Inside: l Alleged plot against Putin and connection – page 2 l Ginger Fund helps Ukraine’s disadvantaged children – page 4 l Syzokryli dancers perform in Puerto Rico – page 8

ThePublished U by thekrainian Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal W non-profit associationeekly Vol. LXXX No. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2012 $1/$2 in Ukraine

UCCA expresses concern Lutsenko sentenced to four years, about Ukraine’s elections banned from holding political office to U.S. government officials by Zenon Zawada Special to The Ukrainian Weekly Ukrainian National Information Service – Former Internal Affairs Minister Yurii Lutsenko, WASHINGTON – Members of the executive board who led Ukraine’s 200,000-plus national police force for of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America most of the Orange era, was sentenced to four years’ (UCCA) met on February 15 with U.S. government imprisonment on February 27 for usurping state property officials in Washington to express their concerns and exceeding his authority. He was also banned from regarding a free, fair and transparent electoral pro- holding public office for three years. cess during the upcoming October parliamentary The verdict was harshly condemned by Western gov- elections. ernments and leaders as being politically motivated. Mr. UCCA President Tamara Olexy, and Michael Lutsenko, 47, has joined former Prime Minister Yulia Sawkiw, Jr., director of the Ukrainian National Tymoshenko, 51, the leading opposition figure, as the most Information Service (UNIS), the UCCA’s public affairs prominent political prisoners among several dozen others bureau in Washington, attended meetings with mem- in Ukraine. Ms. Tymoshenko was sentenced in October bers of Congress, officials at the U.S. Department of 2011 to seven years’ imprisonment; a three-year ban on State, and Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States, holding public office was imposed. Olexander Motsyk. “We are disappointed with the verdict against Mr. Although the open and frank discussions touched Lutsenko, which signals the continuation of trials in upon several subjects, they focused on the Ukrainian Ukraine that do not respect international standards as community’s growing trepidation about the discon- regards to a fair, transparent and independent legal pro- nect between the Ukrainian government’s words and cess,” said a statement issued jointly by Catherine Ashton, actions to uphold international norms and ensure a the ’s high representative for foreign transparent election process, both during the pre- affairs and security policy, and Stefan Fule, the EU commis- UNIAN election campaign as well as on voting day. sioner for enlargement and European Neighborhood Both Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Former Internal Affairs Minister Yurii Lutsenko was Policy. sentenced to four years’ imprisonment on February 27 Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), co-chair of the Congressional Wave of persecution for exceeding his authority and usurping state property. (Continued on page 17) Mr. Lutsenko’s conviction marks the latest development $42 million in EU energy conservation grants to outfit his in the wave of persecution against the political opponents own solar power plants in southern Ukraine, as alleged by of the administration of President . EU Ambassador to Ukraine Jose Manuel Pintu Teixeira. Meanwhile, those who have close ties to the Party of No one has been arrested for the alleged theft of $75 Regions of Ukraine have been allowed to avoid arrest for million that was earmarked for constructing a sewage col- their alleged crimes. lector near Odesa. Examples include last year’s Livela oil import scandal – “Almost 600 million hrv ($75 million) were sunk into estimated to have cost the Ukrainian government $375 this project without a head or brains,” Mr. Yanukovych million in taxes – that allegedly involved scolded his Regions Council on February 21. National Deputy Volodymyr Zubyk (a Lviv native), who Then there are the crimes allegedly committed by Mr. was never arrested after an investigation pursued by an ad Yanukovych himself, including the alleged theft of the 336- UNIS hoc parliamentary committee led by National Deputy acre Mezhyhiria estate from state ownership. Rep. Maurice Hinchey (right) with Ukrainian (a Yonkers, N.Y., native). Dozens of such scandals have flourished under the Congress Committee of America President Tamara Another official believed to be involved in Livela, Yanukovych administration, which during just two years in Olexy and Ukrainian National Information Service National Security and Defense Council Chair Andrii Director Michael Sawkiw Jr. Kliuyev, hasn’t been investigated for allegedly embezzling (Continued on page 10)

Putin billboards appear in Zaporizhia ZAPORIZHIA, Ukraine – Billboards RIA Novosti reported that Volodymyr bearing a picture of Russian Prime Rohov, the movement’s head, explained: Minister and presidential candidate “We are not urging a vote for Putin, Vladimir Putin have appeared on the although Russia became a strong country streets of the southern Ukrainian city of once again with his arrival [as president]. Zaporizhia, the UNIAN news agency We are expressing our opposition to reported on February 29. instability in Russia and Ukraine.” Twenty posters with the inscription He said the recent events in Russia “Stable Russia — Stable Ukraine” were an attempt to stage another “color appeared in the run-up to presidential revolution” that “will result in nothing elections in Russia slated for March 4. but instability in Russia, and consequent- UNIAN/Aleksandr Prilepa The billboards were ordered and paid for ly in Ukraine, which is tied to Russia in One of the billboards that appear in Zaporizhia, Ukraine, just days before the by the Slavianskaya Gvardiya (Slavic many ways besides the economy, more Russian presidential election. The message, in Russian (with the Ukrainian Guard) youth movement in Ukraine. so than with other countries.” translation in smaller type below), reads: “Stable Russia – Stable Ukraine.” 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2012 No. 10

ANALYSIS

Lawyer: Yulia will not seek pardon “The most important thing for me is that Alleged plot to kill Putin foiled KYIV – Former Prime Minister Yulia the person has been treated improperly, democratic standards were violated, and I a video ordering his fighters to halt attacks Tymoshenko, who is currently serving her RFE/RL Russian Service seven-year sentence at the Kachanivska would take the same attitude to whoever on Russian civilians, but saying that should find themselves in Ms. Security forces in Russia and Ukraine Russian government and military officials penal colony, considers a petition to the pres- ident for a pardon an “insult and sheer cyni- Tymoshenko’s shoes,” Mr. Hammarberg said say they have thwarted a plot to assassi- remained legitimate targets. in an interview with Kommersant-Ukrainy nate Russian Prime Minister Vladimir In an interview with Channel 1, Mr. cism,” her lawyer Serhiy Vlasenko told the press on February 27. “Ms. Tymoshenko published on February 23. He said that, if Putin. Osmayev, an ethnic Chechen, said he had the trial had proved that Ms. Tymoshenko According to a report on Russian state- been instructed to train the other two men took as insult and sheer cynicism Viktor Yanukovych’s statement that she should committed a crime, which makes impossi- run television on February 27, the alleged to carry out the assassination plot in appeal to him for mercy. Ms. Tymoshenko ble her participation in the elections, then plot was due to be carried out shortly after Moscow. has repeatedly stated that the trial against the situation would be different. “But I have Russia’s presidential election on March 4. Channel 1 quoted him as saying the her has nothing to do with the laws of a dem- not seen any such evidence so far. And tak- Channel 1’s report showed separate attackers were preparing to use anti-tank ocratic society,” Mr. Vlasenko said, voicing his ing into account the facts that have been footage of two alleged plotters saying they mines in the attack. An unnamed Federal client’s reaction to the president’s statement presented, I see no reason to exclude Ms. were ordered by North Caucasus insurgent Security Service (FSB) officer is quoted as in an interview with Ukraine’s three national Tymoshenko from the election campaign,” commander Doku Umarov to kill Putin. saying Mr. Osmaev’s laptop included video channels. Mr. Vlasenko also said that Ms. the human rights commissioner said. Mr. The Interfax news agency quoted an footage of a Putin motorcade shot from Tymoshenko has not yet been briefed on the Hammerberg said the same applied to Mr. unnamed law enforcement official as say- different angles. results of the recently conducted medical Lutsenko. The commissioner said that in ing the plot was uncovered after Ukrainian Mr. Osmayev also said the slain accom- examinations and the final conclusions of the order to punish a person, including prohib- intelligence agents detained two Russian plice, Ruslan Madayev, had also been pre- German and Canadian doctors who exam- iting him or her from participating in the citizens in the Ukrainian port city of Odesa paring to launch a suicide attack if the ined her. President Yanukovych in a February elections, the Ukrainian government must early this month in connection with an antitank mines failed. 24 interview aired by the First National, first prove the alleged offense, “but this has accidental bomb blast in the city in Mr. Osmayev said he “would definitely Inter and ICTV channels stated that, if under not happened.” So at this stage, unless new January. not” carry out a suicide attack, but Mr. the new Code of Criminal Procedure the con- facts and new evidence are presented, he One of the videos broadcast on Channel Madayev “was prepared to go on a suicide viction of Ms. Tymoshenko on the gas case 1, provided by the Security Service of mission.” remains in force, he could consider a pardon. part in the elections, Mr. Hammarberg said. Ukraine, shows a suspect called Ilya (Interfax-Ukraine)[Мr. Lutsenko] should be allowed to take Putin targeted () Pyanzin. Poroshenko tapped as minister SBU on Putin assassination attempt Mr. Pyanzin, who is reported to be a Mr. Putin is widely expected to return KYIV – Party of Regions Party leader 28-year-old Kazakh citizen, said he had KYIV – The Security Service of Ukraine to the Russian presidency for an unprece- Oleksander Yefremov has confirmed that (SBU) has confirmed that together with the traveled to Ukraine from the United Arab dented third, nonconsecutive term. The has been appointed to Russian security services an assassination Emirates with an accomplice, a Russian early years of his first term as president the post of Ukraine’s economic develop- attempt on Russian Prime Minister Vladimir national who was later killed in the acci- were accompanied by a rise in terrorist ment and trade minister and Yurii Kolobov Putin was averted. SBU spokesperson dental bomb blast. attacks attributed to Islamist fighters in has been named finance minister. Mr. Maryna Ostapenko said on February 27 Both men said they had been told to the North Caucasus. Yefremov announced this at a briefing in that she could confirm the information and make contact with a third suspect, Adam Mr. Putin’s candidacy has sparked a Kyiv on February 23, adding that this was Osmayev, and began planning an attack on wave of massive opposition protests, with added that several terrorists were detained in Odesa in early February. Russia’s Mr. Putin. many demonstrators calling for an end to head the council of the National Bank of Channel 1 reported that the Alfa Ukrainian “They told us first to go to Odesa and his 12-year domination of Russian politics. officialUkraine information.(NBU) in 2007. Мr. He Poroshenko then served was as learn how to make bombs, and then go to Russia’s ITAR-TASS news agency quoted special antiterrorist unit in early February foreign affairs minister from October 2009 Moscow to carry out attacks on economic Mr. Putin’s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, had detained two militants in Odesa sus- to March 2011. Mr. Kolobov was appointed targets, and in the future assassinate as confirming the information about the pected of preparing a terrorist attack on deputy governor of the NBU in April 2011, Putin,” Mr. Pyanzin said. assassination plot but offering no addi- Mr. Putin. (Ukrinform) and was promoted to first deputy in Mr. Osmayev, an alleged terrorist train- tional comment. European ombudsman on Yulia, Lutsenko November 2010. Prior to this he worked at Ukreximbank, was chairman of the board er who had been on international wanted A journalist with the Odesa edition of KYIV – Commissioner of BTA Bank, and treasury director at lists since 2007, was detained by the newspaper Porto-Franco, Aleksandr for Human Rights Thomas Hammarberg Oschadbank. On February 14, President Ukrainian special forces. Galyas, told RFE/RL’s Russian Service that has said there is no reason not to allow Viktor Yanukovych dismissed Andriy Ukrainian security officials had offered imprisoned former Prime Minister Yulia Chechen connection Kliuyev as first vice prime minister and numerous theories for the men’s activities Tymoshenko and arrested former Internal minister of economic development and Though neither Mr. Pyanzin nor Mr. in Ukraine ever since the January bomb Affairs Minister Yurii Lutsenko to take part Osmayev says so in videos, Channel 1’s blast. in the parliamentary elections in Ukraine. (Continued on page 12) report claims the men confessed to having “First they said that the explosion took received their orders from Mr. Umarov. place while they were planning to assassi- Mr. Umarov tops Russia’s most-wanted nate a Ukrainian oligarch,” he said. list for his role in a number of terrorist “In addition, the same computer where attacks, including the January 2011 sui- they say they found photos and videos of The Ukrainian Weekly FOUNDED 1933 cide bombing at Moscow’s Domodedovo Putin’s motorcade, they also found photos Airport and the twin suicide attacks in the of crowded places in Odesa – the musical An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., Moscow subway in March 2010. a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Mr. Umarov in early February released (Continued on page 18) Yearly subscription rate: $65; for UNA members — $55. Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. (ISSN — 0273-9348) The Weekly: UNA: Disbelief in Moscow over alleged plot Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 Postmaster, send address changes to: WASHINGTON – The Washington Post The newspaper reported: The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz reported on February 28 that, “Despite “Vladimir Zhirinovsky, a nationalist lead- 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas numerous details about the alleged plot er who has consistently voted with the gov- P.O. Box 280 [against Russian Prime Minister Vladimir ernment, called the plot a hoax. ‘A trick that Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] Putin] and confessions shown on national stinks’ was the way Gennady Zyuganov, the television, disbelief reverberated through- Communist leader and presidential candi- The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com out Moscow, even reaching the long-acqui- date, described it. Even believers were escent halls of the national parliament, the uncomfortable about the timing.” The Ukrainian Weekly, March 4, 2012, No. 10, Vol. LXXX State Duma.” “ ‘The event dates back to February 4 Copyright © 2012 The Ukrainian Weekly and news about it has emerged today, on the last week before voting,’ said Sergei Correction Mironov, a Duma deputy, presidential can- The caption published in our print edi- didate and head of A Just Russia. ‘I have the ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA tion at the top of page 10 with the story “ feeling that all this is not a mere coinci- Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3041 ‘Chornobyl Songs Project’ presented at The dence.’ ” e-mail: [email protected] Ukrainian Museum” (February 26) should The full text of The Washington Post Walter Honcharyk, advertising manager (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 have read: Yevhen Yefremov, Maria story may be read at http://www.washing- fax: (973) 644-9510 e-mail: [email protected] Sonevytsky, Willa Roberts and Eva Salina tonpost.com/world/putin-assassination- Primak present songs from the Chornobyl plot-reported/2012/02/27/gIQAaDTZdR_ Mariyka Pendzola, subscriptions (973) 292-9800, ext. 3042 e-mail: [email protected] region. story.html?wpisrc=nl_cuzheads. No. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2012 3

