Inside: l and organized crime – page 3 l Vitali Klitschko defeats Dereck Chisora – page 5 l Travels: Ukrainian folklore in Kazakhstan – page 11

ThePublished U by thekrainian Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal W non-profit associationeekly Vol. LXXX No. 9 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2012 $1/$2 in Euro-2012 in Ukraine World’s most influential women asked to help faces lodging crisis: secure release of Ukraine’s political prisoners shortages, high prices

by Zenon Zawada Special to The Ukrainian Weekly KYIV – Ukraine is facing a lodging crisis for the 20 days it will host the Euro-2012 soccer champi- onship this summer, reported government offi- cials. A significant portion of the hotel rooms in the four host cities are already booked, according to media reports, with prices surging for the remainder. “We gave them a zero profit tax rate and prices are increasing nevertheless,” Vice Prime Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine Borys Kolesnikov UNIAN/Valery Solovyov UNIAN/Oleg Gordienko UNIAN/Aleksandr Sinitsa said at a February 17 press conference, UNIAN Lina Kostenko Nina Matvienko Oleksandra Kuzhel reported. Between June 11 and July 1, the cities of Kyiv, KYIV – Three famous women of Ukraine – author Lina by courts but by voters.” Her unjust imprisonment, they stress, Lviv, Kharkiv and Donetsk will host Euro-2012, a Kostenko, singer Nina Matvienko and politician Oleksandra is dangerous not only because Ukraine’s government has tram- soccer championship between national teams Kuzhel – have sent an open letter addressed to the 20 most pled on her rights and freedoms, but because this lawlessness organized every four years by the Union of influential women of the world, calling for help in securing the has made every person in Ukraine vulnerable to the arbitrary European Football Associations (UEFA). Donetsk release of political prisoners in Ukraine, including former whims of state officials. and Kyiv will host a semi-final matches on June 23 Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. The letter’s authors say they believe that Ms. Tymoshenko is and 24 respectively, while Kyiv will host the final They also suggest that imposing sanctions on the leader- the most successful female politician in the post-Soviet space. match on July 1. ship of Ukraine can make it more responsive to international In the presidential election of 2010, which she lost by a slight Those looking to find housing in the coming appeals to release Ms. Tymoshenko and other political prison- margin to Viktor Yanukovych, she was supported by nearly 12 months will have to turn to hostels, campgrounds ers. million Ukrainian citizens, their letter underscores. in parks and local residents willing to rent out “Your personal support in countering human rights abuses The letter was sent to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, their homes for extra cash. The prices for remain- in Ukraine with the assistance of the international community U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Lithuanian ing lodging will reportedly be anywhere between and international human rights institutions is extremely President Dalia Grybauskaite, Vice-President of the European three and 30 times their regular rates, reported important to maintain the guarantees of security of our fami- Commission and High Representative for Delo (www.delo.ua), a Ukrainian business news lies and our nation,” the letter says. Common Foreign and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, website in the Russian language. According to a February 16 posting on the official website President Cristina Fernandez of Argentina, President Dilma For example, Lviv’s four star-hotel Gerold is of Yulia Tymoshenko, Mmes. Kostenko, Matvienko and Kuzhel Rousseff of Brazil, President Tarja Halonen of Finland, U.S. offering a room for two for $409 a night, about write: “We, the women of Ukraine, ask you and all prominent First Lady Michelle Obama, President of Liberia and 2011 three times its current rate, Delo reported. women of the world to help us in our common mission to Nobel Peace Prize winner Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, General Meanwhile, an apartment for four in Kharkiv will defend our shared values of humanism and human rights. Secretary of the National League for Democracy (Burma) and rent for $1,575 a night – more than 30 times the Help us to defend our liberty.” 