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INSIDE:• Ukrainians across the land reflect on Orange Revolution — page 3. • Coalition urges Congress to lift Jackson-Vanik provisions— page 5. • Ukrainian Canadians protest choice of candidate for MP — page 9.

Published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profit association Vol. LXXIII HE No.KRAINIAN 49 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2005 EEKLY$1/$2 in ClintonT extendsU W Ukraine remembers Famine-Genocide help to Ukraine in battlingby Zenon Zawada AIDS Press Bureau KYIV – Former U.S. President Bill Clinton met with Ukrainian President on November 27 to extend his foundation’s help in combat- ing the nation’s AIDS epidemic. The two leaders signed an agreement in which the Clinton Foundation will provide high-quality training for medical personnel, access to less-expensive test- ing equipment, offer HIV/AIDS patients access to inexpensive drugs and fund treatment programs on the oblast level. “I believe in the potential of this proj- ect, and I believe in its immense effec- tiveness,” Mr. Yushchenko said at a joint press conference on November 27. In late October Mr. Yushchenko declared Ukraine’s AIDS rate “disas- trous,” citing official government statis- tics that there are about 12,000 AIDS patients in Ukraine. Weeks later, German Ambassador to Ukraine Dietmar Studemann estimated that about 1.4 percent of the population is HIV positive, or about 672,000 Ukrainians. The Clinton Foundation signed its first memorandum of cooperation with Zenon Zawada the Ukrainian government in September 2004. Patriarch Filaret of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Kyiv Patriarchate and Cardinal Lubomyr Husar of the Ukrainian He said it was a “great honor” to sign Greek-Catholic Church lead a service commemorating victims of the Holodomor. the latest memorandum, which was signed by Health Minister Yurii by Zenon Zawada Ukrainians to restore the authority of law, as part of the national Day of Memory for Poliachenko on the Ukrainian side. “I Kyiv Press Bureau justice and well-being in their country to Victims of Famine and Political this very day. Repressions. have always been warmly received and KYIV – No one was punished for the remain this way in my relations with Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko “The Communist system didn’t repent Holodomor of 1932-1933, and perhaps Ukraine,” Mr. Clinton said. offered these thoughts on November 26 in As part of the agreement, the that’s why it has been so difficult for a speech delivered on St. Michael’s Square (Continued on page 19) Ukrainian government will also be able to buy antiretrovirus medication at 90 percent below market prices. EU grants Ukraine The foundation’s assistance will sig- Ukraine’s two procurators general: nificantly reduce the money spent by the Ukrainian government per HIV/AIDS court reinstates Sviatoslav Piskun market economy status patient, estimated at between $2,500 and $5,000, Mr. Yushchenko said. As a result, by Yana Sedova the next day, Mr. Piskun threatened to by Yana Sedova funds will be available to assist more Kyiv Press Bureau press criminal charges against the presi- Kyiv Press Bureau patients. dent if he didn’t adhere to the court’s KYIV – In what has become a national In addition to discussing his founda- decision reappointing him. KYIV – In a major step toward spectacle, a Kyiv court ruled on tion’s work, Mr. Clinton said Ukraine In response to the chaotic situation, Ukraine’s accession to the European November 18 that Sviatoslav Piskun was has made progress in the year since the Justice Minister Serhii Holovatyi called a Union, EU leaders announced on once again illegally fired from his post as Orange Revolution. “I see a more vibrant press conference on November 25 December 1 that Ukraine has finally procurator general, the nation’s top pros- democracy, freedom of speech, a more announcing that his ministry had earned market economy status. aggressive free press, freedom of politi- ecutor. appealed the ruling re-appointing Mr. “Ukraine has inspired the people all cal assembly and the kind of disagree- As a result, Ukraine now has two act- Piskun to the Highest Administrative over the world for the past year,” ments that characterize any modern ing procurators general because President Court of Ukraine in order to defend the European Council President Tony Blair democracy,” he said. Viktor Yushchenko had already named president’s decree. told a press conference at the ninth EU- Ukrainians need to be patient in build- Oleksander Medvedko as Mr. Piskun’s Responding to Mr. Piskun’s threat, Mr. Ukraine Summit. “Everybody still ing an economy and political system that replacement. Holovatyi accused him of illegally pres- watches your progress and the process of will provide a decent life for its citizens, Just three days after the court decision, suring the president. Mr. Piskun is part of change here with a lot of respect, admi- Mr. Clinton added. “I think that in the Mr. Piskun arrived at the Procurator a “political operation purposefully car- ration and solidarity for you.” last month, Ukraine was able to signifi- General’s Office to take his seat behind ried out by powerful financial and politi- Accompanying Mr. Blair at the sum- cantly improve its investment climate,” his old desk, but security guards prevent- cal forces aimed at disorganization of the mit were EU Council of Ministers ed him from entering the building. (Continued on page 17) After a second vain attempt to enter (Continued on page 15) (Continued on page 17) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2005 No. 49

ANALYSIS NEWSBRIEFS Why are Ukrainians disappointed NEWSBRIEFS Lithuanian Sejm recognizes Famine on November 28 that it wants to continue sending Russian gas through its pipelines with the Orange Revolution? VILNIUS – The Lithuanian Sejm, or to Europe under existing conditions – that Parliament, has recognized the Famine of by Jan Maksymiuk during the Orange Revolution to institute is, charging $1.09 per 1,000 cubic meters 1932-1933 in Ukraine as an act of geno- per 100 kilometers of transit, Interfax- RFE/RL Newsline coherent reforms. Such a scenario could cide, reported Radio Liberty. Soviet leader Ukraine reported. Naftohaz Ukrainy was have set Ukraine on a path of irreversible Joseph Stalin’s totalitarian Communist Ukrainians converged on Kyiv’s transformation from the current oli- responding to the Russian gas monopoly regime committed a deliberate act of Gazprom’s statement earlier the same day Independence Square on November 22 to garchic-capitalism system to a more mar- genocide against the Ukrainian people, the saying that Gazprom is ready to pay for gas mark the first anniversary of the Orange ket-oriented economic model. Sejm declared. The Parliament expressed transit across Ukraine according to Revolution, which installed Viktor Instead, Mr. Yushchenko resorted to a sympathy with Ukrainians and solidarity “European tariffs.” Gazprom also proposed Yushchenko as Ukraine’s president. populist and expensive increase in wages with the Ukrainian people. The Famine- to sign a contract with Naftohaz Ukrainy One year ago, tens of thousands of and pensions, apparently to keep the Genocide cost the lives of 7 million peo- on Russian gas transit to Europe for 2006, people came to the same square to electorate satisfied until the 2006 parlia- ple. (Interfax-Ukraine) before discussing the price of Russian gas protest what they saw as a rigged second mentary elections. After several months supplies to Ukraine for that year. Gazprom election round in favor of Yushchenko’s of relative social contentment, this move CNN TV heads for Ukraine deputy head Aleksandr Ryazanov suggest- rival, then Prime Minister Viktor was followed by increased inflation and a ed on November 29 that Ukraine in 2006 Yanukovych. Weeks of peaceful protests rise in costs of living. At the same time, KYIV – Verkhovna Rada Chairman should pay more than the current price of in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities led to the economic growth rate in Ukraine has Volodymyr Lytvyn met with an official $50 for 1,000 cubic meters of Russian gas. a repeat runoff on December 26, 2004, slumped from 12 percent in 2004 to representative of CNN TV, Ioannis “Of course, with the [former] price of $80 which was won by Mr. Yushchenko with some 3 percent today. As a result, Litinas, on November 24, who unveiled 52 percent of the vote. plans for the establishment of a CNN [for 1,000 cubic meters of Russian gas] at Ukrainians justifiably view their eco- the border with Germany, the price of $50 The Orange Revolution, which has nomic prospects as bleak. office in Ukraine and a TV channel to be drawn comparisons to the Solidarity move- called CNN in Ukraine. According to the for Ukraine, excluding transportation costs, Second, Mr. Yushchenko has failed to was considered acceptable,” Mr. Ryazanov ment in Poland in the 1980s and the Velvet fulfill his revolutionary pledge to eradi- CNN representative, inaugurating the Revolution in Czechoslovakia in November office and further prospects are connect- said. “But when this price [for Germany] cate endemic corruption and “send all becomes $200, the price of $50 is too 1989, was a time of immense social opti- bandits to jail.” True, the government has ed with “huge interest toward Ukraine” mism and activism in Ukraine. However, in the United States and around the small. It doesn’t even cover our real costs annulled more than 4,000 regulations in for production and transportation of the gas one year later, a majority of Ukrainians say business registration, which was a breed- world. Mr. Lytvyn hailed the announce- ment of a CNN channel in Ukraine and to the CIS countries.” (RFE/RL Newsline) they are disappointed with the current ing ground for corrupt practices. course of events in their country. noted that “unbiased and objective infor- However, the general view is that corrup- Akhmetov to run for Parliament mation about the situation in Ukraine is According to a poll taken earlier this tion in Ukraine has remained no less especially needed in the period before month, more than half of Ukrainians say acute than it was during the reign of KYIV – Rynat Akhmetov has accepted and during the elections, as well as while the new government has failed to keep President Yushchenko’s predecessor, an offer from former Prime Minister developing democracy and establishing a the promises that were made on the Leonid Kuchma. No senior official from Viktor Yanukovych to run in the 2006 civil society.” (Ukrinform) square. Today just one in seven Kuchma’s regime has been brought to parliamentary elections as a candidate for Ukrainians fully supports President court on charges of corruption or abuse Kyiv has candidate for envoy to U.S. the Party of the Regions, which is headed Yushchenko, compared to nearly 50 per- of office. by Mr. Yanukovych, Ukrainian news cent declaring such support shortly after Third, Yushchenko was constrained to KYIV – President Viktor Yushchenko agencies reported on November 29. “I his inauguration in February. dismiss Prime Minister ’s stated that the candidate for the position of have decided that this is the best moment What are the main reasons for this Cabinet in September, after some high- Ukraine’s extraordinary and plenipoten- for me to take part in political life, and general disappointment? ranking government officials accused sever- tiary ambassador to the United States final- that I’ll be of maximum benefit to First, the Yushchenko government has ly has been determined. “Many candidates Ukraine as a parliamentary deputy,” Mr. failed to exploit the backing it gained (Continued on page 14) were considered, but a couple of weeks ago Akhmetov said in a written statement. the decision was passed and, presently, rel- Mr. Akhmetov is widely believed to be evant procedures are under way, Mr. Ukraine’s richest man, with a fortune Government faces uphill battle Yushchenko said at a press conference fol- estimated at nearly $2.5 billion. He is the lowing his meeting on November 27 with largest shareholder of the System Capital former U.S. President Bill Clinton. The Management concern, and his business in achieving NATO aspirations Ukrainian president stressed that the interests range from steel and machine- building plants to telecom companies, by Jan Maksymiuk cation to social issues. Furthermore, it is appointment of the Ukrainian envoy to the banks and the Shakhtar Donetsk soccer RFE/RL Belarus, Ukraine and Moldova Report financial-resource management. Finally, U.S. is very important for the development club. Mr. Akhmetov backed Mr. we have a common problem of disposing of bilateral relations between the two coun- Yanukovych during the 2004 presidential Ukrainian Defense Minister Anatolii of unnecessary ammunition.” tries. (Ukrinform) campaign but distanced himself from Hrytsenko visited the Czech Republic But Ukraine faces a number of hurdles Naftohaz Ukrainy wants unchanged tariffs active participation in politics. (RFE/RL and Slovakia recently to discuss ways of to its NATO accession that Czech expert- strengthening Ukraine’s military cooper- Newsline) ise might not help overcome. KYIV – The Ukrainian oil and gas ation with these two NATO countries. For example, carrying out the military transport company Naftohaz Ukrainy said (Continued on page 22) Both Prague and Bratislava assured Mr. downsizing required to join NATO by Hrytsenko that they support Ukraine’s 2008 threatens to strain Ukraine’s budg- NATO bid. et. This is because such massive cuts FOUNDED 1933 But the Ukrainian defense minister could mean that the state will have to pay was reluctant to speculate on when to retrain and find jobs for discharged HE KRAINIAN EEKLY Ukraine might join the alliance. He servicemen. TAn English-languageU newspaperW published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., appears to be aware that Ukraine’s NATO Ukraine is currently undergoing a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. accession depends not only on support reforms that will reduce its 280,000- Yearly subscription rate: $55; for UNA members — $45. from NATO members, but also on the strong military to some 140,000 troops Periodicals postage paid at Parsippany, NJ 07054 and additional mailing offices. ability of the Ukrainian government to by 2012. It is also restructuring its com- (ISSN — 0273-9348) cope with its domestic agenda. Czech bat capabilities to comply with NATO Defense Minister Karel Kuehnl said dur- standards. The Weekly: UNA: ing a joint news conference with Minister As part of this reform effort, Ukraine Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 Hrytsenko in Prague on November 15 last year cut 70,000 military personnel. that the Czech Republic wants NATO Postmaster, send address changes to: Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz The military is to be reduced by a further next year to prepare a “realistic” plan for The Ukrainian Weekly Editors: 40,000 servicemen this year, and by Ukraine’s NATO accession. 2200 Route 10 Andrew Nynka 18,000 annually in the coming years. The Czech defense minister said his P.O. Box 280 Zenon Zawada (Kyiv) Some Ukrainian politicians and econo- country can help Ukraine resolve some Parsippany, NJ 07054 Ika Koznarska Casanova (part time) mists are also worried that Ukrainian of the problems it is encountering on its The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com; e-mail: [email protected] path toward NATO integration. NATO accession could ruin or signifi- “There are three spheres where the cantly damage the country’s military- industrial complex. They argue that the The Ukrainian Weekly, November 27, 2005, No. 48, Vol. LXXIII Czech Republic can share its experience Copyright © 2005 The Ukrainian Weekly in the transformation of its armed country’s defense industries will become forces,” Mr. Kuehnl said. “This is prima- obsolete after the military switches to weapons and military technologies used rily the so-called personnel management; ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA that is, a wide sphere ranging from edu- by NATO troops. Such an outcome could result in the Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3041 loss of tens of thousands of jobs in Maria Oscislawski, advertising manager (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 Jan Maksymiuk is the Belarus and Ukraine and, possibly, a disruption of e-mail: [email protected] Ukraine specialist on the staff of RFE/RL Mariyka Pendzola, subscriptions (973) 292-9800, ext. 3042 Newsline. (Continued on page 16) No. 49 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2005 3 ONE YEAR AFTER: Residents of Alchevsk, in eastern Ukraine, reflect on Orange Revolution

by Zenon Zawada that these people mean something and Kyiv Press Bureau they can change something in this coun- try. It’s exactly as though our lives have “One Year After” is a four-part series been overturned,” she commented. examining the lives of Ukrainians a year One year after the Orange Revolution, after the Orange Revolution. This first Ukrainians are engaged in a national dia- installment features Halyna Herasymenko, logue. Around kitchen tables, in 50, a resident of Alchevsk in the Luhansk “marshrutka” commuter buses and at the Oblast and mother of two children. bazaar, they are debating whether life has changed after the Orange Revolution ALCHEVSK, Ukraine – Before the and, if so, whether for better or worse. Orange Revolution, Ukraine didn’t mean They are also asking themselves much to Halyna Herasymenko, a lifelong whether those who risked their lives and resident of Alchevsk, an industrial town in braved the freezing temperatures on Ukraine’s easternmost oblast of Luhansk. Kyiv’s Independence Square had accom- Still bearing the identity of the “Soviet plished anything at all. citizen” instilled in her since kindergarten, Or was the Orange Revolution instead she remembered visiting relatives in a cynical ploy by Ukraine’s millionaires to Russia after the Soviet Union’s collapse. swipe power from their billionaire rivals, They joked that Ukraine is an insignif- as Russian Communist Party Chairman icant country compared to the empire Gennadii Zyuganov recently charged. that once was and asked her, “Just what is it that you people want?” “We all know you’re for Yushchenko” Ms. Herasymenko said she never Ms. Herasymenko is not a typical 50- Alchevsk is a city of 120,000 in Ukraine’s easternmost oblast, Luhansk. Its popu- cared much either way, but her feelings year-old Ukrainian woman. lation is 58 percent ethnic Ukrainian. have changed as of late. An athletic trainer at Alchevsk’s only “Now when they say something, I sports center, the Sports Palace for who remember her guidance. When Herasymenko said with yet another want to stand up and defend my Children and Youth, she is still physically strolling Alchevsk’s streets, she daily immense laugh. Ukraine,” Ms. Herasymenko said in a active and fit. bumps into her former athletes who greet She also stands apart from fellow proud, melodramatic voice, before break- She emanates a remarkably vibrant and her with a smile and a “priviet.” Alchevsk residents because she was ing out into laughter. cheerful spirit in spite of her bleak and des- She also enjoys her co-workers, with among the very few in the city of about Then her tone became matter-of-fact. perate surroundings in Alchevsk, an indus- whom she shares her infectious laughter. 120,000 who openly supported and voted “But the Orange Revolution changed trial town full of aging, Soviet-era factories. “My friends sometimes joke that I will be something in people’s minds. It showed She enjoys the company of children, buried with a smile on my face,” Ms. (Continued on page 12) Gathering on the eve of official celebrations, others offer their assessments of the Orange Revolution