NEWS ANALYSIS: Ukraine’s gas problems and how to resolve them

by David Marples by 2015 (http://south-stream.info/index. ral because Ukraine lacks money for such wars. Part of the problem is the close rela- php?id=10&L=1). projects. Preferable in his opinion is to raise tionship between Gazprom and local compa- Ukraine continues to discuss prices for Ukraine’s energy situation was discussed energy efficiency. nies and influential statespersons in the gas and the volume that should be pur- recently at a roundtable of the Kyiv-based Valery Borovyk of the New Energy of European Union, particularly in Germany chased from Russia, which, through its Gorshenin Institute under the title “Is Ukraine alliance thinks that the issue is not and France. The Europeans prioritize gas state-run company Gazprom makes Gazprom monopolizing the European gas only the fact that Gazprom can influence supplies over regional squabbles, and in such demands on its neighbor, while threatening market?” Anatoly Kinakh, former prime European officials, but also that it has clout situations tend to side with the supplier rath- to divert more supplies to its Nord Stream minister and economy minister and the among Ukrainian officials, especially those er than the country providing the conduit. line, with the prospect of the South Stream head of the Party of Industrialists and in the energy sector and government, who They are also in favor of the development of starting up in the near future. Entrepreneurs, began somewhat predict- have no interest in lowering domestic gas alternative paths such as Nord Stream and The impasse poses a serious energy ably by attacking the 2009 agreement by consumption. However, people should not South Stream that will cut into Ukraine’s dilemma for the Ukrainian government, Tymoshenko, and maintained that the con- be alarmed by the construction of the Nord role as the dominant pipeline provider. which imported up to 70 percent of its gas tract needs to be renegotiated with Russia Stream and the South Stream (carrying Thus, Ukraine needs not only to build up and 65 percent of its oil requirements in without confrontation because the latter Russian gas under the Black Sea to Romania its domestic resources, but also to cut back 2011. Ukraine is by far the biggest consum- country is Ukraine’s “strategic partner.” He and thence to other European countries). significantly on the amount of energy it er of gas in the Central European region, but perceived the need to balance the interests He believes that Nord Stream can divert a uses. Added to that, the Yanukovych leader- it has been unable to resolve a problem that of suppliers (Russia and Central Asia), the maximum of 15 percent of gas supplies ship needs to boost its public image, and started with independence and reached an transit region (Ukraine) and the consumers from Ukraine, whereas the South Stream could make a significant start by releasing acute level in 2006 and 2009 (see, for exam- (countries of the European Union). Ukraine, project is likely to collapse because gas con- political opponents such as Ms. Tymoshenko ple, Jonathan Stern, “Natural Gas Security in his view, also needs to improve its energy sumption worldwide will fall in the wake of and former Minister of Internal Affairs Yurii Problems in Europe: the Russian-Ukrainian the economic crisis. Lutsenko. To add to its embarrassment, the Crisis of 2006,” Asia Pacific Review, Vol. 13, Are there any other alternatives for European Court of Human Rights is likely to No. 1 (2006): 32-59). Ukraine’s energy Ukraine? One analyst, Tatyana Silina, notes announce its decision on the Tymoshenko There are a number of issues at stake. battles with Russia that the year 2011 was important for keep- case on the eve of or during the forthcoming First, there is the economic and political rela- ing the country on course for integration parliamentary election campaign (Glavcom. tionship between Ukraine and Russia. The are not new. They into European structures. Ukraine also ua, Feb 13, at http://glavcom.ua/ latter country is adamant that Ukraine should joined the European Energy Committee and vblog/2471.html). join its Eurasian Economic Community and were evident as soon made progress on the issue of liberalizing There is little indication, however, that that, in order for the price of gas to be low- as Ukraine began its the EU visa regime. But despite such prog- such steps will be taken or even that they ered, it must make some concessions, such ress and what she describes as “titanic are being considered. Morally, and in terms as the sale to Russia of Naftohaz, Ukraine’s independent existence efforts of several ministries,” the goal of of human rights, there is little to distinguish national oil and gas company. in late 1991. That they integration is more distant than it was at between the current leaderships of Ukraine For its part, the Yanukovych administra- the start of 2011. and Russia and, accordingly, neither tion has a dual complaint: Ukraine agreed to remain even more Western leaders are very concerned Brussels nor Washington are likely to pay $388 per thousand cubic meters of gas about the increasing authoritarianism in endanger their relationship with Moscow (tcm) under the agreement made by former acute 20 years later is Ukraine, the imprisonment and ill treat- by offering strong support for Ukraine’s Prime Minister in 2009, a sad reflection of the ment of Ms. Tymoshenko, and President position in its energy battles with Russia. but this level is extraordinarily high for a Viktor Yanukovych’s defiant refusal to take The problems are not new. They were neighboring state; and it also wishes to failure of all the ad- seriously the criticisms of his European evident as soon as Ukraine began its inde- reduce obligatory gas imports from Russia ministrations to date counterparts. As a result, Ukraine has frit- pendent existence in late 1991, as illustrat- to 27 billion cubic meters (bcm) from the tered its first year in the Energy ed by the problems faced by its first presi- 52 bcm stipulated in the contract (RIA to devise a viable en- Community, and the dialogue on visa issues dent, Leonid Kravchuk. That they remain Novosti, February 1). ergy policy, let alone has stalled and will not be resolved by the even more acute 20 years later is a sad Second, Russia has put pressure on time the -2012 begins in June. reflection of the failure of all the administra- Ukraine in other areas too. In early a solution to depen- Perhaps most significantly, Ukraine is tions to date to devise a viable energy poli- February it instigated a so-called “cheese strategically dependent on Russia, a country cy, let alone a solution to dependence on war,” by prohibiting imports of cheese pro- dence on Russia. that has long forgotten Kyiv’s past conces- Russia. It signifies that Ukraine enters every duced in Ukraine. According to one account, sions made against its national interests, as discussion as the weaker partner in what is there was more at stake than dairy prod- policy by developing energy-saving technol- demonstrated by the “cheese war.” Yet there essentially a power struggle on several lev- ucts – Russia began a similar dispute with ogy and increasing the consumption of are few alternative openings: the United els and with few clear rules. Belarus in the summer of 2009 after that domestic energy resources (Levyi Bereg, States is losing interest in Ukraine and few country declined to privatize its dairy February 7, and ff., at: http://economics.lb. practical steps have been taken toward David R. Marples is Distinguished industry – and the dispute was linked to ua/trades/2012/02/07/135340_gazprom_ deepening relations with China. In Ms. University Professor and director of the Russian territorial claims on Crimea. It cites monopoliziruet.html). Silina’s view, Ukraine does not have a for- Stasiuk Program for the Study of a statement by Stanislav Govorukhin, a , former minister of fuel eign policy doctrine (Tatyana Silina, Zerkalo Contemporary Ukraine. Duma deputy and the head of Vladimir and energy, and a board trustee member of Nedeli, February 10, at: http://zn.ua/ The article above is reprinted from the Putin’s electoral headquarters, who report- Kyivenergo, is much in agreement with Mr. POLITICS/my_sami_zakryli_vorota,_my_ blog “Current Politics in Ukraine” (http:// edly commented that Crimea and Kinakh, and he asks how Ukraine might sami-97143.html). ukraineanalysis.wordpress.com/) created by Sevastopol should be returned to Russia by lower its dependence on Gazprom. First, he Ms. Silina’s article raises another key ques- the Stasiuk Program, a program of the means of the economic integration of believes, Ukraine can reduce its consump- tion: that of Ukraine’s failure, vis-à-vis Russia, Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies at Ukraine with its neighbor, as well as into its tion, which is four to five times more gas per to gain more publicity for its part in past gas the University of Alberta. religious and cultural-historical space unit of GDP than the average in Europe. The (Glavred, February 13, at: http://glavred. situation would stabilize if Ukraine could info/archive/2012/02/14/161348-2.html). cut consumption by 50 percent. He suggests Mr. Govorukhin’s needlessly provocative also reforming Naftohaz, and allowing more Quotable notes statement may have been a means to divert gas traders access to the Ukrainian market. “…I’m deeply concerned about the case of the former Ukrainian Prime Minister attention from the anti-Putin protests tak- There should also be more exploration of Yulia Tymoshenko. And these concerns relate to the outcome and conduct of her trial ing place prior to the March 4 presidential shale gas in the Black Sea region, as well as as well as the outcome of the appeal that concluded in December. Concerns have also elections in Russia. But they nonetheless reliance on existing energy resources of been widely expressed about reports of the conditions of her detention, and I contin- put further pressure on Ukraine. coal, oil and nuclear power. His comments, ue to encourage the Ukrainian authorities to address and to resolve these concerns. The same applies to the construction of however, raise the issue of whether Ukraine “And I’m conscious of the fact that Ukraine will succeed Ireland as the chair-in- Nord Stream, which was officially launched would be permitted to reduce the amount office of the OSCE. I believe that Ukraine’s role in the OSCE is important, and I hope in early November last year, and should of gas it purchases from Gazprom. that in preparing for this role, the authorities in Kyiv will appreciate the need to account for the transport of about one-sixth Another speaker, Volodymyr Saprykin, address the significant concerns that have been widely expressed. of Russian gas exports in 2012 through a who is director of energy programs as the “There is, as you know, a proposal for an association agreement between Ukraine pipeline from Vyborg, near St. Petersburg, Razumkov Center, notes that the and the European Union that’s currently awaiting initialing. I have long favored under the Baltic Sea, to Greifswald in east- Accords, while not a favorable agreement, at bringing the EU and Ukraine closer together. I think that’s a sentiment shared by the ern Germany. The anticipated capacity of least allowed for a reduction of $100 in the great majority of the Ukrainian people. the pipeline, which may be attained by price of gas and elimination of penalties for “But this, however, is not an uncritical engagement, and the Ukraine-EU summit 2015, is 55 bcm, and would allow Russia to not purchasing the minimum volume. He which took place in December was the occasion for some strong messages from the transport about one-third of its gas to the also advocates increasing the strategic EU side, including some strong messages on the issue of Ms. Tymoshenko’s case. It is countries of the European Union for the reserves of oil and gas. next 50 years (Nord-stream.com, November One speaker at the roundtable was more an issue, certainly, that we’re going to give very much to the fore of our talks and our 8, 2011). South Stream, a pipeline that is sanguine about the prospect of developing discussions.” planned between Russia’s Black Sea coast domestic resources of gas. Yurii Korolchuk – Eamon Gilmore, Ireland’s deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs and from the Pochinki compressor station south of the Institute of Energy Research main- trade, and chairman-in-office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in of Novorossiysk to the Romanian coast just tains it is impractical to produce shale gas, Europe (OSCE), responding to a question by Rep. Christopher Smith (R-N.J.) at the north of Varna is anticipated to start con- construct a liquefied natural gas terminal or February 8 hearing of the U.S. Helsinki Commission. struction in 2012 and to be transporting gas carry out explorations of the Black Sea litto- 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2012 No. 10

OBITUARY Andrij Dobriansky, bass-baritone of Metropolitan Opera, 81

by Camilla Huk sands yearly. He put together the concert for the Millennium of NEW YORK – Even Verdi’s “Requiem,” the most elo- Christianity in Ukraine, at Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln quent, majestic, spiritual, haunting and simply overwhelm- Center, NY, with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and ing by any measure, did not rival the pomp and circum- Atlanta Chorale. He was highly intellectual, literally a walk- stance of the funeral and celebration of the life of Andrij ing encyclopedia of knowledge in every subject. Dobriansky on Saturday, February 4. Maestro Dobriansky, It was most appropriate that this celebration of his life who died on February 1 at the age of 81, was remembered was held at St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church in New in a manner truly befitting that of the longest working York City, where Maestro Dobriansky had directed its choir Ukrainian-born star of the Metropolitan Opera. for many years. Mr. Dobriansky, who was born in on September 2, 1930, Against the backdrop of the golden mosaic of the sanc- in Lviv, performed with symphonies and orchestras, in tuary, leaders and faithful of the Ukrainian Catholic Church addition to his over 900 performances in 60 roles over his gathered to honor a man who had devoted his life not only 27-year career at the Metropolitan Opera. He was a most to opera, but to promoting the finest classical music of prolific promoter of Ukrainian classical music. Ukrainian composers, while serving as musical director for Although he arrived in the United States after having been many productions, such as the Ukrainian Composers awarded a scholarship to Amherst College to study chemis- series. He was also a soloist with the Dumka Choir and try, Mr. Dobriansky chose to study music instead, which led often performed at many charitable benefits. to a career with the world-class Metropolitan Opera. The hierarchy of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, clothed He was brilliant in arranging programs, translating, in golden vestments, included Bishop Basil Losten and transliterating and orchestrating and was fluent in six lan- Bishop Paul Chomnycky, eparch of Stamford; as well as the guages. Mr. Dobriansky was an impresario to many work- Very Rev. Bernard Panczuk, OSBM, pastor of St. George shops and festivals, including first and the biggest Church; the Very Rev. Philip Sandrick, OSBM, Provincial of Ukrainian Festival in the United States at the Garden State the Order of St. Basil. The Revs. Leo Goldade, Bohdan Arts Center in Holmdel, N.J., which drew crowds of thou- Danylo and Shyshka participated in the beautiful service. Andrij Dobriansky in a publicity photo from the 1960s. Led by Bishop Chomnycky, the clergy greeted the casket and the funeral procession led by Mr. Dobriansky’s widow, Stefania, who had accompanied her husband to all his per- formances and devoted herself to caring for him and their six children throughout her entire adult life. She was accompanied by her daughter Roksolana. The parastas was sung by Mr. Dobriansky’s sons, Danylo, Yaroslaw and Yurij, all trained by their father, as was the present director of the church choir, Andrij Jr., who led the choir at his father’s funeral. Joining them in the choir loft were daughter Dzvinka and her husband, Andrij Burchak, with their children Modest and Lybid. The majesty of the parastas was followed by the litany, highlighted by the eulogy in which Mr. Dobriansky was honored for his role as a Ukrainian patriot, a great talent and a loving husband and father by longtime family friend the Rev. Goldade in Ukrainian. Bishop Losten eulogized Mr. Dobriansky in English. Present were singers from the Metropolitan Opera, and some joined the choir, including bass Stefan Szkafarowsky. St. George Church was filled to capacity with parishio- ners, friends and admirers of Andrij Dobriansky. Attendees compared the grandeur of the services to those recently Andrij Dobriansky, with accompanist Thomas Hrynkiw, during a concert performance at the Garden State Arts held for the visit of Patriarch Sviatoslav Shevchuk of the Center’s Ukrainian Festival in the mid-1970s. Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church. Ukrainian Catholic Education Foundation assists Ukraine’s disadvantaged children by Illya M. Labunka PART I LVIV – From and Dnipropetrovsk to Dobrotvir and Dobromyl, from Kharkiv to Khmelnytskyi, from Transcarpathia to Ternopil, and from Zaporizhia to Zolochiv, donations earmarked by the Ukrainian Catholic Education Foundation in support of disadvantaged chil- dren in Ukraine have reached over $1.6 million. In 2005, an anonymous U.S. citizen of non-Ukrainian descent began donating on an annual basis in support of orphans, and abandoned and disabled Ukrainian children. In the true spirit of ecumenical relations, the donations, delivered via the UCEF’s Ginger Fund, have already provid- ed support to 58 Ukrainian and Roman Catholic, as well as Orthodox, organizations, financing 94 of their projects throughout Ukraine. At present, over 60,000 disadvantaged children are housed in approximately 500 government-subsidized institutions in Ukraine. In order to have a direct, positive impact on society, the Ginger Fund outlined a number of goals for itself, among them: offering care, affection and love to disadvantaged children; enabling eager individuals to acquire proper Petro Didula training to work with children (social pedagogy); setting The Rev. Roman Prokopets (left) administers holy communion to the children of the Vynnyky sanatorium-internat enjoying summer camp in the Carpathian Mountains in 2011. The Rev. Prokopets, who is director of the Lviv (Continued on page 14) Center for Orphans, also volunteers his time at the internat in Vynnyky. No. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2012 5

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM AT SOYUZIVKA: The playground’s done, now we move on to the next project

by Tanya Singura Soltys years, has been replaced with a vibrant Christina Trojan-Masnyk, Zenon and the Soyuzivka management for removing white, blue and yellow play structure that Lydia Singura, Roman and Iryna the old play structure, purchasing mulch Summer 2011 may have come and is sure to be enjoyed by many more gener- Kramarchuk, Vincent and Maria and installing new fencing where needed. gone, but it seems like only yesterday ations of young Soyuzivka guests. Magnowski, Daria Hanushevsky, Bohdan Sonia Semanyszyn, Nestor Paslawsky and when the truck carrying the brand new The project started out as a simple con- and Bohdana Puzyk, as well as Heritage Stefko Drabyk were instrumental in get- play set pulled onto the Soyuzivka proper- versation among friends who love Camp parents for their contributions to ting the playground area set and ready in ty. I am still in awe of the generous out- Soyuzivka and wanted to see a safer area the playground. time for festival weekend. An extra spe- pouring of support that helped to create where children could play. That conversa- Special thank-yous go to Barbara and cial thank you goes to Bohdana Puzyk, the new children’s playground at the tion turned into a mission to show how Joyce Chupa, Hal and Adriana Malone, without whom this project would not Soyuzivka Heritage Center. the collective efforts of Soyuzivka support- Roxolana and B.W. Siryj, and the UNA have had the wonderful outcome that it If you were at Soyuzivka for the 2011 ers could truly make a visible difference. Seniors (2009-2011 conferences) for their did. Ukrainian Cultural Festival, or anytime The proof is in the playground! extremely generous donations. But, we are not done yet! We have set after that during the summer season, you I would personally like to thank Carly Luke Beiler of Amish Direct Playsets our sights on the pool area for this years would have noticed that the playground Hawrylko, Andrea Della Cava, Mark and (www.amishdirectplaysets.com) also fund-raising project! If you are interested area had been transformed. The old play Natalka Mazuretz, Annetta Hewko, Wasyl deserves thanks as he went above and in helping us replace the lounge chairs and structure, worn and well-used for many Sosiak, the Lucenko-Chase Family, Oksana beyond to make sure the play structure umbrellas, stay tuned to the Soyuzivka and Myron Saldyt, Michael and Tania would suit our needs, and provided a gen- Facebook page for more information or Tanya Singura Soltys is webmaster for Jadlicky, Mark Pawliczko, Roma and erous discount that allowed us to stay contact me directly via e-mail at the Soyuzivka website, a staunch supporter Michael O’Hara, Dr. Areta Podhorodecki, within our budget without compromising [email protected]. of Soyuzivka and co-organizer of the play- Christine Jarosh, Sophia Singura- on the final product. We need your support to keep ground fund-raiser. Ricciardelli, Ihor and Irene Jadlicky, Last but not least, I would like to thank Soyuzivka moving forward!

