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INSIDE: • A look at five years of Ukraine’s independence — page 2. • Ukrainian Christmas symbolism — page 8. • Yara Arts Group in Buryatia — page 9. HE KRAINI A N EEKLY T PublishedU by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal non-profitW association Vol. LXV No. 1 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 5, 1997 $1.25/$2 in Ukraine

Kuchma thanks diaspora for support Conference reflects on 20 years WASHINGTON — In a special mes- our victories. 1996 is marked by one of the sage to “our brothers and sisters abroad,” most important victories: the adoption of President Leonid Kuchma thanked the Constitution of Ukraine, which codified of Ukrainian human rights activism by Irene Jarosewich a security and cooperation agreement to Ukrainians of the diaspora for “decades of our achievements in the process of state- which the government of the USSR was work at the time of the Iron Curtain’s exis- building, delineated further steps in its NEW YORK — Twenty years ago, a s i g n a t o r y . tence that created a positive posture toward development and became the fundamental small group of determined individuals To commemorate the 20th anniversary Ukraine” and five years ago resulted in consolidating factor of our society. gathered together with a pledge to unveil of the founding of the UHG, its External speedy recognition of its independence. “I want to sincerely thank all of you, the hypocrisy of the Soviet system, to Representation in the United States orga- Addressing his fellow Ukrainians dear countrymen in the U.S.A. and Canada, reveal its oppressive grip on the lives of nized a conference held on December 15, around the world just over five years Great Britain and Australia, France and its citizens and the brutality with which it 1996, at the Shevchenko Scientific Society since Ukraine declared its independence Germany, Brazil and Argentina, Russia and treated its opponents. From a modest and then confirmed that independence by Poland, in all countries, on all continents, beginning in the Kyiv apartment of in New York. Speakers included Nina a nationwide referendum, the president for your support — both moral and materi- Mykola Rudenko, the Ukrainian Public Strokata-Karavanska, one of the founders stated: “Fate has scattered us around the al, your sincerity, your mutual concern Group to Promote the Implementation of of UHG; R.L. Chomiak, a journalist who world, to various corners of our planet. about the fate of Ukraine and your active the Helsinki Accords became an interna- tracked the activities of the Ukrainian But all of you are close and dear to us, participation in creating its future.” tionally recognized human rights organi- human rights movement from the West; because we and you are sons and daugh- President Kuchma also extended his zation. Myroslav Marynovych, a co-founder of ters of one mother, Ukraine.” best wishes for the New Year and Founded on November 9, 1976, the the UHG and now a professor at the In the December 28 missive released by Christmas, wishing “good fortune and mandate of the Ukrainian Helsinki Group Pedagogical Institute in Drohobych, the Embassy of Ukraine in Washington, good health, success and fulfillment, and (UHG) was to provide information of Ukraine; and Valeriy Pavlov, a Ukrainian the president wrote: “No matter how peace and harmony in your hearts and in human rights abuses by Soviet authorities, cinematographer. diverse our everyday concerns, plans and your families.” in violation of the 1975 Helsinki Accords, The conference was organized and hopes may be, we nurture one mutual hope directed by Nadia Svitlychna, who also and goal: we are building a free, indepen- introduced Raisa Rudenko, wife of the dent and developed Ukraine, a strong group’s first chairman, as well as Andriy democratic European state. Each of us has CHRIST IS BORN — GLORIFY HIM! Grigorenko, son of the late Petro a contribution to this cause; each of those Grigorenko, also one of the founders of contributions is valuable and essential.” the UHG and its representative in Mr. Kuchma underlined that the diaspo- Moscow. The voice of the late Oksana ra’s activity is particularly evident in “open- Meshko, another founding member of ing Ukraine and Ukrainians to those coun- the UHG was heard from an archival tries that became your second homelands, tape as she read an appeal to the World as you spurred the development of bilateral Congress of Free Ukrainians. ties and promoted Ukrainian interests.” There was consensus among the The president continued: speakers that the now-popular adage “The past five years were difficult. But, “Ukraine’s independence was achieved on the path to defeating the burdensome without bloodshed” is untrue — and legacy of the past and taking their difficult even immoral. Ukraine’s independence first steps, the people of Ukraine felt the was not obtained over a weekend; it was support of their brothers and sisters abroad. obtained over many decades with many You sincerely sympathized with us when lives lost and ruined. Intended as a posi- we encountered problems, you helped us tive statement, “without bloodshed” in correct our mistakes, and you rejoiced over fact belittles and obscures the sacrifices of countless people. Ms. Strokata-Karavanska, who spoke about the importance of historian Walter Kwas Mykhailo Melnyk’s work on the forma- tion of dissident thought, reminded the of Soyuzivka audience that nowadays everyone accepts as an obvious truth that the independence dead at 80 of Ukraine was a necessary precondition for the collapse of the Soviet monolith. KERHONKSON, N.Y. — Walter Yet, as recently as 10 years ago, this was Kwas, who was widely known in the a radical position in the Soviet Union, Ukrainian community as manager of punishable by incarceration. Soyuzivka, the Ukrainian National For years, the situation in Ukraine, Association’s upstate New York resort according to Mr. Chomiak, could be com- — having served in that capacity for 28 pared to trees falling in the woods: with no years — died on Saturday, December 28, one to hear, was there sound? Ukrainian 1996, following a brief illness. He was human rights activism was reminiscent of 80 years old. trees falling in dense, silent woods. Mr. Kwas was active in numerous In particular, the 1960s, the period of Ukranian community groups, and served “Shestydesiatnyky” activism and subse- as a supreme advisor of the Ukrainian quent repression was a long silence. National Association for many years until Information about arrests, detentions and he chose to retire from that post in 1994. conditions in the camps rarely made it to He was born in Bozhtysha, Zolochiv the West. Even when information county of western Ukraine, on March 17, reached Western correspondents based in 1916, and worked in the Ukrainian cooper- Moscow, if the correspondents could not ative movement until the outbreak of World confirm information, then it often War II. After emigrating to the United remained unreported. (Continued on page 3) Icon by George Kozak as reproduced on Christmas card published by the UNA. (Continued on page 3) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 5, 1997 No. 1 ANALYSIS: A look at Ukraine in its fifth year of independence Dudayev aide stabbed to death in Kyiv Ukrainian hotels. The EBRD will also by David R. Marples In early September, the long awaited finance a $70 million pilot project in the Ukrainian currency – the hryvnia – was KYIV — Ruslan Badayev, an aide to Dnipropetrovsk Oblast to purchase and Ukraine marked its fifth year of indepen- introduced, replacing the much maligned the late Chechen leader Dzhokar dence in 1996. In many respects the year install gas meters. The EBRD has already karbovanets, which had been in use for Dudayev, was stabbed to death in Kyiv, extended credits to Ukraine worth $392 can be perceived as one of consolidation of the past four years. Contrary to some Agence France Press reported on the Ukrainian state within the international million. Five joint projects are being expectations, the hryvnia held steady December 28, 1996. His assailant has community. Compared to its former Soviet implemented in the state sector, and the against the dollar on the international been arrested, but no details have been neighbors, Ukraine can be termed an oasis remaining 12 in the private sector. exchange (at 1.76 to $1), though by the disclosed about the motive for the mur- of stability amid a bleak desert of conflict Ukraine can expect a real investment year’s end it had begun to decline. der, except that it appeared to be “a set- and change. At the same time in specific boom as early as 1997, predicted Mr. The coal sector remains Ukraine’s tling of accounts.” NTV reported that spheres – particularly the coal and nuclear Poluneyev. He added that Kyiv will be biggest single problem within the indus- Mr. Badayev had not been involved in energy industries – there remains cause for “the world’s financial capital” in May trialized spectrum. The early part of the politics in recent months and that the concern. In addition, the Russian Duma’s 1998, when the EBRD holds its two-week year saw a coal strike that affected 177 of murder seemed to have been connected claim to the city of Sevastopol is an indica- stockholders’ meeting in the city. Ukraine’s 227 coal mines, while in this with his personal business dealings. tor that relations with the giant neighbor (Eastern Economist) same month, then Prime Minister state remain uncertain, particularly in view (OMRI Daily Digest) Marchuk declared his plans to close Federation Council calls for moratorium of the likely long convalescence of down some 70 mines that were operating Kuchma focuses on agricultural reform President Boris Yeltsin. Let us examine at a loss. His remarks were supported by MOSCOW — The Russian Federation some of these issues in turn. KYIV — President Leonid Kuchma Council called on President Boris Yeltsin a conference of World Bank officials, said agricultural reform is the main precon- on December 26, 1996, to impose a mora- Internal politics which concluded that 114 Ukrainian coal dition for Ukraine to emerge from its eco- torium on any agreements over the Black mines must be shut down if the industry nomic crisis, Ukrainian radio reported on Sea Fleet until a special commission The most notable changes in personnel is to restore profitability. December 30, 1996. He noted that besides examines the status of the main base, in occurred at the level of prime minister, By the spring there were further strikes with the replacement of Yevhen Marchuk the insufficient volume of agricultural and Sevastopol, NTV reported. The following of miners seeking wages, some of whom dairy products, there are many complex on May 27 and the appointment a day later had not been paid since September 1995. day, Moscow Mayor Yurii Luzhkov of Dnipropetrovsk native Pavlo Lazarenko, social problems associated with rural settle- Coal miners were also concerned about lay- informed Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry that 43, in his place. Mr. Lazarenko’s mission is ments. Mr. Kuchma said agrarian reforms, he intends to visit the city in January, offs as a result of the scheduled mine clo- evidently to accelerate the privatization which began in 1994, reached only a cer- despite the ministry’s threats to declare sures. By June a further strike had erupted, process and attract foreign investment into tain point and then ground to a halt. He him persona non grata to prevent such a with the involvement of over 2,700 miners Ukraine. Less than two months later, Mr. added that prices for agricultural goods visit, Rossiyskaya Gazeta reported. Mr. in the Donbas and Lviv-Volyn coalfields. It Lazarenko narrowly avoided an assassina- were driven by the “wild market” and that Luzhkov has repeatedly made it clear that was ended only in mid-July when the gov- tion attempt while being driven to the air- agricultural theory and practice were oper- ernment reached an agreement with the he backs Russian claims to Sevastopol. port, as a powerful explosive ripped apart ating independently of each other. The Workers’ Union of the Coal Industry and Meanwhile, Zerkalo Nedeli reported that the roadside verge. In May, President director of the Academy of Agricultural President Leonid Kuchma has said he will the Independent Donbas Miners’ Union. Kuchma added Volodymyr Lanovoy to his Sciences, Petro Sabliuk, said the concept of never agree to hand over Sevastopol to In addition to the unrest among the coal team as his main economic advisor. On land as a commodity has to be accepted, Russia. He added that if such a step were miners, who have traditionally been the September 23, Viktor Pynzenyk, another otherwise there could be no agricultural taken, he would no longer be president most militant among the Ukrainian work- well-known reformer, was appointed vice reform. (OMRI Daily Digest) and Ukraine would lose its independence. force, the dangerous geological state of the prime minister for the economy, with RFE/RL reported that Russian presidential coal mines themselves has continued to EBRD to quadruple projects in Ukraine Anatolii Minchenko being inserted as the spokesman Sergei Yastrzembskii said on minister responsible for industrial policy result in a very high accident rate and casu- alty list. By March, 61 Ukrainian miners KYIV — The EBRD plans to more December 27 that Mr. Yeltsin has not and the energy complex. changed his position that “Sevastopol and had reportedly died in various accidents, than quadruple the number of projects it The year saw increasingly bitter conflict Crimea are part of Ukraine.” (OMRI while by September the figure had risen to is implementing in Ukraine, said Yuriy between the reformers and the Leftists, par- Poluneyev, EBRD director for Ukraine, Daily Digest) ticularly within the Verkhovna Rada during 224. The anticipated yearly total was about 340. To put that figure into perspective, in Romania, Moldova, Georgia and an extensive debate on the ratification of a Armenia. Infobank reported that Mr. Rodionov cites U.S. drive for hegemony new Constitution for Ukraine. In late the Soviet period, approximately double Poluneyev addressed the Kyiv Press Club MOSCOW — Addressing a Moscow March, Leftist deputies even submitted an that number of miners died annually in on December 26, 1996, and said the num- conference on CIS military cooperation alternative draft to declare Ukraine a social- Ukraine, yet coal output in Ukraine has ber of EBRD-financed projects in on December 25, 1996, Russian Defense ist state, eliminate the office of president, dropped dramatically since that time to Ukraine would rise from the current num- Minster Igor Rodionov said that and raise Russian to the status of a state lan- about 25 percent of the peak output figure. ber of 17 to around 80 in the near future. Washington’s efforts to “make its world guage. Clearly the shutdown of some of Ukraine’s The biggest of the coming projects will leadership complete” by relying on an On June 28, however, the Parliament deeper mines is warranted on the grounds be completion of two reactors at the expanded NATO may become a “military voted in support of a new constitution by of safety alone. Khmelnytskiy and Rivne nuclear power threat” to Russia and other CIS states, 315 votes to 36, and the accepted version The energy sphere plants. According to Mr. Poluneyev, this Russian and Western agencies reported. clearly established the president as the most project will cost $1.2 billion (U.S.), but Mr. Rodionov added that Turkey, Iran, powerful figure in the government, along Turning to the energy sphere, the he said that powerful anti-nuclear lobbies Pakistan, Japan, China and other with a single-chamber Verkhovna Rada. Chornobyl nuclear power plant has in both Ukraine and the EBRD would unnamed Asian countries also pose The Constitution also confirms Ukrainian remained a focus of world attention. One have to be overcome before the project as the state language, with specified local reason for this focus was the commemora- potential military threats. He urged the could get the green light. Among the formation of joint CIS military forces and rights for the use of languages in areas tion of the 10th anniversary of the tragic other big projects cited by the EBRD inhabited largely by minorities. The new accident on April 26. However, though the the bolstering of Russian strategic nuclear director were: the modernization of the forces in response. The Russian Foreign Constitution overrides the agreement anniversary attracted publicity, the key runway at Kyiv’s Boryspil Airport, the reached in 1995 between the president and issue has been the future of the plant. Ministry quickly moved to downplay the granting of credit to UkrTeleKom to set defense minister’s remarks, labeling his the legislature and formally replaces the old Momentum has grown for a campaign to up a modern telecommunications network Soviet Constitution introduced in the late keep the station in operation beyond the in Kyiv, and the reconstruction of several (Continued on page 3) Brezhnev period in 1978. The event was scheduled shutdown time of the year 2000. perceived as a triumph for President Leonid Early in February, 58 parliamentary Kuchma over significant opposition. deputies pleaded with President Kuchma on behalf of the station, arguing that it FOUNDED 1933 The economy was the safest and best run of all TH E UK R A I N I A N WE E K LY The key problem in the economy has Ukraine’s nuclear power stations. An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., been a failure to meet regular wages, with Shortly afterward Environmental a non-profit association, at 30 Montgomery St., Jersey City, NJ 07302. the result that Ukraine now faces the Minister Yurii Kostenko demanded that Yearly subscription rate: $60; for UNA members — $40. if Ukraine was to meet its deadline for prospect of an enormous wage backlog. In Second-class postage paid at Jersey City, NJ 07302. the agricultural sector alone, the backlog the closure of Chornobyl, then the (ISSN — 0273-9348) was reported to be the equivalent of $200 promised international loans and credits million, and that figure does not take into must be received quickly. Throughout Also published by the UNA: Svoboda, a Ukrainian-language daily newspaper account inflation. By late June, Mr. the year these two issues were tied (annual subscription fee: $100; $75 for UNA members). Lazarenko noted that the government was together by the Ukrainian authorities. On April 19-20, the leaders of the G-7 The Weekly and Svoboda: UNA: using 80 percent of its internal and external (201) 434-0237, -0807, -3036 (201) 451-2200 revenues to clear the wage arrears. Inflation countries and Russia met in Moscow and also began to rise during the latter part of announced the commitment of about $3.2 Postmaster, send address Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz the year after falling to 0.1 percent in the billion worth of aid to Ukraine so that the changes to: Assistant editor: Khristina Lew months of June and July. station could be safely decommissioned by The Ukrainian Weekly Staff editors: Roman Woronowycz (Kyiv) the end of the century. Further talks took P.O. Box 346 and Andrij Kudla Wynnyckyj (To r o n t o ) place in Kyiv in June, when it was Jersey City, NJ 07303 David R. Marples is director of the announced that the promised funds would Stasiuk Program on Contemporary begin to arrive in Ukraine in the summer The Ukrainian Weekly, January 5, 1997, No. 1, Vol. LXV Ukraine at the Canadian Institute of Copyright © 1997 The Ukrainian Weekly Ukrainian Studies, University of Alberta (Continued on page 12) No. 1 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 5, 1997 3