1991 Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi and others. current price. Ms. Tymoshenko, they write, was “groundlessly sentenced A separate letter is to be sent to the Council of Women World Meanwhile, hotels rated at three stars and higher and brutally jailed for her previous political decisions while in Leaders. are entirely booked in Kyiv and Donetsk, Dyelo office, decisions which in a true democracy are evaluated not Sources: Ukrinform, www.tymoshenko.ua. reported. The housing shortage also means that Ukrainian lodging, typically worse in quality than European accommodations, will be exponentially more expensive than in Poland, reported the 1+1 televi- UWC to monitor Ukraine’s parliamentary elections sion network. In one example, a 23-night package in a three- TORONTO – In response to the January 25 pledge by Committee of America, and Paul Grod, president of the star hotel in Kyiv was selling for $35,625, while Ukraine’s foreign affairs minister to invite international elec- Ukrainian Canadian Congress, were appointed by the UWC 1+1 reporters found the same offer in Warsaw tion observers to monitor the October 28 parliamentary elec- board to serve as committee co-chairs. costing $3,067, about a twelfth of the Kyiv price. tions, the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) has announced Upon accepting her appointment as co-chair, Ms. Olexy Yet the quality of a three-star hotel in Kyiv is inferi- that it will once again actively participate in Ukraine’s elector- emphasized the vital role of international election observers in or to its Polish counterpart. al process by hosting a delegation of international election enhancing the transparency of the election process. “I am grate- Part of the reason for the lack of housing is observers. ful to the UWC board members for placing their confidence in Ukraine’s miserable economy. The nation was Long-and short-term monitoring and reporting on the elec- Paul Grod and myself to co-chair the special committee to lead ranked the worst in on the Index of toral process is critical to protect Ukraine’s fledgling democra- an international election observer mission,” she said. Economic Freedom released by the Heritage cy. As a result, at the last UWC board meeting, a motion was Mr. Grod also thanked the board and added, “Ensuring free Foundation in January. approved to establish a special committee to lead and coordi- and fair elections is critical to Ukraine’s developing democra- So, while Poland has moved towards free mar- nate an international election observation mission. The com- cy, and we are proud that international election observers led ket economic conditions, enabling more competi- mittee’s tasks are to solicit experienced volunteers from UWC by the UWC in coordination with its constituent country orga- tion and therefore lower prices for goods and ser- member organizations worldwide, develop an election nizations will continue to stand by the people of Ukraine.” vices, Ukraine’s cities remain economically stag- observer strategy, prepare training materials and briefings for Information on how to apply to become an international election observer with the UWC’s mission will be available in nant, hindered by an unreformed Soviet-era the election monitors, and coordinate the observer mission. the coming weeks in the Ukrainian news media as well as on (Continued on page 5) Due to their long-time experience in leading past election missions, Tamara Olexy, president of the Ukrainian Congress (Continued on page 5) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2012 No. 9

ANALYSIS

Ukrainian police crack down U.N. donates for Ukraine’s homeless the transit of Russian gas will be reduced to zero, according to a statement from an offi- cial representative of Gazprom, Sergei on electronic file-sharing service $100,000 to aid Ukraine’s homeless after Kupriyanov, released on February 22. “After overКYIV 150 – people,The United many Nations of them has homeless, donated accessible for at least a week. Meanwhile, completion of all the gas pipeline projects by Pavel Korduban died during a severe cold spell. U.N. spokes- hackers made available scores of files from planned by Gazprom – South Stream’s Eurasia Daily Monitor woman Viktoria Andriyevska said on the ministry’s server to Internet audiences expansion and the completion of Nord February 21 that the money would be The Ukrainian