by Zenon Zawada and Yana Sedova journalists into the gated area. Central Intelligence Agency for her spy- exchange for the country’s loyalty. Kyiv Press Bureau Pora activists joined them without any ing activities in Ukraine. “We are spiritually together (with the disturbance and demanded that the gov- Her party’s leaflets called last year’s Russian people) and they will always KYIV – As Ukrainians were preparing ernment dismantle a symbol of separa- events “an Orange takeover” and said the support us,” said Oleksii Oleksandrov, to officially mark Freedom Day decreed tion between government and society. new government “is selling the country, 20. “Western countries used us and they by President Viktor Yushchenko for Mr. Rybachuk said “the gate was built attacking the Russian language and the will do so in the future.” November 22 to mark the first anniver- by our enemies,” with approval from the Russian Orthodox Church.” Vera Rozum, 66, echoed the words of sary of the Orange Revolution, Kyiv was Kyiv local government. At times yelling Many of her supporters arrived from Ms. Vitrenko, referring to the Orange witness to other gatherings also focused into a megaphone in his dialogue with Crimea and the eastern regions of Revolution’s leaders as thieves. on the first year of Orange power. the activists, he said the government Ukraine and waved PSPU and Party of “Yushchenko says that his hands are clean,” Pora on Bankova Street wouldn’t dismantle the iron gate. the Regions flags, as well as those of Ms. Rozum said. “But his right hand does- After their loud meeting with Mr. Russia and Belarus. n’t know what the left hand is doing.” The day prior to the anniversary, the Rybachuk on the steps of the landmark Tetiana Prokofieva, 58, voted for Pensioners from Crimea said the eco- Pora political party, also referred to as Building with Chimeras, Pora activists pre- Viktor Yanukovych in all three rounds of nomic situation has become worse and “Zhovta” Pora, held a conference in two sented him with a metal cutter for him to the presidential election and said the for- they barely survive on their pensions. large yellow tents on the maidan. dismantle the gate in case it is closed again. mer candidate was the only person able “Two months ago, one canister of natural Afterwards, more than 1,000 activists Then the activists crossed the street to bring Ukraine out of crisis. gas cost $17, now it is $30,” Ms. Rozum marched in a wide column to Bankova and went back to Independence Square. “When Yanukovych was prime minis- said. “And our pensions are $60 a month.” Street with the intention of dismantling Mr. Rybachuk promised that the gate ter, social programs were launched and Families in small towns and villages buy the iron gates that prevent pedestrians would remain open, unless there is a an from approaching the Presidential life became stable,” Ms. Prokofieva said. canisters of natural gas for cooking food. official meeting between President Secretariat building. “Now these programs do not function.” One canister is enough for one month. Yushchenko and top foreign officials. “The high gate on Bankova Street Many participants of the meeting “My ideal is the unity of Ukraine, asserted that unity with Russia is the only Belarus and Russia,” Ms. Prokofieva became an obstacle between society and Vitrenko on the maidan the government,” said Yevhen Zolotariov, way for Ukraine to revive. said. “These Slavic people were together, a Zhovta Pora leader. Two days prior to Freedom Day, They were sure that Ukraine’s eastern and they should be together. Ukraine can For several months, Zhovta Pora had Progressive Socialist Party of Ukraine neighbor would offer cheap energy economically benefit only from unity demanded that the new government dis- (PSPU) Chair Natalia Vitrenko was the resources, such as natural gas, in with Russia.” mantle the gates that the Yushchenko first political leader to deliver a public administration made even higher after the speech in relation to the Orange Orange Revolution. Revolution’s anniversary. However, top officials paid no atten- The main purpose of the so-called tion to their claims. “Progressive Maidan” rally, attended by “Though the government changed, about 2,000 pro-Russian demonstrators, relations between the government and was to condemn the Yushchenko govern- society haven’t,” Mr. Zolotariov said. “As ment and urge the Ukrainian people to it was before, top officials are not in a unite with Russia and Belarus. hurry to submit to society’s control.” During her one-hour speech, Ms. As the Pora activists approached the Vitrenko said President Yushchenko and President Secretariat, about 400 police the Orange Revolution’s leaders had officers, many of them in body armor and deceived Ukrainian citizens. “I want all helmets, lined up in rows in front of the people to know how deceitful, greedy and iron gate. amoral are those who stand on the maid- The scenario began to resemble last an, these ringleaders,” Ms. Vitrenko said. year’s events, when Leonid Kuchma’s Massive political repressions started regime placed rows of police in front of when Mr. Yushchenko became president main government buildings. and 18,000 government officials lost However this time around, Presidential their positions because they didn’t sup- Secretariat Chair Oleh Rybachuk diffused port the leaders of the Orange and prevented any confrontation. Just as Revolution, Ms. Vitrenko charged. the marchers began heading down She also cited an Internet article she Yana Sedova Bankova Street, Mr. Rybachuk ordered had read that Mrs. Yushchenko had been Presidential Secretariat Chair Oleh Rybachuk addresses Pora demonstrators on the police to open the gate and invited awarded the rank of general in the the steps of the Building with Chimeras on Kyiv’s Bankova Street. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2005 No. 49 International medical aid group quits work in Ukraine, citing corruption by Andrew Nynka first time they had encountered such a were encountered on the recent trip and Mrs. Prytula said she brought with her problem. also upon the pressing needs that are rep- eight containers weighing 70 pounds PARSIPPANY, N.J. – An international The group regularly plans and coordi- resented by other countries.” each, while most other team members medical mission that has worked in nates international aid trips from its Mrs. Prytula, who works as a nurse at each brought two containers. In addition Ukraine for six years decided it will no offices in Seneca, S.C., and Mr. Secrest United Hospital in St. Paul, Minn., said to the medicines, the containers were longer work in the country, citing corrup- said that the planning for the trip to she understood the board’s decision, but filled with 1,000 toothbrushes and 1,000 tion as the central reason for its decision Ukraine was no different. regretted that move. tubes of toothpaste, inhalers and “lots of to leave, officials with the organization “To my knowledge the team followed “They’re stewards of very limited orthopedic supplies,” she noted. said. the same procedure that previous teams resources and they just said forget it – it’s Much of the medication was meant to On a trip to Ukraine in September, had followed prior to their entrance into not worth it,” Mrs. Prytula said. treat ulcers, hypertension, infections and members of the Volunteers in Medical Ukraine,” Mr. Secrest said. “I believe the Volunteers in Medical Missions inflammations. There where oral pills for Missions organization were detained by proper paperwork was completed and the (VIMM) is a non-profit humanitarian aid diabetics, as well as acetominophen, customs agents in Kyiv’s Boryspil air- team did what was required of them.” organization that has sent similar aid mis- aspirin and vitamins, which are very port. The team of seven doctors and nurs- Customs Service officials at Kyiv’s sions to the Dominican Republic, expensive to buy in Ukraine, Mrs. es traveled to Ukraine and planned to dis- Boryspil airport told The Ukrainian Guatemala, Ecuador, Honduras and Prytula said. She noted that in Ukraine a tribute their shipment of medical supplies Weekly that the volunteer group did not Mongolia, among other countries. The typical bottle of 100 vitamins costs $8. and medications to needy villagers in the have the necessary documents. organization estimates that in 2003 it (Ukraine’s monthly subsistence mini- Chornobyl region. According to Serhii Cheperys, the deputy treated 17,449 people and provided $1.14 mum, which was set by the Parliament in But Customs officials told the group chief of Customs at Boryspil, the group million in medical care over the course of October 2004, amounts to $85.) that they would only be allowed to leave should have gotten permission from the 13 international trips. After being held by Customs agents the airport with their shipment of med- Cabinet of Ministers. “It would be imprudent to say that we for nearly three hours, the group was ications and other medical aid if they Mr. Cheperys said that Customs offi- would never return” to Ukraine, Mr. released, though without its medications. paid a duty of nearly $45,000, said Lisa cials confiscated the medications, but Secrest, the executive director, said. The Mrs. Prytula said the group spent several Prytula, one of the team’s two trip lead- these can still be returned if and when all organization would “seriously consider thousand dollars to purchase what they ers. According to Mrs. Prytula, a regis- of the proper documents are received. He the possibility of again returning to could in Ukraine to replenish what was tered nurse from St. Paul, Minn., the also said that, as Customs officials were Ukraine should a medical leader appear taken from them so that they could con- group never learned why its medications examining the medications, they found that has a desire to work in [Ukraine],” tinue on with their mission. were confiscated. that some drugs had expired. he said. “We would of course do so with The group had planned to set up clin- “I was never told of any missing docu- Following the incident, the board of our eyes open to the possible problems ics in remote Ukrainian villages where mentation or incomplete paperwork by directors of Volunteers in Medical that could arise.” the team would hold eight health clinics. the Ukrainian customs agents,” Mrs. Missions met to discuss the organiza- The exact value of the medical ship- “I think it’s very responsible and ethi- Prytula said. “I requested many times tion’s future in Ukraine. ment is not known, Mrs. Prytula said, cal medicine” because, in addition to the clarification on what was inadequate and The board decided that because of the because the medications were not bought medicines and equipment, Volunteers in exactly why we were not able to take our incident, which took place on September by the organization. Rather, they were Medical Missions also provides an edu- meds in. My question was never 18, Volunteers in Medical Missions was donated to the group from a number of cation to people, Mrs. Prytula said. answered.” pulling its operations out of Ukraine. different sources – various hospitals from Despite the setback, the organization Larry Secrest, the organization’s exec- “The board discussed the trip to around the United States, as well as sev- was able to serve a total of 1,200 people, utive director, told The Ukrainian Weekly Ukraine and felt that it would not be wise Mrs. Prytula said. “I really believe that that Volunteers in Medical Missions has to plan and promote another trip into eral aid organizations. sent teams of volunteers to Ukraine for Ukraine for 2006,” Mr. Secrest said. “It is very difficult to say how much – health care is a human right,” and people six consecutive years and this was the “This was based upon the difficulties that [to determine] the value on this trip,” in Ukraine are “clearly being ignored,” Mrs. Prytula said. In addition to carrying she said. prescription and non-prescription strength medications, the group brought Yana Sedova of The Ukrainian stethoscopes and protective equipment, Weekly’s Kyiv Press Bureau contributed In memoriam: recently deceased such as latex gloves. to this report. prominent writers and artists The last few months have seen the Kyiv on September 3. He is survived OBITUARY: Dr. Roksolyana Fokshey, passing of the following Ukrainian by his wife, the writer Tetyana writers and artists whose work marked Kaunova, son, daughter and grand- 45, dentist and active parishioner a significant contribution to Ukrainian daughter. culture. • Anatole Fourmanchouk – SPARTA, N.J. – Dr. Roksolyana • Roman Babowal – Ukrainian Ukrainian American stage director. Mr. Fokshey, a dentist and active Ukrainian Belgian poet, a member of the New Fourmanchouk studied at the community member, died on Friday, York Group and author of many books Karpenko-Karyi Institute in Kyiv and November 25, at her home in Sparta, of poetry in Ukrainian and French, Rada in Moscow, and directed some 70 N.J. She was 45. among them “The Deceit of Milk,” productions in many countries, includ- She was born in Lviv on September “Letters to Lovers,” and “Travelers of ing Ukraine, Russia, Spain and the 16, 1960. She graduated from high the Probable.” He also compiled and United States. He moved to the United school in 1978 and was selected to attend implemented on the Internet “A Virtual States in 1995 and taught acting at the the prestigious University of Medicine in Anthology of the Poetry of the New Michael Howard Studio in Manhattan, Lviv. She graduated with high honors York Group.” Mr. Babowal died on where he staged Edward Albee’s and after a year of residency received her June 15 in Mintigny-le-Tilleul, “Counting the Ways.” (See the review medical license in dentistry in 1984. Belgium. He is survived by his wife in The Ukrainian Weekly, March 23.) From 1984 to 1986 Dr. Fokshey prac- and daughter. In New York, he also founded New ticed general dentistry and then was • Valeriy Illya – author of a number York Art Theater, where he staged invited back to the university to become of books of poetry, including “The Idiot” based on the Dostoyevsky a research scientist and professor of gen- “Blacksmiths in the Fog “and “Svarha.” novel, and Tennessee Williams’ eral dentistry. From 1986 to 1991 she In the 1990s he edited the literary jour- “Something Cloudy, Something Clear.” taught university students from all over nal Osnova. Mr. Illya died in Kyiv on His staging of “Metamorphoses,” con- the world, including Africa, Europe and July 27. He is survived by his wife, the sisting of Samuel Beckett’s “All that the Middle East. In addition to her native poet Valentyna Otroshchenko, and son. Fall” and Eugene Ionesco’s “The Ukrainian, she was fluent in French, • Viktor Kordun – member of the so- Picture,” is still being performed at the English, Russian, Latin, Spanish and called Kyiv School of Poets, longtime Theater for Young Audiences in Kyiv. Polish. vice secretary of the Writers’ Mr. Fourmanchouk died on November Dr. Fokshey came to the United States Association of Ukraine, and editor of 7 in Jersey City, N.J. He is survived by in 1991 and graduated from New York Dr. Roksolyana Fokshey the journal Svitovyd. His many books his companion, the actor Stass Klassen, University in 1996, completing studies of poetry include “Slavia,” “Solstice” and two sons. of dentistry. ter, Zoriana Pihovich. and “Wintry Sound of the She practiced dentistry in Hamburg, A funeral liturgy was offered on Woodpecker.” Mr. Kordun died in – Yuri Tarnavsky N.J., starting in 1996 and became associ- November 29 at St. John the Baptist ated with Gentle Dentistry in Sparta in Ukrainian Catholic Church in Whippany. 1997, where she worked until her death. A parastas had been offered on the She was a parishioner of St. John the evening of November 28 at the Goble Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Funeral Home in Sparta. Got a group? Need The Weekly? Whippany, N.J., where she was an active In lieu of flowers, contributions may Call our subscription department to find out how you may qualify member of the parish’s Ways and Means be made in Dr. Fokshey’s memory to for a group discount on your Weekly subscriptions. Committee. either St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Surviving are her husband, Roman; Catholic Church Building Fund, 7 S. (973) 292-9800 ext. 3042 children, Adriana and Svitozar; parents, Jefferson Road, Whippany, N.J. 07981 or Lidiya and Yaroslav Dutkevych; and sis- to the American Cancer Society. No. 49 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2005 5

Jackson-Vanik Graduation Coalition A CALL TO ACTION: Urge the House Ambassador Steven Pifer and Ambassador William Miller, co-chairmen to graduate Ukraine from Jackson-Vanik MEMBERSHIP LIST The Jackson-Vanik Graduation organization or business to the Jackson- Coalition, with over 65 member-organiza- Vanik Graduation Coalition. American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine tions and businesses, needs your support WHOM TO CONTACT American Jewish Committee to encourage the U.S. Congress to pass IN CONGRESS American Jewish Congress legislation to graduate Ukraine from the American Ukrainian Medical Foundation Jackson-Vanik Amendment this year. The Please direct your calls/letters to: Association for the Democratization of Ukraine amendment was passed in 1974 to impose House Ways and Means Committee Association of American Youth of Ukrainian Descent (ODUM) trade restrictions on the Soviet Union in Chairman Bill Thomas (R-Calif.) B’nai B’rith International response to its poor human rights policies, Phone, (202) 225-2915 International Republican Institute particularly its restrictions on the emigra- Fax, (202) 225-8798 Kobzar Society Ltd. tion of religious minorities. Ukraine is a Attention: International Trade Aide National Conference on Soviet Jewry success story for Jackson-Vanik, now hav- Mike Holland Nealon and Associates, P.C. ing a strong record of open emigration and Organization for the Rebirth of Ukraine having created conditions for religious Ranking Minority Member Charles B. Shevchenko Scientific Society minorities to practice their beliefs freely. Rangel, (D-N.Y.) SigmaBleyzer Recognizing Ukraine’s full compli- Phone, (202) 225-4365 Society for Fostering Jewish-Ukrainian Relations ance with the amendment, the U.S. Fax, (202) 225-0816 St. Sophia Religious Association of Ukrainian Catholics Inc., U.S.A. Senate acted to graduate Ukraine from Attention: International Trade Aide The Bleyzer Foundation the trade restriction on November 18 by Jon Sheiner The Washington Group passing Senate bill S. 632. Ukraine-United States Business Council Now the House of Representatives If your congressman is a member of Ukrainian Academy of Arts and Sciences in the U.S.A. must also pass legislation to graduate the House Ways and Means Committee, Ukrainian American Coordinating Council Ukraine from the Jackson-Vanik please contact him/her with your support Ukrainian-American Environmental Association Amendment. The House Ways and Means for Ukraine’s graduation as well. Ukrainian American Senior Citizens Association Committee is currently considering sever- House Ways and Means Committee Ukrainian American Sports Center Tryzub al possible bills. However, the House of Members: E. Clay Shaw Jr. (R- Fla.), Ukrainian Cultural and Humanitarian Institute Representatives will be in session for Nancy L. Johnson (R-Conn.), Wally Ukrainian Education and Cultural Center only two weeks, beginning on December Herger (R-Calif.), Jim McCrery (R-La.), Ukrainian Engineers’ Society of America Inc., Philadelphia Chapter 5, before recessing for the holidays. Dave Camp (R-Mich.), Jim Ramstad (R- Ukrainian Federation of America The Jackson-Vanik Graduation Minn.), Jim Nussle (R-Iowa), Sam Ukrainian Fraternal Organization Coalition Co-Chairmen sent a letter on Johnson (R-Texas), Phil English (R-Pa.), Ukrainian Gold Cross Inc. November 30 to House Ways and Means J.D. Hayworth (R-Ariz.), Jerry Weller (R- Ukrainian Human Rights Committee Committee Chairman Bill Thomas and Ill.), Kenny C. Hulshof (R-Mo.), Ron Ukrainian Institute of America Ranking Minority Member Charles B. Lewis (R-Ky.), Mark Foley (R-Fla.), Ukrainian Medical Association of North America Rangel, urging their action to pass legis- Kevin Brady (R-Texas), Thomas M. Ukrainian National Credit Union Association lation to graduate Ukraine (see text Reynolds (R-N.Y.), Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), Ukrainian National Association below). The coalition urges that readers Eric Cantor (R-Va.), John Linder (R-Ga.), Ukrainian National Women’s League of America Inc. to immediately call or send a letter of Bob Beauprez (R-Colo.), Melissa A. Hart Ukrainian National Women’s League of America – Regional Councils: Detroit, support for Ukraine’s graduation as well. (R-Pa.), Chris Chocola (R-Ind.), Devin Northern New York, Central New York, Northern New York, Ohio, New Jersey, Due to increased security measures in Nunes (R-Calif.), Fortney Pete Stark (D- Chicago, New England, Philadelphia; Branches at large: Phoenix, Atlanta, Miami, Congress, correspondence through the Calif.), Sander M. Levin (D-Mich.), Pittsburgh, Denver, North Port, Washington D.C., San Jose, Los Angeles, postal service can be delayed for up to two Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.), Jim Houston, Tucson, St. Petersburg weeks. We therefore recommend that you McDermott (D-Wash.), John Lewis (D- United Ukrainian American Organizations of Greater New York call or send letters via fax. You can find a Ga.), Richard E. Neal )D-Mass.), Michael U.S.-Ukraine Foundation list of suggested points to address in your R. McNulty (D-N.Y.), William J. Jefferson World Federation of Ukrainian Women’s Organizations, Financial Committee letter of support on the US-Ukraine (D-La.), John S. Tanner (D-Tenn.), Xavier World Federation of Ukrainian Medical Associations Foundation website, www.usukraine.org, by Becerra (D-Calif.), Lloyd Doggett (D- clicking on the link for the “Jackson-Vanik Texas), Earl Pomeroy (D-N.D.), Stephanie Graduation Coalition Information Page.” Tubbs Jones (D-Ohio), Mike Thompson Please e-mail [email protected] (D-Calif.), John B. Larson (D-Conn.), for more information or to add your Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.). “The passage of thisQuotable bill signals the commitment notes of the U.S. to support free- dom and prosperity in Ukraine. The U.S. should continue to work with Ukraine to address trade issues between the two nations and ensure trade benefits to American businesses, farmers and ranchers.” FOR THE RECORD: Coalition co-chairmen’s – Sen. Richard Lugar (R-Ind.), as quoted in a November 18 release from his office. letter to Ways and Means Committee chair Below is the text of a letter sent on of the U.S. Congress on April 6, 2005, “It is a long-awaited step that will help remove this problem, which is a relic of the November 30 to House Ways and Means when he remarked “we seek a new Cold War and does not reflect the spirit of the Ukrainian-American strategic partner- Committee Chairman Bill Thomas by atmosphere of trust, frankness and part- ship. ... We hope that the U.S. House of Representatives will take rapid moves to Ambassador Steven Pifer and Ambassador nership. I am calling upon you to [end] make a final decision on waiving the Jackson-Vanik Amendment for Ukraine.” William Miller, co-chairmen of the the Jackson-Vanik Amendment. Please Jackson-Vanik Graduation Coalition. tear down this wall.” – Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Vasyl Fylypchuk, as quoted in We have just returned from Ukraine, a November 20 news story filed by Interfax-Ukraine. Dear Chairman Thomas: where we heard concerns from a number On the first anniversary of Ukraine’s of Ukrainian political leaders that lack of “We’re hopeful that the Congress will graduate Ukraine from Jackson-Vanik Orange Revolution, and with the Senate action by the United States with regard to this year.” having passed S. 632, we are writing to Jackson-Vanik could be seen as a failure of – Matt Niemeyer, assistant U.S. trade representative for congressional affairs, request your action to pass legislation in Yushchenko’s pro-Western policy. With as quoted on November 21 by the Reuters news service. the House of Representatives to graduate the upcoming March 2006 parliamentary Ukraine from the Jackson-Vanik elections in Ukraine, graduation from “Compared to the situation in Ukraine just one year ago, I think the progress Amendment. The Jackson-Vanik Jackson-Vanik would be understood by the they’ve made is impressive ... I wish all our trading partners demonstrated that Graduation Coalition has united organiza- people of Ukraine as a compelling sign of kind of respect for the rule of law.” tions from across the country in support U.S. support for the continued develop- of the immediate graduation of Ukraine ment of a democratic market economy and – Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Ohio), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, from the Jackson-Vanik Amendment. further integration of Ukraine into Europe. uring the House of Representatives to follow the Senate’s move to lift Jackson- Ukraine has fully met the require- Our broad coalition, which currently Vanik restrictions on Ukraine, as quoted on November 21 by Reuters. ments of Jackson-Vanik, in particular by includes over 65 Ukrainian American and its exemplary record of open emigration. Jewish American groups, business organ- “Our hope is that the United States Congress will seize the appropriate legisla- This has been recognized by President izations and NGOs, urges immediate tive and other opportunities to help foster closer bilateral ties between Kiev [sic] [Bill] Clinton, who found Ukraine to be Congressional action to accomplish and Washington and to recognize and encourage the deep yearning for a modern, in full compliance with Jackson-Vanik in Ukraine’s graduation. We very much Western-oriented society. ... Graduation from the Jackson-Vanik Amendment is a 1997, and President [George W.] Bush, hope for your support. goal we fully share.” who called for Ukraine’s graduation in – David A. Harris, executive director of the American Jewish Committee, in a his April 4, 2005, joint statement with Sincerely, letter to all members of Congress, as cited in a November 21 news release from President [Viktor] Yushchenko. Steven Pifer the American Jewish Committee. President Yushchenko received a William Green Miller unanimous ovation during a joint session Washington, D.C. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2005 No. 49