Young UNA’ers Mission Statement

The Ukrainian National Association exists: • to promote the principles of fra- ternalism; • to preserve the Ukrainian, Ukrainian American and Ukrainian Canadian heritage and culture; and • to provide quality financial ser- vices and products to its members. As a fraternal insurance society, the Ukrainian National Association rein- vests its earnings for the benefit of its members and the Ukrainian community.

Aleen Rose Pakula, daughter of Symon and Giovanni Marco Costa, son of Stephan and Ivanka Oleksandra Pakula of Dearborn, Mich., is a new Costa of Southampton, Pa., is a new member of member of UNA Branch 82. She was enrolled by her UNA Branch 162. He was enrolled by his maternal grandparents Benjamin J. and Lida M. Pakula. great-grandmother Oksana Tkachuk.

Sunday, June 10 – Friday, June 15, UNA SENIORS AND FRIENDS 2012 MAKE RESERVATIONS EARLY! Summer is approaching. Make your reservations! It’s time to make reservations for Seniors’ Week at Soyuzivka! Call SOYUZIVKA, For more information call Tel: 845 626-5641 Oksana Trytjak, Tel: 973 292-9800 x 3071 Registration beginning Sunday, 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your embroidered SENIORS’ WEEK IS FUN – AFFORDABLE – blouse/shirt (vyshyvanky) AND INTERESTING. BRING YOUR FRIENDS. at SOYUZIVKA Heritage Center! for the banquet, and, if possible, WE WELCOME NEW GUESTS! bring items for the auction! All inclusive 5 nights - meals beginning with breakfast Monday, banquet Thursday, lunch Friday, taxes/gratuities included - entertainment and special guest speakers throughout the week.

UNA Members – SINGLE OCCUPANCY $ 485 – DOUBLE $ 415 pp. Non UNA Members – SINGLE OCCUPANCY $ 535 – DOUBLE $ 430 pp. UNA Members – 1 night $ 130 – DOUBLE $ 107 pp. Non UNA Members – 1 night $ 135 – DOUBLE $ 115 pp. BANQUET ONLY, Thursday, June 14, 2012 $45 pp.

THE UNA: 117 YEARS OF SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2012 No. 10

NEWS AND VIEWS The Ukrainian Weekly The Lutsenko verdict Ukraine’s education system Once again, there is news from Ukraine about an opposition leader being tried and sentenced in what is a yet another very obvious example of the Yanukovych must look toward the future administration’s modus operandi and its contempt for democratic standards, not to mention world opinion. The conviction on February 27 of former Internal Affairs by Marta Farion Clash of ideology and special interests Minister Yurii Lutsenko is especially a sign of the regime’s utter contempt for Ukraine’s Ministry of Education, Science, It appears that a clash of ideologies exists Western leaders, coming as it does after the much-criticized trial and sentencing of Youth and Sports led by within the government between the presi- former Primer Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, in whose Cabinet Mr. Lutsenko served. marked the year-end holidays by propos- dent on one hand and the minister of educa- Ms. Tymoshenko and Mr. Lutsenko were also allies during the ing yet another draft law on higher educa- tion on the other. In 2010, President that, readers will no doubt recall, succeeded in overturning the fraudulent result of tion to codify control of the nation’s univer- Yanukovych announced a proclamation out- the 2004 presidential election that would have brought Viktor Yanukovych to power. sities. lining his position on general reforms, That is why their cases are seen as Mr. Yanukovych’s revenge. Days later, two additional draft laws including the area of education (Decree No. Mr. Lutsenko “is the victim of a political vendetta,” said Marieluise Beck, a rapporteur intended to integrate Ukraine into 926/2010 of September 20, 2010). The President instructed the minister of educa- of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). She added, “the ‘crimes’ European educational systems were regis- tion to “provide real autonomy to the leading for which he was convicted could not possibly justify a term of imprisonment – even if tered in Ukraine’s Parliament – one by institutions of higher learning as a means to the prosecution had been able to prove all the allegations against him.” According to a and Lesya Orobets, improve the quality of higher education…” news story posted by Interfax-Ukraine, Ms. Beck also commented that Ukraine’s for- members of the Front for Change party, The president repeated his position mer top police official had “angered some persons who are now back in power.” and another by Yurii Miroshnichenko, rep- throughout the year in the specific sen- There was swift and unequivocal reaction from other quarters as well. resentative of President Viktor Yanukovych tence, “The goal of reforms of the system of PACE President Jean-Claude Mignon in a February 28 statement called on in Parliament. The proposed drafts facili- Ukraine’s authorities to free Mr. Lutsenko. He said the former internal affairs minis- education is to raise the level of competi- tated more public and academic discus- tiveness of Ukrainian education, and the ter “was not given a fair trial, and the charges of which he was found guilty are abso- sions on education reform. lutely no justification for a prison sentence.” He underscored: “The fact that former integration of Ukraine’s education system Attempts by the Ministry of Education, Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko is still in detention and that Yurii Lutsenko has into a European educational space.” Science, Youth and Sports to pass a Soviet- been convicted both strengthen the feeling that the charges against both these oppo- In 2010 Ukraine signed the Bologna style law failed last year due to resounding nents of the government are of a political nature. It is unacceptable for former mem- Declaration, a pledge by 29 countries in opposition embodied in student protests, bers of the government of a Council of Europe member-state to be prosecuted for Europe to reform the structures of their and domestic and international demands political reasons. This practice is contrary to the rule of law and takes Ukraine fur- higher education systems in a convergent for European standards and transparency. ther away from the principles of our organization, as well as the European integra- way, and promised to comply with require- The National University of Kyiv Mohyla tion to which this country aspires.” Mr. Mignon minced no words when he called on ments for integration of higher education Academy, along with leading Ukrainian the Yanukovych administration to release both opposition leaders posthaste. into European educational standards. To intellectuals and political and civic leaders, The European Union and the United States both expressed their disappointment. this date, Ukraine has failed to comply with spoke unapologetically for autonomy and “The politically motivated prosecution of opposition leaders, including Mr. Lutsenko its lawful obligations. Mr. Tabachnyk direct- academic freedom. and former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, raises serious concerns about the ly usurps this agreement. There is general agreement that the ’s commitment to democracy and rule of law,” said State If President Yanukovych’s word is true, country’s archaic system does not provide Department spokeswoman . then Minister Tabachnyk’s proposals direct- for academic freedom, university autono- Twenty-six human rights organizations active in Ukraine, the United States, Russia, ly challenge the stated goals of the president the Czech Republic, Moldova, Norway, Armenia and other countries that belong to the my, curriculum choices, Ph.D. programs, and circumvent Ukraine’s national interest. Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) released a statement urg- transparency in admissions and degree Unfortunately, Mr. Tabachnyk has become a ing the high courts in Ukraine to overturn the verdict against Mr. Lutsenko – “this lat- awards, independence in research, man- lightning rod and continues to foment con- est demonstration of selective justice by the Ukrainian authorities.” Their statement, agement and administration, and achieve- troversy and confrontation. When the min- posted on the website of the Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union, noted: “The ver- ment of higher educational standards. The ister’s agenda abrogates the president’s pro- dict against is the latest step in the destruction of the rule of law in issue of certification of degrees must finally gram with impunity, it calls into question Ukraine. This verdict is a massive step backwards for Ukraine in its democratic devel- be brought into focus as well. the president’s role and authority. Creative opment and clearly shows the stubborn wish by those in power to negate the achieve- The absurdity of the Education manipulation of power, such as this, is coun- ments of the Ukrainian people over the last 20 years. Of especial concern is the fact Ministry’s refusal to certify foreign aca- terproductive to Ukraine’s intellectual and that this destruction of European values is seen in a country which is to hold the presi- demic degrees and credits – even from the economic prosperity. dency of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in 2013.” best universities in the world, such as It is well past the time for the govern- Ms. Tymoshenko herself weighed in on the Lutsenko verdict. She praised her for- Oxford, Harvard, Stanford, the Sorbonne ment to stop empty rhetoric on reform. mer minister for his courage on trial and said she and other political prisoners were and others – makes a mockery of Ukraine’s Continued lip service to academic reform, struggling for “liberation” from Mr. Yanukovych’s rule. “Today we are behind bars,” entire educational system. And yet, the while implementing a contrary agenda, will she was quoted as saying by Interfax-Ukraine. “But if this is the price we must pay ministry continues to promote the current bring ridicule, scorn and, ultimately, failure. for the liberation of the country, we agree to pay it. Yura [Lutsenko] will agree with antiquated Soviet relic of certification Time to act is now me, I know.” known as “nostrifikatsiya.” Another serious issue of contention is Genuine steps must be taken now to the still-in-place Soviet system that artifi- secure Ukraine’s competitive position in cially divides education and research. Such education and move the country to join the a system prevents Ukrainian universities world community. It is imperative for from competing internationally and blocks Ukraine’s national interests to raise aca- March Turning the pages back... any chance to elevate their rankings. This demic standards and provide opportunities situation persists because the Ukrainian for innovation that lead to economic pros- government impedes participation in activ- perity. The price of failure to implement ities and publications according to interna- true reforms is high. Education’s impor- 9 Twenty years ago, on March 9, 1992, the International Olympic tance to the growth of a vibrant, broad and tional requirements. 1992 Committee (IOC) announced in Lausanne, Switzerland, that 12 robust economy in Ukraine underscores former Soviet republics would compete as one team for the last EU criticizes Tabachnyk’s policies the difference between fundamental time during the Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. reform and a step backward. Minister Tabachnyk’s recent attempt to Despite requests from Ukraine and Georgia that they be allowed to compete independent- Ultimately, the forces of change will not receive approval for his proposed draft law ly, the IOC persuaded 12 former republics to participate under the aegis of the Unified Team. be stopped. Change is essential, and it is from the European Union’s Commission on The IOC granted provisional recognition to each of the republics’ national Olympic com- inevitable. The people of Ukraine chose Education backfired. Inna Sovsun, director mittees on the condition that they take part in the Summer Olympics as a joint team. freedom and self-determination. The “I think all wanted to go independently, but they agreed with us that for the last time of the Center for Society Research and fac- National University of Kyiv Mohyla they have to take part as a unified team,” IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch said. ulty member of the National University of Academy has been leading the country’s “This agreement means the athletes will not be punished. The most important thing was Kyiv Mohyla Academy, summarized the reform in education since its re-establish- to stick to the principle that the best athletes from all 12 republics should participate in EU’s report in a thoughtful article pub- ment 20 years ago. A new generation of Barcelona.” lished on February 3 (education.unian.net/ educated in such an environ- Mr. Samaranch added that as of January 1, 1993, the republics would be free to com- ukr/detail/192128). ment testifies to this irreversible change. pete as independent countries. “At the next Olympics [the 1994 Winter Olympics in The EU criticized the ministry’s focus on Minister Tabachnyk’s policies are Lillehammer, Norway]. They will have their separate teams,” he added. overwhelming central regulations, lack of doomed to fail. A culture of arrogance, con- Valery Borzov, head of Ukraine’s National Olympic Committee, said that he was happy innovation and guarantees of institutional trol, retribution and archaic systems is the process was over, but was not 100 percent satisfied. It was a good compromise, he said. autonomy and academic freedom, and dis- unsustainable. The choice is between pre- Mr. Borzov’s proposal would have had Ukraine compete in individual events, but as the missed the government’s continuous empty paring for the future, or being doomed to Unified Team in team events. He said that Ukraine could accept having the Unified Team as rhetoric about “guaranteeing the quality of past failures. Ukraine’s government has an a whole march behind the Olympic flag during the opening ceremonies, but the athletes of education” as political maneuvering. obligation to protect freedom, indepen- each republic should march together as a unit with their own country’s flag. dence and the security of current and Marta Farion is president of the Kyiv future generations. The time to take a stand (Continued on page 14) Mohyla Foundation of America. and shape Ukraine’s future is now. No. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2012 7