Conference reflects... (Continued from page 1) However, the determined activism of UHG members and supporters in Ukraine, as well as support from the Ukrainian diaspora worldwide focused attention on human rights abuses in Ukraine in the late 1970s and during the 1980s. Information provided by UHG gave Western governments a base from which to confront Soviet authorities. Ms. Strokata-Karavanska also reminded the audience that external forces, such as the Western military build- up, are often cited as causes for the collapse of the Soviet Union, but that the role of internal opposition has all but been ignored. Mr. Chomiak concurred and remarked that, whereas in previous decades, there was no information in the West about human rights activism in Ukraine, today, in Ukraine itself, the history of the internal opposition movements and their activists have been almost for- g o t t e n . Mr. Pavlov elicited murmurs of disbelief, resignation and a few chuckles from audience as he described the establishment of a memorial museum at the former site of one the most notorious camps — Perm 36 in the Urals. The Russian organization Memorial had undertaken the project to build a museum to honor dissidents at the site, however, the site had been disassembled. So, in Irene Jarosewich order to accurately portray the dehumanizing condi- At an evening devoted to the Ukrainian Helsinki Group, from left are: Nadia Svitlychna; Aishe Seitmuratova, tions, the organization now must raise private funds to a former political prisoner and Crimean Tatar activist; Myroslav Marynovych; Nina Strokata-Karavanska recover and re-install listening devices, infra-red sen- and Raisa Rudenko. sors, bars, prisoner garb, barbed wire, etc. Mr. Pavlov mentioned that the members of the group Protestants, Jews and Muslims all found a voice through ty apart from any collective context is only now begin- actively solicit input from their Ukrainian compatriots the Ukrainian Helsinki Group. ning to be understood in Ukraine, and in some cases is since it is widely recognized among former Soviet dissi- According to Mr. Marynovych, in retrospect, the met with resistance. Very often this resistance comes dents that more than 50 percent of former political pris- Western understanding of human rights as particular to from the same religous, national and ethnic groups that oners were from Ukraine. the individual was not fully understood in Ukraine, even were integral to the human rights struggle, as the com- Ms. Svitlychna commented that not only were most among the dissidents. The “individual,” according to petition for the hearts, minds and souls of Ukrainians of the political prisoners from Ukraine, but that of the Mr. Marynovych is still a very “western Protestant” c o n t i n u e s . former Helsinki watch groups, Ukraine’s was one of the concept. According to both Mr. Marynovych and Mrs. strongest and had numerous “external” members and Human rights activism in Ukraine, as well as in other Rudenko, in various ways, opposition movements in supporters in other republics and in the West. republics, was based to a large degree on some sort of Ukraine must continue. “In many instances,” said Mrs. The youngest member of the UHG, Myroslav group or collective identity — either religious, such as Rudenko, “communists are, for all practical purposes, Marynovych, is presently in the United States on a Pew Jews and Evangelicals, or national, or ethnic. Individual still in power.” “The administrative shadow of the Fellowship at Columbia University. Mr. Marynovych rights were still viewed through the prism of a collective Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic continues on the commented on the strong activism of religious groups in — the right to be a Crimean Tatar, for example, or a territory of an independent Ukraine,” concluded Mr. the human rights movement. Activists from many reli- Greek-Catholic. Marynovych, “and there still must be dissidents to throw gious denominations, Greek-Catholics, Orthodox, The value of an individual as a moral or social enti- off the rotting shell of the old system.”

