communities and organ- ' , Currently, an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 Lemkos live in Poland, a vague ized Ukrainian schools and cultural * &