IN THE PRESS: VOA editorial The things we do ... on U.S.-Ukraine relations by Orysia Paszczak Tracz “U.S.-Ukraine Relations: Concern than it should be, said Assistant remains about Ukraine’s commitment to Secretary Gordon. democracy and the rule of law,” editorial, “If it continues to be difficult to con- Voice of America, February 20: duct business in Ukraine, the country runs the risk that American businesses Th e release of Cardinal Slipyj: “The United States is looking for ways won’t invest in Ukraine, which in turn to strengthen its relationship with will slow the country’s development. ‘So Mordovian concentration camp version Ukraine on energy, security and the we hope,’ said Assistant Secretary economy, but remains concerned about Gordon, ‘that some of these issues will Recently I came across issue No. 3, search for the cardinal. At this time, the Ukraine’s commitment to democracy be tackled on taxes, customs, regulations 1992 of Zona: Hromadskyi ta Literaturnyi commander of the camp was drinking with and the rule of law. U.S. Secretary of and corruption, because we want to see Chasopys Vseukrainskoho Tovarystva his assistants, and was quickly informed of State Hillary Clinton recently met with more Americans investing in Ukraine.’ Politychnykh Viazniv i Represovanykh this occurrence. He put aside his glass “for Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych “Democratic reforms continue to be (The Zone: a Community and Literary later,” pulled his belt tighter and headed for in Munich, where she thanked him for an issue in Ukraine. Assistant Secretary Newspaper of the All-Ukrainian the camp. following through on his commitment to Gordon reiterated U.S. concerns about Association of Political Prisoners and The cardinal was already standing by transfer highly enriched uranium out of selective prosecutions. He also stressed Repressed Individuals), published in Kyiv the car. The commandant ran up to him, Ukraine and encouraged continued the importance of free, fair and transpar- since 1992. In the section “Camp Folklore” stood at attention, saluted and shouted reform of the energy sector. She noted ent parliamentary elections next was an article on the release of Cardinal out, “Your Highness [sic], I apologize for U.S. concerns about selective prosecu- October. He urged that all legitimate Josyf Slipyj. our so-called actions.” The cardinal tions of opposition party leaders, includ- opposition groups be allowed to freely “Folklore” is the appropriate term here, remained silent. “Get back to your own ing former Prime Minister Yulia participate and international observers because this story is apocryphal, passed on work,” interrupted Khrushchev’s emissar- Tymoshenko. be invited to monitor the vote. from one prisoner to another. For example, ies. “I obey,” replied the commandant, “In follow-up meetings in Ukraine, “As Assistant Secretary Gordon said, surely there were more than 11 or 12 car- turned and tripped. The alcohol had made U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for ‘We want to see [Ukraine] continue dinals in 1963. And the roles of President itself known. European and Eurasian Affairs Philip down the course towards Euro-Atlantic John F. Kennedy and Norman Cousins are As the car left the zone [the concentra- Gordon continued discussions on coop- integration, stability, prosperity and not mentioned. How could the prisoners tion camp], the prisoners pressed in to the eration on non-proliferation, energy and democracy.’ ” have been aware of them? (Some historical barbed wire fence, watching the cardinal’s economic reform, including ways to sources on the release are listed at the end departure. So did the guards on the ground increase American investment in EDITOR’S NOTE: The Voice of America of this column.) and in the towers, all silently. Usually they Ukraine. There continue to be obstacles website explains: “As called for in its char- Mykhailo Masiutko of Nova Kakhovka would have shot anyone who even to investment, he said, in the form of reg- ter, the Voice of America presents differing wrote the following in Zona (the transla- approached the fence within meters. ulations, in the areas of taxes and cus- points of view on a wide variety of issues. tion is mine). The car stopped after crossing the line. toms and with regard to corruption. This includes the broadcast of editorials * * * The cardinal emerged and blessed the American exports to Ukraine are at a expressing the policies of the United In 1966, when the chekisty [Soviet state prisoners. Then he turned to the east, record high. But they are still only States government, as well as essays on security] brought me to the gulag camp in south, west and north, and blessed all the around $2 billion, which is much less American ideals and institutions.” Mordovia, Cardinal Slipyi was no longer martyrs of the Mordovian camps. there. But the prisoners still remembered The Volga left. Immediately, the guards him often with a good word, talking about ran to the prisoners, chasing them away how he was released and driven away from the fence. “Don’t think that all of you LETTER TO THE EDITOR from the concentration camp. Vasyl will be released like Slipyj,” the guards Pidhorodetsky, a long-time political pris- shouted, suddenly increasingly vicious. As we commemorate this sad day, we oner, spoke about this in great detail. “The Pope of Rome took the Cardinal, but Remembering once again declare that Crimean Tatars When [Nikita] Khrushchev was in Italy there is no one to take you away,” the will always remember his unconditional and was invited to the Vatican, the pope of guards of the Soviet regime rubbed their Petro Grigorenko sacrifices, his courage and his humanity. Rome took him into the hall where the car- glee [into the prisoners’ wounds]. Crimean Tatars will never forget what he dinals meet. There were 12 chairs in the Dear Editor: has done for us! Yes, for Crimean Tatars hall, but only 11 cardinals seated. “See, * * * On February 21 we commemorated the Petro Grigorenko will always remain as Mykyta Serhiyovych, there are 12 chairs, Bociurkiw, B.R., “The Ukrainian Greek- 25th anniversary of passing of Petro more than a friend! He will live in the but only 11 Cardinals here,” said the Pope. Catholic Church and the Soviet State Grigorenko, a founding member of both the hearts of Crimean Tatars forever! “What about the 12th one?” asked (1939-1950).” CIUS Press, 1996. Moscow and Ukrainian Helsinki monitor- May Allah’s Blessings be upon him! Khrushchev. “The 12th one is in prison, in Cousins, Norman. “The Improbable Triumvirate: Kennedy-Khrushchev-Pope ing groups, an extraordinary man who sac- Mubeyyin Batu Altan your gulag concentration camps,” was the rificed his life for Crimean Tatars and New York reply. “What is his name?” “Cardinal Josyf John, An Asterisk to the History of a spearheaded Crimean Tatar National Slipyj.” “Your Excellency, allow us to get a Hopeful Year, 1962-1963.” W.W. Norton Movement with his courageous stand The letter-writer is affiliated with the report, and we will deliver him to you,” and Co., 1972. against Soviet tyranny. Crimean Tatar Research and Information Center. replied Khrushchev. Pelikan, Jaroslav. “Confessor Between Cardinal Josyf Slipyj was serving the East and West.” W.B. Eerdmans Publishing. second decade of his 25-year sentence in 1990. concentration camp No. 7, here in Schelkens Karim. “Vatican Diplomacy Mordovia. He could not have even dreamt after the Cuban Missile Crisis: New Light Attention that there was a conversation about him at on the Release of Josyf Slipyj.” The Catholic the Vatican. Or, maybe he did dream… he Historical Review – Vol. 97, No. 4, October never said. 2011, pp. 679-712. Box 911, Folder 4, Debutante Ball Organizers! It happened that on a Sunday, before Cardinal Slipyj –1968 – Finding Aid for the lunch, a black Volga drove up to the gate of Norman Cousins papers, 1924-1991, bulk the camp. Two men, dressed in black suits 1944-1990. Processed by Manuscripts As in the past, and ties and white shirts, exited. They Division staff; machine-readable finding entered the guard house, threw a docu- aid created by Caroline Cubé. UCLA The Ukrainian Weekly ment on the table at which the camp offi- Library, Department of Special Collections, will publish a special section cials were killing time and said only, “[Give] Manuscripts Division; e-mail, spec-coll@ us Slipyj.” library.ucla.edu; url: http://www.library. devoted to the Ukrainian When the officials saw Khrushchev’s ucla.edu/libraries/special/scweb/. signature on the document, they immedi- community’s debutantes. ately began running and bustling around. Orysia Tracz may be contacted at orysia. Some opened the gate, others went to [email protected]. The 2012 debutante ball section will be published on March 25. Opinions in The Ukrainian Weekly The deadline for submission of stories and photos Opinions expressed by columnists, commentators and letter-writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of either The Weekly is March 12. editorial staff or its publisher, the Ukrainian National Association. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2012 No. 10 GENERATION UKE

Edited and compiled by Matthew Dubas U. of Manitoba’s CUCS awards scholarships to 16 students WINNIPEG, Manitoba – Sixteen students were awarded scholarships and/or bursaries on September 18, 2011, at St. Andrew’s College Convocation and Awards Ceremony, hosted by be the Center for Ukrainian Canadian Studies (CUCS) at the University of Manitoba. Twenty-five awards, valued at nearly $13,000, were bestowed on the students’ high achievement in Ukrainian studies for the 2010-2011 academic year. The St. Andrew’s College Foundation Scholarship and Bursary Fund and the Center for Ukrainian Canadian Studies Endowment Fund at the University of Manitoba funded the awards. Many of these scholarships are named after prominent Ukrainian Canadian families and were pre- sented by their family members, along with the professors. The courses taught in 2010-2011 included “Intermediate Ukrainian” (Prof. Iryna Konstantiuk), “History of Eastern Christianity” (Dr. Roman Yereniuk), “Introduction to Ukraine” (Prof. Olexandr Shevchenko), “Making of Modern Ukraine” (Dr. Davis Daycock) and “Ukrainian Rites and Rituals” (Dr. Robert Klymasz). In each class the top three students with the highest marks received awards. Dr. Denis Hlynka (right) presents the Steve and Anna Paul Lasko presents Cory Chetyrbok with the Elia and The Anne Smigel Memorial Scholarship for high stand- Zurawecki Research Fellowship to Dr. Robert Klymasz (left). Maria Symchych Scholarship. ing in Ukrainian Canadian Heritage Studies was awarded to Cory Chetyrbok of Dauphin, Manitoba. The Andrew and research in Ukrainian Canadiana. ate, preserve and communicate knowledge relating to Nellie Pawlik Scholarship for high academic standing in The winners of the various awards included Adriel Ukrainian Canadiana through teaching, research and com- Ukrainian Canadian Studies and the fulfilment of a project Agpaiza, Jenna Modha, Curtis Mulyneaux, Romaniya munity outreach. The center is a leading multicultural that enhances and preserves Ukrainian culture had two Zayats, Khrystyna Lazar, James Gacel, Rodine Isfeld, institution of the University of Manitoba that specializes in winners – Justin Bzovy and Cory Chetyrbok. Rebecca Klass, Kaelyn Martin, Cory Chetyrbok (four matters pertaining to Ukrainians in Canada. For further The CUCS also awarded the Steve and Anna Zurawecki awards), Darka Burczynaki (two awards), Preet Toor, information readers may telephone 204-474-8906 or view Research Fellowship to Dr. Klymasz, one of the outstanding Garren Werbicki. the Rev. Michael Faryna and Justin Bzovy. the CUCS website at: www.umanitoba.ca/faculties/arts/ Ukrainian Canadian folklorists, for his outstanding The Center of Ukrainian Canadian Studies exists to cre- departments/ukrainian_canadian_studies. Syzokryli dance ensemble travels to Puerto Rico by Sophia Panych So what exactly was a Ukrainian dance group doing in “We are immensely grateful that Syzokryli came to per- Puerto Rico? form and represent Ukraine in the festival,” said Ms. OLD SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Two weeks ago, on a cold It’s all thanks to a small, but enthusiastic group by the Sushailo. “We are also very grateful for the warm and February morning, 16 members of Syzokryli Ukrainian name of “Ukrainians in Puerto Rico,” who wanted to show- heartfelt welcome and support that Ukrainian culture Dance Ensemble boarded a fight to sunny Puerto Rico for case Ukrainian culture as part of the government-run festi- received from the people in Puerto Rico. Tears of joy filled the company’s first international show since its 1992 tour val in Old San Juan, organized and planned by the city’s our eyes at the beginning of Pryvit as a living proof that of Ukraine. Department of Art, Culture, and Tourism. Ukraine will always be alive in our hearts.” With the overhead compartments bursting with gar- The Ukrainians in Puerto Rico, whose mission state- From the minute they walked off the plane, the recep- ment bags full of embroidered blouses and sharavary, and ment is to educate and celebrate Ukrainian culture, art and tion to the group was nothing less than ecstatic. Members 32 pairs of black and red boots stashed under the emer- language and bring it to the people of the island, saw the of the Department of Tourism greeted the dancers with a gency floatation devices, the dancers were prepared for a festival as another opportunity to achieve its goals. But Ukrainian flag at the airport, and showed off their impres- whirlwind weekend. In two-and-a-half days they per- with no dance group (just a former folk dancer from sive knowledge of Ukraine and its history. The shows were formed four full shows as part of the Feria Del Libre De Los Ternopil among their ranks) they looked to the mainland no different; locals and tourists alike stopped what they Artes (or The Outdoor Arts Exhibition) in Old San Juan, not for talent. They initially received interest from Brooklyn- were doing to come and watch. Many enthusiastic fans only bringing Ukrainian culture to the residents and visi- based film director Roxy Toporowych, who wished to show returned again and again with the crowd nearly doubling tors of the island, but also finding time to get a taste of the her film “Folk!.” Ms. Toporowych put Sophia Sushailo of the for each show. And the audience’s joy was contagious. With local culture for themselves. For more information about Ukrainians in Puerto Rico in touch with Orlando Pagan, back-to-back shows – along with high heat and humidity the festival, visit http://www.eventosanjuan.com/ingles/ Syzorkyli’s artistic director. Before they knew it, both Ms. not even experienced during summers at Soyuzivka – the index.html. Toporowych and Syzokryli were jetting down to San Juan. dancers, though exhausted, couldn’t help but smile after each show, and they took time to pose for pictures and greeted members of the audience and their families. To their surprise, many of dancers were even stopped and recognized on the streets to be congratulated for their per- formances. Ms. Sushailo, however, understood the joyous reception and embrace of Ukrainian folk traditions. “Puerto Rican people are very warm and welcoming and they love music, dance and rhythm. I’m glad we have been able to share and learn from each other this weekend,” she said. And it wasn’t just the Puerto Rican audiences that learned something. In their down-time, Syzokryli mem- bers immersed themselves in the local culture – experienc- ing the cuisine, visiting the historical sites and the sur- rounding beaches, and even trying their hand at salsa dancing, learning and brushing up on their technique from some of the resident dancers. While dancers and locals alike experienced and enjoyed the crossing of the two cultures, no one felt it more poi- gnantly than Syzokryli’s artistic director, who after 21 years of Ukrainian dancing, finally got the chance to bring his adopted culture face-to-face with his own. It’s no secret that Mr. Pagan isn’t Ukrainian. Born in the Bronx of Puerto Rican heritage, the leader of Syzokryli Bob Brussack The Syzokryli members who performed to Puerto Rico. (Continued on page 9) No. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2012 9 GENERATION UKE tually lead to taking over the group in 2006. Syzokryli... For Mr. Pagan, being able to present Syzokryli in the homeland of his parents (Continued from page 8) was especially satisfying. learned about the group through a friend at “This trip was special for both the com- his high school – the Fiorello H. LaGuardia pany and myself,“ he said. “For Syzokryli, High School of Music & Art and Performing we were able to showcase Ukrainian folk Arts. Syzokryli’s founder, Roma Pryma dance to an environment that had never Bohachevsky, took Mr. Pagan under her been exposed to it before. The response wing and immersed him in Ukrainian cul- and adulation we received was amazing – a ture, starting him on a path that not only testament to the legacy and grandeur of furthered him in his career as a profession- Roma Pryma’s vision. For myself, I was able al dancer, but would also even- to stand proud as a Puerto Rican-American

Bob Brussack The young women of Syzokryli perform “Pryvit.” bringing a Ukrainian dance group to Puerto of their upcoming shows will keep them Rico, the land of my ancestors. The island- close to home, Mr. Pagan and his dancers ers had nothing but respect for us and the look forward to future travels – beach or no art that we presented to them, and beach. although I was born in America they took “It was 20 years ago when Syzokryli me in as a son of the island, which I will went to Ukraine to perform,” noted Mr. never forget.” Pagan. “This trip reminded me of how So with a one island-tour under their much of the world we as a group have yet belts and enough Facebook pictures (which to see, and to share our art. I hope to con- can be viewed on Syzokryli’s page) to fill tinue bringing Syzokryli to places where several photo albums, the group looks for- we can present the beauty and passion that The young men of Syzokryli show off their athleticism and grace. ward to its spring season. And while most is Ukrainian folk dance.”

TUSM reorganizes a er 20-year hiatus PARSIPPANY, N.J. – The Ukrainian Ukraine, but recognize and empower stu- Students’ Association (Organization) of dent youth movements in Ukraine with Mykola Mikhnovsky (known by the morale and educational support. Ukrainian acronym TUSM) announced its Founded in Leipheim, Germany, in 1949 reorganization in the United Sates after a with a nationalist ideological profile, the 20-year hiatus on February 11 at a com- organization was affiliated with the OUN, memorative event in New York that and organized political conferences. At its marked the 100th anniversary of the birth peak it had 300 to 350 members in several of Yaroslav Stetsko. branches including the U.S. and Canada. It’s The event was attended by Stefan head office was in Munich until 1955, when Romaniw, president of the Organization of it moved to North America. Ukrainian Nationalists – Banderite wing Working with existing Ukrainian politi- (OUN-B), Askold Lozynskyj, president of cal and non-political organizations in the the International Conference in Support of U.S., Ukraine and internationally, TUSM Ukraine, and Stepan Kaczurak, president of plugs students into the efforts that shape the Organization for the Defense of Four Ukraine. Freedoms for Ukraine, as well as represen- Mr. Hlushko, in his remarks to the audi- tatives from the Ukrainian American Youth ence, quoted Mikhnovsky, who said, “with- Association, veterans of the Ukrainian out strength there is no right, and to obtain Insurgent Army (UPA), and members of the rights you must have strength.” The Women’s Association for the Defense of Ukrainian community, he explained, was Four Freedoms for Ukraine. the strength, and the right was the realiza- Stetsko, a former leader of the OUN-B tion of an independent, democratic and a former president of the Anti- Ukrainian nation-state. Mr. Hlushko called Bolshevik Bloc of Nations, was a nationalist on the community to unite in order to dedicated to the freedom of an indepen- obtain and reclaim this right from the dent Ukrainian state. TUSM recognizes hands of a Ukrainophobic regime and Stetsko as a national hero of Ukraine and a appealed for all Ukrainians to work togeth- role model for Ukrainian students globally. er with each other through TUSM and TUSM’s executive committee includes other active Ukrainians organizations so Mykola Hlushko, president; Dmytro Lenczuk, that Ukraine never loses this right. secretary; and Justyn Pyz, treasurer. TUSM is to announce a proposed plan of The goal of TUSM is to organize action for this year, as well as plans to coor- Ukrainian youth in higher education institu- dinate events with other Ukrainian organi- tions around the world and to inform about zations in the U.S. and throughout the world. Ukrainian causes through global media. For more information on TUSM, readers Through educational forums and frequent may contact the organization via tele- social gatherings, TUSM’s members not only phone, 908-472-3314, or e-mail, tycm. examine the current political situation in [email protected].