Zgurovskii told the Verkhovna Rada that Newsbriefs the country’s education system is facing Walter Kwas... (Continued from page 2) “total ruin.” The 1997 draft state budget (Continued from page 1) list of potential adversaries “purely hypo- covers only 55 percent of teachers’ wages States he immediately became involved in thetical.” (OMRI Daily Digest) and 70 percent of students’ stipends. Mr. Ukrainian community life, first and fore- Zgurovskii said the government will most the Ukrainian National Association. Daewoo promises $1B for car industry reduce spending on education by introduc- Mr. Kwas founded UNA Branch 88 in ing partial payment for textbooks and cut- KYIV — Korean giant Daewoo plans 1957 and served as its president from its ting other benefits, as well as reducing the inception until his death; he also held the to invest more than $1 billion (U.S.) in number of teachers by 23 percent. The post of branch secretary from 1957 to Ukrainian car production, reported Ukrainian government also decided to 1968. He was elected to the UNA UNIAN on December 26, 1996. abolish stipends for university students Supreme Assembly, serving three four- According to presidential press secretary, beginning on January 1. Stipends will be year terms as a supreme advisor, and was Dmytro Markov, President Leonid paid only to the best students and to those active in the Troy-Albany UNA District Kuchma has approved most of the pro- from poor families. (OMRI Daily Digest) jects proposed by Daewoo Chair Kim U Committee. At the UNA Convention in Jung at a recent meeting and has ordered Industry poses threat to environment 1994 Mr. Kwas urged delegates to vote the Cabinet and ministries to do their for Stephanie Hawryluk, a fellow officer KYIV — Emergency Situations of UNA Branch 88, as his successor on utmost to ensure their successful realiza- Minister Valerii Kalchenko said up to 42 tion. Mr. Markov insisted that Daewoo is the Assembly. percent of Ukrainian enterprises, employ- Mr. Kwas became manager of entering the Ukrainian market as a strate- ing one-third of the workforce, are eco- gic investor and plans to reinvest its prof- Soyuzivka in 1955 and served in that logically unsafe. Minister Kalchenko post until 1983. He was the heart and its in the Ukrainian economy. During a said Ukrainian railways, where 16 per- soul of Soyuzivka, as well as a surrogate meeting with Conversion Minister Valerii cent of crossings need replacing, are parent to the hundreds of Ukrainian Walter Kwas Malev and representatives of especially dangerous. Ukraine faces youths who worked at the resort during Zaporizhzhia car plant AvtoZaz, the problems with destruction of chemical summer seasons. He transformed the Ukraine, Mr. Kwas’ wife, Magdalyna, Daewoo corporation agreed to participate weapons of the former USSR. Mr. Catskill mountain estate into a little emigrated to the United States in 1973, in restructuring of AvtoZaz and to start Kalchenko said many of the 4,000 wagon piece of Ukraine, complete with Hutsul- settling in Kerhonkson with her husband. mass-production of cars solely from loads of shells near Kerch in Crimea had style architectural embellishments and A parastas service was to be offered Ukrainian components. Specialists report exceeded their shelf life. Meanwhile, furnishings reminiscent of the on Friday, January 3. The funeral was to that more than 160 Ukrainian enterprises officials at the Radical Chemical Factory Carpathian Mountains. He promoted take place the next day, with liturgy will be involved in the manufacturing in Kyiv warned that the chlorine com- youth camps and workshops at scheduled for 10 a.m. at Holy Trinity cycle. About 30,000 cars are to be made pound stored in an aging storage tank at Soyuzivka, and he turned the estate into Ukrainian Catholic Church in annually, half of which are to be exported. the plant could soon be released into the a showcase for Ukrainian performers and Kerhonkson, and burial at the Pine Bush This is expected to yield annual profits of atmosphere, threatening nearby residents artists — both established talents and up- Cemetery, also in Kerhonkson. $1.5 billion (U.S.). (Eastern Economist) and forests. The factory cannot afford and-coming novices and amateurs. Surviving are Mr. Kwas’ wife and rel- Government cuts education spending new containers to store 20 metric tons of Mr. Kwas was active also in local pol- atives in the United States, Canada and the highly toxic material. (OMRI Daily itics. He was elected to the Ulster Ukraine. Memorial donations may be KYIV — Education Minister Mykhailo Digest) County Legislature and was voted chair- made to Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic man of the local Republican Committee. Church, the Chornobyl children’s fund To subscribe: Send $60 ($40 if you are a member of the UNA) to The Ukrainian He also served as president of the Lions of the Ukrainian National Women’s Weekly, Subscription Department, 30 Montgomery St., Jersey City, NJ 07302. Club of Kerhonkson. League of America, The Ukrainian After the death of their only son in Museum and Plast in Ukraine. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 5, 1997 No. 1 Chicago events focus on Shepty t s k y Institute of Eastern Christian Studies OTTAWA – A weekend of events was held in Chicago on November 1-3 to sup- port the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute of Eastem Christian Studies. Founded in Chicago in 1986 at the Catholic Theological Union, the Sheptytsky Institute moved to Ottawa in 1990. Today, as an integral part of St. Paul University’s faculty of theology, it provides the Ukrainian Catholic Church in North America a theological voice and a place for seminarians and other students to study their Eastern Christian spiritual and theological heritage. While most of the institute’s students come from Canada and the United States, there also are stu- dents from as far away as Ukraine. Sponsored by the U.S.-based organiza- tion American Friends of the Sheptytsky Institute, the weekend featured a publica- tions and photo exhibit, a fund-raising ban- quet, a scholarly conference and a video presentation on the Sheptytsky Institute, produced and donated by a grateful gradu- ate, who is also a media specialist. During the banquet, beautifully orga- nized by Tania Laba and held at the Ss. Volodymyr and Olha Cultural Center on Saturday, November 1, members of Chicago’s Ukrainian community were able to meet board members of the Sheptytsky Institute Foundation, a non-profit organiza- tion that manages the funds necessary for The board of directors of the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute Foundation meets in Chicago. the Institute’s continued activity. Among the honored guests were most generous benefactors. underscored his commitment to the insti- people are concentrated and can support Bishop Michael Wiwchar, Eparchy of In one of the highlights of the evening, tute: “People may ask why we have invest- each other. To survive in North America Chicago; Eugene Cherwick of Peter and Doris Kule presented their sec- ed so much of our life’s earnings in the we must be stronger and deeper and wiser Winnipeg, the foundation’s president; ond endowment of $1 million for the Sheptytsky Institute. It is a matter of trust. than other Churches... We have a rich tradi- Father Andriy Chirovsky of Ottawa, Chair in Eastern Liturgy. Their first $1 We believe in the vision of the Sheptytsky tion, but we need to make it alive for the director of the institute; Dr. Andrew million, donated in June 1993, enabled Institute and its staff. Without very well next millennium... That is where the Browar of Chicago, president of the the Institute to inaugurate the Chair of educated leaders priests, sisters, laypeople, Sheptytsky Institute comes in.” American Friends; and Mr. and Mrs. Eastern Christian Theology. our Church on this continent may very well Peter Kule of Edmonton, the institute’s Speaking at the banquet, Mr. Kule die. It will live on in Ukraine, where our (Continued on page 15) U k rainian Technological Society cites Ukrainian of the Year Nickolas Ko t ow PITTSBURGH – Nickolas C. Kotow Bethlehem, Pa., with a B.S. in chemistry he was elected to its executive board and National Committee to Commemorate the of Bethel Park, Pa., was honored as the in 1966. He received a Juris Doctor assigned to the society’s newsletter com- Millennium of Christianity in Ukraine in 1996 Ukrainian of the Year by the degree in 1976 from Capital University, mittee. He has served on the UTS execu- 1988 and the committees to host visits to Ukrainian Technological Society of Columbus, Ohio, and a master’s degree tive board and has been associated with Pittsburgh of the first president of modern- Pittsburgh at its 27th annual dinner and in library science from the University of the publication of the UTS Newsletter day Ukraine, Leonid Kravchuk, and the dance on November 30 at the Pittsburgh Pittsburgh. ever since. He has been secretary and current ambassador of Ukraine to the Athletic Association. In 1977 while in Columbus, he began treasurer of the society, and was presi- United States, Dr. Yuri Shcherbak. He is Mr. Kotow was selected for his efforts to research his Ukrainian ancestry, after dent in 1982-1983 and 1986-1987. In president of UNA Branch 264 in Carnegie. as a chronicler of the Pittsburgh viewing the television miniseries 1986, with assistance from Myron J. In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Kotow Ukrainian community through the UTS “Roots.” He visited the home of his col- Spak, he published the Ukrainian thanked Michael Komichak, director of Newsletter and his position as secretary league Dr. Alexandra C. Melnyk, and her Directory of Greater Pittsburgh; in 1994 the Ukrainian Radio Program in in many local Ukrainian organizations. late husband, Konstantin, where he he worked with Gloria J. Kinal to publish Pittsburgh for over 46 years, for nomi- The UTS is a charter member of the learned much about Ukraine. In an expanded, second edition of the direc- nating him; UTS President Ihor Havryluk Federation of Ukrainian American Columbus, he joined the local branch of tory. and the society for naming him as the Business and Professional Associations. the Ukrainian National Association. In the fall of 1981 then UTS President Ukrainian of the Year; and his mother, Mr. Kotow was born in Canonsburg, In 1979, after he returned to Bohdan M. Konecky proposed that the Virginia, and brother, Theodore, for Pa., of American-born parents. He gradu- Pittsburgh, he joined the Ukrainian community sponsor a Ukrainian festival. helping him with many behind-the- ated from Lehigh University in Technological Society. In January 1980 Mr. Kotow was on the first Pittsburgh scenes duties. Ukrainian Festival Committee in 1982 He proposed that the society join with and has been a member of every annual other local Ukrainian organizations to cre- festival committee. He has been chair- ate a “Ukrainian Visitors Network” in man or co-chairman of the festival pro- Pittsburgh. This network would ensure that gram book committee since 1984 and Ukrainians visiting Pittsburgh at the invita- was chairman of the 1989-1992 festivals. tion of non-Ukrainian hosts could have the In 1984 Mr. Kotow joined the Western opportunity to meet members of the Pennsylvania Council of the League of Pittsburgh Ukrainian community. He has Ukrainian Catholics of America. He has also proposed that the community establish served the council as secretary and trea- a “Ukrainian Guest House,” where surer, and has been president since 1993. Ukrainian business travelers could stay He was elected treasurer of the LUC inexpensively while conducting business national board and has served in this negotiations in the Pittsburgh area. capacity since 1992. He joined the In naming Mr. Kotow as its Ukrainian Diocesan Resource Committee of the of the Year, the Ukrainian Technological Ukrainian Catholic Diocese of St. Society recognized his efforts in preserv- Josaphat in Parma, Ohio, in 1988, and is ing the history of the Pittsburgh its acting chairman. Ukrainian community through his arti- Mr. Kotow is a member of the cles and reporting in the UTS Newsletter Ukrainian American Citizens Club of and his secretarial duties in many organi- Carnegie, Pa., and the American Ukrainian zations and on ad hoc committees, his Citizens Club of Wilmerding, Pa., where willingness to help diverse facets of the he has served as appointed recording sec- community, his building of relationships retary for over a decade. He has been a throughout western Pennsylvania, and Nickolas C. Kotow (center) receives the Ukrainian Technological Society’s Ukrainian member of many ad hoc committees, such his ongoing moral and financial support of the Year Award from Ihor Havryluk (left). Looking on is Rep. William J. Coyne. as the Western Pennsylvania Branch of the of his Ukrainian heritage. No. 1 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 5, 1997 5 First volume of Hrushevsky translation handed over to CIUS Press by Andrij Kudla Wynnyckyj Dr. Sysyn explained that Hrushevsky Toronto Press Bureau consciously embarked on a project to fill a great void — “We do not yet possess a TORONTO — The monumental pro- history of the Rus’ people in its entirety,” ject of translating Mykhailo Hrushevsky’s the historian and future statesman noted 10-volume “Istoria Ukrainy-Rusy” (The before creating just that. The project History of Ukraine-Rus’) from Ukrainian director quoted Hrushevsky’s contention into English reached a major milestone on that “a society that believes in itself must December 3. face the unvarnished truth.” That day, Dr. Frank Sysyn, director of The Hrushevsky project director noted the effort, and director of the Petro Jacyk that the translation of the first volume Center for Historical Research at the will be published a neat 99 years after it Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies, first appeared in print in Ukrainian in whose major undertaking it is, at long Lviv in 1898. last handed over a completed and edited Dr. Sysyn extended his thanks to the manuscript translation of Volume 1, to individuals and institutions that made the Prof. Maxim Tarnavsky, director of the preparation of the first volume possible, CIUS Press, for publication. including Mr. Jacyk, the Canadian The foot-thick 1,400-page stack of Foundation for Ukrainian Studies paper was the result of years of painstak- (CFUS) and the U.S. National ing labor on the part of New York-based Endowment for the Humanities. translator Marta Skorupsky, a team of With champagne brought out for the editors that includes Dr. Sysyn, Dr. occasion, the Harvard-educated historian Andrzej Poppé of Warsaw University toasted patron Petro Stelmach, in atten- (who also compiled a bibliography), dance that day, who together with his managing editor Ulana Pasichnyk- wife, Ivanna, donated $100,000 Tarnavsky of Toronto, and an interna- (Canadian) to become sponsors of the tional array of scholarly advisors. first volume’s translation, editing, proof- Dr. Sysyn noted that this achievement ing and supplementary annotation. Dr. Frank Sysyn (right) hands over the manuscript of the translated first volume was also the third milestone of the Petro Mr. Stelmach said he preferred to of Hrushevsky’s “Istoria Ukrainy-Rusy” to Prof. Maxim Tarnawsky. Jacyk Center’s publication effort. He make such a donation than to support the explained that the first was, ironically, construction of physical monuments. The Harvard-trained literary scholar Edmonton offices, Dushan Bednarsky the translation into Ukrainian of Alberta- “People merely pass such things by,” he noted that, taking up from the point and Marta Horban, shore up the strength based historian Ivan Lysiak-Rudnytsky’s said, “but scholarship and knowledge reached thanks to Mr. Stelmach’s spon- of its endowments, and plan confidently works. Dr. Sysyn said this translation has endure.” sorship, the CFUS will be covering the for future publishing ventures, including already had a measurable impact on his- Prof. Tarnavsky solemnly assumed production costs of typesetting, printing the next volumes of Hrushevsky transla- torians in Ukraine. responsibility for the prompt publication and binding of the long-awaited volume. tions. The second milestone, in the Jacyk of the volume, projecting that it should Also in attendance was Dr. Marko During the course of the most recent Center director’s view, was the recent appear in print in July 1997. Stech, executive director of the Petro drive, Dr. Stech pointed out, Hanna appearance in print of “Ukraine Between The CIUS Press director said the Jacyk Educational Foundation, which Mazurenko of Toronto and Sofia Wojtyna East and West,” a collection of Harvard Hrushevsky project “is entirely in concert provides the financial underpinnings for of Hamilton had contributed $100,000 historian Ihor Sevcenko’s essays on cul- with our primary function and goal. We the historical research center’s activities. each to the Jacyk Foundation. Two anony- tural history up to the early 18th century. are assured that it will play an important Dr. Stech also thanked Mr. Stelmach, mous Toronto donors gave $100,000 and Reading from the “General role in bringing Ukrainian scholarship to and outlined the success of the Jacyk $25,000, respectively. Katherine Labiuk Introduction” he prepared for the first the English language reader — the reader Foundation’s most recent fund-raising of Canora, Saskatchewan, donated volume, and thus, the entire series, Dr. of what is currently the primary language drive. Begun on June 17 and concluded $10,000; while Alexandra Demianchuk of Sysyn pointed out that Hrushevsky origi- of scholarship in the world.” on October 30, the foundation raised Toronto gave $5,000, as did Stefanie nally intended to write a popular work, Prof. Tarnavsky said publishing the $250,000 (Canadian). Wychowanec of Willowdale, Ontario. but changed purpose in mid-stream and first volume “is both an extraordinary Together with the $200,000 previously Dr. Stech also extended the heartfelt charted “a far more important, strictly responsibility and an opportunity to show gathered, Dr. Stech said, it was now pos- gratitude to all other sponsors of the scholarly course, although he sought to our capabilities and resources as an acad- sible to pay the salaries of two full-time Peter Jacyk Educational Foundation’s make it as accessible as possible.” emic community.” researchers at the Jacyk Center’s projects. Encyclopedia of Ukraine presented to Ukrainian community in Philadelphia TORONTO – The Encyclopedia of Ukraine was pre- and the director of the CIUS Toronto Publications Office, personages as the two presidents of Ukraine, Leonid sented to the Ukrainian community in Philadelphia on greeted all in attendance. He thanked Marta Sheprykevych Kravchuk and Leonid Kuchma. There are many other per- December 7. Although the Encyclopedia of Ukraine five- and her committee for organizing the event, the Friends of sons who must be added. Some major updates and correc- volume edition edited by Profs. Volodymyr Kubijovych the Encyclopedia of Ukraine and the Shevchenko Scientific tions to existing entries have to be done to bring all five and Danylo Husar Struk appeared in September 1993, this Society for sponsoring it, and the center for hosting the volumes up to date. is only the second time that there has been a formal book launch. The index, the CD and the sixth additional volume are launch in the United States. The New York community He then asked that the video about the Encyclopedia of all scheduled to appear by the year 2000, making the was introduced to the encyclopedia in the fall of 1995. Ukraine’s history and publication be shown. The video was Encyclopedia of Ukraine as current and as updated as pos- This second launch was sponsored by the Friends of professionally produced and first shown at the inaugural sible, and retaining its importance as the foremost source in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine Foundation, the launch of the encyclopedia in Toronto in September 1993. English on Ukraine. Shevchenko Scientific Society, Philadelphia branch, and It is a tribute to the late founder of the encyclopedia, Dr. Dr. Struk completed his talk by appealing for coordi- the Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center in Kubijovych, to his successor Dr. Struk and to the dedicated nation among the various Ukrainian encyclopedic pro- Jenkintown, Pa., where it was held. team of subject editors and in-house editors as well as the jects. He talked passionately about the fact that the Dr. Jaroslaw Zapilsky, president of the Shevchenko sponsoring bodies – CIUS, the Shevchenko Scientific Ukrainian community cannot afford to simultaneously Scientific Society, greeted the public and introduced Society and the Canadian Foundation for Ukrainian Studies support various encyclopedic projects, no matter how Prof. Oleksa Bilaniuk, member of the editorial board (CFUS) – all of whom made the project possible. important all of them are. A means has to be found by and the subject editor for physics of the Encyclopedia of After the video, Prof. Struk spoke about the which the human resources, the data banks and the finan- Ukraine, who chaired the evening. Encyclopedia of Ukraine in the year 2000. He reported that cial resources can be pooled and shared so that all of the Prof. Bilaniuk, a foreign member of the National the Encyclopedia of Ukraine as a reference work will be various projects can attain completion, he underlined. Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NANU), made some enhanced greatly as soon as the name index will be added. He then appealed to the audience for support. He introductory remarks about the importance of the Work on the name index is almost complete and, if all goes pointed out that one of the best ways to support the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, recognized Dr. Volodymyr according to plan, it should appear by 1998. encyclopedia is to purchase it. He suggested also that Bandera, the editor of economics, and introduced the Prof. Struk spoke also about plans to do a second people could make sure that their local libraries pur- first speaker, Dr. Swiatoslaw Trofimenko, the subject revised and corrected printing of the encyclopedia. This chase the encyclopedia by asking for it. Several requests editor for chemistry. second printing would be done on a CD disk. The tech- will produce a purchase. Dr. Trofimenko spoke briefly about the amount of nology for such a printing is readily available. All that is Dr. Struk also drew everyone’s attention to the col- intense work that went into producing the encyclopedia. He needed is the extra funding to make this second printing lectors’ edition of the Encyclopedia of Ukraine. He stressed its objectivity and importance in the world, and its a reality. Prof. Struk expressed hope that some benefac- explained that only 100 such sets, all leather-bound and very timely appearance when the whole world was in need tor will come forward to fund such a printing. individually packaged, were printed. Each of the collec- of a reference work about the newly reborn Ukrainian state. He then informed the audience of the ongoing work to tors’ sets has its own number and is hand-inscribed with Prof. Bilaniuk then introduced the main speaker, the edi- produce a sixth volume of updates. Since the first two vol- the owner’s name, thus making each set unique. What’s tor-in-chief of the Encyclopedia of Ukraine. Dr. Struk, who umes appeared in 1984 and 1988, respectively, that is, also quite valuable is that the first volume of each col- is a professor of Ukrainian literature at the University of before the regained independence of Ukraine, the two vol- lectors’ set had been individually signed by the first edi- Toronto, a foreign member of the National Academy of umes have to be updated in terminology and to provide tor-in-chief, Dr. Kubijovych. About half of these special Sciences of Ukraine (NANU) as well as the associate direc- information about people who did not make it into these tor of the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies (CIUS), two volumes. As an example, he mentioned such important (Continued on page 15) 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 5, 1997 No. 1