authorities’ decision to (Ukrayinska Pravda, February 2-5). Stream – as well as the company’s existing spent on warm clothing, food and heating close a popular file-sharing service has The website Ukrayinska Pravda quoted transportation facilities in Belarus and in centers. Ukraine was hit hard by severe almost provoked a revolution on the local an anonymous representative of a hacker the Black Sea, Ukraine’s transit role for cold earlier this month that claimed 151 Internet. Following a crackdown on ex.ua, group on February 2 as claiming that some Russian gas exports will be zero,” he said. lives and left nearly 4,000 hospitalized with which is Ukraine’s most popular source of 500 professionals were taking part in the The head of Gazprom, Alexei Miller, on hypothermia and frostbite as temperatures pirated videos and music, hackers flattened attack aided by up to 300,000 volunteers. February 21 at a meeting with Russian plunged to minus 30 degrees Celsius President Dmitry Medvedev said that government websites – while the local They had no leader and were “waiting for (minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit). Emergency media and Internet users poured scorn on help from comrades in the U.S.,” the source Gazprom is ready to begin the construction officials said that in 90 percent of the cases of the South Stream pipeline to bypass the government’s clumsy handling of the claimed. the victims died because they were under problem of Internet piracy. The state has The Ukrainian government had to back Ukraine in December 2012. Mr. Medvedev the influence of alcohol. Experts say the instructed Gazprom to build South Stream had to back down. down. On February 2 the Internal Affairs problem has highlighted Ukraine’s inability Ex.ua has resumed its work, although an Ministry said it recalled its request for the with a maximum capacity of pumping 63 and unwillingness to deal with homeless billion cubic meters of gas per year. investigation into its activities is continuing. domain registrar to close ex.ua, as there people. (Associated Press) This shows that it would be difficult for a had been “no sufficient grounds” for the (Ukrinform) Putin: No plans to withdraw BSF government technologically retarded and closure. At the same time, the police said Analyst: Russia will pressure Ukraine deeply mistrusted by the people to eradi- the investigation would continue (Interfax- KYIV – While Russia is not going to with- cate computer piracy. Ukraine, February 2). draw its Black Sea Fleet (BSF) from Crimea, KYIV – After the presidential elections, Kyiv police closed ex.ua on January 31, Ex.ua resumed its work on February 3, it will develop its own base in Novorossiysk, Russia will increase pressure on Ukraine in after raiding its server rooms and seizing although many files were unavailable for Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said order to attract it to the Eurasian space – a servers with some 6,000 terabytes of infor- downloading. The ministry complained at a meeting with army division and brigade project of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir mation. The Internal Affairs Ministry said it that the sympathies of the media and commanders on February 22. “We are not Putin, who is expected to win the Russian opened a criminal case against ex.ua over Internet community were “on the side of going to pull out from Crimea. There is presidential elections on March 4. That copyright violations following complaints the pirates and criminals,” and admitted every reason for that: we signed the rele- opinion was expressed during a roundtable from the international software companies that it had not expected such a public out- vant inter-state agreement with Ukraine, in Kyiv on February 21 by Iryna Microsoft, Adobe and Graphisoft. The min- cry (Kommersant-Ukraine, February 3). regarding the presence of our fleet in the Heraschenko, a member of the Ukrainian istry said the company managers could face The crackdown on ex.ua may provoke a Crimea,” Mr. Putin said. This agreement is delegation of the Committee for up to five years in prison. However, ex.ua wave of anti-Americanism. Channel 5 “unique” in terms of the cost of the Black Parliamentary Cooperation between representatives claimed that they had reported on February 4 that the U.S. had Sea Fleet presence in Ukraine, he said. Ukraine and the European Union. “There is signed agreements with copyright