The “Generation Uke” page accepts photo submissions for the photo of the month space, which features Ukrainians being Ukrainian. Send photos to: [email protected] or The Ukrainian Weekly, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2012 No. 10

He and his family fled to Latvia in late September after The former police chief also allegedly illegally inflated Lutsenko sentenced... being tipped off about his likely arrest. his driver’s pension rate by including hours worked prior Police on February 24 arrested five political activists for to serving the Internal Affairs Ministry, resulting in an (Continued from page 1) planning to commemorate two years of Mr. Yanukovych’s inflated pension of $742 per month. power has become notorious for its rampant corruption. presidency on Kyiv’s Independence Square (the maidan) Mr. Prystupliuk was convicted of usurping state proper- “This government can be judged very harshly for by distributing condoms with the president’s face depicted ty and forging a University diploma, for which he embezzling funds and plundering of budgets on all levels, on a prophylactic on the condom box covers. received a suspended prison sentence of three years and beginning at the very highest,” said Oleksander Paliy, a Before they could even stage the event, police reported- confiscation of property. The judge also required him to Ukrainian political expert and author of numerous books ly confiscated a portion of the condom boxes from organiz- compensate the State Pension Fund in the amount of on Ukrainian history. ers at a nearby McDonald’s and then forced the restaurant $30,000. manager to sign an affidavit stating that nothing was taken, Mr. Lutsenko will remain in jail for another two years Civic activists targeted media reports said. and 10 months, given that he has already served part of the Instead of prosecuting alleged crimes involving hun- More condom boxes were confiscated from other pro- sentence. He has been in prison since December 2010. He dreds of millions of dollars, the Yanukovych administration test organizers on the maidan. The arrests violated their is banned from holding public office for three years, which is more concerned about civic activists staging clownish rights to private property, free speech and public assembly. means he cannot run in either the parliamentary elections protests. A half year ago, Denys Oleinikov was persecuted Each received a 15-day prison sentence. scheduled for October of this year, or the presidential elec- by police for printing T-shirts that read, “Thank you, resi- Among those arrested was Serhii Melnychenko, leader tion of 2015. dents of Donbas …” of the Kyiv-based Coalition of Orange Revolution The Pechersk District Court ordered Mr. Lutsenko to pay Participants. the equivalent of $116,000 to compensate the state for But the arrests aren’t limited to civic activists. misused funds, including some spent illegally, allegedly on On January 26, prosecutors filed criminal charges a party held on the annual police professional holiday. The U.S. ‘disappointed’ against mega-millionaire , the leading opposi- judge also ordered all of Mr. Lutsenko’s personal property tion politician in Kharkiv who is widely believed to have confiscated. by Lutsenko verdict won the mayoral race two years ago but lost as a result of Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski called the alleged vote falsification. sentence “disproportionate,” reported RFE/RL. WASHINGTON – The United States said on Prosecutors charged the 48-year-old Mr. Avakov with “As far as I know, [Lutsenko] is being accused of a rela- February 27 that it is “disappointed” by a Ukrainian exceeding his authority in illegal land distributions while tively trivial offense. And so it seems that this is a dispro- court’s conviction of Yurii Lutsenko, the former inter- serving as the Kharkiv Oblast Administration chair under nal affairs minister in imprisoned ex-Prime Minister portionate and harsh system,” Mr. Sikorski said. “In other former President . Since leaving office in Yulia Tymoshenko’s Cabinet. words, it is another argument for those who suspect the “The politically motivated prosecution of opposi- 2010, Mr. Avakov became a leading supporter of Ms. Ukrainian judicial legal system is not entirely free of politi- tion leaders, including Mr. Lutsenko and former Tymoshenko. cal motivations.” Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, raises serious con- Five days after charges were filed, prosecutors declared To make matters worse, the law requires that Mr. cerns about the government of Ukraine’s commit- an international search for Mr. Avakov, whose wealth was Lutsenko be transferred to the Menskyi state penitentiary ment to democracy and rule of law,” said Victoria estimated by Focus magazine in 2011 at $283 million. His for former law enforcement officers who committed Nuland, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Department of whereabouts remain unknown. crimes on the job, including those arrested under Mr. Lutsenko’s tenure as Ukraine’s police chief. State. Lutsenko sentence “We urge the government of Ukraine to free Mr. “The former police officer can’t be in a common peni- Lutsenko... and other senior former government offi- In the Lutsenko case, the convictions include the claim tentiary where convicted criminals are serving their cials currently in detention, and we believe they that he exceeded his authority as internal affairs minister terms,” said Yevhen Zakharov, a leading human rights law- should have unrestricted ability to participate fully in when giving his driver, Leonid Prystupliuk, allegedly illegal yer in Ukraine. “Lutsenko can’t be in the Menskyi (Penal) political life,” she added. bonuses, ranging between $300 and $3,000, as well as Colony also since there’s a lot of people who ended up allegedly illegal police rankings. there as a result of his efforts to eliminate police brutality.” No. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2012 11 Ukrainian folklore in by Natalie Kononenko

CONCLUSION Ukrainian villages The specific villages that I went to are called Ukrainian villages. They were founded by Ukrainians more than 100 years ago as a result of the Stolypin Reforms. Pyotr Stolypin, Russia’s agricultural minister and later prime minister, opened up lands such as those located around and encouraged the settlement of peasants by granting private ownership of land. This measure, he hoped, would make capitalists out of farmers and lead them to support tsarist rule. It was the Stolypin Reforms that first brought peasants from Ukraine to Kazakhstan. The stories about the early settlers were tales of cour- age. I heard about groups of men coming to an essentially barren land and building sod houses, then bringing their families to join them. The names of the founders were known in most villages and current residents took pride in being descended from them. There were also interesting legends about Stolypin him- The Ukrainian club in Rozhdestvenka. self. A number of people claimed that he had actually visit- charge of their lives. mals such as cows to small ones such as fowl. Still, there ed their villages once they were officially founded, usually One woman I interviewed in Sherbakty had been the were people who kept literally hundreds of geese and around 1908-1909, and that he had approved of what he head of a Ukrainian workers’ brigade sent to build the grain chickens, which they sold for meat. They also had at least a saw. Krasilovka, a village whose name derives from elevator. She met her future husband and stayed, and she few head of cattle and sold sour cream and butter, the “krasa,” a word that means beauty, boasted that the name was proud of her life and her contribution to the village. dairy products that keep well. Most villagers, however, did of the village was bestowed by Stolypin himself. The downside to the frontier mentality of the local pop- not prosper under privatization unless at least one mem- Later migrations of Ukrainians came in the 1930s in ber had a job outside the family farm, such as in the village response to the Holodomor. Kazakhstan itself experienced ulation is the willingness to tolerate pollution. Otherwise their positive outlook is most heartening. administration or the village school. a famine at that time, but land was more plentiful and req- I learned a great deal in Kazakhstan and not just about uisitioning efforts were not as severe. Russians also came The villages have experienced new challenges in recent times. When the collapsed, many ethnic keeping chickens, and separating milk, and making little to Kazakhstan, though there does not seem to be a specific dams to concentrate water on tomato plant roots. I learned period of Russian immigration. A big influx of population Germans left for Germany. Right now, large portions of some villages are deserted with collapsed houses or com- about folklore and culture and, comparing what I saw to came during the second world war. As Kazakhstan was what I had seen in Canada and Ukraine, I was able to gain pletely empty lots because of German outmigration. Farms, used for dangerous nuclear tests, so it was also used for the insights into cultural adaptation that I had sought. grain elevators and factories sit idle. people who were deemed dangerous by the Soviet regime, I think that one of the most important things that I As I worked in the various villages to the east and north namely ethnic Germans, specifically those who had been learned is that each geographical region develops its own of Pavlodar, there would be stark contrasts from village to living along the Volga. Ukrainian villages were among the culture and folklore. The culture and lore cannot be fully village. The Soviet Union had produced a relatively efficient recipients of exiled Germans. explained by the region in which a particular group finds system of working the land. Family plots were small, and the The last big influx of new settlers came with the Virgin itself though the nature of the region is important and that Lands program in the late 1950s and early ’60s. In villagers worked in large collectives, seeding huge tracks of is why I have given the description above. But climate, response to Nikita Khrushchev’s plan to turn the Kazakh land with wheat, barley, buckwheat and even corn. geography and contact cultures cannot fully explain what steppe into a major grain-producing area, people came Collectives owned literally thousands of heads of cattle. is going on and neither is there a uniform process that from Ukraine, Russia and elsewhere in the Soviet Union. Land was privatized when Kazakhstan became an inde- occurs whenever a culture moves outside its home. Rather, The first assumption that I encounter from people in pendent nation. If people took their individual allotments, culture seems to be an entity that takes on a life of its own the diaspora who hear about my trip is that the Ukrainians and especially if there was a loss of population due to the and develops much like a living organism. in Kazakhstan were victims, exiled there by Soviet authori- departure of Germans, then the villages struggled. If, how- The Ukrainians in Kazakhstan have developed a unique ties. The people in the villages around Pavlodar were any- ever, the collective stayed together, then the villages pros- culture. This culture varies from village to village, but thing but that. They saw themselves as brave pioneers, pered. there is enough consistency to make it clear that there is a conquerors of a wild frontier. They were people who took This was the case in Orlovka, where the village head north Kazakhstan Ukrainian culture. The people speak a under the Soviet system, a descendant of the original turn- language that they call “khokhliatsky,” a term derived from Natalie Kononenko is professor and Kule Chair of of-the-century Ukrainian settlers named Poliakov, kept the “khokhol,” the derogatory Russian slang word for Ukrainian Ethnography at the University of Alberta. She village together as a corporation in which each resident “Ukrainian.” This is a mixture of Ukrainian and Russian, received her Ph.D. from Harvard University in Slavic and held a share. In Orlovka the streets are clean and in good but it is not the “surzhyk” Ukrainian-Russian mix found in Turkic folklore under the direction of Omeljan Pritsak and repair. The fields are green and not fallow. The village owns Ukraine itself. Albert B. Lord, and taught for 30 years at the University of 8,000 head of cattle, some beef and some dairy, and has Rituals like weddings also have a mix of Ukrainian and Virginia before coming to Canada. She is the author of worked out an interesting system of letting the herd stay in Russian elements, but, like the language, the mix is differ- “Ukrainian Minstrels: And the Blind Shall Sing” and “Slavic the steppe and trucking the milkmaids and milking equip- ent from what I had seen elsewhere. The consistency of Folklore: A Handbook” and has edited books on Ukrainian ment out to the cows. Needless to say, no one left a place the mix from village to village made it clear that this was a dumy and “The Magic Egg and Other Tales from Ukraine.” like Orlovka and there are no empty houses. regional tradition, with variants, of course, but still enough Her trip to Kazakhstan was sponsored by the Kule In villages that did not follow Orlovka’s example, some common features to make it identifiable as a local type. Endowment. people did relatively well. There was a shift from large ani- As in Canada, practical considerations play an impor- tant role in shaping local ritual. In Canada, where one rural priest serves 10 to 15 churches, the Christmas Eve service can be on Christmas Eve, or on Christmas Day, or several days before or after Christmas, depending on when the priest can visit a particular location. The “Khram,” or “Praznyk,” the special celebration which takes place on the feast day of the saint after whom a church is named, is often moved to the summer if the particular saint’s day falls in winter, when country roads make travelintraveling difficult. “Provody,” the remembrance day for ancestors that should take place a week after Easter, can take place then or well into the summer, many weeks after Easter and sometimes as late as after Pentecost. This tends to be the day when people who have moved away from a village return to visit family gravesites and reconnect with their place of origin. Because this is such a big event, it is often combined with khram or Natalie Kononenko praznyk, and baptisms and weddings are often scheduled Lylia Yakovlivna Ivolha in the village of Sosnovka. If for the same day. About the only things that cannot be you don’t have a bandura, a guitar will do. The green scheduled to coincide with Provody are funerals. paint was a way to repair the cracks in the guitar and Being taught about local plants in Orlovka. improve the sound. (Continued on page 15) 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2012 No. 10