CHRISTMAS PASTORAL LETTERS TH E UK R A I N I A N WE E K LY Open your hearts and souls to the Light The Christmas spirit To the Esteemed Clergy, the Deaconate come the Light which comes from The All around us it may seem that the Christmas season has passed, but for in Christ, the Venerable Monastics and Light, who physically appeared, dispelled those Ukrainians and others who observe the Julian calendar, Christmas arrives God-loving Spiritual Children of the the darkness that enveloped the world, and on January 7. Thus, the Christmas spirit is still with us as we mark the birth of Holy Ukrainian Orthodox Church: whose Light no power can extinguish. Let us once again receive the birth – the the Savior by giving thanks for the greatest of God’s gifts to us: His Only Peace and grace be to you from the Begotten Son. incarnation of the Eternal God – hymned Light of Light – Christ Jesus! through the ages by the cultures of those At this time of year we exchange gifts as tangible expressions of our love Once again, the spirit of Bethlehem, the and esteem for family members, friends, colleagues, etc. But, we should not nations who were enlightened by Him. In town whose name means “House of Bread” truth, this marvelous event cannot fully be allow this tangible expression — no matter how pleasant and lovely a custom it invites us to open our hearts and souls to the is — to become the be-all and end-all of our Christmas giving. comprehended by the human mind nor ade- True Light, our Heavenly Bread, the Only- The Christmas season calls upon us to recall the principal commandment quately expressed in words. Profoundly Begotten Son of the Heavenly Father, Jesus brought by the One who was born on Christmas day: “Love thy neighbor.” deep and wide is the Divine Love that eter- Christ. It is He who desires to shine through The spirit of the season calls upon us to remember the less fortunate among nally springs forth and transforms all who them in this despondent world, a world that us. Whether those less fortunate are fellow Ukrainians, or our neighbors in our allow it to enter their life. awaits the life-giving Light of His immea- communities is not important. What is important is to remember — and care — The Nativity of Christ invites us all to surable love, peace and joy. about our fellow man. That care can be shown in many ways; we can give of continual rebirth in Christ Jesus. It calls Once again, as it was almost 2,000 years ourselves through volunteer work or via donations of goods or financial contri- upon us to identify ourselves with Him, ago, Bethlehem, “The House of Bread” butions. with the Light that enlightens every per- invites us all to stand with the heavenly Christmas shows us also that from humble beginnings can come greatness son who comes into this world. powers. Together with them, we have the and that simple things can be priceless. So, we must learn to appreciate what Christ the Lord shares His saving work honor to proclaim the joyous and wondrous we have, to make the best of it and to give thanks for God’s blessings. with His people, His Church, His Mystical news that in this world, the Savior, the inex- As well, this holy season calls upon us to live as seen in the example of Body. We, who were reborn in the waters haustible Source of true peace, is born. It is Jesus Christ’s life and in his teachings: to turn the other cheek; to do unto oth- of Baptism are His mouth, His hands, His He who calls us and all humanity to estab- ers, as you would have them do unto you. feet in this world. We are the members of lish peace and benevolence on earth by If only we could do that in our Ukrainian community life! Dare we hope that, His reasonable flock, His Church, which is establishing good will among ourselves. perhaps, during this spe- His Mystical Body. The honor of belong- Bethlehem, “The House of Bread,” cial season, we can put ing to Christ’s Mystical Body and of ful- invites us to join with the shepherds, the away our enmity, our filling the responsibilities of such member- guardians of the flocks entrusted to them, envy, and, yes, our pride ship belongs to all, and especially to those, who with a pure heart received the heav- to think of the greater who via tonsure or the laying upon of good? That we can for- enly message and set out to that “House hands are set aside to fulfill special and get old quarrels and dis- of Bread.” Let us set out together with important ministries in the Church. We agreements, that we can them and partake of the Bread of life, speak here of the monastic and priestly put aside our negative foretold in the law and the prophets, for ministries. We speak here of those who criticisms and focus on it is He who is the guarantor of certain have a special calling from God, a calling the positive that does peace on earth and true joy in our hearts. that is seen as particular gift for those who exist in each and every The spirit of Bethlehem invites us to have been baptized and clothed in Christ. one of us? With this new stand with the Magi, the learned of the Our Holy Ukrainian Orthodox Church is outlook, we can move time, who were brought through knowl- in need of shepherds! The Church anguish- on toward a better edge and investigation to the Source of tomorrow. wisdom. Together with them, let us wel- (Continued on page 14) Thus, as we light the candles on our Christmas Eve tables for Sviata Let us focus our attention on Jesus Christ Vecheria (holy supper), To the Reverend Clergy, the Religious commitment to repentance and conver- let us do so as a symbol and Devout Faithful of the Eparchy of sion. In these last few years of the second of unity among all Stamford: millennium, all of us should invoke the Ukrainians around the Holy Spirit together, imploring forgive- world: the fortunate and In my Advent letter, I mentioned that the ness and correction, and a miraculous out- not so fortunate, our allies entire Christian Church is preparing for the pouring of the grace of Christian unity. and our (hopefully for- Great Jubilee of the fast-approaching year This year, 1997, the holy father calls us mer) adversaries. Let us 2000. Since Christianity has been of such to focus our attention upon Jesus Christ. try to begin anew overwhelming importance during these two the very Word of God, made Man by the renewed in the spirit of millennia, and remains such a pre-eminent power of the Holy Spirit. In coming to Christmas. faith today, this is a jubilee of God’s love know Jesus Christ more closely, we place And then, united in Detail of an illustration by Marta Tomenko of and grace for all men and women. We are special emphasis upon the Holy Bible. As love, as brethren, let us Ukraine as reproduced on a Christmas card pub- privileged to live in this special moment of the pope teaches us, “in the revealed text, greet each other: lished by the Plast publishing house Molode Zhyttia. time, the year of the Lord’s favor, this it is the heavenly Father Himself Who approaching “great springtime of comes to us in love and Who dwells with Christianity.” By the power of the Holy us, disclosing to us the nature of His Only- Spirit, together we should make the most of Begotten Son and His saving plan for all this time for the glory of God. men and women.” Jan. Almost everywhere in the world, peo- For the Great Jubilee to be the miracu- TurningTurning the pagespages back...back... ple use the dating system that reckons lous time of grace that we need and ask time by the conventional year of Christ’s from God, all of us, all Christians, must 6 birth, the “Year of Our Lord.” Thus, even do as much as possible to live up to the the numbering of the years reminds us of great challenge of the year 2000. The 1901 Mykola Hryshko was among the victims of the notorious the unique, unparalleled effect of the preparation itself will be a special grace Stalinist quack, fellow Ukrainian geneticist Mykola Lysenko. birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. This for the Church, and for all people. In par- Hryshko was born in Poltava on January 6, 1901, and graduat- was the turning point in the history of the ticular, the pope invites every family to entire human race. ed from the Poltava Agricultural Institute in 1925, then the Kyiv Agricultural Institute be involved in some special way to get Every jubilee is a joyous occasion. The the following year. ready for the Great Jubilee. celebration of jubilees began in the Old Again, this must be a time when we ded- In 1932, he assumed the chair of the Plant Genetics and Selection Department at Testament, as God was preparing His peo- the KAI, in 1933 published one of the first Ukrainian textbooks on plant genetics, and icate ourselves to Christian unity, especial- ple to receive Jesus Christ the Savior. The ly through prayer. In his wonderful letter in the 1930s became a professor at Kyiv University. joy of each jubilee is above all a joy of rec- During World War II, he also headed the Division of Biological Sciences at the Orientale Lumen, in 1995, the holy father onciliation, a joy of the forgiveness of sins teaches that “we cannot come before All-Union Academy of Agricultural Sciences (AUAAS, 1940-1943) and its Botanical and debts, a joy of freedom, a joy of con- Institute (1939-1944). Hryshko also founded the Republican Botanical Garden in Christ, the Lord of history, as divided as we version. Thus the holy father, Pope John have unfortunately been in the course of 1944, serving as its director until 1958. Paul II, teaches us that the Church “cannot Following Lysenko’s consolidation of control over the AUAAS in 1948, Hryshko the second millennium. These divisions cross the threshold of the new millennium must give way to rapprochement and har- was ejected from the faculty at Kyiv University and stripped of a number of direc- without encouraging her children to purify torates. Briefly disgraced in 1956, Lysenko returned to Nikita Khrushchev’s favor two mony.” The holy father expressed his spe- themselves, through repentance of past cial longing for the renewal of full commu- years later, and Hryshko suffered again. He was demoted from his remaining post — errors, past infidelity, past inconsistency director of the Botanical Garden. nion between Catholics and Orthodox; we and slowness to act as we should.” of the Ukrainian Catholic Church share that Hryshko died a year before Lysenko’s 1965 comeuppance, on January 3, 1964, in Those sins which have damaged the Kyiv. longing acutely, so we must pray fervently unity of the Church, the unity which God and sacrifice generously to bring the long- Source: “Hryshko, Mykola,” Encyclopedia of Ukraine, Vol. 4 (Toronto: University of Himself wills for us, His people, are cer- Toronto Press, 1993). tainly among the sins that require a firm (Continued on page 14) No. 1 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 5, 1997 7 COMMENTARY: 20th anniversary of the Ukrainian Helsinki Group by Myron B. Kuropas by Bozhena Olshaniwsky “The Soviet Union continues to vio- late the human rights provisions of the Twenty years ago, on November 9, Helsinki Final Act and other internation- 1976, the Ukrainian Public Group to al human rights declarations and Promote the Implementation of the covenants by denying to the citizens of Is Ukraine constitutional? Helsinki Accords (also known as the Ukraine and other Soviet republics rights Ukrainian Helsinki Group) was founded in of national identity and basic human From the moment the Verkhovna Rada the Constitution of Ukraine and laws of Kyiv. The group’s purpose was to monitor rights through intensified Russification, of Ukraine approved the Constitution on Ukraine, not to infringe upon the rights the Soviet government’s adherence to the ethnocide, repression and imprisonment June 28, 1996, the Ukrainian state became and freedoms, honor and dignity of other Helsinki Accords in Soviet Ukraine. of the citizens of Ukraine and other “unconstitutional.” Following are a few persons.” Unfortunately, many federal From 10 founding members – Mykola Soviet republics who lawfully engage in examples by way of explanation. officials behave as if the Constitution Rudenko (chairman), Oleksa Tykhy, calling the Soviet government to account Article 11 of the Constitution stipulates applies to everyone but them. Oksana Meshko, Nina Strokata for violations of human, national and that “the state shall facilitate the consoli- I could go on, but you get my point. Karavanska, Petro Grigorenko, Oles religious rights, as well as the rights of dation and development of the Ukrainian The Ukrainian government is not fulfill- Berdnyk, Mykola Matusevych, Myroslav family reunification and emigration. nation, its historical consciousness, tradi- ing its constitutional responsibilities. Marynovych, Levko Lukianenko and “The blatant disregard by the Soviet tions and culture as well as the develop- Like the Soviets, Ukraine has a wonder- Ivan Kandyba – the group ultimately Union of the humanitarian provisions of ment of the ethnic, cultural, linguistic and ful Constitution but if it’s not being expanded to more than 40, including the Helsinki Final Act and other interna- religious attributes of all indigenous peo- implemented, it’s meaningless. How can external members and representatives. tional human rights declarations and ples and nationalFaces minorities and of Ukraine.” Placesanyone have faith in a government that All of the members but one were either covenants, in particular its persecution of Sounds wonderful, right? The reality, ignores its own laws? imprisoned, sent to labor camps, deport- the members of Ukrainian and other pub- however, is quite different. Today, teach- Many, both here and in Ukraine, will ed or exiled. Three members – Oleksa lic Helsinki monitoring groups, contribute ers haven’t been paid for months, argue that too little time has passed for Tykhy, Yuriy Lytvyn and Vasyl Stus – to tensions between East and West and Ukrainian history textbooks aren’t being Ukraine to become fully “constitutional.” died in prison due to harsh treatment. give rise to doubts about Soviet commit- published, and schools are shutting down How much time is needed? Another five The Helsinki Accords were signed in ments to their international obligations.” for the winter because of a shortage of years? Ten years? How long did it take a 1975 by 33 European nations plus the The resolution also noted the untimely fuel. How does one “consolidate and devastated Germany to recover after United Sates and Canada. Being one of deaths of Messrs. Tykhy, Lytvyn and Stus develop historical consciousness, tradition World War II? the signatories, the Soviet Union agreed of the UHG and Eduard Arutunyan of the and culture” under those circumstances? I used to believe that every day Ukraine to the conditions of the accords, includ- Armenian group after years of inhuman How can the Ukrainian Catholic con- is independent makes Ukraine one day ing the third basket, where rights and treatment in Soviet labor camps. sciousness be consolidated and devel- stronger, one day closer to stability, one freedoms were guaranteed. The resolution stated that the president oped when Ukraine’s president folds day further from Moscow’s imperialistic The signing of the Helsinki Accords, and his administration should use every under Orthodox pressure urging him not net. Today I believe that every day Ukraine the establishment of the Ukrainian “appropriate opportunity” to discuss to invite Pope John Paul II for a visit? continues in its present state brings it closer Helsinki Group (UHG) and its activities human rights violations in the USSR Jews have a similar problem. to collapse and takeover. had a major impact on the international with their Soviet counterparts. According to The Canadian Jewish News According to an article by Dr. Marc perception of human and national rights, In the 1980s AHRU’s activities of October 24, 1996, about 2,000 Jews Faber in the November 1996 issue of since, for the first time, Soviet violations revolved mostly around the defense of the flee Ukraine every month. “Anti-Semitism Strategic Investment, the Ukrainian econo- against its own citizens were exposed. abused and imprisoned members of the no longer plays role in the decision to my has performed worse than most Eastern The establishment of UHG prompted Ukrainian Helsinki Group. It was neither leave,” according to Joseph Traupinsky, European countries since independence. the formation of Americans for Human practical nor feasible to defend all mem- head of the Jewish Agency in Ukraine. “Its GDP contracted on average about 15 Rights in Ukraine (AHRU) in 1980. Based bers individually; therefore, AHRU chose The main reason is economic and social percent per annum between 1990 and 1995, in New Jersey, AHRU worked with 19 the most prominent, the sickest, the most chaos. The agency operates in Kyiv, while industrial production fell by more other branches to disseminate information abused or the most publicized, and then Odesa, Lviv, Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk than 50 percent over the same period ... about the status of human rights compli- built defense actions around them. and employs a staff of 26 to teach since 1990, Ukraine’s grain harvest has ance in Ukraine to the U.S. government, One of the most memorable interna- Hebrew, Jewish culture and traditions, and been cut in half (farm reforms have been concerned individuals and organizations. tional forums for this activity was pro- run youth programs. It’s not a good sign delayed and farmers lack access to credits In 1982 AHRU was instrumental in vided by the Vienna Review Meeting of that Jews, traditionally among Ukraine’s for seeds and fertilizers, and suffer from initiating concurrent resolutions the Conference on Security and most creative entrepreneurs, are leaving. fuel shortages), while the port of Odesa, (H.Con.Res. 205) in both houses of the Cooperation in Europe, which opened on Article 27 of the Constitution declares which handled 85 million metric tons of 97th Congress and a presidential procla- November 4, 1986. Several members of that “every person has the inalienable cargo in 1990, handled just 51 million in mation issued by President Ronald AHRU went to Vienna and vigorously right to life.” If that’s the law, then why 1995.” Ukraine’s “agricultural sector is Reagan that designated November 9, lobbied the 35 participating delegations have some 89 people been executed in unproductive,” continues Mr. Faber, “its 1982, as a day honoring the Ukrainian on behalf of the imprisoned UHG mem- Ukraine during the last six months? Why nuclear reactors hazardous, the once-effi- Helsinki Group on the sixth anniversary bers. For several days, AHRU members is the rate of abortions increasing? cient steel mills are technologically outdat- of its founding. stood outside of the entrance to the Article 42 states that the “entrepreneur- ed, and its resources (principally coal and The proclamation noted: palace where the conferees were meet- ial activities of deputies, officials and civil iron ore) are of no great value.” “The spontaneous formation on ing, holding up a huge sign with a state- servants in organs of state authority and The Ukrainian government is making it November 9, 1976, in Kyiv, Ukraine, of ment: “10th anniversary of the Ukrainian organs of local self-government are almost impossible for foreign investors to the Ukrainian Public Group to Promote Helsinki Group.” restricted by law.” If that’s true, then why consider Ukraine over other regions of the the Implementation of the Helsinki Throughout the 1980s AHRU worked do some government officials still carry world. Mr. Faber mentions China, Russia, Accords affirmed once more that the closely with the U.S. Commission on around two cards, one describing their Vietnam and Myanmar as preferred alter- human spirit cannot be crushed and that Security and Cooperation in Europe. government position, the other denoting natives. Ukraine’s “economy is in sham- the desire for human freedom cannot be Established in 1976, the Helsinki their private business enterprises? bles, its foreign investment and tax laws are conquered.” Commission (as it is known) is still very Article 43 states that “every person has still murky ... and it only attracts very mod- In 1986, the 10th anniversary of the active today. It became one of the most the right to work, including the right to the est foreign direct investment (approximate- UHG was a milestone in the struggle of important agencies in the U.S. to pro- opportunity to earn one’s living by work ly $900,000 since 1990) – tiny in compari- human rights in the Soviet Union. AHRU mote the defense of human rights on the which he chooses or agrees to freely ... The son to the northeastern Chinese port city again was instrumental in initiating a world stage. right to timely payment for work is protect- Dalian, which attracted $1.9 billion worth concurrent resolution on November 9, Of all the political prisoners defended ed by law.” The key phrase here is “earn of foreign investments in 1993, $2.4 billion 1986, in the U.S. Congress (S.Con.Res. by AHRU, the case of Oksana Meshko one’s living.” Younger people in Ukraine in 1994, and $2.5 billion in 1995 – princi- 154; H.Con.Res. 332). was the most poignant. Here was a wiz- have jobs, but they hardly earn a living. pally from Japan.” The resolution stated: ened grandmother, speaking out publicly Nor, as was the case during Soviet times, Amazingly, despite all of these nega- “The Ukrainian Helsinki Monitoring for her incarcerated son, on the brink of do many of them really work. Older people tives, Mr. Faber believes foreign investors Group opened a new phase in the collapse from malnutrition and disease, have neither jobs nor work. Timely work should take another look at Ukraine. Ukrainian struggle for human and nation- being brutally persecuted in an icy, deso- payments, of course, are the exception, not Ukraine’s official economy may be lag- al rights, providing impetus for human late region by the mighty Soviet empire. the rule. ging, he writes, but “the free spirit and rights activists to demand not only that The case graphically depicted the ugli- Article 46 declares that “citizens have individualism of the Cossacks [sic] is the Soviet government uphold the human ness and dehumanizing brutality of the the right to social security which includes alive and well in Ukraine and, therefore, rights guarantees by the Soviet Soviet system. their right of provision, in case of illness, quite a thriving unofficial economy has Constitution, the Helsinki Final Act, and Another assertive figure was Mykola partial or complete disability, loss of the emerged. The rise of the unofficial econo- other international human rights declara- Rudenko. He was a war veteran who provider, unemployment under circum- my will ... inevitably force the archaic tions and covenants, but also to assert fought in the Soviet army and was stances unrelated to their fault, and in old Rada toward wide-ranging reforms.” Mr. that the Western democracies have a wounded in action. His spinal wound age, and other instances foreseen by law.” Faber expects a fairly strong economic solemn responsibility to support the caused a crater-like scar in his back that According to a report by the World Bank, recovery in Ukraine over the next three struggle for achievement of human rights never fully healed and caused constant 29.5 percent of the Ukraine’s citizens live y e a r s . of Ukrainians and other peoples living pain. He could not be without medica- in poverty; 41 percent of the poorest peo- I hope he’s right. But for the Kozak under Soviet domination. tion. However, the needed medication ple are age 65 or older. So much for con- spirit to truly blossom, the Ukrainian peo- was not given to him in prison. stitutional guarantees for the elderly. ple need to believe in the Constitution, in Bozhena Olshaniwsky is president of Article 68 reads: “Every person is their government and in themselves. Only Americans for Human Rights in Ukraine. (Continued on page 15) obligated to unswervingly comply with then will Ukraine become “constitutional.” 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 5, 1997 No. 1