STATEMENTS ON THE FAMINE-GENOCIDE THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY The Times’s complicity President George W. Bush Below is the text of President George W. must strive to prevent similar acts of cru- Last week’s front page carried a story headlined “Protesters’ demand: The New Bush’s message on the occasion of the elty from ever happening again. York Times must repudiate Walter Duranty’s reporting.” It reported that a small but 72nd anniversary of the Ukrainian Famine. The desire for justice, freedom, human determined group of demonstrators picketed The Times headquarters in New York rights and accountable, representative City in hopes of influencing – or shaming – the newspaper into acknowledging that I send greetings to those gathered to government is universal. Since Ukraine’s its star foreign correspondent did not deserve to receive the Pulitzer Prize for 1932. commemorate the 72nd anniversary of independence in 1991, the Ukrainian They called on the publisher of The New York Times to acknowledge that the the Ukrainian Famine. I join my fellow people have demonstrated a firm com- Pulitzer was given to Duranty in error since his dispatches from the USSR had Americans in expressing deepest condo- mitment to freedom for all people, and parroted the official Soviet line instead of offering objective information, and to lences on this solemn occasion. last year’s Orange Revolution was a renounce Duranty’s journalistic work because he denied that millions were dying Millions in Ukraine were oppressed by powerful example of democracy in as a result of Famine in Ukraine – even while privately admitting exactly that. Joseph Stalin’s totalitarian regime and action. In President Viktor Yushchenko, Requesting such action by The Times in regard to one of its own correspon- suffered through devastating famine from the Ukrainian people have a courageous dents is certainly not unprecedented. 1932 to 1933. They showed great courage leader, and America is proud to call Back in 2003, The Times published a huge article that began on page 1, detailing and strength throughout this atrocity, and Ukraine a friend. the fraud perpetrated upon its readers by reporter Jayson Blair, who was responsible the world will always remember those Laura and I send our best wishes on for, in the words of The Times, a “chain of falsifications and plagiarism” that who gave their lives to resist evil. We this solemn occasion. appeared in the paper. Publisher Arthur Sulzberger Jr. referred to the case as “a huge black eye” and “an abrogation of the trust between a newspaper and its readers.” Mr. Sulzberger, and the executive and managing editors at the time, also reassured the newspaper’s staffers: “We are resolved to do all that we can to learn from this Ambassador Valeriy Kuchinsky tragedy and prevent any similar instances of journalistic fraud in the future.” This year, The New York Times and controversial reporter Judith Miller Below is the text of the statement by horrors of 1932-1933 remain in the “agreed to part company” after she was criticized, on the pages of The Times and Valeriy Kuchinsky, permanent represen- hearts of the survivors and their descen- elsewhere, for inaccurate reporting on the issue of weapons of mass destruction tative of Ukraine to the United Nations, dants. in Iraq – basically parroting the Bush administration position on WMD – and her at the memorial service for victims of the The whole truth about the Holodomor professional conduct in the wake of the Valerie Plame affair (in which the identi- Holodomor at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on is not yet fully known to the world. We ty of a CIA operative was revealed by the press). By parting company with her, November 19. strongly believe that the international The Times disavowed Ms. Miller. community must give that crime its prop- And yet, The Times won’t budge on Duranty. It has become a valuable tradition that er name – genocide, which was planned The paper’s response to the recent demonstration in front of its headquarters, a every November St. Patrick’s Cathedral and executed to destroy the Ukrainian reaction solicited by this newspaper, was a repeat of its statement from 2004. welcomes those who feel deep sorrow for people. “The Times has not seen merit in trying to undo history,” it stated, while refer- the tragedy of the Holodomor. ring to the decision of the Pulitzer Prize board to not revoke Duranty’s award. Generations have come and gone, but the (Continued on page 20) From where we sit, unless The Times has joined the ranks of Famine deniers, the least The Times could do is publicly acknowledge that Duranty’s reporting from the USSR was deeply flawed and that his dispatches concealed a genocide in President Viktor Yushchenko progress in Ukraine. Of course, if The Times were truly concerned with journalistic principles – and the truth – it could renounce the Pulitzer Prize Duranty was Following is the message by President tragedy of a European scale will be rec- awarded, instead of using the Pulitzer board’s inaction as an excuse. (The Times Viktor Yushchenko of Ukraine to the par- ognized also by the whole international has said it cannot physically return the prize since it is not in its possession.) ticipants of the ceremonies to honor the community. Truth and remembrance are As long as The New York Times refuses to “part company” with Duranty, to victims of the Holodomor of 1932-1933 needed to make sure that the horrors of reveal the facts surrounding Duranty’s successful duping of the public, to repudi- in New York’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral on the past will not be repeated in the future. ate his heinous reporting, Duranty’s offense will remain a stain on its history and November 19. In Ukraine, honoring the fallen and its collective conscience. And The Times will remain complicit in one of histo- supporting those affected by famines, as ry’s greatest and most tragic cover-ups – a cover-up that cost 10 million lives. I am wholeheartedly grateful to the well as study of hidden-for-decades participants of the ceremony to honor the pages of the Ukrainian history, are mat- victims of Holodomor of 1932-33 for ters of high priority for state policy. We their concern and sympathy that unite us are in the process of establishing the Dec. in this time of sorrow. Ukrainian Institute of National Turning the pages back... Today we are bowing our heads before Remembrance, building new memorials the deep tragedy of a loss of loved ones, and restoring burial sites. Soon, there 5 remembering both the tyranny of the will be a guelder rose (“kalyna”) park on totalitarian system and the historic lie of the hilly banks of Dnipro River to pay 2004 Last year at this time, as our editorial of December 5, 2004, concealing the crimes against humankind tribute to every village that had suffered noted, “readers, listeners and viewers around the globe saw that and humanity. the effects of the Holodomor. the Orange Revolution in Ukraine was not waning, but grow- The Ukrainian people survived this I believe that the words of common ing. More and more people flocked to Kyiv to take part in the ordeal by the too high price of millions prayer in memory of the victims of the mass protests there, and more and more actions were organized around the country in of lives. Holodomor that will resound in many support of the opposition. The momentum seemed to be on the opposition’s side, judg- I would like to express my special places around the world will bring peace ing by the actions of the Verkhovna Rada, the fact that the Supreme Court was hearing words of gratitude to the American and solace to the souls of the innocently Viktor Yushchenko’s appeal, and the ever-increasing reports of news media, police, nation, which was the first to recognize perished [and] will unite us in the com- security officials and ordinary people taking the opposition’s side. Mr. Yushchenko the terrible consequences of the mon striving to build a just world with its vowed to stand fast on insisting for a revote of the second round of the presidential elec- Holodomor of 1932-1933. I hope that this highest value – that of human life. tion due to the massive vote fraud that rendered the election illegitimate.” Meanwhile, the editorial continued, “Viktor Yanukovych, the favorite son of the east- ern regions and the hand-picked successor of President Leonid Kuchma, seemed to be strangely quiet this week. His supporters were deserting him in droves, willing to sacri- Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg fice their candidate for the sake of something greater – a reflection of whatever their Following is the text of the addition to an estimated 2 million people personal interests are. His wife resorted to scare tactics as she told an audience in Proclamation issued by Mayor Michael in other regions. As the horror of this Donetsk that the demonstrators in Kyiv were ingesting drug-laced oranges and that there R. Bloomberg of New York. atrocity recedes deeper into history, the was an outbreak of meningitis.” responsibility of remembrance weighs Russian President Vladimir Putin of Russia got a visit from Ukrainian President Whereas: This year marks the 72nd heavier on all of us. New York City joins Leonid Kuchma, who was proposing a completely new presidential election, with new anniversary of the Ukrainian Famine- candidates. President Putin supported the outgoing president’s idea, noting: “A revote of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of Genocide of 1932-1933, which claimed America in observing Ukrainian the second round might prove useless. ... And then what? A third, fourth, 25th time. This the lives of at least 5 million men, could continue as long as one of the sides doesn’t obtain the result it needs.” women and children in the Ukraine, in (Continued on page 17) Our editorial went on to state: “What Messrs. Yanukovych, Kuchma and Putin, and others who support them would like the world to believe is that the millions demonstrat- ing in Ukraine are simply unhappy that their candidate lost. Therefore, these ‘malcon- tents’ are not to be taken seriously. Thankfully, most of the West agrees with the opposi- FOR THE RECORD: Borys Wrzesnewskyj on Orange Revolution tion that there is much, much more at stake here. What we’re talking about is an election stolen from the people of Ukraine. The people are not going to stand for this and that’s Following is the text of a statement on House of Commons this morning, I felt a why they’ve been occupying Kyiv ... the first anniversary of the Orange moment of nostalgia. In the morning one “The only issue in Ukraine is that the voice of the people must be heard. Millions Revolution by Member of Parliament year ago today, I stood in Independence are demanding a free and fair election, and their demands and aspirations deserve the Borys Wrzesnewskyj (Etobicoke Center) Square with Viktor Yushchenko as a light strong support of the West. ...” in the House of Commons on November snow fell on a gathering of tens of thou- 22. sands. Source: “The will of the people” (editorial), The Ukrainian Weekly, December 5, 2004, Vol. LXXII, No. 49. As a light snow fell on my way to the (Continued on page 17) No. 49 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2005 7 PERSPECTIVES Doubleby Khristina Exposur Lew e Double Exposure BY ANDREW FEDYNSKY

Red lollipops and Orange dreams Casting a sweeping eye In preparation for the Thanksgiving hol- Committee of America, I have met sever- I was a little boy in the 1950s at the to a civil war. Vastly outnumbered and iday, my son’s schoolteacher asked him al Americans and Canadians of Plast scout camp near Buffalo and didn’t outgunned, the UPA was ultimately sub- what he was thankful for. While “red lol- Ukrainian descent who are committed to know any better. So when one of the dued. But its legacy is incalculable. lipops” and “my friends” may be an appro- keeping the Ukrainian identity in North campers in the cot next to me said he didn’t Because the UPA challenged Stalin so priate response for a 3-year-old, it got the America alive and growing. They are have a father, I wanted to know why not. openly and fearlessly, he had to take a Ukrainian part of me thinking. What am I writers, editors, educators and communi- Wordlessly, he took a piece of string, political stand, as well as a military one. thankful for – and in keeping with the holi- ty organizers, and they continue to run tied a hangman’s noose, held it to my Historians John Armstrong, Yaroslav day season – for what do I wish? our newspapers, schools, museums and face and dropped it. I gulped. Bilinsky and others argue that Stalin cre- I am thankful that my parents sent me political organizations, often for minimal The Soviets did dreadful things in ated the accouterments of statehood for to Ukrainian Saturday school, but I wish pay and with little recognition, even Ukraine. Nearly every Ukrainian I’ve Soviet Ukraine – a separate Foreign I hadn’t had to miss Saturday morning though Ukraine has been independent for known even slightly has a relative or Ministry and a seat in the United Nations cartoons. I am thankful for bandura les- almost 15 years. ancestor who suffered Soviet prison, labor – in order to undercut the UPA’s rationale sons on Tuesdays and Plast meetings on I am thankful to them for making it camp or execution, each individual tragedy for fighting. That short-term tactic, how- Thursdays, because that’s how I met my easier for me to raise my son in a bicul- a tiny portion of the torment that time has ever, had a long-term impact. Ukraine’s husband. I wish I could have skipped the tural home. I wish they had the resources distilled into simple words: Famine, Foreign Ministry and U.N. delegation – annual Taras Shevchenko commemora- – material and other – to run top-notch Terror, Genocide, Stalinism – shorthand hollow institutions in 1944 and 1945 – tions though – when all the Ukrainian endeavors, instead of being forced into for the ghastliness entire libraries can’t became crucial in 1991 when independ- school kids took their turns badly recit- mediocrity because they have no support. adequately explain or fully describe. No ence was hanging in the balance. ing the bard’s verse. Back on the other side of the ocean, I wonder millions rejoiced in June 1941 The UPA also had an immediate and far- I am thankful I was raised in a bicul- am thankful for the Orange Revolution when the German Wehrmacht crossed into reaching impact on Soviet society and tural home, because it exposed me to a that spurred civic consciousness among Ukraine on their way to Moscow. economy, where mass arrests and slave whole other world of language, custom Ukrainians all over the country. On the It didn’t take long, however, for the labor played such a central role. Thousands and tradition, and taught me tolerance of first anniversary of the revolution, I am Nazis to begin doing dreadful things of their of UPA members had been killed fighting others. I wish it hadn’t been so hard thankful that supporters of both Viktor own. Here, too, are millions of individual the Nazis and the Soviets, but many thou- being Ukrainian sometimes, missing out Yushchenko and Yulia Tymoshenko stories of prisons, camps, deportations and sands more were captured and shipped to on “American” things like high school massed on the maidan to mark the date. executions, each a tiny portion of the suffer- the gulag to join millions of others who football games, because the Ukrainian Although Ukraine’s democrats may be ing we’ve abbreviated to a few horrific were already there, including future Nobel activities took precedence. facing a showdown leading up to next words: Eastern Front, Ostarbeiter, Fascism, Prize winner Alexander Solzhenitsyn. My Ukrainian heritage prodded me March’s parliamentary elections, it is a Holocaust – shorthand for evil that defies The UPA, writes Solzhenitsyn, “brought along my career path, so I am thankful great manifestation of the democratic comprehension. the bacillus of rebellion” to the gulag: Ukraine became independent when I ideal to have supporters of two popular I remember the boy who made the hang- “These sturdy fellows, fresh from the started working as a reporter. I was able Ukrainian politicians meet in one space man’s noose as being pretty quiet and, guerrilla trails, looked around themselves to cover some truly amazing events in without rancor. besides, he was from somewhere else – ... were horrified by the apathy and slavery modern Ukrainian history: the referen- I wish that Ukraine’s democrats find a Toronto, Rochester, Syracuse or Buffalo – they saw, and reached for their knives.” It dum on Ukraine’s independence in 1991, compromise and unite for the good of so I didn’t play with him much, but I did was they, he maintains, who set in motion a Ukrainian president’s first official visit Ukraine before the campaign season glance at him from time to time with curios- the revolt that forced the dismantlement of to the White House in 1994, Ukraine’s begins. ity and trepidation. I knew my own father the vast network of slave labor camps. A Orthodox Churches struggling for recog- Lest my American side get jealous, had been in a Nazi prison somewhere and handful of those released in the mid-1950s nition during the 1995 funeral-turned-riot some thoughts from the other half of my something called the NKVD had tried to became the dissidents whose activism of Patriarch Volodymyr (Romaniuk). I heart. I am thankful that my parents kill him, but that seemed almost normal. escalated a generation later into a revolu- wish the rest of the world could see then found their way to America after the sec- Being hanged, though – that was a tion that toppled an empire. how important Ukraine would be to a ond world war. America permitted them, whole different story; one I never got to Casting a sweeping eye on Ukraine’s his- peaceful, expanded Europe. and by extension us, to become whatever hear. My tent-mate couldn’t bear to talk tory since 1940, it’s astonishing to see Working in Ukraine in the 1990s we wished to be: writers, students, pho- about his father and I wasn’t going to ask what’s been achieved. Struggling for inde- introduced me to people who today have tographers, mother, Ukrainian in any more questions. Someone hanged him pendence, Ukrainians took on two of histo- become leaders in Ukraine’s political, America, American in Ukraine. America – either the Soviets or the Nazis, probably. ry’s greatest monsters – the Third Reich and legal and cultural worlds, and I am is a beacon for freedom and the embodi- Both, I learned, did that routinely. Either the Soviet Union – and played critical roles thankful to know them as friends. I only ment of the individual spirit. way, many children were scarred for life. in destroying both. Then they amazed them- wish life in Ukraine would get easier for I wish that America could help the vic- In World War II, Ukrainians were tragi- selves and the world when they defended them, although I fear that they will con- tims of Hurricane Katrina get back on cally caught between two of history’s most their freedom in the Orange Revolution. tinue to scramble to make a living, and their feet and bring our soldiers home for evil powers. Forced to choose sides, those in Today, Ukrainians commemorate their that the fruits of an independent Ukraine the holidays. central and eastern Ukraine – with nowhere struggle against the Nazis with a thousand will only be enjoyed by their children’s A tall order for both sides of my heart, else to turn – rallied to the Red Army. In village monuments. The Red Army role in generation. and one I fervently hope will come true. western Ukraine, paramilitary groups that World War II is well-chronicled and cele- Working at The Weekly and freelanc- May all your wishes come true this holi- had organized before the war to separate brated. UPA’s story, on the other hand, is ing for the Ukrainian Congress day season. from Poland, morphed into the Ukrainian neglected and unappreciated. They Insurgent Army (UPA), adopting the same deserve better, even as they take satisfac- LETTER TO THE EDITOR mission as the Red Army – drive out the tion in the blue-and-yellow flag flying barbarian who marched to a swastika while over government buildings, the trident, the presuming to rule over the “Untermen- currency, the growing use of Ukrainian, the Chair of Ukrainian Studies. schen” (subhumans) who had naively tossed an Olympic team and Independence The popularity of contemporary flowers at his tanks and troops. Square in the center of Kyiv. Language, literature Ukrainian politics in current scholarship With much smaller forces and limited Ironically, that’s where several hun- is a very welcome development but arms, the UPA adopted classic guerrilla dred UPA and Red Army veterans recent- part of Ukrainian studies tactics, disrupting Nazi supply lines, ly confronted each other: on October 15 Dear Editor: Ukrainian studies has not yet lost its attacking ammunition dumps, harassing on the UPA’s 63rd anniversary and again Re: “Ukrainian studies at University of other, more traditional branches. individual units. As for the Red Army, it on November 7, the 88th anniversary of Toronto now part of European program” Prof. Maxim Tarnawsky fought immense battles. In they end, they the Bolshevik Revolution, with 800 Kyiv by Oksana Zakydalsky (October 30). Toronto drove the Nazis all the way back to Berlin. police on duty and 6,000 more on call. I was delighted to read about Although UPA and the Red Army As it developed, both sides – many of Ukrainian Studies at the University of fought a common enemy, a clash between them with canes and some in wheelchairs Toronto. However, to avoid confusion, I We welcome your opinion the two forces was unavoidable. Hiding in – waved flags, sang songs, shouted slo- would like to point out that Ukrainian The Ukrainian Weekly welcomes letters the forests and mountains of western gans and then went home. studies at the University of Toronto is to the editor and commentaries on a variety Ukraine, amidst a supportive population Ukraine has moved on, even if the two not limited to the Jacyk and Danyliv pro- of topics of concern to the Ukrainian that helped them stay in the field into the groups of now-frail veterans remain hos- grams that have been amalgamated into American and Ukrainian Canadian com- early 1950s, the UPA was fighting for tile to one another. And that’s a shame, munities. Opinions expressed by colum- the new Center for European, Russian, nothing less than full independence for because they have much in common. and Eurasian Studies. nists, commentators and letter-writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the Ukraine. The Soviets, though, would have Thanks to them, Europe has no more con- Ukrainian studies at the university go opinions of either The Weekly editorial none of that. With Ukrainians on both centration camps; no child will be ren- back over 40 years and include programs staff or its publisher, the UNA. sides, the decade-long struggle amounted dered speechless because some ideology (both teaching and research) still fortu- Letters should be typed and signed. killed his father. Both sides did a great itously housed in the department of Letters are accepted also via e-mail at Andrew Fedynsky’s e-mail address is: thing for their country and the world. Too Slavic languages and literatures and in [email protected]. [email protected]. bad they can’t acknowledge that. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2005 No. 49