tored the subject and kept in touch with the wife, Mariella, in the office of the Ukrainian necessary medical care to detainees and NEWSBRIEFS Energy Ministry. During the difficult period, Orthodox Church – Kyiv Patriarchate. The prisoners. (Ukrinform) Ukraine took gas from its own underground meeting was attended also by the secretary (Continued from page 2) Koran in Ukrainian is released storage facilities. Therefore, the statement of the Holy Synod of the UOC-KP, trade and appointed him as secretary of the [by Gazprom Chairman Alexei Miller during Archbishop Yevstratii. The participants dis- KYIV – An advance copy of the first com- National Security and Defense Council of a meeting with Russian President Dmitry cussed freedom of worship in Ukraine. The plete translation of the Koran in Ukrainian Ukraine, in place of Raisa Bohatyriova. On Medvedev] with respect to illegal gas tap- ambassador also greeted Patriarch Filaret has been released at the King Fahd Complex February 22, Mr. Yanukovych appointed ping by Ukraine, which was broadcast on all on the 50th anniversary of ministry, which for Printing of the Holy Koran in Medina, Valeriy Khoroshkovsky as Ukraine’s first central Russian television channels, requires was recently marked by the Church. Saudi Arabia, according to a February 17 vice prime minister after dismissing him as additional processing and a formal response (Religious Information Service of Ukraine) statement from the translator, Prof. finance minister, a position he had held from experts,” the press service of the Party Ukrainian refugees in U.S. Mykhailo Yakubovych, candidate of histori- since January 18. Prior to that, Mr. of Regions quoted Mr. Yefremov as saying. “If cal sciences from the National University of Khoroshkovsky headed the Security Service the situation does not change, then there KYIV – The number of refugees resettled Ostroh Academy. “The book contains 993 of Ukraine (SBU) from March 11, 2010. will be a formal denial of this fact,” the politi- in the United States topped 3 million on pages, and is presented with parallel Arabic (Interfax-Ukraine) cian said. On February 22, the head of February 15. Ukrainians are among the top and Ukrainian texts,” he said. Prof. Yakubovych said the decision to publish the Gazprom, Mr. Miller, at a working meeting five nationalities resettled over this period, Yefremov denies siphoning of gas according to a statement released by the Ukrainian translation of the Koran was with President Medvedev said that Ukraine KYIV – Statements of the Russian U.S. State Department’s Bureau of made by a special commission of experts illegally took up to 40 million cubic meters of Federation regarding alleged unauthorized Population, Refugees and Migration on from the center in Medina, who testified transited Russian gas in the month of siphoning of transit gas by Ukraine during February 21. “A few statistical highlights that the Ukrainian version of the Koran the severe winter are not true, the chairman February. (Ukrinform) since 1975: over 1.4 million refugees from meets the requirements of doctrinal inter- of the parliamentary faction of the Party of Filaret discusses religious freedom Southeast Asian countries; over 605,000 pretation of the Muslim holy book. Today, Regions, Oleksander Yefremov, said at a from countries of the former Soviet Union; according to various estimates, Islam is briefing on February 23. “Throughout the KYIV – On February 24 Patriarch Filaret over 262,000 Africans; over 289,000 from practiced in Ukraine by more than 2 million period of low temperatures, I carefully moni- met with U.S Ambassador John Tefft and his the countries of Near East and South Asia; people, and there are about 300 Muslim the five largest nationalities resettled are communities in the country. (Ukrinform) Vietnamese, Ukrainian, Iraqi, Cuban, and Lawsuit against Yulia in U.S. court Somali,” reads the statement. At the same time, according to the U.S. Department of KYIV – The U.S. consulting firm U.S. Homeland Security, in 2001 the number of Universal Trading and Investment Co. refugees from Ukraine amounted to 7,172 (UTICo) has officially notified former Prime TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL WALTER HONCHARYK (973) 292-9800 x3040 people (about 10 percent of the total num- Minister Yulia Tymoshenko of a lawsuit at or e-mail [email protected] ber of refugees), and in 2010 the figure was the U.S. District Court for the Southern 449 people (0.6 percent). (Ukrinform) District of New York to recover $18.3 mil- lion from United Energy Systems of Ukraine SERVICES PROFESSIONALS Gaitana selected for Eurovision (UESU) in favor of UTICo, Ukrayinska KYIV – Gaitana, a 32-year-old singer Pravda reported on February 13. On born in Ukraine to a Congolese father and a February 7 a clerk of the District Court of Ukrainian mother, was selected on the Southern District of New York issued a February 18 to represent Ukraine at the certificate indicating that a copy of the sum- Eurovision finals in Baku, Azerbaijan, in mons and a copy of the lawsuit were pro- May. In her official Eurovision statement, vided to Ms. Tymoshenko, in line with the she expressed hope that her song “Be My Hague Convention of 1965, Ukrayinska Guest” would help promote Ukraine as a Pravda reported, quoting the documents “hospitable and friendly” country. The made available to the publication. “Thus, Eurovision Song Contest is an annual Yulia Tymoshenko has been notified about European competition in which each coun- the lawsuit against her,” try submits a song to be performed on live reported. UTICo asked the U.S. court to television, and a winner is chosen based oblige Ms. Tymoshenko to repay the corpo- upon the votes of the public as well as ration’s debt in favor of the U.S. company. In music professionals. won the 2004 2005, according to the , a court in contest, and Ukrainian performers were Massachusetts decided that UESU should runners-up in 2007 and 2008. (RFE/RL) pay $18.3 million to the company. Attaching documents from the U.S. case against for- Ukraine cases at Human Rights Court mer Prime Minister , UTICo also accused Ms. Tymoshenko of concealing KYIV – Ukraine is in fourth place, after UESU’s profit and assets from creditors, Russia, Turkey and Romania, in terms of the paying kickbacks and bribes for Mr. number of cases that are being considered Lazarenko of a sum exceeding $100 million by the European Court of Human Rights and using her official position to ensure (ECHR), according to the annual report of UESU’s speedy bankruptcy. The Security the Ukrainian government commissioner Service of Ukraine (SBU) claims that Ms. for the ECHR, which was posted on Tymoshenko, while heading UESU in 1995, February 3 on the website of Ukraine’s entered into criminal collusion with former Ministry of Justice. The report also notes First Vice Prime Minister Lazarenko to that cases against Ukraine being considered organize an opaque scheme of mutual pay- at the European Court of Human Rights ments for Russian gas and transfer of part constitute 7.5 percent of the total number of of the money that was obtained to their cases. Among the factors that often lead to accounts in foreign banks. According to the complaints against Ukraine are the non-ful- SBU, the transfer of funds to the accounts of fillment or long-term fulfillment of deci- foreign companies that were owned by Ms. sions of national courts, as well as the long- Tymoshenko at that time can be confirmed term realization of a pre-trial investigation by materials in the U.S. the case against Mr. in criminal cases and long-term review of Lazarenko. (Interfax-Ukraine) cases by the courts. In addition, violations of established by the Filaret’s 50th anniversary is celebrated OPPORTUNITIES ECHR are triggered by bad behavior in rela- KYIV – On February 4, at the National tion to a person who is in the state’s custo- Opera House of Ukraine, a celebratory pro- dy, shortcomings of legislation and adminis- gram was held on occasion of the 50th anni- EARN EXTRA INCOME! trative practices that lead to the detention versary of the episcopal consecration and of a person without a proper legal basis, the 45th anniversary of ministry at the The Ukrainian Weekly is looking and shortcomings of judicial practice, which Kyivan cathedral of Patriarch Filaret of Kyiv for advertising sales agents. lead to violations of human rights to a fair and All Rus’-Ukraine. The event was attend- For additional information contact trial. Another reason mentioned in the ed by the clergy and laity of Ukrainian Walter Honcharyk, Advertising Manager, report is the inefficiency of criminal investi- Orthodox Church – Kyiv Patriarchate, repre- The Ukrainian Weekly, 973-292-9800, ext 3040. gations conducted by law enforcement sentatives of the intelligentsia, and political agencies into the deaths and disappearanc- and public figures. The honored guests es of individuals, as well as misconduct on included Patriarch Sviatoslav Shevchuk of the part of government officials. Among the the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church. The Run your advertisement here, most common reasons for applications by program began with the “Prayer for in The Ukrainian Weekly’s Ukrainians to the European Court of Human Ukraine” performed by the Veriovka Rights are improper living conditions of National Choir. Patriarch Filaret was greet- CLASSIFIEDS section. persons in pre-trial detention or in penal institutions, and the failure to provide the (Continued on page 13) No. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2012 13

Poland and Ukraine new airports, roads, NEWSBRIEFS hotels, train stations, buses etc. have been developed in just a few short years. (Continued from page 12) Furthermore, it will put these two countries ed on the stage of the opera house by the on the world map, not only as tourist desti- members of the Synod of the UOC-KP. An nations, but also enabling them to show address was delivered by Metropolitan what they are capable of. This is a source of Dymytrii Rudiuk of Lviv and Sokal on behalf great pride for both nations. In terms of of the Synod. Two of Ukraine’s former presi- football, modern arenas will be there for the dents, Leonid Kravchuk and Viktor long haul, and I am not only talking about Yushchenko, gave speeches greeting the the eight stadiums that will host matches, patriarch. The head of the Parliamentary but also the numerous others which will Committee on Culture and Spirituality, serve as base camps for the participating Volodymyr Yavorivsky, greeted the hierarch teams. More importantly, the number of on behalf of the committee. Georgian Vice- children playing football [soccer] will Premier Georgii Baramidze greeted the increase. This should help raise the level of patriarch on behalf of President Mikhail the game in the years to come and also Saakashvilli of Georgia. Patriarch Filaret bring various social benefits, notably in spoke, outlining the path of his ministry as a health and social integration,” the UEFA bishop. The celebratory events continued in general secretary underscored. (Ukrinform) the Cathedral of St. Volodymyr. On February Carpathian Churches proposed for UNESCO list 5 Patriarch Filaret, in concelebration with 40 bishops, served a liturgy and a prayer service of thanksgiving. In the synodal hall adviser and head of the Department on of the Kyivan Patriarchate, Archbishop HumanitarianКYIV – Hanna and Herman,Sociopolitical presidential Issues, Simeon of Kotor greeted Patriarch Filaret reported at a February 23 press conference on behalf of the head of the Montenegrin that Ukraine had proposed that UNESCO Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Mykhail. include Carpathian churches on its World Archbishop Simeon presented to Patriarch Heritage List. She said that the wooden Filaret the Order of the Holy Cross. That architectural monuments were being dam- evening, a celebratory reception was held aged in Ukraine and Poland. She said the with bishops, clergymen, statesmen, public proposal is aimed at preserving what is pos- figures, Ukrainian national deputies, schol- sible to preserve. The presidential adviser ars, artists and diplomats in attendance. noted that the churches are being damaged (Religious Information Service of Ukraine) by the local communities themselves, who restore them in a non-professional way. The 1.6 M fans to attend Euro-2012 Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Foreign KYIV – About 1.6 million fans will visit Affairs and National Committee of Ukraine Poland and Ukraine in June during the for UNESCO, in conjunction with the Euro-2012 soccer championship, UEFA Ministry of Culture of Poland, have pre- General Secretary Gianni Infantino said in pared a special trans-border nomination of an interview on January 26 with the UEFA “Wooden Churches of the Carpathian Euro 2012 Official Preview Guide. “The Region of Ukraine and Poland” in order to UEFA European Football Championship is include the most valuable monuments of the third biggest sporting event in the world wooden sacral architecture on the list of and will be broadcast in more than 200 ter- UNESCO world heritage sites. Churches in ritories across the globe, with around 150 the Zakarpattia, Ivano-Frankivsk and Lviv million people watching each match live. oblasts of Ukraine and in two voivodeships The success of ticket sales – with more than of Poland have been included on the list of 12 million requests for approximately the monuments. Simultaneously, Ukraine 550,000 available tickets – is further proof prepared another application to UNESCO to of the fans’ wish to be part of Euro 2012 and include on the World Heritage List “the to enjoy a unique football celebration,” he ancient town of Chersonese of Tavria.” Both said. Mr. Infantino added that the long-last- nominations were submitted in January to ing legacy for Poland and Ukraine will be the UNESCO headquarters in Paris. A repre- huge. “Both countries are undergoing signif- sentative of the Ministry of Culture, Andrii icant changes in terms of infrastructure, and Vinhranovskyi, said at a press conference the effect of the construction now taking that Ukraine hopes the nominations will be place will have an enduring impact on the considered at the 36th session of UNESCO daily life of Polish and Ukrainian citizens. next summer and that positive decisions Modernization on this scale usually takes will be made. (Religious Information around 20 years to be implemented, but in Service of Ukraine)

With great sorrow we announce that on February 26, 2012, surrounded by his loving family, George D. Fedoruk passed away after years of battling an illness. Mr. Fedoruk was born on October 8, 1942 in Ukraine. He was an educator (Master’s Degree in Education), an artist (painter and sculptor), as well as an avid outdoorsman. He is survived by his wife Olga, his three children: George, Christina and Andrea, as well as four grandchildren: Steven, Anthony, Ava and Amelia. A viewing was held at Fletcher-Nasevich Funeral Home, 717 Brown St., Philadelphia, PA 19123, on March 3rd, at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, at 10:30 a.m. Interment was held at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery in Fox Chase, PA. Internal memory! 71B 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2012 No. 10

in Vynnyky, the curriculum was based on a mula, Ms. Svystovych says she has wit- Catholic Churchs. “Everyone at our school Ukrainian Catholic... nine-year program. In essence, the pupils nessed positive results due to the pedagog- is free to practice whichever faith they wish were graduating at a level equivalent only ical changes introduced at the educational and no questions regarding this issue have (Continued from page 4) to a junior high school education. Securing institution under her supervision. ever been raised. We tell everyone that for an example for government institutions; employment for them was a major chal- “For example, we do not hesitate to take us God is one and the same,” stated Ms. and encouraging various Church institu- lenge. Fortunately for Ms. Svystovych and the children to various public events Svystovych. tions to become more involved in their her staff, at that time Ukraine was enjoying because the children know their place and The genesis of the St. Nicholas Chapel can be traced to a chance encounter between Ms. local and regional communities. a progressive, Western-oriented Ministry of are always well-behaved. They are regular- ly invited to attend various theatrical per- Svystovych and her pupils that took place a Three projects that successfully contin- Education that permitted the internat to formances,” Ms. Svystovych noted. year before the chapel’s consecration. ue to meet the Ginger Fund’s goals in one extend the curriculum to an 11-year pro- As a genuine haven for children from On May 29, 2006, the Internat installed a way or another, and are partially sponsored gram. As a result, in 2009 the school held broken families, the Vynnyky school offers statuette of the Mother of God in the court- by the fund, are located in the Lviv region. its first 11th grade graduation. the best possible attention, affection and yard located in front of the internat. During In the Lviv suburb of Vynnyky, a sanato- Following the significant curriculum spiritual nourishment available outside the the Soviet era, that same spot was occupied rium-school-internat serves as an excellent changes, the teachers and staff immediate- ly noticed a difference with respect to job home, which is why many consider the by a little statue of Lenin. By the time Ms. example of a win-win situation where a internat not only an educational institution, Svystovych had arrived to administer the results-producing project enjoys not only opportunities – employment prospects for the school’s graduates began to improve but also an overall “wellness center,” in the school, the Lenin statue was gone, but in its good relations with local and regional gov- words of its director, providing a comfort- place was an empty pedestal which, thanks ernment officials, but also volunteer assis- significantly. In addition, the introduction of the nationwide standardized testing pro- able environment for disadvantaged kids. to the school’s new leadership, soon began tance from Church and community activists. to serve as the foundation for the statue of gram was also a major step forward in Even during weekends, the children The internat (boarding school) which the Mother of God, as a symbol of protec- reforming Ukraine’s overall educational decide to remain at the internat because supervises 220 children age 6 to 18, func- they enjoy their stay so much, while in the tion over the Internat’s pupils. system, as it had a direct positive impact on tions as a specialized institution in educat- wintertime the pupils have the option to “I recall a very moving scene when dur- the internat’s pupils as well. ing and taking care of children who are sus- rejoin their families, although many are ing the winter of 2006-2007, looking out Thus, eight of the school students took ceptible to contracting tuberculosis or invited to attend a so-called “Christmas through the window of my office I wit- and passed the standardized exams and, as whose parents suffer from this disease and School,” because they come from house- nessed how amidst the snow drifts, a group a result, one of these boys is now a student other serious ailments. In 1995 tuberculo- holds that can’t afford to celebrate such of our fourth graders cleared a path to the sis was declared an epidemic on the terri- at University, while two holidays appropriately. statuette of the Blessed Virgin, took off tory of Ukraine and the disease has not yet other students are now enrolled at the However, for summer vacation, the state their hats, knelt down and began praying.” been eradicated. Academy of the Internal Affairs Ministry. allocates funds for a select number of chil- At that moment, Ms. Svystovych said she According to the internat’s director, “In other words, what was once consid- dren to spend time at summer camp. The realized the school was in need of a chapel Liliya Svystovych, the parents of such chil- ered impossible has now become a reality. I institutional staff designates those children where the children could pray in comfort dren are very often asocial individuals, for am no longer worried what will happen to who are most at risk of being neglected and whenever they wanted to. example, alcoholics and drug addicts, or our graduates once they complete our pro- underfed while at home during summer Today, the school’s chapel is open 24 people from low-income families who are gram. I feel assured and positive about the break. According to Ms. Svystovych’ every hours per day and the children can pray ineffectual in adequately confronting the future,” stated Ms. Svystovych. second pupil falls under such a risk. there anytime they are free from their problem of tuberculosis. In addition to introducing a new curric- During the school year, the pupils also classroom responsibilities. According to Although the children at the internat are ulum, under the intrepid leadership of its have the opportunity to acquire certain the internat’s director, the children them- well-behaved and do not cause major disci- director the school initiated reforms within practical skills which help them with the selves feel an internal desire to pray – no plinary problems, the staff and teachers its internal educational system, in essence process of social adaptation into society. By one forces them to do so. They already have on occasion encountered serious significantly altering the approach to its pooling their respective resources, the know the entire divine liturgy by heart. problems with the children’s parents. At pedagogical program. Ginger Fund and the Netherlands-based “The parents of these children were not times, this has resulted in the forced escort According to Ms. Svystovych, during the Henri Nouwen Fund have together enabled known for taking their children to church, of inebriated parents from the premises, Soviet era, the emphasis was first and fore- the internat to open up a wood crafts work- so it’s quite interesting to observe when, because the administration’s policy does most on education and acquiring knowl- shop, a hair salon for its female pupils, and a for example, at the beginning of the school not call for the release of a child into the edge, followed by physical education and workshop facility where boys and girls learn year, the children actually bring their par- custody of a parent who is intoxicated. proper etiquette, while the concept of spiri- how to cook and properly set the table. ents to our chapel for services. For us, this “Moreover, there have even been cases tuality was de-emphasized if not outright Ms. Svystovych considers such activity is probably one of our greatest achieve- where we had to drive to the pupil’s home ignored. This equation has since been important because in many cases the fami- ments,” admitted Ms. Svystovych. and literally rescue the child from deplor- reversed, by putting the primary focus on lies where these children come from don’t able living conditions. We already have our spirituality, thanks to the visionary policies even have such typical household products NEXT WEEK: The key role of seminari- fair share of experience in appropriately initiated by Ms. Svystovych and her staff. as gas ovens, the possession of which oth- ans and seminary graduates as volunteers dealing with such problems; filing formal “If a child possesses a sense of spiritual ers might take for granted. at schools-internats in the Lviv region. complaints with the local police and procu- goodness, such a child will be well-man- Spiritual care is a vital component of the * * * rator’s office is common practice for us,” nered and well-behaved, and these quali- internat’s overall successful program. To For further information about UCU (in admitted an undaunted Ms. Svystovych, ties will encourage such a child to learn, meet the spiritual needs of its pupils and English and Ukrainian) please refer to the who initially faced seemingly insurmount- because the child will recognize the need to staff, the internat’s administration decided university’s website at www.ucu.edu.ua able hurdles when she assumed the posi- acquire knowledge in order to be a respon- to construct a chapel on its premises. From The UCEF in the U.S. may be contacted in tion of director. sible individual,” underscored Ms. start to finish, the entire construction proj- writing at 2247 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL When Ms. Svystovych arrived as the new Svystovych. Although she admits that this ect lasted only two months and the formal 60622; Phone: 773-235-8462; E-mail: ucef@ director of the sanatorium-school-internat may not sound like a groundbreaking for- consecration of the St. Nicholas Chapel ucef.org; Website: www.ucef.org took place on May 29, 2007. The UCEF in Canada may be contacted in To bless the chapel, the internat’s writing at 263 Bering Ave., Toronto, ON M8Z administration invited clergy of the 3A5; Phone: 416-239-2495; E-mail: info@ DISTRICT COMMITTEE of UNA BRANCHES Orthodox, Greek-Catholic and Roman ucef.ca. OF NORTHERN NEW JERSEY announces that its Mr. Samaranch proposed that the Turning the pages... national flags of athletes and their national ANNUAL DISTRICT COMMITTEE MEETING (Continued from page 6) anthems would be played in the awarding of individual events. “It is a very good will be held on Vitaly Smirnov, an IOC vice-president agreement for them. If an athlete from Friday, March 16, 2012 at 3:00 P.M. and former chief of the Soviet Olympic Ukraine is a winner, they will have the At the UNA Home Office Committee, said the IOC was ready to be anthem and the flag,” he noted. flexible on the matter of flags and anthems. 2200 Rt.10, Parsippany, NJ 07054. “The danger is that if one country is Source: “IOC says republics must compete Obligated to attend the annual meeting as voting members are allowed to send a separate team it will as Unified Team,” The Ukrainian Weekly, immediately cause a chain reaction.” March 15, 1992. District Committee Officers, Convention Delegates and two delegates from the following Branches: 25, 27, 37, 42, 70, 76, 133, 134, 142, 171, 172, 234, 287