by Orysia Paszczak Tracz

In celebrating Ukrainian Christmas, we do many things that not only Hemp seed oil was used as the dressing for most of the 12 dishes not seem to be, but really are irrelevant to typical North American urbanites only for its taste, but for its symbolic value, as well as one of the earliest approaching the 21st century. Symbolism is the raison d’être of our annual and most important plants in life. Poppy seed “milk” (from ground seeds) and family traditions, and Rizdvo, Ukrainian Christmas, is especially sym- was also used as a flavoring for some dishes, again because of its fertility bolic. Family and annual rituals celebrate the most important events in the symbolism. Honey, fish fat and crushed garlic were the other dressings for lives of family and nation, and it is the “how” of those celebrations that is specific foods. Ksenofont Sosenko (1928) notes that when foods were pre- symbolic. As to the “why,” it all means something, and we go through the pared with hemp seed oil or crushed garlic, the verb used was “riazhen- motions whether we ourselves know the meaning or not. nia” or “zariazhennia,” in the context of ritual. For example, a bride was When we consider the traditions followed at Sviat Vechir (Christmas “nariazhena do vintsia” (readied for the wedding), a groom “nariazhenyi” Eve), and consider how many ancient traditions have fallen away because when he put on his hat, and a deceased person was “nariazhenyi” when of impracticality in present-day life, we are nonetheless left with quite a prepared and dressed for the funeral. However, for everyday use, neither rich, symbolic, ritual evening. anyone nor anything was “riazhenyi/na.” Most of us do not live in rural areas, so the original farm setting is not Reverence for hemp and linen is also reflected in customs during other there for us to continue many of the customs related to farm animals, bees, parts of the year. At Christmas, the koliadnyky are rewarded by gifts from and the weather. In the city house or condo, maybe the family pets get a the hospodar and hospodynia (host and hostess); he donates a kolach, and special treat before Sviata Vecheria (Holy Supper), in place of the family she presents them with a “povismo” a hank of ready-to-spin linen or hemp sharing a portion of each dish with the animals in the barn before supper. fibers. She ties this hank to the cross carried by the “bereza,” the leader of Instead of the husband and wife standing outside, holding a bowl of the group. food, and thrice inviting the storms, lightning, frosts and wild animals for Bread and fibers for clothing were the earliest “gifts,” essentials for dinner — “and if you’re not coming now, don’t bother coming for the rest sedentary life. The priest was also presented with a povismo when he of the year” — the family could go out on the patio, or on the balcony, came to bless the house at Yordan (Feast of the Epiphany). In some koliad- with a similar invitations. (As long as the neighbors don’t call the police! ky, a soul is pulled out of hell by holding on to a povismo; the clothing “There go those Ukrainians again ... watch, pretty soon they’ll start fibers provide a person protection, warmth and salvation from shame. In singing, as usual!”) other koliadky, gold and silver are spun and woven, as if they were linen The empty place setting is always there, the kolach (holiday bread) and and hempen cloth. Even the kolach in the center of the table is “pletenyi” – candle, the embroidered table cloth, the 12 meatless and non-dairy dishes, braided or “woven.” Koliadky often sing about the clothing of the family, and some form of a didukh is usually in the house year-round, even dressed for this evening in their finest white linen (later silk) shirts, and though it may be just some wheat stalks in a decorative vase. And, in com- sometimes the spinning and weaving processes are mentioned. munities with at least a few Ukrainians, the koliadnyky (carolers) visit and As the table was set for the Sviata Vecheria, the embroidered tablecloth sing. (of homespun linen or hemp) covered a layer of hay on the table. Garlic The rituals of Rizdvo (Christmas) harken back to earliest human memo- heads or cloves were placed under the tablecloth in each corner, to ensure ry, commemorating the origins of the firsts: the first foods, first crops, first good health, and especially prevent headaches, and with hemp seeds were people, as well as the coming together of the extended family, the “rid,” or sprinkled alongside the garlic. The garlic clove has dual symbolism: it rep- clan. The koliadky and schedrivky (ritual songs of the winter solstice and resents medicinal and prophylactic power, as well as the importance of the the new year) very clearly show how the earliest Ukrainians saw life and moon to hunter-gatherers, as reflected in the clove’s crescent shape. Seeds, creation. Many begin with some variation of the phrase “Oi, scho zh tam especially hemp, flax, and poppy, represent fertility. The wild self-sowing bulo z pochatku svita?...” (Oh, what was there at the beginning of the poppy was especially productive. world?) The various verses then mention the heavens and the earth, the The koliadnyky from your church or youth group would be grateful for first tree, the dove or falcon bringing clay or soil from beneath the waters the cookies and libations you serve them, along with the generous check to the surface, the first plants and the origin of grain, the first animals, the for their cause. However, they would consider it odd if you presented first humans, the first couple, and the first family. No matter what the them with a hank of linen or hemp fibers, even if you were able to find region of Ukraine, variations on similar themes are present everywhere. such a thing. After all, that was then, and this is the practical now. One, almost forgotten, custom commemorated a basic human need: Recently, I had the privilege of seeing and holding for the first time two clothing. The first fabric, hempen or linen, was essential for survival. Its linen povisma which were part of a donation to the museum of the importance is recorded in the koliadky, and in specific rituals of Sviat Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Center in Winnipeg. They appear to Vechir. Those of us who were fortunate to have heard stories about how it be nothing special, just two hanks of shaggy dark golden fiber, almost like was “vdoma” (back home) in the village long ago may remember babunia something Rumpelstilskin would spin. However, I held them reverently, or dido (grandmother or grandfather) sighing about the tastiness of the because a Ukrainian pioneer to the prairies a century ago had brought pampushky (jam-filled yeast-raised doughnuts) fried in konoplianyi olii them to Canada, and had treasured them. The povismo at Christmas — a (hemp seed oil). This oil in fact, flavored most of the dishes for Sviat tangible reminder of very long ago. Vechir, since no animal fats were used this evening. Ask anyone who grew * * * up in a Ukrainian village about hemp seed oil, and you’ll hear how this is Note from the author: While hemp and poppy were and are used medicinally, this writer has not come across the most delicious of all cooking oils, and how nothing, absolutely nothing any ethnographic sources at all indicating that these were used for any hallucinogenic purposes since at least the tastes as good as something fried in it. medieval centuries (the Scythians excluded). If anyone does have such sources, please let the author know.