COMMENTARY

to the president, my priorities in life empty speeches – these, too, are some became completely clear: God, family, a terrible realities of my country. Amnesia, or who we are child’s smile and respect for one’s own Ukraine is so strange. During the first by Tetiana Seleznyova let children die for years, today are speak- country. I will treasure this. months of this year, prominent, respect- ing about tyranny, political repressions And the rest – for some reason the trial ful, well-known and talented people at Part II and the need for protection. And of Joan of Arc comes to mind. Pharisaic press conferences (which I, as a journal- As for the president – he is my presi- Ukrainian journalists support them – priests said to her, “Repent because ist, attended almost every day) without dent. And he completely responds to the “Tak!” For one cannot say the revolution everybody has betrayed you!” exception uttered the words, “Today new country we have with all its complexi- took place and there’s no need to insult “That’s not true. The king is with me,” times have arrived,” “A country is being ties: hesitation, restlessness, inconsisten- those who “think differently” because the French heroine replied. born,” “Thanks to the Orange Revolution “everybody” did not stand on the maidan. cy, imbalance, lack of knowledge, spon- “You’re naive! Your king is the first it became possible.” Can we alone appre- Dear people! It’s not everyone that taneity and weakness. During the who betrayed you,” they replied. ciate what had happened? No. Today we launches revolutions and changes the “Orange days,” thousands of Ukrainians “So France needed that,” the wise act as if we were apologizing for this. world. Only the bravest and most coura- finally learned the words to the national woman shot back. How pathetic. We refer to names, bitterly geous people do this. And those who anthem that were disregarded until then. So, allow me to draw a parallel on disappointed by how the people today to destroy nothing and kill nobody create his- They sang it standing shoulder to shoul- behalf of all the people who were on the whom these names belong “are not the tory under God’s blessing and protection. der, looking into each others’ faces, maidan. If my president betrayed me, so same people from last year.” And what they accomplished in the fall of what. It means Ukraine needed that. It The politicians who stood on the Donechany [residents of the Donetsk 2004 doesn’t fall under any example in region] and Lviviany [residents of the means the time hasn’t yet arrived. A mir- maidan’s stage are not important. The world history because it was a revolution acle won’t appear out of the blue. You important ones are those who stood in Lviv region], waiting for the Supreme without aggression. It was bloodless and Court verdict. It seemed that the entire should cherish it, nurture it, preserve it front of it. Those stage names, after all, calm with a smile. It seemed the entire earth and create favorable conditions for its are relative. Some of those who led future was dependent on it. It happened stood up to protect that group of thousands that way. It was a miracle that could return. You should create it yourself, turned out to be weak and lacked faith. of people. And even powerful officials every day and every second, getting over There is only one hero of the Orange appear only in suffering and only here. lacked the evil spirit to kill their compatri- They say there is another camp, there your fear and desire to have a safe and Revolution: the people. ots. Therefore, it’s no wonder that the revo- quiet existence, patiently persuading You may say that this sounds abstract. are others, and they deserve respect. It is lution roused envy in neighboring countries. terrible, and it does not hold up to any yourself that “moya khata ne skrayu” Well, then, I am proud of each of you And it’s not possible to find such a [my house is not on the outskirts]. Then, who got over some fear or feeling of scrutiny or sober comprehension – that president elsewhere. I see him: absurdly those who have lied openly and with maybe, I will deserve a president who insignificance, each of you who believed sincere and laughingly trustful, undisci- doesn’t betray. and did the impossible, who got up and impudence, stole from their country for plined for some undefined reason, simple years, deprived old people of bread and You know, there are too many judg- said, “Enough,” who found the courage and loving his country not for show, but ments today. But there is a lack of faith not to lie, who neglected convenience with all his soul. Not presidential quali- and effort. And there is too much non- and peace in order just to be there. Tetiana Seleznyova is a correspondent ties, you say? I agree. But this is such an sense in the name of Natalia Vitrenko, I am proud of the country where you for Radio Era in Kyiv. She is a native of odd country. It was most strange that for Dmytro Korchynskyi, Viktor live! Don’t listen to those who talk about Vinnytsia, Ukraine. the first time after the revolution, thanks Yanukovych, Petro Symonenko, Nestor manipulations! Don’t forget what really Shufrych, Leonid Hrach. Look into their happened! You are the heroes of your eyes and ask, “What do you most long own country! Do not betray your country for?” As far as I can tell, their aspirations with a bad word, because it is the only Need a back issue? don’t have anything to do with the pros- one and the best. As our president says, If you’d like to obtain a back issue of The Ukrainian Weekly, perity of Ukraine. The proof of that will “Glory to each of you and to our Lord.” send $2 per copy (first-class postage included) to: Administration, The Ukrainian Weekly, be in their eyes as they avert their gaze. 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Atavism in the guise of Soviet rudiments, – Translated from Ukrainian by Maria Lenin monuments, red flags, solemn, Samoylenko. No. 49 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2005 9

Candidacy of Michael Ignatieff COMMENTARY: Candidate’s views protested by riding membership on Ukrainians should disqualify him by Myroslava Oleksiuk pare and submit the required forms, by Lubomyr Luciuk peasant shirts, the nasal whine of ethnic including police and credit checks, as instruments, phony Cossacks [Kozaks] in TORONTO – After prolonged specu- well as the required 30 signatures in sup- He thought people like my parents cloaks and boots, nasty anti-Semites.” lation about whether and where he would port of their nominations. were “strange and pathetic” because, in I confess that I have an embroidered run, Michael Ignatieff, an academic, jour- The two candidates delivered their nomi- the 1960s, they would gather in protest, Ukrainian shirt, several in fact, which my nalist and novelist, appears to have found nation documents to Liberal Party head- even in the snow, “haranguing people” mother hand-made for me, and which I himself a safe haven in the Ontario riding quarters in Toronto, only to find that the who just wanted to see the Bolshoi am proud to wear. I share other kindred, of Etobicoke-Lakeshore. office was locked before the 5 p.m. filing Ballet, and “to hell with the politics.” albeit more intellectual, prejudices with The executive of the Etobicoke- deadline. Liberal party staffers could be He wondered how they thought Michael Ignatieff, who probably thinks Lakeshore Federal Liberal Riding Ukraine could ever be free. Hadn’t these seen through the second-story windows, but he is my “elder brother.” So I get a laugh Association learned late on Friday, folks bothered to check a map? Didn’t they refused to answer repeated knocking when reading about those puffed up November 25, that their member of they know Ukraine had “been part of on the doors and phone calls to the office. White Russian émigrés – with their pro- Parliament, Jean Augustine, has resigned Russia for centuries?” And why wouldn’t The two potential candidates are: Marc fascist sentiments and stunted ideas about her seat and that Mr. Ignatieff is to be they accept that, “obviously,” Kyiv was Shwec, a bilingual (English/French) engi- the rights of other nations to self-deter- parachuted in as the sole, uncontested the “birthplace of Russian national iden- neer who holds an M.B.A. degree and has mination – who fittingly ended up as so candidate in a surprise nomination meet- tity”? been active in community and volunteer many Grand Dukes Such and Such taxi ing scheduled for December 1. When, “unbelievably,” that city work; and Ron Chyczij, also an M.B.A., cab drivers in Paris, or Princesses This The speed with which the nomination became the capital of a “new” and inde- who is the president of the Etobicoke- and Thats serving up tables, or them- meeting was called and the abridgement pendent state, he confessed to having Lakeshore Riding Association and is active selves, in Harbin dancing halls. of all timelines suggests that the Liberal in many community and volunteer projects. “difficulty taking Ukraine seriously” They were the flotsam of the failed Party is discouraging all other contenders. Mr. Ignatieff, 58, is considered by the because, as a “Great Russian” he held tsarist regime, pretenders and pogrom- Despite the time constraints, and the Ukrainian community to be a virulent “just a trace of old Russian disdain for schiks, most shoveled into the dustbin of difficult nomination filing requirements, Ukrainophobe, and his candidacy is offen- ‘little Russians’ ” meaning Ukrainians. history during the interwar period, two candidates were in fact able to pre- sive to the many Ukrainian Canadian resi- The thought of their independence con- dents of the riding, many of whom have jured up only “images of embroidered although a few managed to hold on long Myroslava Oleksiuk is membership been members of the riding association for enough to serve Hitler as collaborators on the Eastern Front. One of their own secretary of the Etobicoke Lakeshore many years and form more than one-half of Lubomyr Luciuk, Ph. D., professor of Federal Liberal Riding Association. the membership of the riding association. (and yes he was a count, what else), political geography at the Royal Military Vladimir Kokovtsev, described his fellow College of Canada was born in Kingston exiles in 1930 as an admixture of “nostal- in 1953 and remembers standing in the gia, fatalism, balalaikas, lugubrious Statement by Michael Ignatieff cold protesting Soviet imperialism in songs of the Volga, a crimson shirt [and] Ukraine. He says he has no regrets. It frenzied dance.” Following is the text of a statement by new life in Canada with nothing but the worked. The commentary above was Of course, some took longer to accept Michael Ignatieff that was released on clothes on their backs. That is why there published also in the November 30 issue November 28 – Etobicoke, Ontario, via has always been a tremendous mutual of The Ottawa Citizen. (Continued on page 15) Canadian news services. respect between the Ignatieff family and the Ukrainian Canadian community. We I was delighted to learn today that I all came here to build a great country, Ukrainian Canadian Congress have been confirmed as the Liberal candi- based on inclusion and not exclusion. That date for the electoral district of Etobicoke is why I am so pleased to see Canada and “disappointed” with party’s push Lakeshore. I look forward to running Ukrainian Canadians take such a leading under the leadership of Prime Minister and inspirational role in the modern Paul Martin in the next election campaign. Ukrainian democracy movement. Following is the text of a release titled and pathetic, chanting in the snow, I want to first thank Jean Augustine. I was saddened to learn yesterday of “Ukrainians Disappointed with Liberal haranguing people who just wanted to She is a remarkable Canadian for whom I an attempt to distort my words and per- Push for Ignatieff as Candidate” that see ballet and to hell with the politics. have the highest regard. She has set an vert my meaning in a discussion of the was issued by the Ukrainian Canadian They seemed fanatical too, unreasonable. example of service to the citizens of Ukrainian experience in one of my Congress on November 27 in Ottawa in Hadn’t they looked at the map? How did Etobicoke Lakeshore and to all Canadians books, “Blood and Belonging.” Anyone response to the nomination of Michael they think Ukraine could ever be free?” – that I will strive to emulate. In her many who reads the entire chapter in question, Ignatieff as a Liberal candidate for “Blood and Belonging” (p.79) by roles, but especially as secretary of state rather than merely the phrases that have Parliament. Michael Ignatieff. for multiculturalism and women, Jean been cited in isolation and out of context, “I have reasons to take the [sic] Augustine made a remarkable difference. will quickly recognize that my sole pur- The Ukrainian Canadian Congress is Ukraine seriously indeed. But, to be hon- I am truly honored to inherit her legacy. pose was to rebut, not assert, the odious very disappointed that the Liberal Party est, I’m having trouble. Ukrainian inde- It was a special pleasure to meet with stereotype of Ukrainians that has been of Canada would support the nomination pendence conjures up images of peasant the many Liberals from Jean’s successful wrongly and unfairly attributed to me. of Michael Ignatieff as a candidate for embroidered shirts, the nasal whine of campaign team in Etobicoke Lakeshore This is a transparent attempt to twist the Liberal Party of Canada. ethnic instruments, phoney Cossacks in over the weekend. Their warm embrace of my writings with the objective of sowing It will be difficult for Canadians to cloaks and boots, nasty anti-Semites.” – my candidacy has been deeply gratifying. division and strife in Liberal ranks on the support a party that fields a candidate “Blood and Belonging” (p.79) by Now I would like to directly address eve of a campaign. I am satisfied that tac- who makes such derogatory remarks as: Michael Ignatieff. the allegations that surfaced at the 11th tics of this sort tend to rebound heavily “From my childhood in Canada, I The UCC calls upon the Leader of the hour in relation to my nomination. on their perpetrators when weighed remember expatriate Ukrainian national- Liberal Party of Canada, the Right Hon. ists demonstrating in the snow outside Paul Martin, to withdraw his support of I have a deep, personal affinity with the against the truth. ballet performances by the Bolshoi in Michael Ignatieff’s nomination as a suffering of the Ukrainian people at the My record and writings on the subject Toronto. ‘Free the captive nations!’ they Liberal candidate for the upcoming hands of Soviet Russia and a deep respect matter of Ukraine and Ukrainian history chanted. In 1960, they seemed strange Parliamentary elections. for the Ukrainian Canadian community. are clear. I welcome anyone who wants to My own family escaped to Ukraine fol- review that record to do so in its entirety. lowing the Russian Revolution, when they Etobicoke Lakeshore is a wonderfully lost everything. My ancestors are buried diverse multicultural constituency. I am IN THE PRESS: Ottawa Citizen in Ukraine. I have visited their graves. I committed to working with the Ukrainian have made it a point to understand the Canadian community, as I am with all the horror of mass killing and starvation communities in the riding. I look forward writes of “Headache for Ignatieff” imposed by the Soviet regime in the to meeting with Ukrainian Canadians and The Ottawa Citizen, in an editorial on nationalism, ‘Blood and 1930s. I have lectured on the Ukrainian their leaders from Etobicoke Lakeshore headlined “Headache for Ignatieff,” Belonging,’ in which the descendant of genocide in my courses at Harvard. and across Canada, to share views on the published on November 29, wrote in Russian nobles disparaged Ukrainian But my sympathy for the historic Ukrainian experience and discuss my part: protests in 1960s Toronto and recalled plight of the Ukrainian people goes much writings with them. They will quickly his own youthful belief in the absurdity further. As a journalist, I have traveled recognize that Michael Ignatieff is a “The federal Liberal Party clearly of Ukrainian independence. many times to Ukraine and spent months staunch friend and supporter of Ukrainian wants Michael Ignatieff, the he-man of “We shouldn’t hold Mr. Ignatieff’s there trying to better understand its histo- Canadians who has been wrongly Harvard, to be its candidate in childhood understandings of world pol- ry. I have taken my children to those maligned by persons with an agenda at Etobicoke-Lakeshore. itics against him, but even in 1993 he national parks of Canada where variance with that of the Liberal Party. “Two others tried to file their papers was skeptical that Ukrainian national- Ukrainians were interned during World Our agenda as Liberals is to build a by the short deadline the party imposed ism was ‘real.’ So Ukrainian War I. I have tried to translate the horri- great country based on democracy, pros- after the incumbent suddenly bowed Canadians, who claim to make up half ble weight of the Ukrainian experience perity and inclusion. I look forward to out; they had to slip their documents the Etobicoke-Lakeshore riding associ- not only to them, but also to thousands of joining hands with all of the citizens of under a locked office door. Angry allies ation, are literally protesting in the students and readers. Etobicoke Lakeshore, including all its of the sidelined candidates are drawing street. One news release calls Mr. My family, like so many Ukrainian citizens of Ukrainian descent, as we work attention to Mr. Ignatieff’s 1993 book Ignatieff ‘a virulent Ukrainophobe.’ ...” Canadian ancestors, left Ukraine to start a to realize these important goals. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2005 No. 49 Orysia Tracz tells Toronto audience: Baba was right all along! by Oksana Zakydalsky related to beliefs, rituals, folk songs, and family member, a trusted person or a per- see witches. Garlic’s medicinal proper- ornamentation,” she said. son with a reputation for some particular ties are now being recognized by med- TORONTO – Do you remember being As a child, back in Jersey City, skill – usually a specialist who treated ical and pharmacological professionals. fed Baba’s (grandmother’s) gogel-mogel Newark and Irvington, N.J., Ms. Tracz one disease or a category of illnesses. Another interesting plant in folk medi- when you had a sore throat? Did she often suffered from ear and throat trou- cine mentioned by Ms. Tracz was hemp make you drink sickeningly-sweet The skill was passed down to children ble. Her father would give her one of two (“konopli”). Although hemp had practi- chamomile tea when you had an upset and hence healing tended to be a heredi- potions before bedtime. Somehow he cal uses as a source of hemp fibers and stomach? “Baba was right all along!” hemp oil, it also had a strong smell and claimed Orysia Paszczak Tracz, a colum- knew by her cough which to prepare – and there was one she preferred over the was another plant thought to provide nist for The Ukrainian Weekly, when she good protection against evil spirits. was recently in Toronto. other. One was tea, honey, lemon juice and brandy, the other – hot milk, butter Together with other plants, hemp was Invited to speak at the Toronto Study blessed on the feast of Makovey and the Tour of the Midwestern Region of the and crushed garlic. Readers can decide which she liked better. blessed plants were then used to “smoke Costume Society of America (whose out” the house to keep away ghosts of regional president is Irene Romaniw of Her mother would treat small wounds with “babka” (Plantago major L) – com- the dead. Growths of hemp (a plant that Winnipeg), Ms. Tracz came to the city to can grow from one to four meters in speak about the symbolism of the mon plantain (“podorozhnyk”). For the same type of festering wounds, her moth- height) often served as hiding places Ukrainian costume. That presentation because the plant overpowers the scent was hosted by the Toronto Branch of The er-in-law would use a poultice of flour and one of the following ingredients: of a person and throws off tracking dogs. Ukrainian Museum of Canada. That’s why the saying “vyskochyv yak sour cream, sweet butter or honey. Both Ms. Tracz’s talk about folk medicine Pylyp z konopel” means “he gave him- the plant and the poultice drew out the on October 14 was as a guest lecturer at self away.” pus. St. Vladimir’s cultural program. Ms. Health is not entirely an objective and Ms. Tracz pointed out that folk medi- Tracz became interested in Ukrainian physical state. It also involves many cul- folk medicine as she researched the cine, which deals with the treatment and turally based factors. An example of this numerous aspects of Ukrainian ethnolo- prevention of disease, is a blend of medi- is provided by the traditional wax cere- gy. “The ‘why we do what we do’ has cine and ethnography and includes not mony (“vylyvannia vosku”). During the been a lifelong question for me, and I only ancient and tested remedies, but the ceremony, the patient is seated in a chair, keep trying to dig deeper and deeper for use of plants, spells, incantations, astrol- Oksana Zakydalsky a bowl is filled with cold water and a answers. What I have discovered is that ogy, shamans, talismans, etc. lump of wax is melted. The healer asks all aspects of traditional Ukrainian life Before medicine became a science, Orysia Tracz speaks in Toronto. the patient for his symptoms. While are interconnected, and folk medicine is who healed the sick? The healer was a incantations are uttered, the healer pours tary job. the wax into the water. The solidified Ms. Tracz gave some examples: vil- wax is taken from the water, turned over UUkrainiankrainian Little League Baseball – lages and towns would have a “baba- and its shapes interpreted. This process is OrphanageOrphanage Project 2005 and beyond povytukha,” a woman who swaddled repeated three times. The wax ceremony babies, a “branka,” a midwife; and a is considered effective in curing fear and in partnership with: in partnership with: “kostoprav,” one who fixed bones. other maladies. It was brought to the Remedies were found near at hand – in Canadian prairies by Ukrainian pioneers The Children of Chornobyl Relief & Development Fund the fields, gardens and orchards, or were and widely practiced at the time of immi- (CCRDF) Short Hills, NJ, USA, products of domestic animals. Because gration as it nullified fear and nervous- The Help Us Help the Children Fund (HUHTC) Kyiv, Ukraine traditional medical practices were tied to ness, and was a method of reducing and Peace Corps – Ukraine: oral tradition, they were localized, hence stress and anxiety. there are different cures in different I asked two young new immigrants regions of Ukraine as well as different is proud to announce ten years of Little League baseball from Ukraine if they had heard about the names for the same plants. in Ukraine: 1995-2005 wax ceremony method of handling stress The Ukrainian names of some plants when they lived in Ukraine. They had not in traditional medicine are descriptive – The following individuals have believed in me only heard of it, but each had actually their names tell you what they are used gone to a healer. One of them emphasized and have helped me help the children of Ukraine. for. For example “chystotil” (literally, You have always been there for me. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. that it was important to go to a “good” body cleanser) is chelidonium, used to healer, otherwise the experience would be Dr. Bohdan Kekish, President, Self Reliance (NY) Federal Credit Union treat cancer; “borodavnyk” comes from a waste of time. The answer to my ques- Mr. Bohdan Kurczak, CFO, Self Reliance (NY) Federal Credit Union “borodavka” (wart) and was used to tion “did it help you with your problem” Ms. Joan “Buni” Busse, Petaluna, CA remove warts; “padyvolos” (literally was rather vague, but I got the impression Mr. Vitaliy Lizogubenko, Kyiv - Ukraine ADA “hair falling”) was a plant used to that going through the wax ceremony Mr. Gregory Greshetsky, Kyiv - Ukraine ADA strengthen hair. gave them a feeling of confidence and Mr. Oleh Boyko, Kirovograd - Ukraine ADA Traditional people believed that dis- convinced them that, by being ready to Mr. Harold Weissman & Family, ADA Ukraine, DA New York 27 ease came from unclean, evil spirits or Mr. Michael Pobat, DA Virginia 4 try all remedies, they were really serious forces (“nechysta syla”). Hence an about getting rid of their problems. Mr. Steve Keener, CEO, Little League Baseball Inc. important part of folk medicine involves Mr. James Stopper, CFO, Little League Baseball Inc. At the end of her lecture, Ms. Tracz Mr. Frank Lupacchino, Little League Baseball plants and rituals used to ward off such asked people in the audience to share Ms. Beata Kaszuba, Kutno, Poland, LL Regional Director spirits. their “Baba” experiences and describe Honorable John E. Herbst, United States Ambassador to Ukraine “Polyn” (wormwood) has a bitter taste their own encounters with folk medicine. Mr. Karl Beck, Director, Peace Corps - Ukraine and, because it was unappealing to peo- Here was mine, although, in my story, it Mr. Myron Stebelsky, President USCAK ple, it was believed that evil spirits was “Dido” (grandfather) who was right. Mr. Volodymyr Kulyk, National Olympic Committee of Ukraine would dislike it. For example, girls wore When I was growing up in Toronto, Dr. Ivan Sierant, President Ukrainian Sports Club (YCK) New York it on Zeleni Sviata and the feast of Ivan Dido used to take us swimming to a pond Mr. Jim Hammer & Family, DPH pins Kupalo as protection against mavky and in High Park and, one time, I stepped on Mr. Gary Krupsky, Ukraine ADA, Amapro Sports, NY rusalky (forest and river nymphs) – some glass in the water and badly cut my Dr. Milton and Florence Cohen, CT demonic creatures who could lure girls foot. Seeing the blood, Dido unpacked Mr. Michael Coghlan, DA New York 6 and boys into the forest or into the water. our dark rye lunch sandwiches, took two Ms. Maryna Krysa, President, Help Us Help the Children Fund, Kyiv, Ukraine Chornobyl, related to polyn, was Dr. Zenon and Nadia Matkiwsky, President, Children of Chornobyl Relief Fund, USA slices of the bread, placed them on the another such bitter plant, and girls wore Mr. Glen Willard, CFO, Ukrainian Observer - Kyiv, Ukraine wound and wrapped some cloth around Ms. Roma Hadzewycz, Editor-in-chief, The Ukrainian Weekly it around their waists to ward off witch- the foot to keep them in place. Mr. Anatoliy Sakhno, Youth Development Specialist, Peace Corps - Ukraine es. It was also thought to prevent TB and As a kind passer-by drove us to the Mr. Ihor Pryshlak, New York was used as a bath to ward off the dis- hospital, I sat in the car, cringing with Mr. Steve Atamanchuk, New York ease. Chornobyl was sometimes used to embarrassment, imagining what the doc- Ms. Tamara Jeziorski, New York decorate houses on Kupalo, to chase tor would think when he saw my bloody Mr. Alex and Ulana Prociuk, Ukrainian Homestead, Lehighton, PA away the evil spirits that were ubiquitous foot encased in slices of rye bread like Mr. Petro Kosciolek, President Ukrainian Youth Association (CYM), Ellenville, NY during that festival. some gory sandwich. Mr. Eugene Luciw, President of Ukrainian Sports Club Tryzub, Horsham, PA Garlic was a symbol of good health, But I should have had more faith in Ms. Sonia Semanyshyn, Soyuzivka Resort, Kerhonkson, NY as well as another plant that chased away Dido’s remedy. and to the dozens of Little Leagues in the US who have donated baseball and softball equipt- evil spirits. It was worn around the neck, When he unwrapped my foot, the ment to the children in Ukraine. carried in one’s pocket, hidden in a examining doctor said, “What a good baby’s bed or even woven into a bride’s idea! Rye bread is great for clotting and and a special thanks to my lovely wife Professor Alexandra Tarasko and my two wonderful bouquet. In some regions, people put helping to control the flow of blood.” sons Andrei and Michael for supporting me and encouraging me to travel those thousands of garlic cloves under the tablecloth in the “Everything old is new again. Each miles to Ukraine, the home of my parents and ancestors. four corners of the table on “Sviat culture has its wisdom, and there is much Thank you all, Vechir” (Christmas Eve). The cloves we can learn from our heritage, where Basil (Vasyl) P. Tarasko were then planted in a pot until Easter we can find both knowledge as well as District Administrator of the Little League in Ukraine (1995) and then, if a clove was put under one’s fascinating information,” concluded Ms. tongue, it gave the person the power to Tracz. No. 49 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2005 11