owners, reportedly demanded that ex.ua be shut Under the document, Russia is capitalizing the Russian factor. And I am convinced that so there had been no violations (Interfax- down during a recent visit to Washington the gas discount towards the rental, he said. after March 4 pressure on Ukraine from Ukraine, UNIAN, January 31). by Finance Minister Valery Khoroshkovsky, “We are talking about billions of dollars Russia will be strengthened in the context Microsoft-Ukraine’s representatives who tried to secure a loan from the here,” he said, adding that “no one pays of pulling into the Eurasian space, which denied that they prompted the crackdown International Monetary Fund (IMF). The [such rentals] to anyone anywhere.” He will become the main foreign policy project on ex.ua, but said that as ex.ua has long Internal Affairs Ministry has had to deny added, “Nevertheless, we are considering of Vladimir Putin’s third term,” she said. been known as a pirate website, Microsoft reports that ex.ua was closed at the IMF’s the possibility of the Black Sea Fleet being Given this, the Ukrainian national deputy considered its suspension natural (Interfax- request. based at Russian ports as well, which is why noted the need to initial as quickly as possi- Ukraine, February 1). The attacks exposed the flaws in the gov- we allocated the necessary funding for the ble the Association Agreement between Ex.ua’s lawyers said it was only Adobe ernment’s attitude to computer technolo- development of a base at Novorossiysk and Ukraine and the EU “so that the Ukrainian that officially complained about the viola- gies and the Internet in particular. Hackers will develop it.” (Interfax-Ukraine) authorities, politicians and officials have no tions. In particular, five users uploaded revealed and the Internal Affairs Ministry chance to get away from the path of pirated copies of Adobe’s programs on the grudgingly confirmed that half of the pro- Gazprom to end gas transit through Ukraine European integration.” She added that, “It is desirable to do so in February or March of website. The Internal Affairs Ministry said grams used by the ministry were pirated KYIV – Gazprom claims that after the this year.” (Ukrinform) this was only one episode in the fight (Kommersant-Ukraine, February 2). This launch of South Stream and with the against computer piracy, as some 600 crim- again raised the question of legitimacy of a expansion of Nord Stream, Ukraine’s role in (Continued on page 12) inal cases were referred to the courts last government that, while quietly using stolen year alone (Kommersant-Ukraine, intellectual property, wants to forbid citi- February 3; Interfax-Ukraine, February 4). zens to use the same. However, no previous case had provoked The director of the Cabinet of Ministers’ FOUNDED 1933 such a wave of indignation on the Ukrainian information department, Dmytro Andreyev, The Ukrainian Weekly Internet and in the media as the closure of admitted that the DDoS attacks were a seri- ex.ua. Its content has been easy to down- ous test that forced his department to An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., load and was used by everyone from review the security system used by the gov- a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Yearly subscription rate: $65; for UNA members — $55. Ukrainian teenagers to intellectuals for ernment (Interfax-Ukraine, February 2). years. Tetyana Montyan, a lawyer and public Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. (ISSN — 0273-9348) Also, the crackdown came the a wrong activist, said the government’s websites moment. The popularity of the government were so easy to crack because “money allo- The Weekly: UNA: is very low ahead of the October parliamen- cated for their protection was simply sto- Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 tary election, as opinion polls demonstrate. len” (Channel 5, February 3). It transpires from discussions on Internet Meanwhile, the International Intellectual Postmaster, send address changes to: forums and social networks that average Property Alliance (IIPA), which represents The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas Ukrainian Internet users, the plurality of U.S.