Jacques Hnizdovsky No. 1 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 5, 1997 9

Yara Arts Group’s new production takes troupe to distant Buryatia by Virlana Tkacz PART I Yara Arts Group’s new project, “Virtual Souls,” will premiere at La Mama Experimental Theater in New York on January 16-26, 1997. Yara creates original theater pieces by bringing together poetry, drama, song, historical materials and scientific texts to form what one critic described as “extended meditation on an idea.” “Virtual Souls” was originally inspired by a Ukrainian poem, Oleh Lysheha’s “Swan.” I loved the poem; I translated it with Wanda Phipps into English and started looking for additional material on swans. The most fascinating swan myths were Buryat. “The swan is our mother, and the birch – our family tree,” say the old Buryats. The Buryats live in Siberia in the area around Lake Baikal. Buryatia has been part of the Russian Empire since the 17th century, and today it’s a republic within the Russian Federation. The Buryat Chronicles start with the legend about a hunter who sees wild swans take off their swan dresses and turn into beautiful girls. He steals one of the swan dresses, while the girls are swimming in Lake Baikal. Startled, most of the swans fly off, leaving one behind to plead with the hunter to give back her dress. Yara included this legend in the troupe’s newest Sokto piece, “Virtual Souls.” We also worked with Vladlen At the Involginsk Datsan (from left) are: Tom Lee, Virlana Tkacz, and Irina and Tania Pantaev. Pantaev, a Buryat composer, last spring at La Mama. As a result, we were invited by the Buryat National Theater It held out as the center of Buddhism in the USSR after songs; then we said “swans” and heard even better ones. to work on the project in their theater in Ulan Ude last 37 datsans and 10,000 monks were destroyed in the The three Buryat actors translated the meaning of each summer. 1930s. Fortunately, however, much of the art work from song into Russian. We would then confer as to where in those datsans is still preserved in Ulan Ude in what is Looking in our piece such a song might fit. known as “The Fond.” “Virtual Souls” is mostly sung. It tells its story I traveled to Ulan Ude in the beginning of August The Fond was originally established as an anti-reli- through a series of traditional Buryat songs and contem- with one Yara actor, Tom Lee, who helped me conduct gion museum under Stalin, but in this guise it preserved porary ones we’ve written or found. The original score the workshops with the Buryat actors and prepare the the thousands of Buddhist sculptures, tankas, vestments, is created by Genji Ito and combines both traditional way for the five Yara members who joined us in the banners, musical instruments and sacred volumes that Buryat instrumentation and contemporary music created middle of August. now line its shelves. But the Fond’s future is now in with a sampler on a computer. When we agreed that a Mr. Pantaev, his wife, Tania, the Buryat actors, and jeopardy. It is housed in a former cathedral, and the particular song was of interest, the Buryat actors would their friends met the two of us at the airport. After sprin- Orthodox Church is demanding that the building be note the words and music, not an easy task given that kling some milk and vodka, a shamanist custom that returned. No other location has been found to house the this traditional style of singing does not lend itself to would be repeated on many occasions, we drove off into collection. standard music notation. Then they would translate the the countryside. We also walked around Ulan Ude. The main square is words into Russian; I would jot down my notes in We had arrived just in time for a great occasion: the lined with crumbling Soviet-style buildings. In the cen- Ukrainian. Later Tom and I could work on an English blessing of the cornerstone for the first “datsan,” or ter, alone on a pedestal, is the largest head of Lenin in translation that could be sung to the notes. Buddhist temple, to be dedicated since the Revolution. the world. At over four stories high, this surreal monu- This method of work was both exhausting and very In the steppe stood a “ger,” a traditional round felt tent. ment towers over the town. The other unusual site is a rewarding, since in the process we learned a lot about It was filled with grandmothers. We squeezed in. The beautiful opera house. The locals told us it was con- chanting continued for the next several hours. Light Buryat music and the possible direction in which we structed by Japanese prisoners of war in 1953 and did could develop our piece. It also provided our piece with streamed in from the top of the tent. I felt the centuries not seem to think it was strange that Japanese prisoners merge and expand. A thousand years ago things were a very special sense of cultural authority that was imme- of war were still being held in Siberia eight years after diately recognized by the people who saw it in Ulan done exactly this same way. the war. The next morning we met the three Buryat actors Ude. who were going to work with us. Erzhena and Sayan Virtual text Before we could start rehearsals, we also had to trans- Zhambalov, a married couple, were the young stars of late our script into Buryat. Our actors play New Yorkers The next morning Valentina Dambueva came to our the Buryat National Theater. A few years before they plugged into the World Wide Web devouring informa- rehearsals and sang her heart out. Known as the best had walked out of this theater and only recently had tion about everything and anything on the superhigh- folk singer of Buryatia, the diva cooled herself with her been convinced to return. They had organized their own way. They fall into a mythic past by opening up the fan, flashing smiles that set her gold teeth glistening in shows and also a rock band, Uragsha (Forward), which the sun. We said “wind” and she sang three amazing (Continued on page 10) was at the forefront of a resurgence of pride among young Buryats. The third person we worked with was Erdeny Zhaltsov, who was both an actor and a musician. He played the “morin kuur,” the horse-head fiddle, a two- string traditional instrument that can sound like a cello. After the introductions, Erzhena spoke to me directly in Russian. (At the theater they usually speak Buryat, which is related to Mongolian and Kalmyk.) I answered in Ukrainian. We understood each other and were very relieved. (It is so hard to work through a translator.) I told them about our show and made it very clear to them that we wanted to learn more about their culture and that their point of view would have to be included in our text. Our hosts then made sure we experienced many aspects of the cultural heritage of Buryatia first hand. We visited the ethnographic museum where we saw beautiful stone assemblages that displayed a surprising modern sensibility, although they were put together thousands of years ago. We also saw traditional felt gers, and wooden ones, as well as bark tents inhabited by Evenki shamans. There also were the beautifully carved wooden houses of the Old Believers, the first exiles to Siberia, sent here by Peter the Great for refus- ing to cut off their beards. A tiny zoo had camels, and we were told that during the purges in the 1930s camels were executed in this area. Now they are treated with special respect. We drove out to Ivolginsk Datsan, a Buddhist Watoku Ueno monastery at the foot of the Khamar-Daban Mountains. A scene from “Virtual Souls” as performed at the Buryat National Theater in Ulan Ude. 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 5, 1997 No. 1

combination of Cyrillic and Latin letters. Planning a trip to FIRST QUALITY Yara Arts The final product was not perfect. One UKRAINIAN TRADITIONAL-STYLE (Continued from page 9) letter faced the wrong way, and another Buryat Chronicles, where they learn to was underlined instead of crossed. But it UKRAINE? MON U M E N T S was definitely readable and now it could SERVING NY/NJ/CT REGION CEMETERIES recognize the spirit in the presence of things. We wanted the Buryat actors to be edited or moved as our texts changed Personalized OBLAST speak on stage in their own language and during our rehearsals. The next morning I the Yara actors to perform in English. handed out the new scripts, which Travel Service at M E M O R I A L S included my “Buryat” to an absolutely P.O. BOX 746 Before this could happen smoothly, quiet room. Then Erzhena started laugh- Reasonable Rates Chester, NY 10918 we had to translate into both languages 914-469-4247 everything that was said, so that the part- ing, “You know, I couldn’t imagine how we were going to do this – you speaking BILINGUAL HOME APPOINTMENTS ners could play the scenes and coordinate •VISAS•HOTELS•MEALS• proper responses. Since our theater English, the three of us speaking Buryat •TRANSFERS•GUIDES• pieces are developed in rehearsal, the and everything changing everyday because we are still creating the piece. •AIR TICKETS• script is always evolving and the transla- tions had to be constantly updated. It is But you hand me this and suddenly I’m •CARS WITH DRIVERS• also very important for us to include into thinking ... why don’t we work on my •INTERPRETERS• our piece the responses of the local artists part today?” Whenmy printer later ran out of ink •SIGHTSEEING• and to have their performance material come from them. and the back-up cartridge I brought Erdeny, who played the bard, suggest- turned out to be dry, I couldn’t believe LANDMARK, LTD ed that we include the traditional intro- my bad luck. I had to continue updating duction that opens every Buryat tale. He our script every day. We were still writ- toll free (800) 832-1789 sang it, accompanying himself on the ing new sections in our play. I had to DC/MD/VA (703) 941- horse-head fiddle. provide the actors the new versions with parallel translations before they could 6180 GOV’T FORECLOSED homes from pennies It was long, long ago rehearse the scenes. The person who In the good old days especially needed a current script was on $1. Delinquent Tax, Repo’s, REO’s. When the grass was always green our slide projectionist, a brave 14-year- Your Area. When the blue sky was just being old who was not intimidated by technolo- Toll Free 1-800-218-9000 conceived by the universe gy. He had to figure out how to show the FLOWE R S When the birds first learned to sing 150 slides in our piece in the proper spots Yes, it was then and his knowledge of English was When the great mythical bird extremely limited. WEST ARKA was just a chick The situation with the printer looked 2282 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ont., Canada M6S 1N9 Yes it was then hopeless. The selection of Western goods Delivered in Ukraine Yes, it was then1 in town was limited mainly to brands of Gifts chewing gum. I needed a Canon jet car- 1-800-832-1789 Then he started to do throat singing Ukrainian Handicrafts tridge. I stopped in all the places that had and Sayan joined in. This is a tradi- Landmark, Ltd. Art, Ceramics, Jewellery A. CHORNY anything to do with electronics. People tional style of singing in which the were trying to sell me all kinds of things Books, Newspapers voice is located in the throat and one that couldn’t possible fit any printer, Cassettes, CDs, Videos singer can produce two distinct sounds much less mine. Embroidery Supplies simultaneously. Could this fit into our Then I saw a salesperson who was Packages and Services to Ukraine text, he asked? Yes, of course. We actually using a computer. I asked him loved it. Tel.: (416) 762-8751 Fax: (416) 767-6839 where I could get the cartridge I needed. I asked Erdeny to write out the lyrics He checked me out, glanced around and so that I could put them into the script. then whispered: “In the hunting store.” I He did not believe that I would be able to thought he was kidding. But he drew a New Cookbook type in Buryat or that my computer could map on his card and told me to show it print it. But after some coaxing, he sat “FAVORITE RECIPIES” in the hunting store. I did so and was led down with a pen and a pad. Erzhena into what looked like a yard shed. An 350 Ukrainian and American Recipies translated the words into Russian, and old man opened the door. As I followed $8 plus $2 shipping then I worked on the English translation him down the stairs my heart was beat- from my Ukrainian notes. Ukrainian American Society ing so hard I could hardly breathe. What That night I sat at my computer, first 8102 E. Malvern was I doing here alone asking about typing out the English translation, then Tucson, AZ 85710 computer equipment? Our hosts were facing the daunting task of pecking out always warning us about the criminal the Buryat – letter by letter, combining elements in town. When I got to the bot- one of my Ukrainian fonts with an tom of the stairs, there was a huge store- English one. Buryat today is written in a room of computer equipment. I asked for the cartridge by number, and the woman 1 “The Tale Begins” translated by Virlana pulled it out. I had to sit down to catch Tkacz and Erzhena Zhambalov. my breath.

Re: Mail delivery of The Weekly It has come to our attention that The Ukrainian Weekly is often delivered late, or irregularly, or that our subscribers sometimes receive several issues at once. We feel it is necessary to notify our subscribers that The Weekly is mailed out Friday mornings (before the Sunday date of issue) via second-class mail. If you are not receiving regular delivery of The Weekly, we urge you to file a complaint at your local post office. This may be done by obtaining the U.S. Postal Service Consumer Card and filling out the appropriate sections.

PACKAGES TO UKRAINE $ .55 per Lb DNIPRO CO NEWARK, NJ P H I L A D E L P H I A CLIFTON, NJ 698 Sanford Ave 1801 Cottman Ave 565 Clifton Ave Tel. 201-373-8783 Tel. 215-728-6040 Tel. 201-916-1543 *Pick up service available No. 1 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 5, 1997 11 Defunct community organization supports Chornobyl relief efforts EAST HARTFORD, Conn. – When The UYOC played an important role in John Seleman thinks back to his youth, he disseminating information on Ukrainian proudly recalls a statewide organization that history to prominent Americans and institu- once was a powerhouse in the Ukrainian tions across the state. It co-sponsored the community in Connecticut. The Ukrainian publication of an English translation of Youth Organization of Connecticut is part Hrushevsky’s “History of Ukraine,” Ivan of the forgotten heritage of the Ukrainian Franko’s “Zakhar Berkut” and the distribu- diaspora, but in its own time it laid a solid tion of recordings by the Ukrainian foundation for the vibrant community life National Choir under the direction of that has characterized the parishes and com- Oleksander Koshetz. munity centers of many towns scattered In 1943, the group staged its own War across southern New England. Bond Drive, which raised $13,000 – a very This fall, to mark the fifth anniversary significant sum for that time. Although of Ukrainian independence, the trustees World War II stimulated a great deal of of the UYOC contributed $6,000 to the activity on the part of the UYOC, it also Children of Chornobyl Relief Fund as an took its toll on some of the association’s expression of solidarity and continuity core membership. The group’s honor roll between the youth of yesteryear and the counted 655 Connecticut men and women future generations of children who will of Ukrainian descent who served in the inherit an independent Ukraine. Armed Forces. Many of these made the “We’ve been following the successes supreme sacrifice for their country. Others of this relief group,” said Mr. Seleman in returned disabled and emotionally trauma- presenting the check to CCRF’s Hartford tized by their experience. Chapter, one of the most active in the By the 1950s the UYOC began to country. “We’re pleased to see how much weaken in influence as a new wave of progress has been made in bringing relief political immigrants began to dominate to the poor children in Ukraine.” community life with powerful youth The trustees made their donation in the organizations such as Plast and SUM-A. belief that CCRF embodies the charitable Even so, the legacy of the UYOC principles of the UYOC. Its involvement of remains. Its members and descendants youth of all denominations and its concert- established a tradition of community ed effort to reach out to compassionate activism and strategic planning that has sus- Americans beyond the Ukrainian commu- tained many parishes and programs nity are reminiscent of some of the most throughout Connecticut’s Ukrainian com- creative efforts launched in the 1930s by munity. Several of its members went on to this once prominent youth group. occupy positions of considerable promi- Though he is now in his late 70s and nence in the state’s political arena, such as recovering from illness, Mr. Seleman’s former Hartford County Sheriff Russell eyes still light up with excitement when Huk. Mr. Seleman went on to serve as the he tells of the many successes he and his first president of the Self-Reliance Hartford colleagues achieved at the height of the Ukrainian Federal Credit Union, which now Great Depression and World War II. boasts over $22 million in assets and 400 “éãßåèßâëúä PEHA“ To a large degree, the UYOC comprised m e m b e r s . “OLYMPIC ARENA” the sons and daughters of the first wave of There have also been important symbolic Ukrainian immigrants who established victories. In New Britain, commuters travel- Ukraine’s full color sports magazine farms in the fertile Connecticut River ing to Central Connecticut State University of the National Olympic Committee Valley and who worked in the textile mills and the popular West Farms Mall via Route Subscribe Quarterly $12.50 each or $50.00 a year and machine shops of towns like Terryville 9 are continually reminded by official road and Bristol, New Britain and Willimantic. signs that they are traveling the “Taras Send: Name, Address, City, Zip Code, Country The story of the UYOC deserves its Shevchenko Memorial Highway” in honor TO: Olympic Arena; Nechajeva Ukraine, 252023, Kyiv, 23, Esplanadna Str., 42 own rich chapter in the history of the emi- of the Ukrainian patriot and poet. gre community. Established in the summer The political influence of the Ukrainian of 1937, the organization was devoted to community continues to be felt as the building unity between young people of Connecticut congressional delegation, led Ukrainian descent without regard to reli- by U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman, U.S. Reps. gious or political affiliation. It organized Rosa DeLauro, Barbara Kennelly and Sam choral concerts, seasonal dances, commu- Gejdenson, hail the achievements of nity forums, sports leagues, a scholarship Ukrainian Americans in their districts and fund and charity drives. support aid to Ukraine through their public By the time World War II erupted, the pronouncements and legislative action. group had become a force to be reckoned For more information, contact Alex with. Its Shevchenko Memorial Concert in Kuzma at the Children of Chornobyl Relief March of 1941 drew an audience of 1,300, Fund, (203) 407-0261; Ksenia Kyzyk, including Connecticut Gov. William (201) 376-5140; or Nadia Haftkowycz, Hurley, who addressed the crowd. (860) 956-3834.