Morrisby CBohdanou Porytkonty Volleyball Club hosts first annual tournament WHIPPANY, N.J. – New Jersey’s Morris County is home to a growing Ukrainian “hromada” (community) that already boasts one of the largest schools of Ukrainian studies in the United States and has recently witnessed a groundbreaking on a major community cen- ter to house its sports, youth and cultural organizations. Most recently Morris County became the venue for a volleyball tournament for Ukrainian sports clubs. The host club, Morris County Volleyball Club (MCVC), conducted the first annual Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey Volleyball Invitational 2005 on Saturday, October 22, with pro- ceeds going to the building fund of its new community home. Co-hosts included the Whippany branch of the Ukrainian American Youth Association (SUM), the Newark branch of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization and the Chornomorska Sitch sports club. The organizing committee responsible for the MCVC tournament was typical of the “expatriates” involved in the new hromada in Morris County: Myron Bytz (origi- nally raised in Detroit), Bohdan Porytko (Brooklyn), Orest Kucyna (Yonkers, N.Y.), Orest Fedash (Oradell, N.J.) and Andrew Hadzewycz (Hartford, Conn.). As expected, the fiercest competition came in the men’s open division, where Chornomorska Sitch of Newark, SUM Hartford, the Trenton Ukrainian Home and the MCVC slugged it out. Sitch and MCVC wound up playing a see-saw, two-hour final until men’s MVP Roman The Morris County Volleyball Club seniors’ team: (standing, from left) Adrian Baranetsky, Bohdan Duda, Bulawski finally took charge and led the MCVC to victory. Bohdan Porytko, Walter Syzonenko, Myron Kukuruza, (kneeling) Gene Mandzy and Walter Yatskiw.

In the women’s open division, the final came and Mary Kucyna supervised the complimentary lunch catered by down to Sitch and the MCVC as well. The sponsor Duda Provisions, as well as the awards dinner at St. MCVC took the first two games of the match, John’s Church Hall in nearby Whippany, N.J. and held an early lead in the third. But the Sitch Awards included team and individual trophies for first, second women, using only five players and no subs all and third place in all divisions, as well as for MVPs. Each division day, finally shook off their initial rust and also established a permanent cup which will see the winner’s allowed their natural skills to re-emerge with name engraved each year and will be on the display in the each successive game. Led by the women’s Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey when con- MVP, Alexandra Zawadiwsky, Sitch swept the struction is completed. last three games to win the match 3-2. Finally, there was an overall club champion trophy awarded to The youth division was an all-SUM affair, the club that achieved the most top-five finishes across all divi- with Yonkers, Whippany and two teams from sions. The MCVC won the inaugural trophy, outdistancing Sitch, Passaic competing. Passaic took the crown which came in second. among the under-18 co-ed teams, with Sponsors that ensured the viability of the event included the Ukrainian National Federal Credit Union, Selfreliance Ukrainian Maggie Krol winning the MVP trophy. American Federal Credit Union, Plast Newark, SUM Whippany, Duda The over-40 seniors’ division witnessed MVP Provisions and the Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey. Jaroslaw Palylyk working tirelessly but ultimate- Complete results and numerous photos from this year’s compe- ly proving unable to lift his Yonkers Krylati team tition can be found online at http://www.socceragency.net/mcvc, over the MCVC seniors in the finals. along with an application for the second annual invitational in Games were played in a professional 2006. (It’s never too early to start training.) venue: the PowerZone in Denville, N.J., a six-court facility solely dedicated to volley- ball. Certified referees were used exclusively, and the courts sported all the amenities, such as regulation nets with antennae, scoreboards and hard-rubberized surfaces. Women’s MVP Alexandra Zawadiwsky takes home Registrar Katia Kucyna and Scorekeeper her trophy. Natalka Hucul maintained order. Chris Bytz

MCVC members accept the championship trophy: (from left) Myron Bytz, Craig Marsdenowych, Orest Kucyna, a representative from the Ukrainian Orthodox Federal Credit Union making the presentation, men’s MVP Roman Bulawski and team captain Orest Fedash. The winning youth team: SUM Passaic. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2005 No. 49

said he could take a vacation every year Residents of Alchevsk... to Crimea or somewhere else. The Soviet (Continued from page 3) era wasn’t necessarily good, he said, but for President Viktor Yushchenko during the current situation isn’t much better. last year’s elections. “I get a pension and I work, so I Both Ms. Herasymenko and her 17- wouldn’t say that I have a bad life,” Mr. year-old son, Artem, supported Mr. Kucharenko said. “I have enough to buy Yushchenko because his politics repre- bread and butter. My wife also works sented hope for economic prosperity. and receives a pension, but we haven’t Essential to prosperity, they believed, had a vacation in three years.” was Mr. Yushchenko’s plan for Ukraine The sports center’s staff has no hope to integrate with the European Union. that any community leader, politician or “Why do I want to move toward businessman, will offer any help to restore the sports center and its swim- Europe?” Ms. Herasymenko said. “Because ming pool. A miraculous donation from a I want to live as they live. Why should we foreigner is more promising. have a poor life? Why do we have to live as “They all want some gain,” Ms. poorly as the Russians live?” Mykava said of local businessmen. “He Alchevsk residents overwhelmingly will immediately assess and think, ‘What supported opponent Viktor Yanukovych gain will I obtain from this?’ ” in the third round of voting, with the Luhansk Oblast giving him 91 percent of “God help them do this!” its votes, according to the final results. Alchevsk also became the scene of a Zenon Zawada Sitting in Ms. Mykava’s kitchen after the fierce anti-Yushchenko attack, thanks to Halyna Herasymenko, 50, shares breakfast with her 17-year-old son Artem, who workday, it’s a wonder how two women a widely watched television news inves- covers himself with a blanket in their chilly Alchevsk apartment. with such differing views of Ukraine and tigation launched by the Inter network. politics have remained such close friends. In the undercover experiment, the Mr. Yanukovych was. Ukraine, Alchevsk still clings to its Mmes. Mykava and Herasymenko news network sent a car decorated with Ms. Herasymenko outed herself as a Soviet past, rather than replacing the old have worked together for eight years, pro-Yanukovych banners, flags and stick- Yushchenko supporter when the center’s symbols with new ones. spending every summer traveling with ers into western Ukraine, and a pro- director, Mykola Kucharenko, instructed A fierce statue of Lenin towers over a the sports center’s children to summer camps in Sudak, Crimea. Yushchenko vehicle into eastern Ukraine. employees to attend mandatory Yanukovych boulevard in the city center. Military Throughout the evening, Ms. Mykava When the pro-Yushchenko vehicle drove political rallies at 4 p.m. every day. She told monuments such as Soviet tanks decorate repeated that she wants Ukrainians to though Alchevsk, opponents cut the car off Mr. Kucharenko that she didn’t support Mr. the city, as do memorials to soldiers who remain on friendly terms and peaceful, in a tunnel and told them to leave. Later on, Yanukovych and shouldn’t have to go. died during the Great Patriotic War, as no matter what language they speak. But anti-Yushchenko activists stopped the car At first, Ms. Herasymenko’s tenacity World War II is known in Soviet parlance. just as important, she said, is for again, kicked and struck it, tearing off its caused a stir. Even her friends were talk- At the sports center, all the Soviet slo- Ukrainians to remain on friendly terms orange flags and even burning them. ing behind her back. But eventually they gans remain painted on the walls: “Glory with their Russian neighbors. In the news report, western Ukrainians got used to the situation and tolerated her. to the Soviet Olympians!” Her boss, Mr. Ms. Mykava herself was born in proved far more tolerant, even allowing Rather than force her to attend the pro- Kucharenko, still wears a “Master of Voronezh, Russia, as were her three the Yanukovych supporters to set up a Yanukovych gatherings, Mr. Kucharenko Sports” Soviet lapel pin with “USSR” brothers who still live there. It’s a city tent city in one town and engaging them allowed Ms. Herasymenko to stay behind engraved in large letters. 300 kilometers north of Alchevsk, which in political debate. and tend to the sports center and its children. The tall, broad-shouldered former ath- serves as the capital for the Voronezh Ms. Herasymenko admitted that she and “When they went and I stayed behind, lete sat behind a desk the afternoon of Oblast that borders Luhansk. her son were scared to wear any orange they would say, ‘You don’t have to go. November 7 soldering the wires of a Ms. Mykava married a Georgian; one clothes in Alchevsk during the elections out We all know you’re for Yushchenko!’ ” night light that broke. “At night, there’s brother married a Ukrainian and another of fear of getting attacked by hooligans. Ms. Herasymenko said laughing. no light,” he pointed out. married a Bulgarian. “We’re all mixed But, for most of the elections, Alchevsk’s “But many of those who supported Mr. Kucharenko has been the director up,” Ms. Mykava said laughing, seated at streets was actually rather placid, she said. Yanukovych didn’t even believe in him. of the sports center since it opened in Wherever they got paid more is where November 1970. Back then, it was a a kitchen table with her daughter Natalia Just as there weren’t any pro-Yushchenko and Ms. Herasymenko. banners, placards or demonstrations to be they went,” he said. source of pride for the community, boast- Most of Mr. Yanukovych’s campaign ing a basketball court with bleachers, as The industrial oblasts of eastern Ukraine, seen, there were relatively few pro- particularly Donetsk and Luhansk, are full staff and workers only joined to earn well as an Olympic-style swimming Yanukovych demonstrations, although “his of families that resulted from interethnic money, Ms. Herasymenko believes. Many pool. Thousands of youngsters learned fliers were everywhere,” Artem said. marriages, and its residents take pride in supported him simply because they were how to swim there, particularly young While Alchevsk’s streets weren’t their multiethnic heritage. instructed to do so, or because he was men who then served in the Soviet army. politically charged, its airwaves were. It’s one of the reasons that many east- “one of ours” from the Donbas, she said. But the “Sports Palace” is anything The news media were exclusively for ern Ukrainians fiercely resent the nation- None of the Yanukovych supporters but. After the Soviet Union’s collapse, its Mr. Yanukovych; there was no access to alism of western Ukrainians. would have gone to the “maidan” decline into disrepair accelerated because the pioneering and independent Channel “We don’t want any wars or cata- (Independence Square in Kyiv) on their own of a complete absence of funding. 5 unless a viewer owned a satellite dish. clysms,” Ms. Mykava said. “We should money to protest the Orange Revolution, she The sports center mostly serves as a Artem said he got most of his objective make agreements and live in peace. I don’t said. They were all paid to do so, she said. place where Alchevsk’s children go to information about Mr. Yushchenko and his want Ukraine to be separated from Russia, “And those from Lviv and Uzhhorod, play after school to stay physically active. presidential campaign from his 22-year- and I don’t want to have to open a visa to they went to Kyiv on their own money,” On splintering basketball courts which old sister, Lena, who was living in Kyiv. travel to Russia just to visit family.” she said. “Yushchenko has no possibility haven’t had their wooden floorboards The oblast television network, Irta, Pragmatism is critical to survival. So, to bring these people to Kyiv because he replaced in three decades, kids kick around was and remains heavily biased toward Ms. Mykava worked for the Yushchenko wasn’t in the government and he wasn’t a ragged soccer ball. Mr. Kucharenko was pro-Russian candidates. campaign staff in the second round of vot- in charge, and he didn’t have ability to forced to forbid swimming in the center’s Even as Ms. Herasymenko flipped chan- ing in order to earn a paycheck, even though use administrative resources to bring pool in December 2004 because chunks of nels on her television set on November 7, she voted for Yanukovych in the second and these people to Kyiv.” the leaking roof had begun falling off, Irta was still running advertisements for the third rounds. She would have worked for Ms. Herasymenko herself worked at an threatening swimmers below. Luhansk Oblast’s United Communist Front, the Yanukovych staff, which paid five times election polling station for the Yushchenko When asked what has changed since a collection of pro-Russian political parties. as much, if only given the opportunity. staff during the second round, where she the Orange Revolution, Mr. At the sports center, all of Ms. During conversation over dinner, Ms. was paid $20 for one day of work. Herasymenko’s co-workers voted for Mr. Kucharenko’s opinions more adequately Mykava bashfully admitted that she A friend working for the Yanukovych Yanukovych in the third round. They knew reflect those of the Alchevsk populace. voted for the Communist Party in the staff later told Ms. Herasymenko that she Ms. Herasymenko was a Yushchenko sup- In the first place, he was shocked that first round. In defending this vote, she had earned five times as much. porter, but didn’t systematically criticize or it even occurred. explained that the Communists once And, after the elections, the polling sta- abuse her, as was the case with hundreds “I do not know how they could organ- offered the prospect of stability, which is tion chair confided to Ms. Herasymenko of Yushchenko supporters throughout ize a revolution if the Donbas is so pow- severely lacking in Ukraine today. that local police called him into their office, Ukraine’s eastern and southern oblasts. erful,” Mr. Kucharenko said. “And then “For the last several years, everything where they instructed him to give Mr. Her friendships at work prevented any suddenly ‘the Orange’ came to power!” here has been unreliable,” Ms. Mykava Yanukovych between 90 and 92 percent of serious political tensions, she said, He belongs to Mr. Yanukovych’s Party said. “You can’t put anything in a bank, the votes from his election district, she said. although going to work was stressful on of Regions, and has recruited some of his because it will disappear. We have lost Ms. Herasymenko also witnessed vot- a daily basis. On several occasions, the employees at the center to join, including faith during these years, and we are not ing fraud in her district. The most com- school’s janitors and cleaning ladies crit- Halyna Mykava, a friend of Ms. sure about tomorrow.” icized Ms. Herasymenko for supporting mon tactic involved going to homes Herasymenko’s and a fellow trainer at She recited a Chinese proverb she Mr. Yushchenko, whose campaign, they where people no longer lived, she said. the center. heard: If you wish something upon your said, was falsifying votes just as much as Since their names were still on election “Of course it’s become worse for peo- enemy, it’s that they live in an epoch of rolls, campaign workers cast votes for ple,” Mr. Kucharenko said of life after the change. “We live in an epoch of change, Yanukovych in their absence. revolution. “Everything became expensive. and that is why everything is so unreli- “The elections were certainly falsified Our salary increase is unable to keep up able,” she said. Philately next week throughout all of eastern Ukraine,” she said. with the prices at the markets. This is clear. Ms. Mykava recently joined the Party “Focus on Philately,” which is usually “... it’s become worse for people!” If I didn’t have a job now, as I am receiv- of the Regions. The Orange Revolution published in the first issue of each ing a pension, then I would be begging.” month, will appear in next week’s issue. Like most of eastern and southern During Soviet times, Mr. Kucharenko (Continued on page 13) No. 49 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2005 13