All UNA members are welcome as guests at the meeting MEETING WILL BE ATTENDED BY Members of UNA Executive Committee DISTRICT COMMITTEE Stephan Welhasch, District Chairman Neonila Sochan, Secretary Walter Honcharyk, Treasurer No. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2012 15

go out to the well on the eve of Epiphany Ukrainian folklore... and draw water which they sincerely believe has magical properties. Any num- (Continued from page 11) ber of people, both villagers and urban The dominance of practical consider- dwellers, swore that the water was special ations is understandable in Canada where and had magical and healing powers. As there is an absence of magical world view evidence they pointed out that Epiphany and rituals are more a matter of social con- water, unlike regular water, would not vention than an attempt to influence the spoil: there was never any trace of sedi- future. ment or algae. In Kazakhstan a magical world view per- Some people said that simply drawing sists and may be even stronger than in water on the eve of January 19 was not Ukraine, perhaps because of the harsh liv- enough and that special actions needed to ing conditions. But rituals are governed by be taken. These included drawing water at practical considerations nonetheless. While a certain time, usually midnight, though 4 Malanka, the New Year’s Eve celebration, a.m. and 6 a.m. were also mentioned. Some has flourished in urban Canada, perhaps people said that the water needed to be left because it offers one more party to add to outside for several hours so that the light of the holiday season, in Kazakhstan the big the moon and the stars could shine on it social event is Maslenytsia, the Shrove cele- and confer the power of the heavens. A bration before Great Lent. very few said that water either needed to The choice of Maslenytsia is not motivat- be drawn at the time that a church service ed by the importance of Lent to the local would normally take place or that it need- ed to be set out at that time. Natalie Kononenko examinines embroideries in Sherbakty with Tetiana Dmytriivna population. In fact, Lent is largely ignored, Tataryntseva. probably because there are no legumes or The belief in the magical properties of other vegetables to substitute for the meat Epiphany water was remarkably wide- is quite different from the situation that I ritual process. Lack of consistency did not and milk protein that constitutes such an spread. I found it among religious people found in Ukraine where magic practices, bother anyone and even some destructive important part of the diet. Rather, and those who were not religious but had charms and magical actions among them, behavior such as stealing chickens and Maslenytsia has come to the fore and the magical world view we often associate abounded, but were hidden from view. scratching up the walls of the groom’s become an event celebrated, not just in the with the folk, especially those living in vil- People were reluctant to admit to knowl- house was tolerated. home but in the village center, with offi- lages. I also found it in the city. A very edge of magic in Ukraine, but not in Comic and destructive elements are cials, schoolchildren, in fact most of the vil- sophisticated person, one of the organizers Kazakhstan. This is possibly the result of found not only in weddings but also in cal- lage in attendance, because it comes close of my trip and an avowed atheist, also more extensive persecution of behavior endar rituals such as Christmas and to coinciding with Navriz, the holiday of the swore by the power of Epiphany water and that would be deemed superstitious and Maslenytsia/Shrove. People even talked New Year celebrated by the Kazakh popula- gave me a number of other instances thus un-Soviet in Ukraine, a country closer about the necessity of joking at funerals to tion. With the emphasis on Kazakh culture where he had observed the intervention of to the Soviet heartland than the remote entertain the deceased and stated that this that has come with independence and the the supernatural into his life. We cannot areas around Pavlodar. was especially important while washing new, Kazakh-led regime, celebrating a make neat categories and state that a magi- The contrast between Ukraine and the body. A serious approach to ritual does Ukrainian holiday that can be combined cal world view is characteristic of unedu- Kazakhstan is also quite curious and needs not preclude levity. with one that is part of the dominant cul- cated people only. further investigation since people in Throughout my professional career I ture is a good way to promote one’s own. A similar combination of the practical Kazakhstan attributed the source of their have sought to understand why folklore and the magical can be found in the area of Kazakhstan does not have the practice magical knowledge to Ukraine and, indeed, persists. Travelling through a number of folk medicine. Folk medicine includes, in of assigning one priest to serve a circuit of the notebooks they showed me with villages fairly quickly as I did on this trip, it addition to holy water, various herbs and churches and, as a result, many villages charms and instructions for performing became obvious that folklore is necessary tinctures made from them. Physical manip- have no church and no clergy. The practical magical curative acts were in Ukrainian, for well-being. Perhaps the benefits of folk- ulation, bone-setting included, falls in this solution to this situation is for villagers to not “khokhliatsky.” lore stood out with special clarity against category. There is also widespread use of perform various rites themselves, including People took magic seriously in the harsh natural and political environ- charms and magic actions such as rinsing important religious ones such as baptism. Kazakhstan and they fully believed in the ment of Kazakhstan, but they were impos- the face of a colicky baby with dirty dish- Weddings can be performed with no clergy efficacy of ritual acts. At the same time, sible to ignore. Those villages in which peo- water and wiping it with the inside of one’s present. They are then officially registered they viewed rituals as fun occasions, a ple actively engage in various forms of folk- apron or skirt. to meet bureaucratic demands. Registration chance to have a good time. lore are much more cheerful and friendly. Some of these charms or actions need to can occur before the wedding, as in The ritual elements that are most con- In some villages no one does embroi- be performed by a specialist, but many do Ukraine, or it can occur after the wedding, sistent among Ukraine, Canada and dery and the only embroidered objects not. In fact, in the absence of specialists, sometimes long after the wedding. It does Kazakhstan are not the solemn ones, the were heirlooms made by mothers or people write down charms and instructions not seem to matter as long as the ritual ones that seal the bond of matrimony, for grandmothers. When I asked about for performing actions and say the charms example. Instead what people remember itself, the folk aspect of the wedding, is per- embroidery, people said that it was a thing and perform the magical actions them- and what persists from country to country formed. of the past and that the old items, many of Perhaps the most striking practical per- selves. Cures are used to relieve human suf- are carnivalesque elements such as cross- which were indeed treasured, did not really formance of a ritual act comes at Jordan, or fering and are also widely applied to farm dressing at weddings. In all three places the fit in the home any more. As a result, they Kreshchenie, usually called Epiphany in the animals, especially cattle, which is quite solemn part of the wedding is followed by a gave them to local museums. West. Water is blessed in church on this understandable considering the impor- mock wedding with a humorous mock In Rozhdestvenka, inspired by an elderly day and people take it home to use for ill- tance of cattle to the local economy. bride and groom. Who gets dressed up as and locally born resident named Klavdia ness. They use it to bless the house and the In Kazakhstan, people were not reluc- the fake and funny couple varies, but some Tereshyna and a woman who had moved to cattle, and keep it for any situation where a tant to talk about resorting to various mag- sort of costuming, complete with feasting, the village from Ukraine named Evheniia little divine help in necessary. ical practices; they showed me their books often on stolen food, is a regular feature. Bikotserkivets, everyone embroiders. They With no village church, there is no place of charms and let me photograph them. To People felt that weddings were important do some embroidery of the traditional type to get water blessed on Epiphany. The solu- them, this was just something that was and solemn occasions, but they did not feel on ritual cloths called “rushnyky” and some tion to this problem is very simple: People done and not really anything special. This that they had to be solemn throughout the on a more recent modification, namely the pillow cushion. But they also do embroi- dered pictures with scenes reflecting life in Ukraine, or Ukrainian life as they imagine it to be, but most pictures have modern and area-specific motifs such as local flowers and even a mosque. The women in Rozhdestvenka are also remarkably cheerful. Their village is not super-prosperous like Orlovka, and neither is it run-down like Krasilovka. But the women are noticeably happier than women who do not engage in crafts. I should note that, in northern Alberta, women with a similar disposition are also embroiderers or weavers, or people who enjoy some other craft such as crochet and the embroiders also make pictures often featuring Canadian scenes. Embroidery is only one of the folklore Lydia Danylivna Filicheva (maiden name forms that leads to spiritual and physical Boyko) and her husband Petro Natalie Kononenko Fedorovych, village of Orlovka. Their Borys Ivanovych Radchanko and his wife, Kateryna Mykolayivna, with their well-being. In several villages there are house was filled with Ukrainian embroi- Kazakh neighbors. The little girl plays at the Radchenkos’ house and calls them deries done by Lydia. “baba” and “dido.” (Continued on page 18) 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2012 No. 10 No. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2012 17 Chernyk sports club skis the slopes of Boyne Highlands

Joseph Tobianski The Chernyk Ukrainian Ski Club at Boyne Highlands in Michigan.

by Lesia Lawrin for February at the ski resort, but there was Highlands Main Dining Room to socialize. up north annually since 1966, when the plenty of snow and no complaints of cold. Others enjoyed tubing down the hill and first trip was organized by George Blichar. HARBOR SPRINGS, Mich. – Sunshine and Members enjoyed skiing and snowboard- zipping down the Zipline Adventure from Since then, the ski trip organizers have temperatures in the 30s welcomed the ing on the slopes. the mountaintop. Some even zipped hang- included Petro Kushnir, Jaroslaw Slywka, Ukrainian Ski Club to northern Michigan Children met at the ski school for les- ing upside down. Lesia Lawrin and Marko Lawrin. This year- for a weekend of spring-like skiing. More sons, and parents watched with pride as On Saturday, members met at the Heather ly get-together offers families and friends a than 150 skiers from the Detroit area gath- their children rode the magic carpet. Warm-Up Hut for lunch, organized by Roma chance to ski together and enjoy some win- ered at Boyne Highlands Resort in Harbor Friends enjoyed each other’s company. and Bernard Tobianski. Skiers and snow- ter fun. Special thanks were expressed to Springs on February 3-5, for the annual Most of the skiers took time to relax in the boarders exchanged stories and, before going Marko Lawrin for organizing this year’s Ukrainian Sports Club Chernyk ski trip. outdoor pool. Many gathered near the fire- back to the slopes, posed for a group picture. event and bringing another generation of The warmer weather was unseasonable place at the Slopeside Lounge and in the The Chernyk Ski Club has been meeting skiers to the slopes of northern Michigan.

particular the NGO component. The UCCA UCCA meets... delegation stressed the need to drive home (Continued from page 1) the message to the Ukrainian electorate about the importance of a free and fair Ukrainian Caucus, expressed their hopes electoral process. that Ukraine would adhere to all democratic State Department officials then principles during the election process. Both informed the UCCA of Assistant Secretary representatives said they are fully aware of of State Philip Gordon’s recent trip to the current situation in Ukraine and of the Ukraine and of his meetings with Ukrainian importance of the upcoming elections for opposition leaders, civil society organiza- Ukraine’s democratic development, stating tions, the media and Ukrainian government that the United States would be carefully officials. (See The Ukrainian Weekly, monitoring the election process. February 19.) As Rep. Hinchey served as an internation- While at the Ukrainian Embassy, UCCA al election observer with the UCCA’s 1994 President Olexy stated that the UCCA, along Observer Mission, the UCCA invited the con- with the Ukrainian World Congress and the gressman to join its 2012 Observer delega- Ukrainian Canadian Congress, will once tion, to which Rep. Hinchey readily agreed. again be hosting a delegation of interna- At the U.S. Department of State, UCCA tional election observers to monitor the leaders met with Tom Melia, deputy assis- upcoming parliamentary elections. She tant secretary for democracy, human rights called for a smooth registration process for and labor (DRL), and Baxter Hunt, director, the monitoring team. Office of Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus Reassurances were given by the Affairs, as well as officers from the Ukraine Ukrainian ambassador that the govern- desk and the Coordinator’s Office of ment is committed to the transparent Assistance to Europe. administration of all aspects involving The UCCA representatives reiterated international election observers. their concern about the continuous back- Ambassador Motsyk, who had just returned sliding of democracy in Ukraine, the impor- from Kyiv, also informed the UCCA that dis- tance of the upcoming parliamentary elec- cussions were held in Kyiv about the ongo- tions and the strategic partnership ing plans for the Holodomor memorial in between Ukraine and the United States, in Washington.