-based copyright industries, has asked P.O. Box 280 whom are educated young professionals, the U.S. trade representative to consider Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] do not accept that “the bunch of thieves” in trade sanctions against Ukraine for inade- power can teach ordinary people that it is quate protection of intellectual property The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com wrong to steal intellectual property. rights. The IIPA said the problem did not A backlash followed immediately. The receive sufficient attention from Ukraine’s The Ukrainian Weekly, February 26, 2012, No. 9, Vol. LXXX websites of the presidential office, the government, adding that the government Copyright © 2012 The Ukrainian Weekly Cabinet of Ministers, Parliament, the cen- itself has continued to use unlicensed busi- tral bank, the Security Service and the rul- ness software. Ukraine, according to the ing Party of Regions were put out by DDoS IIPA, has established itself as a “safe haven (distributed denial of service) attacks from for copyright pirates” (www.iipa.com, ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA multiple computers on February 1. Prime February 10; Kommersant-Ukraine, Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3041 Minister ’s Facebook page February 13). e-mail: [email protected] was inaccessible on the same day due to Walter Honcharyk, advertising manager (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 fax: (973) 644-9510 spam. The article above is reprinted from e-mail: [email protected] The Internal Affairs Ministry’s website Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from Mariyka Pendzola, subscriptions (973) 292-9800, ext. 3042 suffered most, flattened by DDoS attacks in its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, e-mail: [email protected] the evening of February 3 and was not www.jamestown.org. No. 9 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2012 3

NEWS ANALYSIS Yanukovych provides a “krysha” for organized crime

by Taras Kuzio to the Party of Regions, and the second time In February of this year Mr. Lutsenko stej/325581). Ukraine has had a total of Eurasia Daily Monitor $1 million plus a $20,000 monthly “salary” addressed the court during his trial with a four procurators-general from Donetsk in (Ukrayinska Pravda, February 4, 2011). sensational disclosure related to when he the last decade with Mr. Piskun (2002- The Party of Regions of Ukraine has YTB Deputy Roman Zabzaliuk claimed was internal affairs minister during the 2003, 2005), Henadii Vasyliev (2003- acted as an insurance agency and protec- he had been given $450,000 to defect to the early period of Prime Minister Yanukovych’s 2004), Mr. Medvedko (2005-2010) and tion racket for former state officials Stability and Reforms Coalition and a 2006-2007 government (http://kommer- Viktor Pshonka (since 2010). accused of abuse of office by giving them $25,000 monthly “salary” (Ukrayinska sant.ua/doc/186743). Mr. Lutsenko After the September 2005 memoran- parliamentary seats and immunity from Pravda, February 8). He taped the conver- recalled: “In the evening the three of us – dum was signed between Messrs. prosecution. The Party of Regions has sation with the offer of the bribe (listen Yanukovych, I and a chauffeur – drove to Yushchenko and Yanukovych, the Party of brought together “much of the political here: http://ostro.org/articles/article- Mezhyhiria [a Soviet-era palace, now Mr. Regions agreed to appoint Mr. Yanukovych’s opposition to President Yushchenko,” the 349540/). The lump sum has been donated Yanukovych’s private residence], which had choice, Mr. Medvedko, as procurator-gener- U.S. Embassy in Kyiv reported (http:// to Batkivschyna, the party led by the not then been ‘privatized.’ With music play- al. Mr. Medvedko began his career working www.wikileaks.org/cable/2007/09/ imprisoned Yulia Tymoshenko (http://tvi. ing, the prime minister said to me, ‘Just in the local prosecutors’ offices in Donetsk 07KYIV2286.html). ua/ua/watch/author/?prog=698& don’t go after Sasha.’ I asked him, ‘Which and Luhansk and maintained close ties to When the Party of Regions is in power video=5562). Sasha?’ He replied, ‘Do not pretend [you do the Party of Regions. His appointment was their friends and defectors from the opposi- A cable from the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv not know]... Sasha Melnyk.” crucial in allowing Mr. Yanukovych to pre- tion are rewarded, while enemies are pun- reported that “[Industrial Union of Donbas Melnyk was No. 21 on the For vent, hinder or halt investigations of state ished – particularly if there is an opportuni- co-owner Sergei] Taruta dismissed the Yanukovych election bloc list to the Crimean officials linked to the Party of Regions. ty to extract revenge for past humiliations whole Donetsk-Regions group, saying ‘they Parliament in the 2006 elections. He is the Two big organized crime bosses were and betrayals. Former Internal Affairs are all looters’” (http://www.wikileaks. leader of the organized crime gang Seilem. elected in 2006 to the Crimean Parliament Minister Yurii Lutsenko is on trial on org/cable/2007/09/07KYIV2286.html#). Mr. Lutsenko replied to Prime Minister by the Party of Regions (Mr. Melnyk and trumped-up charges as an act of revenge by Former National Security and Defense Yanukovych, “Viktor Fedorovych, there is a Igor Lukashev, who chaired the Crimean the Yanukovych administration because of Council Secretary, Volodymyr Horbulin, game called cops and robbers. Well, I am Parliament’s Budget Committee and was his zeal in destroying the organized crime- told U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine John the cop.” Mr. Yanukovych looked back at him known as the “wallet” of the Seilem orga- Party of Regions nexus and putting the cur- Herbst that the Party of Regions is “notable with a startled face and Mr. Lutsenko nized crime gang) and one by the Kunitsyn rent vice prime minister, Boris Kolesnykov, for its inclusion of criminal and anti- recalled, “He thought I was kidding.” bloc (Ruvim Aronov, leader of the in jail in 2005 on charges of extortion. democracy figures” (http://wikileaks.org/ Mr. Lutsenko claimed that the current Bashmaki organized crime gang). Then Political corruption is ingrained in east- cable/2006/01/06KIEV400.html). deputy procurator-general, Renat Kuzmin, Internal Affairs Minister Lutsenko told the ern Ukrainian (Eurasian) political culture. Another cable from the U.S. Embassy in was responsible for Mr. Melnyk’s evasion of U.S. Embassy in Kyiv that the Seilem orga- On four occasions since the 1998 elections, Kyiv described the Party of Regions as justice after the Party of Regions lobbied nized crime gang had been responsible in former President Leonid Kuchma, Prime “long a haven for Donetsk-based mobsters the Procurator’s Office not to press charg- the 1990s for 52 contract murders, includ- Minister and President Viktor Yanukovych and oligarchs,” led by “Donetsk clan godfa- es: “Kuzmin signed arrest warrants for two ing those of one journalist, two police offi- have sought to bribe, blackmail and coerce ther Rinat Akhmetov” (http://wikileaks. gang members, but not for the boss. After cers, 30 businesspersons and 15 organized opposition deputies to defect to them. org/cable/2006/02/06KIEV473.html#). his 72 hours of detention had expired, he crime competitors (http://wikileaks.org/ In 2000, the Viktor Yushchenko govern- The Party of Regions has given orga- was released and went straight to Boryspil cable/2006/12/06KYIV4558.html#). ment found line items in the budget they nized gang members places facilitating [airport],” adding, “Having all the evidence The Family, the newly emerging clan sur- inherited of payments of $1.5 million for their election to Parliament, local govern- connecting the gang to murders, including rounding President Yanukovych, is becom- deputies elected two years earlier in single ment and the Crimean Parliament (on that of the murder of a police officer, ing one of the strongest clans in Ukraine mandate districts (http://www.istpravda. organized crime in Crimea see U.S. Deputy Procurator-General Renat Kuzmin (http://www.rosbalt.ru/ukraina/2011/ com.ua/articles/2011/04/29/37058/). In Embassy cable from Kyiv http://wikileaks. releases the man who Yanukovych shelters, 11/22/915636.html). Mr. Yanukovych may 2002, the Liberal Party and trade unionists org/cable/2006/12/06KYIV4558.html). In the head of an organized crime gang.” Mr. be seeking to emulate Russian Prime defected from Our Ukraine to the pro-presi- the March 2006 elections to the Crimean Lutsenko also accused Mr. Kuzmin of “reha- Minister Vladimir Putin whose fortune, dential coalition. In 2007, 20 Our Ukraine Parliament and local councils, hundreds of bilitating” another of Ukraine’s most noto- according to the former Guardian corre- deputies defected to the Anti-Crisis candidates who had “problems with the rious crime bosses, Givi Nemsadze, who led spondent in Luke Harding, is alleg- Coalition leading to President Yushchenko’s law,” according