John Seleman, one of the charter members of the Ukrainian Youth Organization of Connecticut, displays a copy of a program booklet from the group’s 1945 convention. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 5, 1997 No. 1

during such attacks included nine people UK R A I N I A N A look at Ukraine... in a Kerch bar in June, the Crimean (Continued from page 2) broadcaster Oleksander Metrenko, and or fall of 1997, or in 1998. Mr. Kostenko powerful Donetsk government boss NAT I O N A L reacted angrily to such protraction, again Volodymyr Scherban. maintaining that Ukraine would likely In September, President Kuchma reconsider the shutdown if the funds were announced a four-year intensive program AS S O C I AT I O N not forthcoming in timely fashion. to combat crime, following the establish- In September, Kostenko went even fur- ment in August (after the attempted assas- ther, prophesying that a major explosion sination of Prime Minister Lazarenko a FOR PURCHASE could occur at the sarcophagus covering month earlier) of an anti-terrorist center. HOME the destroyed fourth reactor unit. Plant By year’s end there appeared to be little OR REFINANCE director Serhii Parashyn attributed several decline in the high rates of crime. LOAN reported releases of neutron emissions to Health concerns the malfunction of measuring equipment SPECIAL FEATURES: as a result of heavy rainfall in the area. Ukraine’s health concerns were high- PROGRAM* lighted by a report of the Ukrainian Health • Available Nationwide On November 30, Chornobyl reactor No. 1 was removed from the grid, though it Ministry on February 22 which noted that Call now for immediate service • Single-Family Residence or Condominium the decline in population growth has con- and complete program details... was specified that the closure would not • Conventional and Jumbo Loans necessarily be permanent and that the reac- tinued and was at that time 9.6 births per • Fixed or Adjustable Rates tor could be “restructured.” At the same 1,000 people. The death rate, correspond- ingly, rose in 1995 from 5.5 to 12.1. The • Fast, Efficient Service time, the Ukrainian nuclear authorities announced plans to restart the second unit, major cause of death in Ukraine is heart (800) 253-9862 • Free Pre-Qualification which has been shut down since a fire in disease, at 50 percent, with cancer at 14 1991. Economically it would be inexpedi- percent. However, the country also suffers ent to restart the No. 2 unit if it is intended from other health problems that can be to close the Chornobyl plant by the year related mainly to industrial pollution. 2000. Though Ukraine is suffering acutely At the beginning of the year there was an from energy shortages, it appeared to some outbreak of hepatitis in Konstantynivka observers that the future of the Chornobyl (Donetsk region) as a result of a mishap in station was being used as a bargaining chip the city’s sewage system. A similar acci- to expedite the arrival of the international dent occurred in April in Sevastopol when credits. President Kuchma himself has raw sewage was spilled into the Black Sea acknowledged that the Chornobyl reactors and a further outbreak of hepatitis occurred. constitute a safety hazard. Another major concern was diptheria, The current costs of $800 million annu- which has broken out principally in the ally to meet the ramifications of the large cities of Kyiv and Donetsk and has Chornobyl disaster remain an acute burden affected hundreds of people; while cholera on the economy, and Ukraine is irritated outbreaks have been frequent in the sum- by what it perceives as a sluggish reaction mer as a result of contamination of the on the part of the G-7 countries to meet water supply. their agreed obligations. Moreover, a sig- Foreign relations nificant section of Ukraine’s nuclear ener- gy community has maintained consistently Ukraine has become the third largest that Chornobyl is a much safer station than recipient of U.S. assistance after Israel and generally perceived; and conversely that Egypt, thus overtaking Russia in this international attention has focused only on regard. When Secretary of State Warren the Ukrainian RBMK station while ignor- Christopher visited Ukraine in March, he ing similar stations operating in Russia promised aid worth over $1 billion. and Lithuania. Ukraine has become a key strategic part- ner for the United States given the appar- The crime wave ent unreliability and relative instability of The year 1996 may be remembered as Russia. On June 1, Ukraine solidified its one of escalating crime in Ukraine. In international standing with the announce- this respect, the country has begun to ment that it had moved all of the strategic emulate its eastern neighbor, Russia. A warheads from its territory to Russia. wave of assassinations and attempted President Kuchma has also been fairly murders has plagued Ukraine particular- consistent on the question of the expan- ly, though not exclusively, on the sion of NATO to the East European Crimean peninsula. The crimes in the lat- countries – particularly Hungary and ter region have been attributed to a dra- Poland – noting that while Ukraine is not matic rise in organized gang violence. against such an expansion in principle, it Among those attacked and beaten would be opposed to the deployment of were the journalist Svitlana Riaboshapka nuclear weapons in new member-states. and Rukh National Deputy Myroslav At the Salzburg meeting of presidents of Horbatiuk, while those who were killed Central and Eastern Europe in July, President Kuchma mentioned a possible special partnership between Ukraine and AT T E N T I O N NATO; and also suggested that Ukraine should maintain some association with ALL MEMBERS OF BRANCH 3 the Western European Union military Please be advised that Branch 3 has merged partnership. with Branch 171 as of December 15, 1996. Relations with Russia are relatively cor- All inquiries, monthly payments dial at the presidential level, less so at the and requests for changes should be sent to level of the Duma. President Yeltsin Mrs. Genevieve Kufta, Branch Secretary: decided not to visit Kyiv to sign the Treaty Mrs. Genevieve Kufta of Friendship and Cooperation during the 572 Avenue A run up to the Russian presidential elec- Bayonne, NJ 07002 tions. There have been two related issues (201) 436-7005 of contention between the two countries: the status of the Black Sea Fleet; and the future of the port of Sevastopol, the home port of the fleet. Neither had been resolved AT T E N T I O N by the year’s end. ALL MEMBERS OF BRANCH 24 One of the major supporters of Please be advised that Branch 24 has merged Sevastopol’s status as a Russian city is with Branch 161 as of January 1, 1997. Moscow mayor Yurii Luzhkov, who made All inquiries, monthly payments several outspoken statements during the and requests for changes should be sent to course of the year. In mid-January, for Mr. Nicholas Diakiwsky, Branch Secretary: example, while visiting the port, he Mr. Nicholas Diakiwsky declared that “Moscow will never aban- 2065 Ridge Road Ext. don Sevastopol.” On September 10, he Ambridge, PA 15003 went further, declaring that the city was (412) 251-9266 (Continued on page 13) No. 1 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 5, 1997 13

of the other post-Soviet countries, Ukraine A look at Ukraine... has remained free of ethnic tension and (Continued from page 12) civil conflict. The Constitution’s adoption Russian, a comment subsequently support- was symbolic of this gradual but very defi- ed overwhelmingly by the Russian Duma. nite progress toward the consolidation of In the meantime, Ukraine’s Verkhovna the statehood declared in 1991. Rada voted in June to prohibit foreign mil- The economy and demographic picture remain major concerns, however. Very few itary installations on the territory of of Ukraine’s industries are performing at a Ukraine, though it was prepared to grant satisfactory level, and the government must some time for Russia to remove its fleet. also be concerned with the alarming health The future of Sevastopol is linked to the and demographic statistics. The reluctance future of Crimea generally. The peninsula, of the government to apply “shock mea- which retains its autonomous status, has sures” is comprehensible, but the economic remained politically subdued since Ukraine results are hardly encouraging. enforced its authority quite dramatically in Ukraine’s economy today is a melange 1995. Russia has refused to step aside, and of the old and new: the declining tradition- has resolved not to reduce in any way its al industries and the emergent or rejuve- commitment to, or the size of its share of nated spheres that continue to attract for- the Black Sea Fleet. With the ostensible eign businesses (the share of private output ending of the war in Chechnya, Russia has rose to almost 50 percent in 1996). more time to devote to other issues pertain- For the majority of the population, the ing to the so-called “near abroad,” and it outlook for the late 1990s does not offer has the support of the Crimean authorities, much solace: their concern is daily sub- who attempted – unsuccessfully — to have sistence and survival. Wages remain the status of Sevastopol as a Russian city unpaid, and factories are not paying for inserted into the Crimean Constitution. their energy requirements. Though the two issues have not On the other hand, such comments are reached a boiling point and do not as yet relative because they apply to most of the constitute a serious issue of international newly independent states. It could equally conflict, they remain on the table each well be argued that the past five years of time Ukrainian and Russian leaders meet. concentration on survival and mainte- Conclusions nance of statehood have been strikingly successful, and that the next five years Ukraine enters the new year in an envi- will surely see the government turn with ronment of political stability and economic vigor to the question of economic renew- uncertainty. Structurally it continues to al. It is one that has become imperative, develop as a reformist presidential repub- and will likely outweigh in importance the lic, backed by a Parliament that is riven political maneuvering with Russia, the with dissent, but at the same time has a tra- United States and the countries of Europe dition of reaching compromises with coax- that has characterized the 30 months of ing from the executive. In contrast to some the Kuchma presidency to date. 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 5, 1997 No. 1

tired of doing good, because if we don’t AT T E N T I O N AT T E N T I O N Open your hearts... give up the struggle we shall get our har- ALL MEMBERS OF BRANCH 29 ALL MEMBERS OF BRANCH 52 (Continued from page 6) vest at the proper time” (Galatians 6:8-9). Please be advised that Branch 29 has merged Please be advised that Branch 52 has merged es due to a shortage of true pastors, namely The feast of Christ’s Nativity compels with Branch 282 as of January 1, 1997. with Branch 253 as of January 1, 1997. a lack of those whose ministry has not been us to believe in that gift of divine Love, All inquiries, monthly payments All inquiries, monthly payments marred by the desire to achieve power and which makes it possible to love others, and requests for changes should be sent to and requests for changes should be sent to control or seek the first place, instead of friends and enemies, and among the for- Mrs. Mary Bolosky, Branch Secretary: Mr. Peter Hawrylciw, Branch Secretary: being the servant of all. The Church seeks mer, our brethren in sovereign Ukraine. out dedicated shepherds, those who will It is they who await from us concrete Mrs. Mary Bolosky Mr. Peter Hawrylciw completely dedicate themselves to the manifestations of this love! 311 Wright Avenue 23 Karen Drive Good Shepherd, the High Priest according Thus, inspired by this solemn feast, we Kingston, PA 18704-4613 Ludlow, MA 01056 to the order of Melkhizedek – Jesus Christ, sincerely greet all of you – the spiritual sons and together with Him, in the spiritual and daughters of our Church, especially the darkness of this world watch over and care archpastors, pastors, monastics and all of AT T E N T I O N AT T E N T I O N for His spiritual flock, heal its wounds and our brethren in Ukraine, and embrace all of ALL MEMBERS OF BRANCH 73 ALL MEMBERS OF BRANCH 81 direct it on the path of truth, to Him who you in the love of the Good Shepherd. Let us be the common instruments of His love Please be advised that Branch 73 has merged Please be advised that Branch 81 has merged says, “ I am the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6). for the world and our planet. with Branch 177 as of January 1, 1997. with Branch 55 as of January 1, 1997. We Bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Christ is born! Let us glorify Him! All inquiries, monthly payments All inquiries, monthly payments Church beyond the borders of Ukraine, and requests for changes should be sent to and requests for changes should be sent to feel, together with the flock entrusted to † Wasyly Mr. John Laba, Branch Secretary: Ms. Marianna Cizdyn, Branch Secretary: our care, that vacuum which has arisen due Metropolitan, Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada Mr. John Laba Ms. Marianna Cizdyn to a lack of true vocations, especially in this 24 Cavalcade Blvd. 5422 Wasena Avenue Ukrainian branch of Christ’s Ecumenical † Constantine Warwick, RI 02889-1605 Baltimore, MD 21225 Church. Aware that “the harvest is rich, but Metropolitan, Ukrainian Orthodox the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37), we Church of the U.S.A. and Diaspora proclaim the year of the Lord, 1997 – the † Anatolij third prior to the completion of the second AT T E N T I O N AT T E N T I O N Metropolitan, Ukrainian Orthodox millennium from the birth of Christ, to be Church in Diaspora – Western Europe ALL MEMBERS OF BRANCH 122 ALL MEMBERS OF BRANCH 136 the Year of Vocations. Please be advised that Branch 122 has merged Please be advised that Branch 136 has merged During this solemn period of celebra- † Ivan with Branch 238 as of January 1, 1997. with Branch 131 as of January 1, 1997. tion and spiritual refreshment, we focus Archbishop, Ukrainian Orthodox All inquiries, monthly payments All inquiries, monthly payments our attention on Him who speaks to Church of Canada and requests for changes should be sent to and requests for changes should be sent to Orthodox Ukrainians in the words record- † Antony Mrs. Anne Remick, Branch Secretary: Mr. Lew Bodnar, Branch Secretary: ed in the Gospel according to St. Luke: Archbishop, Ukrainian Orthodox “Ask the Lord of the harvest to send labor- Church of the U.S.A. and Australia Mrs. Anne Remick Mr. Lew Bodnar ers to His harvest” (Luke 10:2). We fer- – New Zealand Eparchy 10 Sunnyside Avenue 1120 S. Canfield Road vently appeal to you dear brothers and sis- † Vsevolod Canton, MA 02021 Park Ridge, IL 60068 ters: contribute to the increase in responses Bishop, Ukrainian Orthodox Church to serve in the Holy Ukrainian Orthodox of the U.S.A. Church. Do this via living prayer, namely AT T E N T I O N AT T E N T I O N by an example of your personal love and † Paisiy Bishop, Ukrainian Orthodox Church ALL MEMBERS OF BRANCH 150 ALL MEMBERS OF BRANCH 167 dedication to Christ. Encourage those who are called to entrust themselves to Him of the U.S.A. Please be advised that Branch 150 has merged Please be advised that Branch 167 has merged who calls out: “Follow me ...” † Yurij with Branch 253 as of January 1, 1997. with Branch 165 as of January 1, 1997. This Year of Vocations, which we have Bishop, Ukrainian Orthodox Church All inquiries, monthly payments All inquiries, monthly payments proclaimed, gives us and especially par- of Canada and requests for changes should be sent to and requests for changes should be sent to ents – the first teachers of faith and piety – Mr. Peter Hawrylciw, Branch Secretary: Mrs. Mary K. Pelechaty, Branch Secretary: the opportunity to be channels of the voice † Ioan of God, Who cried out to all: “Come, fol- Bishop, Ukrainian Orthodox Church Mr. Peter Hawrylciw Mrs. Mary K. Pelechaty low me!” Let us remember the words of in Diaspora – Great Britain Eparchy 23 Karen Drive 3318 Stickney Avenue St. Paul the Apostle:” “If a man sows in † Jeremiah Ludlow, MA 01056 Toledo, OH 43608 the field of the Spirit, he will get from it a Bishop, Ukrainian Orthodox Church harvest of eternal life. We must never get of South America AT T E N T I O N AT T E N T I O N ALL MEMBERS OF BRANCH 212 ALL MEMBERS OF BRANCH 243 know Jesus Christ and His saving redemp- Let us focus... tion. Our Lord Himself told us the secret of Please be advised that Branch 212 has merged Please be advised that Branch 243 has merged (Continued from page 6) effective evangelism, of effective witness: with Branch 130 as of January 1, 1997. with Branch 452 as of January 1, 1997. “By this will all men know that you are My All inquiries, monthly payments All inquiries, monthly payments awaited moment of full communion closer. Each year of preparation will have a par- disciples, if you have love for one another” and requests for changes should be sent to and requests for changes should be sent to (John 13:35). So may this love shine forth Mr. George Yurkiw, Branch Secretary: Mrs. Natalie Shuya, Branch Secretary: ticular emphasis on the Holy Theotokos, the Blessed Mother of God and Ever-Virgin in us, in our families, in our parishes and in Mr. George Yurkiw Mrs. Natalie Shuya Mary. In 1997, the holy father invites us to our communities, so that our Church today may be like that first Church in Jerusalem, 30-15 36th Street 6646 Howard Avenue reflect on the Theotokos “in the mystery of “fully of one heart and soul” (Acts 4:32). Astoria, NY 11103-4704 Hammond, IN 46324-1306 her divine motherhood.” Mary is not only the Blessed Mother of Christ our God. In I wish each of you and all of you Christ she becomes the Mother of Christ’s every joy in the celebration of Christmas, and in the approaching feast of the Holy Body, which is the Church. By Christ’s gift, AT T E N T I O N AT T E N T I O N Theophany, the baptism of Our Savior. she becomes the Mother of each of us. ALL MEMBERS OF BRANCH 301 ALL MEMBERS OF BRANCH 332 May you have every blessing from God So we entrust our longing for full com- in the year of grace that lies before us, Please be advised that Branch 301 has merged Please be advised that Branch 332 has merged munion between Catholics and Orthodox to and may your life give witness to Christ with Branch 114 as of January 1, 1997. with Branch 155 as of January 1, 1997. the intercession of the Holy Theotokos, the for all those around you. All inquiries, monthly payments All inquiries, monthly payments Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. We ask †Basil and requests for changes should be sent to and requests for changes should be sent to her to approach the throne of mercy of her Bishop of Stamford Mrs. Olga Berejan, Branch Secretary: Mr. Yaroslav Zaviysky, Branch Secretary: beloved Son, Our Lord, and implore this (New York and New England) stupendous grace, this divine gift of unity. Mrs. Olga Berejan Mr. Yaroslav Zaviysky The Great Jubilee must be a time of Given on the Feast of the Conception 2324 W. Thomas 11 Bradley Road effective evangelism, when Christians bring of St. Anne, 1996, at the Cathedral of St. Chicago, IL 60622 Clark, NJ 07066-3203 the Gospel to those around us who need to Vladimir the Great, Stamford, Conn.