find any reason. The same woman was able to provide and there is only a plot of land to feed Residents of Alchevsk... “At the market, there was a babushka her mother with enough money to reno- them ... So they cannot to afford sit in the (Continued from page 12) selling petrushka (parsley) that she grew,” vate their apartment, among other things. evenings in some bar or dance club.” “meant nothing” to her, she said. Ms. Mykava recalled. “I asked her how “It’s not right, of course,” Ms. Everyone in the Herasymenko family “We chose the wrong way,” Ms. much was it, and she said a hryvnia. And I Herasymenko said. “But given the situa- agrees that the Orange Revolution will bear Mykava said. “I think staying on the asked her why did the price rise, and she tion in this country, people are forced to do fruit in Ukraine – only 15 or 20 years down maidan gives birth to another movement said, ‘Because the U.S. dollar rose.’ ” these things. They’ll end up doing the same the road, at a minimum. More likely it will – a maidan movement. If somebody Sitting in her spartanly furnished here anyway, and instead of earning $100, take another 40 or 50 years, they said. doesn’t like something in Yushchenko, apartment, Ms. Herasymenko painted a they’ll only get 20 hrv ($4 U.S.) here.” The Soviet mentality, in the view of his power will be taken through this bleak picture of the Alchevsk economy. She paused, exasperated from trying to Ms. Herasymenko, needs to die away maidan method. We must find another Pension payments are so anemic ($72 explain these things to a sheltered American. entirely, and that will happen only when way. This produces chaos that leads to a month) that many of Alchevsk’s older “It’s a closed circle,” Ms. those raised under the Soviet system pass bloody victims and civil war.” citizens keep working at the city’s Herasymenko said. “Where to go? What the reins on to the younger generation. to do? I don’t even know anymore.” She said she detested the Soviet sys- tem, in which anyone exceptionally moti- “If the world learns about Ukraine...” vated or bright was deliberately humiliat- Ms. Herasymenko is grateful that her ed or brought down to mediocrity. daughter’s fate was much more fortu- Though education and medicine were itous. Lena was a bright and diligent stu- free, they were also of low quality. And dent who had an excellent French priority was given to members of the instructor during high school. Communist Party, which Ms. In 1999 she gained acceptance to one Herasymenko chose not to join. of Ukraine’s most prestigious universi- Thirteen years after the Soviet ties, Taras Shevchenko University of Union’s collapse, she was standing in her Kyiv, largely because she finished in first living room, watching the Orange place in a national high school competi- Revolution on television and singing the tion of the French language. Ukrainian national anthem with her hand Ms. Herasymenko’s co-workers found on her heart. it hard to believe that an Alchevsk native But while she is hopeful that Ukraine could end up in such a prestigious uni- will rebuild for the better, she doesn’t versity. “All my co-workers don’t want her children to have any part in that believe that she was accepted on her long, dreary process. own,” Ms. Herasymenko said. “They Perhaps Andrii and Lena with find said I must have paid a bribe.” opportunity abroad, she said, thinking out Lena is fluent in French and works as loud. And as for Artem, her minimal hope a translator in Kyiv. Last year, she mar- for him is not in Alchevsk, Luhansk or ried Andrii Zeziulin, a sales executive for even Kyiv. With a computer science Caterpillar, the Peoria, Ill.-based multi- degree, she hopes he will find an adequate Mykola Kucharenko, director of Alchevsk’s Sports Palace for Children and Youth, national. paying job in Europe or North America. said life has gotten worse since the Orange Revolution because of inflation. Despite their diplomas from a presti- In Artem’s view, the Orange gious university and their above-average Revolution gave his generation at least Ms. Herasymenko eagerly countered Ms. Soviet-era factories and civil service jobs salaries, the Zeziulins see little future for some basic hope for the future – and if Mykava’s comments, prompting a debate. in order to collect a paycheck as a criti- themselves in Ukraine and their hopes not in Ukraine, then at least they will The revolution had brought her unparal- cal second source of income. for a middle-class lifestyle, which have a chance to travel abroad. leled enthusiasm and happiness, she said. Those clinging to their jobs are 65 or involves raising a family. “I think that Ukraine with Yushchenko She had visited the maidan with Artem in even 70 years old, she said. As a result, Real estate is far too expensive, they has more chances to join the European December when her daughter Lena married. the younger generations have no job believe, especially considering that entire Union and to become a country that the “I was with them on the maidan and I opportunities when they graduate with tracts of land could be purchased in the world will respect,” Artem said. “If the thought, ‘God, help them do this!’ ” she college degrees. West for the same price as a Kyiv apart- world learns about Ukraine, I think the said. “Some people say that if we want to If a job does open up, a rather large ment. people’s standard of living will improve. integrate with Europe and NATO, then bribe is necessary to secure it, she said. Additionally, the interest rates offered It would have never happened under we won’t be friends with Russia ... But The new employee could potentially by Ukrainian banks for real estate loans Yanukovych.” we want to live better.” spend the first year or two on the job start at 15 percent, but are usually worse. Instead, it would have benefited Mr. Separating the Soviet Union was akin earning the bribe money back. Ms. Herasymenko’s son, Artem, mean- Yanukovych to keep Ukrainians mired in to separating the United States, Ms. The desperate economic conditions Mykava countered, and she hopes the force young people into desperate deci- Soviet republics will re-unite one day. sions. Young men with degrees look for At the same time, though she grew up in any jobs abroad, including hard labor Russia, she considers Ukraine her native and construction work in places such as land, and she never felt there was any dif- Moscow or Prague. ference between the two countries until Thousands of Alchevsk’s women recently. The Orange Revolution aggravat- choose to pursue jobs at what are adver- ed the people’s differences, she said. tised as dance or strip clubs in European “I wish Ukraine prosperity and for the vacation spots such as Cyprus. Turkey is nation to grow,” she said. “My children another popular destination. will give birth here, and their children Inevitably however, they choose pros- will live here, not in Russia. I am not titution as a source of income because planning to go to Russia. I am settled stripping rarely pays enough money to here and my roots are now here.” make the several months abroad prof- itable, Ms. Herasymenko said. “It’s a closed circle” These foreign governments extend Ms. Herasymenko’s 48-square-meter visas to these women for only several apartment got chilly the night of November months at a time. 8, when the temperature outside was 48 Most Alchevsk residents, including degrees. Although the government is sup- Ms. Herasymenko, have become jaded to posed to turn on all central heating on the fact that many of their women have October 15, Ms. Herasymenko’s building chosen to work as prostitutes. Zenon Zawada hasn’t had any yet. After all, the reasoning goes, why Halyna Mykava, 55, and Halyna Herasymenko, 50, of Alchevsk enjoy a close So, as to whether there have been any spend a month working for $100 in an friendship despite their sharp political differences. tangible improvements in her life, Ms. Alchevsk government job when the same Herasymenko can only point to the four amount of money could be earned while is a freshman at Alchevsk’s Donbas poverty, Artem said. small increments of salary hikes she abroad in a single night? State Technical University, specializing It’ll be trying to live so far apart from received during the Yushchenko presi- Many of these women end up settling in computer systems administration. her children or possible grandchildren, dency, which boosted her pay to about in Alchevsk, she said. They buy apart- A soft-spoken, gentle-mannered man, he Ms. Herasymenko acknowledged, but $156 a month. ments they otherwise could never afford, spends his leisure time playing billiards in it’s their only hope for a better future. However, she agrees with Mr. marry, have children and try to resume a Alchevsk’s pool halls. Though fairly young, When asked whether she’d want for Kucharenko and Ms. Mykava when they normal life, she said. he is well aware of the economic situation her grandchildren to know Russian, or complain that any salary increases given Ms. Herasymenko recalled one occa- he confronts, and also sees little hope for perhaps Ukrainian, her face brightens by the Yushchenko government have been sion when she visited a young woman, himself in Ukraine in the near future. with a smile of hope. entirely erased by double-digit inflation. who showed photographs of her experi- So does his generation. He said at “Maybe they’ll do what your parents It seems that when Alchevsk’s factory ence working in Turkey. The young least 80 percent of his friends and class- did,” she told this reporter. “They will or civil workers get even a tiny raise, the woman described each photograph, mates smoke marijuana, he said, because speak to them in Ukrainian, as well as city’s merchants raise prices at the same reaching one in which she was posed it’s cheaper than alcohol. English or French. That would be nice. time. Or prices for meat will rise simply next to a man. “And that’s my pimp,” “It’s all a matter of money,” he said. And why do I care? Maybe because only because it’s the weekend. Sellers seem to she said nonchalantly. “Many of my colleagues are from villages, now do I feel as though I am a Ukrainian.” 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2005 No. 49

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Mr. Holovatyi told reporters. The serious in reclaiming his post, threaten- Ukraine’s two... Constitutional Court prohibits common ing to fire his “colleague Oleksander (Continued from page 1) law courts from examining presidential Medvedko.” government and creating legal chaos,” decrees, he added. He said his orders and commands Mr. Holovatyi alleged. Instead, it’s the representative of the have the same legal weight as Procurator He suggested that the twice-appointed Constitutional Court in the Verkhovna General Medvedko’s. Rada who should settle such disputes, he former top prosecutor has an unstoppable Not so, according to Mr. Holovatyi, said. desire to pursue the position at any cost. who warned Mr. Piskun that there is “This is a shining example of when criminal responsibility for misappropria- Mr. Holovatyi defended Mr. three judges of [a first-level] court dis- tion of governmental authority and an Yushchenko after the president fired Mr. regard the Constitution,” Mr. Holovatyi official position. Piskun on October 14 without citing any said. “This court, or several judges, are “When he says he will give orders and specific reason, which is why the court able to block the activity of any gov- open criminal cases, isn’t that a misap- ruled the dismissal illegal. ernmental institution in making deci- propriation?” he asked rhetorically, Since the president didn’t explain his sions like that. The whole governmen- adding that Internal Affairs Minister decision in his decree, the court interpret- tal system and the mechanism of the Yurii Lutsenko should file a lawsuit ed the dismissal as an attempt to influ- government have come under its against Mr. Piskun for his usurpations of ence the Procurator General’s Office that impact.” power. could lead to its eventual manipulation. Mr. Piskun has come full circle after The conflict has increasingly taken on The Shevchenkivskyi District Court nearly a year. a farcical tone with Mr. Holovatyi and that issued the ruling is not competent to Late in December 2004, another Kyiv Mr. Piskun exchanging sarcastic remarks review the president’s decrees concern- court ruled that former President Leonid in their respective press conferences. ing the procurator general’s dismissal, Kuchma had illegally fired him and re- Zenon Zawada In addition to its ruling, the Justice Minister Serhii Holovatyi speaks Shevchenkivskyi court “should have pro- at a November 25 press conference on vided Piskun with a room for him to sit kicked-out grandees an estate he wants to the case of Sviatoslav Piskun. there and make procurator general’s Candidate’s views... call his own, known to locals as statements,” Mr. Holovatyi said. (Continued from page 9) Toronto’s Etobicoke-Lakeshore riding. appointed him procurator general. Meanwhile, Ukrainians jokingly refer their fate than others. The Counts The intellectual star-tsar deeded this When fired by Mr. Yushchenko in to Mr. Piskun as the “nevtopliuvanyi,” or Canadian peat has discovered, however, Ignatieff, for example, reportedly held October, Mr. Piskun acted as though he “the unsinkable one.” that it is peopled with “Little Russians.” forth in Toronto libraries in the mid- wasn’t interested in the position, even One of the newest jokes paints the Back in “the good old days,” when 1930s, blustering on about Russia yester- making the snide comment that his dis- future of Ukraine: “It’s the year 2017. other Ignatieffs held carriage of some day, Russia today. How strange. How missal “has added 10 years to my life.” Mr. Piskun has reinstalled himself as captive turf just south of Kyiv, populated could they dare dream of their “One, Since the ruling however, he has been Procurator General ... for the 87th time.” Holy and Indivisible Russia” ever being with peasants in embroidered shirts, that restored? Did they not have maps? Did finding would have been of little conse- they not realize that their feeble tsar and quence. At least until 1917 most serfs his mendacious ministers, and the impe- were quiescent. But when they got mad a rial Russia they all pined for, were irrev- lot of counts took road trips. Some even ocably lost, replaced by what the “Man got here. of Steel,” Stalin, and his Bolshevik min- It may happen again. For the common ions were manufacturing? folk, in this country sometimes also As for whether these sham nobles ever known as voters, aren’t happy. They patronized the Soviet artists sent out to don’t like being lorded over. They even demonstrate the triumphs of the had the temerity to think that, in a Communist present over their Old democracy, they have a right to choose Russian ways, I do not know, nor much one of their own to represent them. In care. For, happily, the commissars have fact, the good people of Etobicoke- gone where the counts went earlier, even Lakeshore had two guys in mind for that if a few self-styled “Great Russians” still job. I know both men. They have embroi- wander about. Perhaps I should show a dered Ukrainian shirts and occasionally little Canadian empathy. After all, once do “play” at being Kozaks, since we all you’ve been a commissar, or a count, it is prefer that role to pretending to be the hard to become a commoner. Count of a Somewhere Else that hasn’t But there’s the rub. Mr. Ignatieff wants existed for nearly a century. to play a role on the floor of the House of And we checked the map. Ukraine has Commons. He says he is a Liberal, one regained its place in Europe, something of our indigenous brand of Reds. He we’ll wager tsarist Russia never will. regards them, and they like to boast of it, That happened, in part, because “strange too, as the only legitimate governing and pathetic” people, like our parents, party of Canada, rather like those other stood in the snow and called for the free- party members used to claim in Mother dom of the captive nations instead of Russia, after they chucked out their going inside to get warm and gawk at dukes and dames, those they didn’t ballerinas. They wanted nothing to do butcher. with those who called them “Little,” or So we have a self-styled governing “Russians,” nor would they ever vote for party divvying up this land and assigning anyone who thinks they once were, are the peripatetic descendant of some now, or ever will be.