UNIS Rep. Marcy Kaptur is flanked by UCCA President Tamara Olexy and UNIS Director Michael Sawkiw Jr. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2012 No. 10

wreaths, complete with ribbons. The wed- Ukrainian folklore... dings had taken place in Kovalevka and “Shevchenko on the Bowery” the family, while maintaining its German (Continued from page 15) identity, saw no problem with adopting to be featured on March 10 Ukrainian wedding wreaths. There are ethnic tensions in NEW YORK – Poetry by Taras “We purposely chose a variety of transla- Kazakhstan. While this country was under Shevchenko will be featured in New York tions of Shevchenko’s poetry,” noted Prof. City’s prestigious Bowery Poetry Club on Motyl, Mr. Makhno’s collaborator on the Soviet domination, everyone resented the Saturday, March 10, in 90-minute event project. “We wanted the audience to hear Russians because it was they who got the titled “Shevchenko on the Bowery.” different voices with different nuances and best jobs, the best schooling, the nicest liv- “As the 200th year anniversary of different approaches.” ing quarters. Now that Shevchenko’s birth approaches, we wanted “Shevchenko’s poetry looks simple,” Kazakhstan is independent to expose New Yorkers to Shevchenko the explained Mr. Makhno, “but the reality is and ruled by an ethnic great Romantic poet,” said Vasyl Makhno, a that it is profoundly complex, and translat- Kazakh, albeit one who Ukrainian-language poet and one of the ing it while remaining true to the original’s was Communist Party head event’s co-organizers. “The audience will sound, structure, and meaning is almost prior to independence, hear poems about love, fate, hope, despair, impossible.” everyone who is not a freedom, and a host of other topics that “Shevchenko on the Bowery” will start at Kazakh resents the . have traditionally concerned poets around 8 p.m. on the dot and conclude at 9:30 p.m. Virtually every village akim the world.” The Bowery Poetry Club is located at 308 and all district akims were Most of the poetry will be read in English Bowery, New York, NY 10012, just north of Kazakhs. The police are translation (by Peter Fedynsky, George Houston Street; telephone, 212-614-0505. Kazakh. The officials at the Grabowicz, Alexander Motyl , Vera Rich and “The Bowery has traditionally been home border when I flew in were Roman Turovsky), with only some in the to outsiders and outcasts,” said Prof. Motyl, all Kazakhs. Ukrainian original. Readings will be per- “and, although we know that Shevchenko In the village of Krasilovka, Halyna But resentment against any nationality formed by Mr. Fedynsky, Prof. Grabowicz, Bob was a genius, we often forget that he was Ivanivna Lybid holds her wedding icon exists in the abstract only. Just as Kazakhs with the wedding wreath inside. Holman, Svitlana Makhno, Mr. Makhno, Prof. also the quintessential Ukrainian outsider helped Ukrainians when they first came to Motyl and Mr. Turovsky. Bandurist Julian and outcast. What better place to hear his groups that get together to sing. Some of settle in this land, so now individual Kytasty will offer two musical interludes. poetry?” these groups are formally organized by a Kazakhs and Ukrainians and Russians and local official such as the Dom Kultury Germans are on the best of terms. In (House of Culture) worker. The formal Uspenka a Ukrainian family whom I inter- groups get together to sing for personal viewed had Kazakh neighbors and the lit- enjoyment. They also perform at various tle Kazakh child living next door not only University of Alberta off ers holidays and other community events played at the home of the Ukrainian cou- where they not only sing, but showcase ple, but called them “baba” and “dido.” I travel-study course in Lviv crafts and foods, and engage in competi- stayed with Kazakh families as well as EDMONTON, Alberta – The Ukrainian instruction is in Ukrainian. The course tions akin to bake-offs. Some groups get with Ukrainian ones. Culture, Language and Literature Program dates are: May 18-June 15. together informally. There are legends about the past which at the University of Alberta has announced This course is open to all residents of In Khmelnitskoye, a group of widows blame the Kazakhs for plugging up springs the 11th annual travel-study course in Lviv: Canada as well as all international students. gathers to sing and chat. We joined them with felt and thus depriving the area of “Ukrainian through Its Living Culture I & II” Individuals who attend institutions other than for a birthday celebration that featured water. But the legends voice precisely the (UKR 300/400), which will be conducted the University of Alberta should apply for food, drink and plenty of singing. Both for- general and abstract hostility that people by Prof. Alla Nedashkivska. admission to Open Studies before contacting mal and informal groups tend to be multi- feel. Concrete individuals are honored and This is an intensive course designed to the Department of Modern Languages and ethnic. In the case of services provided by a cherished, regardless of nationality. enhance practical language skills through a Cultural Studies for registration. village official, multiculturalism is a govern- And this report would not be complete direct experience of current life in Ukraine. Open Studies may be contacted by phone, ment mandate. But informal groups are without the mention of at least a few of The course employs contemporary popular 780-492-4601. For more information, read- also inclusive. The one in Khmelnitskoye is the many moving individual stories that I culture and media, taking maximum advan- ers may visit the course site: http://www. predominantly Ukrainian, but also has two heard. I talked to a couple, both of whom tage of the urban Lviv environment to arts.ualberta.ca/%7Eukraina/study_in_ Russian members and a Kazakh. The songs had tragically lost their spouses and expand vocabulary and comprehension. All ukraine/ukrainian_through_its_liv/. they sing are also predominantly descended into depression, but then found Ukrainian, though all members know and each other, and experienced recovery and perform Russian and Kazakh songs as well. happiness. I talked to several couples who Maintaining ethnic purity, so frequently had been together all their long lives and Alleged plot... causing a lot of confusion,” he said. a concern in groups shared their enthusiasm for Ukrainian both in Canada and the United States is just song and other folk arts. There was a man With Interfax, ITAR-TASS, AFP, and AP (Continued from page 2) not a concern here. In fact, it was not a con- who had become an alcoholic and whose reporting. cern in rural Alberta and people made or wife and children left him. He had recov- comedy theater, the sports palace, the Copyright 2012, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted sang what appealed to them, regardless of ered with the help of his mother and Athena shopping center. So they seemed with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ its ethnic origin. Ethnic purity, like main- music, and now kept his mother’s house, to be suggesting that these comrades were Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, taining solemnity during rituals or differ- which was immaculate, and played the preparing an explosion in the city, at some Washington DC 20036 (see http://www. entiating the magical from the scientific is accordion while his mother played guitar. big gathering point. And all these theories rferl.org/content/report_plot_to_kill_putin_ not important. I am truly lucky that people would seemed to change at the speed of sound, foiled/24497127.html). That being said, Ukrainian culture did allow me into their lives and talk to me dominate in many ways. Alevtina Cvetkova, and share their arts. When we went to an ethnic Russian herself, said that it was Uspenka, the otherwise careful planning The Board of Governors of the because Ukrainians prize their culture of my various trips failed and we were not more than other ethnic groups. Other rea- expected when we arrived. At first the vil- Ukrainian American Bar Association sons might be that Ukrainians outnumber lage akim, one of the few officials who was other nationalities in the villages that I vis- an ethnic Ukrainian, was quite hostile. But is pleased to announce ited or that they, as village founders, have when I started interviewing some of the the establishment of the established their culture more firmly. local residents, the akim and the other vil- In any case, there are more Ukrainian lagers whom he had summoned decided clubs in various villages, more singing that what we were doing was actually groups that dress in Ukrainian costume (or quite interesting – they were able to learn what they think is Ukrainian costume) about themselves as well as help me learn. UABA INTERNSHIP PROGRAM when they perform. Perhaps the most As a result, the akim offered to have us striking attestation of this fact were old move into his home and drove us all over photographs of weddings that I asked to everywhere, actually not giving me as for Ukrainian American law students, recent law graduates see and photograph whenever I could. much of an opportunity to stretch my legs and young attorneys interested in the UABA and its mission In Kovalevka we were interviewing an as I would have liked. elderly Ukrainian woman whose daughter Again, I am most fortunate that I have an statement. had married one of the local Germans and occupation that is useful to others. It allows moved to Germany when the Soviet Union me to travel and to learn. And incidents like Deadline for applying for the spring, 2012 internship position is collapsed. The younger couple had come the one in Uspenka reassure me that I am back from Germany to visit. I asked about not just getting something from the people March 21, 2012 weddings, and the man who now lived in I talk to, but giving something back. This Germany spoke German, and had the very essay is just the first of what I hope will be a For more details, please visit HTTP://WWW.UABA.ORG German name of Jacob Blok showed the number of pieces about Kazakhstan. I hope wedding photographs of his older sisters. that the people I talked to, as well as the or you may email [email protected] They were wearing white dresses, but on readers of these words, benefit from my their heads were very Ukrainian-looking observations and my work. No. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2012 19

Through March 25 Art exhibit, “Bulgarian Artists Abroad,” Ukrainian March 10 Literary evening, “Shevchenko on the Bowery,” Bowery Chicago National Museum, 312-421-8020 or New York Poetry Club, 212-614-0505 www.bulgariansartistsabroad.net March 10 Taras Shevchenko conference, Ukrainian Academy of Arts March 7-8 Conference, “Ukraine at the Crossroads,” Ukrainian New York and Sciences with Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute Ottawa Canadian Congress and the Canada Ukraine Foundation, and hosted by the Shevchenko Scientific Society, University of Ottawa, 204-942-4627 or 212-254-5130 http://cuf.eventbrite.com/ March 10-11 Pre-Cana conference, St. John Ukrainian Catholic Church, March 8 Presentation by Oksana Kis, “Reclaiming the Political Newark, NJ 973-371-1356 New York Meaning of International Women’s Day: Feminist Activism in Ukraine Nowadays,” Columbia University, March 11 Taras Shevchenko concert, featuring the Canadian 212-854-4697 or [email protected] Jenkintown, PA Bandurist Capella, Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center, 215-663-1166 or www.banduristy.com March 8 Presentation by Brian Dedora, “Kurelek in the Workshop: Hamilton, ON Craftsman, Framer and Artist,” Art Gallery of Hamilton, March 15 Presentation by Sophia Kachor, “Pysanka – Talisman, www.artgalleryofhamilton.com or 905-527-6610 Winnipeg Decorative Art, Identity Marker,” Ukrainian Cultural and March 8 Conference, “Quo Vadis Ukraine?” Canada Ukraine Educational Center, 204-942-0218 or [email protected] Ottawa Foundation, Chair of Ukrainian Studies, University of Ottawa, 613-562-5800, ext. 3692 March 17 St. Patrick’s Day “Ukrainian Style,” Syracuse Ukrainian Syracuse, NY National Home, 315-478-9272 or March 9 Presentation by , “Ukraine … What Next?” [email protected] Toronto Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Toronto branch, Ukrainian National Federation hall, [email protected] March 17, 24 Pysanka Workshop, with instruction by Vera Samycia, Chicago Ukrainian National Museum, 312-421-8020 or March 9 Varenyky dinner, Ukrainian American Youth Association – [email protected] Whippany, NJ Whippany branch, Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey, 973-713-6956 or 973-479-8715 or March 17, 31 Pysanka Workshop, Ukrainian Cultural and Educational [email protected] Winnipeg Center, 204-942-0218

March 10 Taras Shevchenko concert, Ukrainian American March 18, 25 “Pagash” Sale – Ukrainian/Slovak Lenten Meal, Ss. Cyril San Francisco Coordinating Council of Northern California, St. Michael Olyphant, PA and Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church, 570-489-2476 Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 650-281-6927 or or www.stcyrils.maslar-online.com www.stmichaeluocsf.org/shevchenko_concert.aspx

March 10 Taras Shevchenko concert, featuring the Canadian Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events New York Bandurist Capella, Ukrainian Congress Committee of advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions America – New York branch, St. George Ukrainian from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors Catholic School, 212-228-6840 or www.banduristy.com and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected]. 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2012 No. 10

PREVIEW OF EVENTS Thursday, March 8 coffee. Varenyky will be available also to take ference will take place at the NTSh building, sical work of composer, musician and song- NEW YORK: Please join the Ukrainian Studies home. There will be entertainment, a pysanka- 63 Fourth Ave. (between Ninth and 10th writer Boris Skalsky. Mr. Skalsky will be joined Program at the Harriman Institute, Columbia decorating demonstration and door prizes. streets) at 4 p.m. For additional information by a number of Washington- and New York- University for a lecture by Dr. Oksana Kis titled Bring your family and meet with friends. For call 212-254-5130. Please note the earlier based musicians, including the MIVOS Quartet, “Reclaiming the Political Meaning of more information call 973-713-6956 or 973- than usual starting time. guitarist Anthony Pirog, cellist Rubin Khodeli, 479-8715, e-mail Pierogi.Dinner.at.UACCNJ@ and pianist – and mother of the composer – International Women’s Day: Feminist Activism in Saturday, March 17 Ukraine Nowadays.” Dr. Oksana Kis is a senior gmail.com, or visit the website www.uaccnj. Zdanna Krawciw-Skalsky. The concert will research fellow at the Institute of Ethnology, org. PALATINE, Ill.: The Ukrainian American take place at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington Military Association, Conservative Veterans of St., Alexandria, Va., at 3 p.m. Suggested dona- National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NASU) Saturday, March 10 in Lviv. She is currently working on her research America, ACT for America and the Veteran tion: $20; students, free. For further informa- project “Invisible Agency: Representations of NEW YORK: The Shevchenko Scientific Defenders of America invite the members of tion call 301-229-2615 or e-mail twgcultural- Gendered Historical Experiences and Identities Society (NTSh), jointly with the Ukrainian the community, veterans and patriots to a [email protected]. in the Ukrainian Women’s Personal Narratives” Academy of Arts and Sciences in the U. S. national security briefing “Sharia Law for Non- as a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at Columbia (UVAN) and the Harvard Ukrainian Research Muslims,” based on a book written by Bill WHIPPANY, N.J.: The Arts, Culture and University in New York. The lecture is free and Institute (HURI) invite all to the 32nd annual Warner of the Center for the Study of Political Educational Committee of Ukrainian American open to the public and will take place at noon in scholarly conference dedicated to Taras Islam, www.politicalislam.com. The presenta- Cultural Center of New Jersey (UACCNJ) invite Room 1219, International Affairs Building, 420 Shevchenko. There will be opening remarks tion includes the doctrine of abrogation, all to attend the Ukrainian American W. 118th St. For more information contact Dr. by Dr. Anna Procyk (UVAN), followed by three Sharia finance and the dualistic nature of Beekeepers Society ”Spring Swarm Meeting” at Mark Andryczyk at 212-854-4697 or lectures: Mykhailo Nazarenko (Shevchenko Sharia. The meeting takes place at the Palatine 1 p.m. at the UACCNJ, 60 N Jefferson Road, [email protected]. Kyiv National University) titled “Shevchenko’s Library located at 700 N. Court, Palatine, IL Whippany, NJ 07981. Topics for discussion Contemporary Reception: The Question of 60067 at 2-4 p.m. There is no charge for this include spring management; there will be a Friday, March 9 Literary Context,” Oles Fedoruk (Shevchenko event. For additional information contact Col. honey tasting segment, as well as a “hands on” WHIPPANY, N.J.: The Ukrainian American Institute of Literature, Kyiv), “The First Edition Roman G. Golash (ret.), at romangolash@sbc- section during which participants will be able Youth Association, Whippany branch, will host of ‘Haydamaky’ by Taras Shevchenko: The global.net or call 847-910-3532. to build a hive. A special presentation of the Book’s History,” and George Grabowicz (NTSh award-winning film “Queen of the Sun” is a varenyky dinner at 4:30-8 p.m. at the Sunday, March 18 Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New and Harvard University), “Shevchenko’s scheduled for the afternoon. A $10 donation Jersey, 60 N. Jefferson Road. For only $10 ‘Haydamaky’: The Formation of a National ALEXANDRIA, Va.: The Washington Group will purchase a raffle ticket for a completely guests get a complete dinner, which includes Poet.” Closing remarks will be given by Dr. Cultural Fund Sunday Music Series will pres- assembled garden hive. For more information borsch, varenyky, bread, dessert and soda or Orest Popovych, president of NTSh. The con- ent an afternoon of music devoted to the clas- contact [email protected].