AT T E N T I O N AT T E N T I O N AT T E N T I O N AT T E N T I O N ALL MEMBERS OF BRANCH 370 ALL MEMBERS OF BRANCH 373 ALL MEMBERS OF BRANCH 433 ALL MEMBERS OF BRANCH 459 Please be advised that Branch 370 has merged Please be advised that Branch 373 has merged Please be advised that Branch 433 has merged Please be advised that Branch 459 has merged with Branch 414 as of January 1, 1997. with Branch 452 as of January 1, 1997. with Branch 267 as of January 1, 1997. with Branch 234 as of January 1, 1997. All inquiries, monthly payments All inquiries, monthly payments All inquiries, monthly payments All inquiries, monthly payments and requests for changes should be sent to and requests for changes should be sent to and requests for changes should be sent to and requests for changes should be sent to Mr. John Teluk, Branch Secretary: Mrs. Natalie Shuya, Branch Secretary: Mrs. Gloria Tolopka, Branch Secretary: Mr. Eugene Oscislawski, Branch Secretary:

Mr. John Teluk Mrs. Natalie Shuya Mrs. Gloria Tolopka Mr. Eugene Oscislawski 105 McKinley Avenue 6646 Howard Avenue 293 W. 5th Street 25 Jason Ct. New Haven, CT 06515 Hammond, IN 46324-1306 Deer Park, NY 11729 Matawan, NJ 07747-3510 No. 1 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 5, 1997 15

importance of financial support and Popovych, Bohdan Rebryk, Vasyl Encyclopedia of Ukraine... expressed willingness to collect money 20th anniversary... Romaniuk, Petro Rozumny, Iryna Senyk, (Continued from page 5) for the completion of the projects outlined (Continued from page 7) Stefania Shabatura, Yuriy Shukhevych, sets have already been sold. Each set by Prof. Struk. Then there was Oleksa Tykhy, quietly Danylo Shumuk, Petro Sichko, Vasyl After the formal presentation, the par- Sichko, Ivan Sokulsky, Vasyl Stiltskiv, sells for $2,500 and provides a very good dying from stomach ulcers and complica- ticipants were able to examine the whole Vasyl Stus, Nadia Svitlychna, Petro Vins investment for bibliophiles and collectors tions, who was confined in a prisoner “family” of Ukrainian encyclopedias from and Yosyf Zisels. of rare books. hospital without access to medical care, the Ukrainska Zahalna Entsyklopediya of Despite to unbearable suffering and Prof. Bilaniuk introduced the final 1935 through the five-volume medication or proper diet. reprisals, the Ukrainian Helsinki Group speaker of the evening, Walter Encyclopedia of Ukraine of 1993. The In addition to the aforementioned 10 held fast. It continued to be strong in Baranetsky, the president of the Friends exhibit was prepared and displayed by founding members, the other members of spirit in prisons and places of exile. of the Encyclopedia of Ukraine Sophia Hewryk the help of the center’s the Ukrainian Helsinki Group were: Ukrainian Helsinki Group members were Foundation. Mr. Baranetsky spoke about library. Participants were also able to pur- Vyacheslav Chornovil, Olha Hewyko, the first ones to stand up to the brutal the relationship of the Entsyklopediya chase or order sets of the Encyclopedia of Mykola Horbal, Mykhailo Horyn, Vitaliy Goliath. For this they paid dearly. Ukrayinoznavstva to the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, as well as converse with the Kalynychenko, Sviatoslav Karavansky, Their sacrifice is not forgotten. Their Ukraine and once again reaffirmed that speakers while enjoying a glass of wine Zinoviy Krasivsky, Yaroslav Lesiv, actions precipitated the beginning of the end the latter, by being an adaptation of the and partaking of a buffet prepared by the Yuriy Lytvyn, Volodymyr Malynkovych, of the Soviet empire. We will be eternally former, is a direct descendant of the center’s committee headed by Dzvinka Valeriy Marchenko, Mykhailo Melnyk, grateful to these brave men and women, Ukrainian version. He touched upon the Z a c h a r c z u k . Vasyl Ovsienko, Leonid Plyusch, Oskana and they will always be in our hearts. Chicago events... (Continued from page 4) In the course of the evening an anony- mous donor challenged the guests by Celebrate Christmas agreeing to match funds raised at the banquet up to $10,000. The evening’s donations totaled over $20,000. Holidays Scheduled to coincide with the 52nd anniversary of Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky’s death on November 1, the holidays are a time for gift-giving. 1944, the weekend also provided the Sheptytsky Institute with an opportunity to honor Bishop Wiwchar for his contin- ued efforts to complete the beatification process of Metropolitan Sheptytsky. Presenting a gift cross from Ukraine to Bishop Wiwchar and a check to sup- port the bishop’s prayer league initiative, Dr. Browar emphasized: “I am happy to introduce an individual, who has under- stood that the canonization of Metropolitan Andrey does not depend solely on solid academic studies... it also depends on whether people really pray for this. The prayer league started by Bishop Michael is a noble effort that needs to be noticed, reinforced and sup- ported, so that its work can continue until the day when the Universal Church recognizes the sanctity of Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky.” On Sunday evening the Sheptytsky Institute held a conference, “The Union of Brest and the Ukrainian Churches Today”. The evening included two pre- sentations: “The Union of Brest com- pared with other Eastern-Catholic Unions” by the Rev. Chirovsky and “The Liturgical Question at the Crossroads of East and West” by the Rev. Petro Galadza. The Rev. Prof. Alexander Baran of Winnipeg, also a Sheptytsky Institute professor, delivered a series of talks during the weekend about Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky. Also during the weekend, the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute Foundation held its annual board meeting. In addition to reviewing the work of the institute and its plans for the future, the board meeting officially enacted the merg- Give a gift subscription to The Ukrainian Weekly for a year, er of the U.S.-based American Friends of the Sheptytsky Institute with the Canadian- or half a year. based Sheptytsky Institute Foundation, forming one organization for North America. More than $150,000 in U.S. YES, SEND A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION TO (please check one): ❏ THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY ❏ SVOBODA funds gathered earlier by the American

Friends were consolidated with the funds THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SVOBODA of the Sheptytsky Institute Foundation. Donors to the newly merged foundation RATES UNA MEMBER NON-MEMBER UNA MEMBER NON-MEMBER can receive full tax benefits in the United ANNUAL $40.00 $60.00 $75.00 $100.00 States and in Canada, since the foundation SEMI-ANNUAL $25.00 $35.00 $40.00 $60.00 is an officially registered charity with both QUARTERLY N/A N/A $22.00 $33.00 federal governments. A projected total of $5 million is needed F o r: ______to ensure the Institute’s survival for gener- ations to come. Address: ______For more information, or to make a From: ______tax-deductible donation, please contact: The Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky (All payments in US funds only) Institute, St. Paul University, 233 Main THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY and SVOBODA are published by St., Ottawa, Ontario K1 S lC4; (613) 239- THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 1393, ext. 2332. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JANUARY 5, 1997 No. 1

PREVIEW OF EVENTS Air Ukraine Saturday, January 11 by Fata Morgana. Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for students; includes a deli- DALLAS: The Zorya Ukrainian Dancers National Airlines cious buffet. For more information, please of Dallas and the Ukrainian American call the Rev. John Fatenko, (609) 585- Society of Texas will host a Ukrainian 1774, or Natalka Posewa, (609) 259-2763. New Year’s celebration, or “malanka,” at NON-STOP FLIGHTS Arthur Sarris Community Center of Holy Saturday, January 25 Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 13555 CHICAGO: The Ukrainian Engineers’ Hillcrest (corner of Alpha). Tickets are Society of America, Chicago Branch, the $35 for adults; $15 for students and chil- NEW YORK - KYIV — Fridays and Sundays Ukrainian Medical Association of North dren. For information or to order tickets America, Illinois Branch, and the call (972) 235-4920. The celebration also Ukrainian Veterinary Medical Association For information and reservations, please call: marks the 20th anniversary of the Zorya of America and Canada, Chicago Branch, Dancers, and proceeds from the event will will hold their annual banquet and ball benefit the troupe. with presentation of debutantes in the 1-800-UKRAINE IRVINGTON, N.J.: The Ukrainian State and Grand Ballroom of the Palmer Community Center and the Ukrainian House Hilton Hotel, 17 E. Monroe St. The (1-800-857-2463) American Youth Association (SUM-A) evening is black tie with music by Nove invites the community and friends to its Pokolinnia. For reservations and more or our corporate offices: annual New Year’s “malanka” dance. This information call (847) 985-3596. All reser- evening of fun and entertainment will vations must be in by January 10. begin at 8 p.m. with a hot buffet, followed New York - (212) 557-3077 Saturday, February 1 by dancing to the sounds of Vechory v New York - (212) 599-0555 Karpatakh. Admission: $35; youth, $20. WHIPPANY, N.J.: The Plast Ukrainian Chicago - (312) 640-0222 The dance will take place at the center, Youth Organization, Newark Branch, is 140 Prospect Ave. For reservations call holding its annual debutante ball at the (201) 375-0156 or (201) 372-9856. Hanover Marriott, Route 10, with music by Tempo and Luna. Cocktails, 6:30 p.m.; Arrival and departure information: Saturday, January 18 presentation of debutantes, 7:30 p.m. JFK - (718) 656-9896 YARDVILLE, N.J.: St. George Ukrainian Tickets: dinner and dance, $75; dance only JFK - (718) 632-6909 Orthodox Church invites the public to its (for students under age 23), $20. For tick- traditional “malanka,” beginning at 9 p.m. ets and reservations please call Daria in the church hall, 839 Yardville- Semanyshyn at Beyond Beepers, (201) Air Ukraine Allentown Road. Music will be provided 515-8326. 551 Fifth Ave., Suite 1002, 1005 New York, NY 10176 For cargo shipments call to: Air Ukraine - Cargo Tel. 718-376-1023, FAX 718-376-1073 2307 Coney Island Ave. (Ave.T), Brooklyn, NY 11223

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