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Ukraine Commission was established to Government faces... coordinate further development of bilat- (Continued from page 2) eral relations. In May 2002, then cooperation ties with Russia’s military President Leonid Kuchma announced industries. Ukraine’s goal of achieving NATO mem- But the main obstacle to Ukraine’s bership. NATO membership seems to be present- In November 2002 NATO foreign ed by ordinary Ukrainians. Most still ministers adopted a NATO-Ukraine retain the Soviet-era perception that the Action Plan. The plan aims to expand alliance is a hostile organization, or are bilateral relations and to support unconvinced about the advantages of Ukraine’s reform efforts toward integra- NATO membership. According to a poll tion with Euro-Atlantic security struc- conducted among 11,000 respondents in tures. May, more than half of all Ukrainians NATO-Ukraine contacts have oppose the country’s NATO entry, while increased following Viktor Yushchenko’s The Ukrainian National Association will be mailing fewer than one in four support the move. victory in the 2004 presidential election. Christmas greetings to American Ukrainian service people Mr. Hrytsenko said in an interview President Yushchenko earlier this year presently serving their country in many parts of the world. with RFE/RL that a government trusted visited NATO headquarters in Brussels. by the people can change this perception There he confirmed that he considers a The UNA wishes to solicit your help in getting names, addresses of NATO among Ukrainians. course toward NATO a strategic political and ranks of any Ukrainian you may know “First, it is a problem of informing goal, and he urged the alliance to take who is serving in the armed forces. people about what NATO is and what it relations with his country to a “qualita- is not. The government has not yet done tively new level.” this. It can seriously tackle this issue only Shortly afterward, NATO and Ukraine Help make this project successful! after the conclusion of the [2006 parlia- launched an “Intensified Dialogue” phase The UNA will mail Christmas and New Year’s greetings mentary] election campaign, which is not in their relations, which is expected to to our service people by December 25, 2005. a favorable background for this,” the lead to the opening of direct talks on defense minister said. “Second, it is a Ukrainian NATO membership. However, NATO officials persistently emphasize We wish to contact all our service men and women. problem of public trust in the govern- ment. If the government resolves suc- that the speed of Ukraine’s integration With your help we will reach most of them! cessfully economic, social, and all other will be closely related to the country’s problems, then citizens trust this govern- pace of implementing political, economic Name: ment and support its foreign-policy and military reforms. course.” Ukraine has more than a decade In May President Yushchenko told Rank: of experience in dealing with NATO. Ukrainians that he will seek a referen- Address: In 1994 it became the first CIS coun- dum on the country’s NATO and EU try to join the Partnership for Peace. The membership. Thus, considering the lack partnership was a program of security of support for NATO accession among Please send the information by December 9, 2005, to: and defense cooperation that NATO the population, the Ukrainian govern- Ukrainian National Association, Inc. offered to non-members after the break- ment is facing an uphill task in persuad- up of the Soviet Union and the Soviet-led ing them that NATO membership is truly UNA National Organizer - Oksana Trytjak Warsaw Pact. beneficial. 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280 In 1997 NATO offered Ukraine a Parsippany, N.J. 07054 “Distinctive Partnership” status that Marianna Dratch from RFE/RL’s Tel.: 1-973-292-9800 ext. 3071 e-mail: [email protected] underlined the country’s important role in Ukrainian Service contributed to this maintaining European stability. A NATO- report.

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Yushchenko “doesn’t need any advice.” have allowed only 65 percent of the nec- Clinton extends... President Yushchenko, however, EU grants... essary legislation to pass. (Continued from page 1) issued yet another call for unity among (Continued from page 1) EU leaders lauded Mr. Yushchenko’s he said, in a direct reference to the Ukraine’s democratic forces. “Solidarity Secretary General Javier Solana and government for successfully promoting Ukrainian government’s sale of and unity is the most original concept for European Commission President Jose economic reforms, respect for human Kryvorizhstal to the Netherlands-based bringing victory in the 2006 parliamen- Manuel Barroso. rights and shared values of democracy. Mittal Steel Co. tary elections,” he said. The EU leaders cited significant “You can rest assured that in that The successful sale was widely dis- During Mr. Clinton’s visit, President progress in implementing the EU- progress toward a shared future, the cussed among American businessmen Yushchenko hosted the former U.S. pres- Ukraine Action Plan signed by the lead- European Union and the countries like the and investors, Mr. Clinton said. ident at his Koncha Zaspa home in subur- ers on February 21. Ukraine carried out U.K. will be your partners,” Mr. Blair said. “The spirit of openness, which cur- ban Kyiv. five of six obligations it faced in EU leaders favored Ukraine’s decision rently reins in Ukraine, will attract for- Mr. Yushchenko also said he would Strasbourg, Ukrainian President Viktor to continue visa-free travel for EU citi- eign, and especially American, accompany Mr. Clinton to place flowers Yushchenko said. zens and said this visa regime is a long- investors,” he said. at the memorial to victims of the 1932- The EU leaders said they believe term goal. Mr. Clinton declined to comment on 1933 Holodomor located in Kyiv’s at St. Ukraine will gain entry into the World Mr. Yushchenko and EU leaders Ukraine’s internal politics, stating that Mr. Michael’s Square. Trade Organization (WTO) in 2006, signed a memorandum of understanding however, Mr. Blair stressed “this is a on cooperation in the energy sector, mission that should be shared by a coun- which will help the Ukrainian energy try, not only by its leader.” The WTO market as its integrates with the battles in Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada European Union.

international awareness and understand- Michael R. Bloomberg ing. (Continued from page 6) Whereas: Today, the Ukrainian Genocide Remembrance Day. Together American community gathers at St. we honor those who suffered and pledge Patrick’s Cathedral to pay their respects to remain vigilant against the dark to all those who lost their lives in this ter- impulses that triggered this genocide. rible event. New York City honors the Whereas: The Famine was deliberately memory of the victims, for the sake of initiated and enforced by the Soviet those who suffered in the past and to regime through seizure of grain and the ensure that future generations will never blockade of food shipments. Borders know such devastation. were sealed to prevent the population Now, therefore, I, Michael R. from leaving the region or receiving Bloomberg, Mayor of the City of New assistance. The purpose of the Famine York, in recognition of this important was to eliminate resistance to the forced event, do hereby proclaim Saturday, collectivization of agriculture and to November 19, 2005, in the City of New destroy Ukraine’s national identity. Only York as “Ukrainian Genocide recently has this atrocity begun to garner Remembrance Day.”

to shoulder with the people of Ukraine. Borys Wrzesnewskyj During the weeks that followed, the (Continued from page 6) crowds grew to millions. Our prime min- The day before a massive fraud was ister provided critical support to the peo- committed against that “will of the ple of Ukraine at key points in time. In Ukrainian people.” Canadian observers the end, the color orange spread over the documented hundreds of cases of fraud snow-covered cities of Ukraine like the and intimidation reaching the highest lev- promising rays of sunshine. els. All exit polls showed Yushchenko I’d like to thank the prime minister, had been chosen by the people, yet the every parliamentarian and the thousand AP/Sergei Chuzavkov interfering Russian government Canadian observers for rising to the Former U.S. President Bill Clinton shakes hands with Ukrainian President announced Yanukovych the victor. In occasion; not a single life was lost and Viktor Yushchenko before their meeting on November 27 in Kyiv. addressing the gathering crowd, I con- the will of the people overcame the gratulated Yushchenko as being the duly forces arrayed against them. Or as the elected president and assured that the slogan of people said, “We are many, we University of Pennsylvania people of Canada would stand shoulder will not be overcome.” offers three Ukrainian courses Let U s Cater PHILADELPHIA – In the spring cross-listed as History 218 (Topics in For Y ou T his semester 2006, the University of Ukrainian History). Pennsylvania will continue to offer The principal text of the course is Holiday Seas on! Ukrainian language instruction on both “Towards an Intellectual History of the elementary and intermediate levels. Ukraine: An Anthology of Ukrainian Pyrohy w/Pota to & Onion- $6 /dozen Elementary Ukrainian – Slavic 591 – Thought from 1710 to 1995,” edited by will be taught Mondays and Thursdays at Ralph Lindheim and George S.N. Pyrohy w/Kapus ta- $7.50 /dozen 4-6:30 p.m., and Intermediate Ukrainian Luckyj. To register for this course, Vu shky- $7.50 /dozen – Slavic 593 – immediately thereafter, at prospective students should apply to the Holubt si w/ Mushroom s- $6 /half dozen 6:30-8:30 p.m. College of General Studies (CGS) of the Bor shch (Mea tle ss)- $5 /quart In addition, the university is introduc- University of Pennsylvania. Mushroom Gravy- $8 /quart ing an undergraduate course on the intel- The courses are taught by Dr. Leonid lectual history of Ukraine which is Rudnytzky and will feature guest lectures We will take orders and have drop off points at East Village scheduled for Wednesdays from 5:30 to by poets and intellectuals from Ukraine, Meat Market (Bachinsky’s-139 Second Ave.) in New York City 8:40 p.m. This course, Slavic 220, is also such as the poet Oleksander Irvanets. and UNA Office in Parsippa ny, NJ. Call to place your o rder now ! To subscribe: Send $55 ($45 if you are a member of the UNA) to The Ukrainian Weekly, 845-626-5641 Subscription Department, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2005 No. 49 No. 49 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2005 19

They worshipped at a divine liturgy Conquest, Andrea Graziozi and James guelder rose (“kalyna”) bushes in a gar- Ukraine remembers... prior to the president’s speech led by Mace, writer Volodymyr Maniak and his- den honoring the victims of the (Continued from page 1) Patriarch Filaret of the Ukrainian torian Vasyl Marochka. Holodomor at a field near Askold’s Tomb what it did, and an unrepentant sin Orthodox Church – Kyiv Patriarchate “I bow my head in memory to those who on the Dnipro River. and Cardinal Lubomyr Husar of the becomes the source of future misery,” Mr. told the world the truth about the catastro- Alslo attending were Verkhovna Rada Ukrainian Catholic Church. Yushchenko said in his 12-minute address. phe of the Ukrainian people,” he said. Chairman Volodymyr Lytvyn, Prime Among the thousands attending the This is the reason it’s been so difficult to Mr. Yushchenko asked that the United Minister Yurii Yekhanurov, Kyiv Mayor divine liturgy and commemoration were Nations acknowledge the 1932-1933 Oleksander Omelchenko, boxing champi- alter our consciousness, which has been the few remaining survivors of the 1932- Famine as a genocide against the on Vitalii Klitschko and pop star Ruslana. poisoned by fear and everlasting slavery.” 1933 Holodomor. Ukrainian people before the Holodomor’s About 300 bushes were planted that Thousands of Ukrainians joined Mr. In his speech, Mr. Yushchenko paid 75th anniversary. day, and “there should be 10,000 to sym- Yushchenko, his family, Prime Minister tribute to those scholars who documented The gathering on St. Michael’s Square bolize all the Ukrainian villages Yurii Yekhanurov and other political the Famine, and announced he had capped off a weekend of several events destroyed by the famine,” the president’s leaders in the commemoration in front of signed a presidential decree honoring commemorating the Famine that killed official website reported. the Holodomor memorial on St. them with Ukraine’s highest state award. more than 10 million Ukrainians. Following Mr. Yushchenko’s speech at Michael’s Square. He mentioned by name scholars Robert Historians estimated another 2 million St. Michael’s Square, Ukrainians lit hun- Ukrainians starved to death in the famine dreds of candles in red glass jars and of 1946-1947, and 1 million died in the placed them in staggered rows and 1921-1922 famine. columns across the plaza between St. On November 25, President Yushchenko Michael’s Golden-Domed Cathedral and helped open a six-day exhibit at Kyiv’s St. Sophia Sobor. Ukrainskyi Dim exhibition center, “The Later that evening, Mr. Yushchenko Bells of Remembrance,” which featured made an unexpected appearance at St. artwork about the Famine and related Michael’s Square with his wife, Kateryna, Ukrainian themes. by his side. Accompanied by only a few The next day Mr. Yushchenko, accom- security guards, Mr. Yushchenko spoke panied by his family, planted the first with people in the crowd.

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tional recognition, I called on the repre- Valeriy Kuchinsky sentatives of states to recognize this (Continued from page 6) crime against humanity as an act of geno- The Ukrainian authorities take every cide against the Ukrainian nation. opportunity to remind the international Two years ago, a Joint Statement on community of the Holodomor. the 70th anniversary of the Holodomor, Addressing the 2005 World Summit in supported by over 60 delegations – one- third of the U.N. membership – was September here in New York, the presi- issued as an official document of the dent of Ukraine, Viktor Yushchenko, told General Assembly. In this declaration, for the leaders of over 150 countries: the first time in the history of the United “I am appealing to you on behalf of Nations, the Holodomor was officially the nation that has lost 10 million of recognized as the national tragedy of human lives because of the Famine- Ukrainian people caused by the cruel Genocide arranged against our nation. At actions and policies of the totalitarian that time the governments of all countries regime. Representatives from different turned their back to our grief. We insist parts of the world expressed their sympa- that the world should come to know the thy to the victims of the Holodomor and truth about all the crimes against humani- deplored the acts and policies that ty. That is how we can be sure that indif- brought about the mass starvation and ference will never encourage the crimi- deaths of millions of people. nals.” The House of Representatives of the In his address to the 60th session of U.S. Congress has adopted a resolution the U.N. General Assembly a few days that allows Ukrainian officials to estab- later, the minister of foreign affairs of lish a memorial in Washington to honor Ukraine, , once again the victims of the Ukrainian Famine- drew attention to the tragedy of our Genocide of 1932-1933. nation. Ukraine will continue to do its utmost Seizing the opportunity of the to bring the truth about the Holodomor to Holocaust remembrance at the U.N. the world at large. General Assembly earlier this month, I And now, ladies and gentlemen, let me HAVE YOU HEARD? PURCHASE A PREPAID underlined in my statement that the read out the message from the president 20-YEAR ENDOWMENT POLICY FROM Holodomor as well as the Holocaust con- of Ukraine, Viktor Yushchenko, on the tinues to belong to those national occasion of the holding of today’s memo- THE UNA FOR $2,287.26* AND I WILL RECEIVE tragedies which still await wider interna- rial service. A CHECK FOR $5,000** JUST IN TIME FOR MY COLLEGE EDUCATION. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? CALL THE UNA AT 1-800-253-9862 MAY WE HELP YOU? AND LET’S GET STARTED. To reach The Ukrainian Weekly call (973) 292-9800, and dial the appropriate extension (as listed below).

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UKRAINIAN $25,000 Kobzar Literary Award SELFRELIANCE NEW ENGLAND ë‡ÏÓÔÓÏ¥˜ to be inaugurated in 2006 FEDERAL CREDIT UNION TORONTO – The Ukrainian Canadian tive fields, and will bring diverse talents Foundation of Taras Shevchenko has and experience to the judging process.” MAIN OFFICE: 21SILAS DEANE HIGHWAY, WETHERSFIELD, CT 06109-1238 announced that the inaugural Kobzar For more information readers may PHONES: 860-296-4714 • 800-405-4714 FAX: 860-296-3499 Literary Award will be presented in 2006 contact: Christine Turkewych, Ph.D., BRANCH OFFICE: 103 NORTH ELM STREET, WESTFIELD, MA 01085 with a prize of $25,000. program director of the Kobzar Literary PHONE: 413-568-4948 FAX: 413-568-4747 The Shevchenko Foundation envisions Award and Program, Gregory Hamara, THE UKRAINIAN SELFRELIANCE NEW ENGLAND FEDERAL CREDIT UNION the Kobzar Literary Award as a means to Canadian media contact, or Oksana HAS PROUDLY SUPPORTED AND SERVED foster cultural development through the Zakydalsky, Ukrainian media contact, at THE UKRAINIAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY SINCE 1959. literary arts and create opportunities for (416) 243-0122. The Shevchenko all Canadian writers to explore Ukrainian Foundation’s website is located at We offer the following services: Canadian themes relevant to Canadians. www.shevchenkofoundation.com To be presented every two years, the Background: Shevchenko Foundation $25,000 Kobzar Literary Award – SHARE SAVINGS $20,000 to the author and $5,000 to the The Ukrainian Canadian Foundation of PERSONAL & SHARE LOANS publisher – recognizes a Canadian writer Taras Shevchenko was established in SHARE DRAFT (CHECKING) who best presents a Ukrainian Canadian 1961 when the Ukrainian Canadian com- theme with literary merit through poetry, munity raised funds to celebrate the work SECURED LOANS play, screenplay, musical, fiction, non- of Shevchenko, Ukraine’s great poet MONEY MARKET fiction or young people’s literature. (1814-1861), with a monument erected on MORTGAGES The list of finalists for the award is to be the grounds of the Manitoba Legislature. released on January 16, 2006. Then, on In July of 1962, the Ukrainian Canadian IRA’S March 2, 2006, the inaugural winner will be Congress (then the Ukrainian Canadian HOME EQUITY LOANS announced at a dinner and awards ceremo- Committee) resolved to set aside a $30,000 TERM SHARE CERTIFICATES (CD’S) ny to be held at Toronto’s Eglinton Grand. surplus from the Shevchenko monument AUTOMOBILE LOANS The board of directors of the project into a capital fund that became Ukrainian Canadian Foundation of Taras known as the Ukrainian Canadian ATM/DEBIT CARDS Shevchenko on November 15 announced Foundation of Taras Shevchenko. The AUTO REFINANCE the judging panel for the 2006 Kobzar Ukrainian Canadian Foundation of Taras VISA CREDIT CARDS Literary Award. In alphabetical order, the Shevchenko became incorporated by an STUDENT LOANS judges are: Myrna Kostash, journalist act of Parliament on July 22, 1963. and non-fiction author; Mieko Ouchi, In 1964 the Shevchenko Foundation actor, writer and director for theater, film began distributing project grants, award- DIRECT DEPOSIT and TV; Bill Richardson, writer and CBC ing $400. In 1973, on its 10th anniver- NOTARY PUBLIC broadcaster; and Antanas Sileika, jour- sary, total donations to the foundation nalist and fiction author, artistic director surpassed $500,000. TOLL FREE TELEPHONE NUMBERS of the Humber School of Writers. Today the Shevchenko Foundation BI-LINGUAL CUSTOMER SERVICE “We are very pleased by the caliber of awards nearly $300,000 annually. To date AUDIO RESPONSE this judging panel,” said Andriy the foundation has distributed over $5.5 Visit our website at: www.usnefcu.com Hladyshevsky, president of the million in grants to organizations and Shevchenko Foundation. “All four mem- individuals who support cultural devel- Give us an opportunity to assist you in your financial matters. bers are highly regarded in their respec- opment among Ukrainian Canadians.

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Heorhii Gongadze in September 2000. that the new bloc unites a political potential organized group) of the Criminal Code. This NEWSBRIEFS (RFE/RL Newsline) that is capable of winning the Verkhovna case has been severed from the criminal (Continued from page 2) Rada elections. Mr. Tarasyuk expressed his case on the Gongadze murder, which is still Our Ukraine bloc agreement signed Melnychenko wants to return home conviction that the creation of this bloc of being investigated. Ukrinform reported that democratic forces will initiate the reunion three former policemen are being charged KYIV – On November 25, an agreement of the Orange coalition. (Ukrinform) with the murder. While being interrogated, KYIV – Former presidential security was signed on forming the Viktor officer Mykola Melnychenko is planning they pointed to Oleksii Pukach, saying that Yushchenko Our Ukraine bloc, with a view Parties prepare for 2006 elections to return to Ukraine from the United he had killed the journalist via strangling toward participation in the 2006 parliamen- with a belt. Gen. Pukach has been declared States, where he was given political asy- KYIV – The Fatherland Party led by tary elections. The document was signed by wanted. The masterminds behind the crime lum in 2001, RFE/RL’s Ukrainian former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko the leaders of: the Our Ukraine People’s have not yet been established. (Ukrinform) Service reported on November 28, quot- Union (Roman Bezsmertnyi), Congress of resolved at a convention on November 26 ing former Ukrainian National Deputy Ukrainian Nationalists (Oleksii Ivchenko), to form a Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc for the Russia worried about Ukraine and EU Oleksander Yeliashkevych, also a refugee Party of Ukrainian Industrialists and elections. The bloc is expected to come up in the United States. In 2000 Mr. Entrepreneurs (Anatolii Kinakh), People’s with an election program and a list of can- MOSCOW – Russian Foreign Minister Melnychenko fled abroad and made pub- Rukh of Ukraine (Borys Tarasyuk), didates in December. At a convention on Sergei Lavrov said on November 28 that lic the so-called Melnychenko tapes – Ukrainian Republican Party Sobor November 27, the Communist Party Ukraine’s aspirations to join the European hundreds of hours of alleged recordings (Anatolii Matvienko) and the Christian- approved an election program and a list of Union should be pursued in a way that does of conversations in the office of former Democratic Union (Volodymyr 450 candidates for the parliamentary ballot. not infringe on Russia’s national interests, Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma. In Maruschenko). Mr. Bezsmertnyi said the Former Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych Russian news agencies reported the same particular, the Melnychenko tapes sug- bloc calls upon all other political parties on November 26 announced the entry into day. “Ukraine’s intention to join the EU is gest that Mr. Kuchma and other former that participated in the Orange Revolution the parliamentary campaign of his Party of its sovereign right. But ... this process and current high-ranking Ukrainian offi- to join the bloc and thus work toward the Regions. He made the announcement should not infringe on our legitimate inter- cials may have been behind the kidnap- restoring the configuration of the 2002 Our from Krasnoyarsk, Russia, where he was ests,” RIA-Novosti quoted Mr. Lavrov as ping and murder of Internet journalist Ukraine coalition. Mr. Matvienko noted attending a congress of the pro-Kremlin telling a roundtable at the State Duma. “It is Unified Russia party. According to a in our interest that the situation be clarified. Razumkov Center poll conducted on We want this choice to be made as soon as November 3-13, if elections were held possible,” he added, according to Interfax. now, the Party of the Regions would win Mr. Lavrov said Moscow is interested in 17.5 percent of the vote, President Viktor how the situation develops with its closest Yushchenko’s Our Ukraine People’s Union neighbor. “But our conclusions will depend 13.5 percent, the Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc on economic expediency and what kind of 12.4 percent, the Communist Party 5.8 per- relationship we develop with Ukraine,” Mr. cent, the Socialist Party 5.6 percent, the Lavrov said. (RFE/RL Newsline) Lytvyn Bloc 3.3 percent and the Progressive Socialist Party 2.6 percent. Tests show presence of dioxin (RFE/RL Newsline) KYIV – The family of President Viktor Klitschko to run for mayor? Yushchenko has received information stat- ing that the tests conducted on Mr. KYIV – Ukrainian boxer Vitalii Yushchenko’s blood samples showed the Klitschko told a press conference in Kyiv presence of dioxin in his body. Mr. on November 25 that he does not rule out Yushchenko’s spokeswoman Iryna his nomination for Kyiv mayor. He added Heraschenko announced this at a press con- that at present he is not ready to give a final ference on November 22. She said, the answer. At the same time he said he is also dioxin level in Yushchenko’s blood was considering a run for the Verkhovna Rada, 1,000 more than the normal level. if “democratic forces unite.” He added: “I According to her, the official statements know Viktor Yushchenko and respect Yulia regarding the results of the tests will be Vladimirovna (Tymoshenko), and I do not made by the Procurator General’s Office. understand why this artificial separation Mr. Yushchenko provided blood samples on happened.” He emphasized that he is nego- November 9 for the tests that were ordered tiating with different political forces. On in connection with the criminal case alleg- November 9 Mr. Klitschko, WBC super ing an attempt on his life. (Ukrinform) heavyweight champion, declared his deci- sion to give up his sports career because of Yushchenko vows 2006 victory injury. (Ukrinform) KYIV – President Viktor Yushchenko New filing in Gongadze case told Reuters on November 21 that his allies will regain the public trust wrecked by the KYIV – The Procurator General’s Office dismissal of Prime Minister Yulia (PGO) filed a criminal case regarding the Tymoshenko’s Cabinet in September, win murder of Heorhii Gongadze with the the 2006 parliamentary elections and form Supreme Court of Ukraine for jurisdictional a new parliamentary majority and govern- determination, the PGO press service told ment. “A victory in Parliament will be our Ukrinform on November 25. The criminal second victory after winning last year. case is against three persons who are There is still time for us to learn the lessons charged with crimes under Part 3, Article of what happened and achieve understand- 166 (power abuse) and Item K, Article 93 ing,” Mr. Yushchenko said. He stressed that (premeditated murder made in previous no one should be promised the post of agreement by a group of persons or an prime minister in the process of forging an election coalition. “We made a mistake once,” President Yushchenko said, referring to the appointment of Ms. Tymoshenko as prime minister after the Orange Revolution. “Once bitten, twice shy. I would say the main loss was disappointment among the people.” (RFE/RL Newsline) Vice PM Bezsmertnyi steps down KYIV – Vice Prime Minister Roman Bezsmertnyi stepped down on November 21, saying he is going to focus on the 2006 parliamentary elections campaign of the pro-presidential Our Ukraine People’s Union, which he leads, Ukrainian media reported. Mr. Bezsmertnyi told journalists that the government officials who will be placed on the party’s election list will remain in their posts since, he added, they will not be involved in managing the elec- tion campaign. Mr. Bezsmertnyi also said President Viktor Yushchenko can be given the top place on the party’s election list if (Continued on page 23) No. 49 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2005 23

izing committee of the fourth World Forum NEWSBRIEFS of Ukrainians be held by the end of this (Continued from page 22) year, with a view toward drafting the tactics he decides to run. (RFE/RL Newsline) and strategy of this international event’s organization. (Ukrinform) Rada calls for end to media checks “Tevye” still hot in Ukraine KYIV – The Verkhovna Rada on November 17 adopted a resolution urging KYIV – “Tevye the Milkman,” a play the government to stop carrying out inspec- reminiscent of “Fiddler on the Roof,” con- tions of media outlets from December 1 tinues to draw crowds in Ukraine, reported through the conclusion of the 2006 parlia- the JTA news agency on November 13. On mentary election campaign, Interfax- a recent Friday night, hundreds of people at Ukraine reported. Legislators also approved a Kyiv theater watched as a few people lit amendments to the parliamentary election Shabbat candles and said the traditional law, which barred the media from editorial- blessings. The ceremony was part of a sold- izing about political forces during the cam- out performance of “Tevye,” which is paign and empowered the Central Election enjoying its 16th season this year at the Ivan Commission to close down or suspend any Franko National Academic Drama Theater media outlet found in violation of this provi- in Ukraine’s capital. The play, by the sion. Under the adopted changes, the ground Russian Jewish author Grigory Gorin, is rules were loosened and only courts were based on the writings of the Yiddish classic given the right to shut down media outlets Sholem Aleichem. The ongoing success of for non-compliance. (RFE/RL Newsline) the show is attributed to the high quality of the production, the brilliant performance by World Forum postponed yet again the actor as Tevye, and the never-ending interest of many Ukrainians in KYIV – The chairman of the Ukrainian Jewish culture, the JTA reported. “It’s an World Coordinating Council, Mykhailo outstanding story with beautiful music and Horyn, told a press conference at the dances and the spectacular acting by Ukrinform offices on November 21 that the Bohdan Stupka. This combination makes fourth World Forum of Ukrainians has been the show a great success in Ukraine, the postponed once again. He said a non-sched- motherland of Sholem Aleichem,” said uled session of the UWCC Presidium, Sergei Komissarenko, a former Ukrainian which was convened the previous Saturday, Cabinet member and Ukraine’s former had passed such a decision. At first, the ambassador to London. Mr. Stupka is wide- fourth World Forum of Ukrainians was to ly recognized as Ukraine’s most famous be held on August 24, 2004, but was post- actor, and many think that Tevye is his most poned until November 2005. Now, it has memorable stage role over the last 10 years. been postponed again – this time to August “Stupka gets into the psychology of his 19-23, 2006. Chairman of the Organization character to complete reincarnation on of Ukrainian Nationalists Mykola Plawiuk, stage. His laugh through tears is the laugh Secretary General of the World Congress of of Sholem Aleichem,” said Alexander Ukrainians Viktor Pedenko, Deputy Zlotnik, a popular Ukrainian composer and Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada the president of the Association of Reform Committee for Foreign Affairs Ihor Ostash, Jewish Congregations in Ukraine. Mr. Chairman of the all-Ukrainian association Stupka said he had contact with Jews as a Congress of the Civil Society Borys child. Born in a region of western Ukraine Kozhyn and Chairman of the European once densely populated by Jews, he was Congress of Ukrainians Yaroslava Khortiani brought up and educated in a region where were the initiators of the press conference. Jewish life and tradition were kept alive They explained that the decision to post- even after the Holocaust. “At home and in pone the forum was due to the change of the the theater – everywhere I lived and com- political regime in Ukraine, the difficulties municated with Jews. In western Ukraine, of the new administration and, thus, the where I grew up, many Jews were very reli- unavailability of state bodies and world gious. Sometimes, I got to see how they cel- Ukrainian public organizations to stage ebrated Jewish holidays,” recalled Mr. such a large-scale event. Participants in the Stupka, who on stage as Tevye speaks about UWCC session approached President the importance of keeping Jewish tradition Viktor Yushchenko, Verkhovna Rada alive. Tickets to “Tevye the Milkman” are Chairman Volodymyr Lytvyn and Prime sold out far in advance of each show, said a The Ukrainian Institute of America and Minister Yurii Yekhanurov with a letter theater administrator. (Jewish Telegraphic the Ukrainian Professionals requesting that the first session of the organ- Agency via Action Ukraine Report) at the Institute

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Saturday, December 31, 2005 9pm until 3am 7799 èÂðÂÔËÒÛπÏÓ Dancing to the music of Luna, silent auction, ‚¥‰ÂÓ͇ÒÂÚË Á Ö‚ðÓÔÂÈÒ¸Í buffet, open bar, and Midnight champagne toast. ÄÏÂðË͇ÌÒ¸ÍÛÓª ̇ ÒËÒÚÂÏÛ ¥ ̇‚Ô‡ÍË Dress is Black Tie. Çßáà à ß áÄè êéòÖç ‰Ó ìä ççü äêÄ∫çà Capacity is limited! 臘ÍË ‚ Íð‡ªÌË Å‡ÎÚ¥ª, èÓθ˘Û, Get your tickets by calling (212) 288-8660 êÓÒ¥˛, Å¥ÎÓðÛÒ¸, åÓΉӂÛ, óÂı¥˛ ¥ ëÎÓ‚‡Í¥˛ Members: $125 to 12/07/05, $150 after Non-Members: $150 to 12/07/05, $175 after Students: $100 to 12/07/05, $125 after 24 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2005 No. 49

PREVIEW OF EVENTS

Monday, December 5 information call Nika Chajkowsky, (215) Soyuzivka’s Datebook 860-8384, or Natalia Luciw, (215) 362- CAMBRIDGE, Mass.: The Harvard 5331. Proceeds to benefit cultural program- December 9, 2005 January 6, 2006 Ukrainian Research Institute (HURI) will ming and youth soccer. For general infor- UNWLA Branch 95 Christmas Party Traditional Ukrainian Christmas Eve host a lecture by John Gillingham, profes- mation visit www.tryzubsortscenter.org. Supper, 6 p.m., $25 per person, sor of history, University of Missouri – St. December 10, 2005 overnight packages available Louis, and senior visiting scholar, HURI, Friday, January 13, 2006 UNA Employee Christmas Party titled “Democracy, Ukraine and Europe’s January 27-29, 2006 Future.” The lecture will be held in the SCRANTON, Pa.: The combined Church of Annunciation Family institute’s Seminar Room, 1583 Ukrainian community organizations of December 23, 2005 Northeastern Pennsylvania will hold a Jeremiah Flaherty Law Office Weekend, Flushing, N.Y. Massachusetts Ave., at 4-6 p.m. For more information contact HURI at (617) 495- New Year’s Eve or Malanka celebration at Christmas Party 4053 or [email protected]. St. Vladimir Parish Center 430 N. Seventh January 28, 2006 Ave., at 7 p.m.-1 a.m. The evening will December 24, 2005 2006 Ukrainian Engineer’s Malanka SATURDAY, December 10 include a generous dinner buffet, cash bar, Traditional Ukrainian Christmas Eve complimentary midnight champagne toast Supper, 6 p.m., $25 per person, February 10-12, 2006 SILVER SPRING, Md.: A Christmas and dancing to music by Fata Morgana. overnight packages available Valentine’s Day Weekend Bazaar will be held at Holy Trinity Admission: $40 per person. For reserva- Ukrainian Catholic Church, 16631 New tions contact Ann Zinich, (570) 752-4706; February 17-20, 2006 Hampshire Ave., at 4-6 p.m. There will be Kathleen Izak, (570) 346-2414; or, December 24-27, 2005 Ukrainian ethnic food (to eat in or take Skoczylas Christmas Family Reunion Family Winter Weekend Dorothy Jamula, (570) 822-5354. The out), baked goods, including Sviatyi annual event is sponsored jointly by the Mykolai (St. Nicholas) cookies, icons, February 25, 2006 Ukranian Heritage Council of December 31-January 1, 2006 Ukrainian music and books, greeting Northeastern Pennsylvania, St. Vladimir New Year’s Eve Extravaganza Package Wedding cards, Christmas ornaments, embroidery, Ukrainian Catholic Church, St. Michael jewelry, Eastern Rite prayer beads and Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the North January 1, 2006 March 3-5, 2006 pysanky. Tours of the church will be con- Anthracite Council League of Ukrainian New Year’s Day Brunch, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Plast Kurin “Khmelnychenky” ducted. For more information call (410) Catholics. $14 per person Annual Winter Rada 884-9025 or (301) 365-2490. Saturday, February 25, 2006 Monday, December 12 LOS ANGELES: The California CAMBRIDGE, Mass.: The Harvard Association to Aid Ukraine (CAAU) will Ukrainian Research Institute (HURI) will host its annual charity ball and presenta- host a lecture by Lubomyr Hajda, associate tion of debutantes. Pack your beach hat director, HURI, and Yakiv Gubanov, asso- and join us at the Marriott Hotel in Marina ciate professor of composition, Berklee To book a room or event call: (845) 626-5641, ext. 140 Del Rey, Calif., south of Los Angeles. College of Music, Boston, titled “O 216 Foordmore Road P.O. Box 529 Proceeds from the 2006 Ball are designat- Tempora, O Opera! Christmas in Ukraine Kerhonkson, NY 12446 ed for biomedical research in Ukraine. on the World Musical Stage.” The lecture Admission: $95 per person for adults; $85 E-mail: [email protected] will be held in the institute’s Seminar Website: www.Soyuzivka.com for students. Admission price includes Room, 1583 Massachusetts Ave., at 4-6 champagne and hors d’oeuvres, three- p.m. For more information contact HURI at course meal, live music and dancing. The (617) 495-4053 or [email protected]. silent auction will feature a dazzling array ADVANCE NOTICE of Hollywood items, Ukrainian gifts, bas- SUPPORT THE WORK OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY. kets, artwork and toys. For reservations Send contributions to: The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund, Saturday, December 31 please send a check to Treasurer Marta 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054 Mykytyn-Hill, 1219 Via Arroyo, Ventura, NEW YORK: The Ukrainian Institute of CA 93003. Accommodations are available America (UIA) and the Ukrainian at the hotel. For preferred rates please Professionals at the Institute present “New book before February 6, 2006; mention Year’s Eve at the Institute,” to be held at CAAU when booking. Rooms are subject the Ukrainian Institute of America, 2 E. to availability. For further information 79th St., at 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Welcome 2006 at please contact Luba Keske, (818) 884- Christmas Greetings 2005 this elegant evening, with dancing to the 3836 (home) or (310) 449-3485 (office) or music of Luna and a silent auction benefit- Shannon Micevych, (818) 774-9378.

Christmas in Ukraine- 1995 • Vitaliy Lytvyn, T ing the Ukrainian Children’s Aid and Relief Effort and the UIA. Tickets include Saturday, April 29, 2006 Continue your tradition... a buffet, open bar and midnight cham- CHICAGO: Please mark your calendars Use the UNA’s publications to send holiday pagne toast. Dress is black tie. Capacity is limited, and guests are encouraged to buy for the one-day conference “Chornobyl: greetings and wishes of goodwill, prosperi- their tickets early. Ticket prices: members, The Next Generation” to be held on the ty and the season’s blessings. Please note, $125; non-members, $150; students, $100. 20th anniversary of the Chornobyl disas- After december 7, ticket prices increase ter. Specialists from Ukraine and North or to accommodate all of our advertisers and America will review current findings on onto, ON, Ukraine $25. For tickets and information call the the many holiday obligations and dead- UIA, (212) 288-8660. the ecological, medical, health and socie- lines, we must strictly observe the follow- tal impact of the nuclear explosion. ing dates... HORSHAM, Pa.: The Tryzub Ukrainian Scheduled speakers include Dr. Yuri American Sports Center, County Line and Shcherbak, former ambassador to the U.S. PUBLICATION DATES & DEADLINES Lower State roads, in Horsham, Pa., invites and Ukraine’s first minister of environ- Holy T the public to its New Year’s Eve mental protection; Prof. David Marples, University of Alberta; and Dr. Ihor rinity Ukrainian Catholic Church at Soyuzivka • Kerhonkson, NY - 1983 • by Vitaliy Lytvyn, T Extravaganza. As part of the festivities, Christmas Issue Advertising there will be a two-hour cocktail party, Masnyk, National Cancer Institute. The beginning at 7:30 p.m., with a select open conference will be held at the University Publication Date Deadline bar; live Latin guitar music and an elegant of Illinois at Chicago. Conference spon- selection of gourmet foods and desserts sors include: Ukrainian Business and catered by Coleen’s of Center City Professional Group of Chicago; Ukrainian Philadelphia. Guests will dance the old year Medical Association of North America, The Weekly December 18 December 9 away to the music of the popular Fata Illinois Chapter; Ukrainian Engineers’ Morgana band. There will be a midnight Society, Chicago Chapter; and University champagne toast along with Viennese of Illinois Occupational Health and Safety Svoboda December 16 December 9 desserts, coffee and tea; festivities will Center. Specialists, students and members close with a bountiful buffet station break- of the general public will appreciate this fast. Admission: $95 per person. Tickets comprehensive and focused review of the The Weekly January 1 December 23 and tables to be reserved by payment only, Chornobyl aftermath. For additional on or before December 17. Seating is limit- information call Anna Mostovych, (847) ed. Evening attire is required. For further 359-3676. or

onto, ON, Canada Svoboda December 30 December 23 1/16 page – $35; 1/8 page – $50; 1/4 page – $100; PREVIEW OF EVENTS GUIDELINES 1/2 page – $200; full page – $400 Preview of Events is a listing of Ukrainian community events open to the public. It is a service provided at minimal cost ($20 per listing) by All advertising correspondence, reservations and payments should be directed The Ukrainian Weekly to the Ukrainian community. to Mrs. Maria Oscislawski, advertising manager, tel. 973-292-9800, ext. 3040, Listings of no more than 100 words (written in Preview format) plus E-mail: [email protected] payment should be sent a week prior to desired date of publication to: Kindly make checks payable to The Ukrainian Weekly or Svoboda, as appropriate. Preview of Events, The Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Please send payment to The Ukrainian Weekly, or Svoboda, Parsippany, NJ 07054; fax, (973) 644-9510. P.O. Box 280, 2200 Route 10, Parsippany, NJ 07054 Items may be e-mailed to [email protected].