to then Internal Affairs an organized crime gang that allegedly edly in the region of $40 billion (Luke decree to disband Parliament. In 2010, over Minister Lutsenko, ran in the Za Soyuz (For committed over 100 murders (http://kom- Harding, “Mafia State,” London: Guardian 60 opposition deputies from Our Ukraine- Union), For Yanukovych and Kunitsyn elec- mersant.ua/doc/1867436). Books, 2011, pp. 22-23). This is at least $11 People’s Self Defense (OU-PSD) and the tion blocs. Party of Regions Deputy Vasyl Mr. Lutsenko routinely complained that billion more than Russia’s wealthiest oli- Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc (YTB) defected to Kyselev condemned the presence of his efforts to fight corruption and orga- garch, Oleg Deripaska (see Eurasia Daily the Stability and Reforms Coalition. “Seilem” organized crime gang leader nized crime received no support from Monitor, July 26, 2010). Allegations have long circulated that Aleksandr Melnyk in the For Yanukovych President Yushchenko, whose two procura- The Family includes former organized since 2010 they have received bribes of parliamentary coalition in the Crimean tors-general, Sviatoslav Piskun and crime figures from President Yanukovych’s between $1 million to $2 million in lump Parliament. Mr. Yanukovych responded Oleksander Medvedko, were both Donetsk hometown of Yenakievo in the Donetsk sums and $25,000 in monthly “salaries.” with the stern rebuke: “I take responsibility loyalists (http://gazeta.ua/articles/poli- Oblast (see EDM, December 2, 2011). Yurii OU-PSD Deputy Oles Doniy revealed he for him” (http://www.pravda.com.ua/arti- tics/_lucenko-rozpoviv-yak-medvedko-vid- had been offered $10 million for defecting cles/2010/02/19/4788595/). bilyue-yanukovicha-vid-sudimo- (Continued on page 18) First wine, then meat, then veggies. Now Russia cuts the (Ukrainian) cheese

RFE/RL Onishchenko abruptly called off an agree- Ukrainian rivals. Kazakhstan, while Kyiv has been pursuing a ment under which the Russian agency and Russia last year accounted for some 80 free-trade agreement with the European A dispute over Ukrainian cheese is Ukrainian authorities were meant to jointly percent of Ukrainian cheese exports. Union. threatening to further damage relations inspect the embattled cheese factories. Rospotrebnadzor’s past bans on foreign In recent years, Russia and Ukraine have between Russia and Ukraine, where offi- Like many officials in Kyiv, Anatolii food products have often been denounced also bitterly sparred over the price of cials are accusing Moscow of political Kinakh, a former Ukrainian prime minister as political stunts serving the interests of Russian natural gas. blackmail. and economy minister who now heads the the Kremlin, and the “cheese war” is no The impact of the “cheese war” is After Georgian wine, Polish meat and country’s Union of Industrialists and exception. already being felt in Ukraine. At least one European vegetables, it’s Ukrainian cheese Entrepreneurs, believes the so-called “There is definitely a political aspect cheese factory has temporarily halted pro- that has come under the scrutiny of “cheese war” has, in fact, little to do with here,” said Pavlo Rozenko, an expert on duction and economists predict a drop in Russia’s consumer-goods watchdog, food quality. social policy with the Kyiv-based Razumkov domestic prices if products originally des- Rospotrebnadzor. “This process should be taking place Center think tank. “Certain circles in Russia tined for export start flooding the The combative agency last week barred without economic or political pressure,” Mr. support an ideology that implies control- Ukrainian market. imports of cheese from three major Kinakh said. “The fact that Ukraine is ling Ukraine so that it is forced to compro- Ukrainian producers, accusing them of forced to turn to a third party is not the mise on gas issues, on the Customs Union, Written by Claire Bigg, with reporting using excessive quantities of palm oil in ideal method to resolve such an issue.” the free-trade zone and more generally on from RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service. their products – a charge the producers integration processes. And Ukrainian Copyright 2012, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted Political stunts vehemently deny. authorities are allowing others to make fun with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ Ukraine announced on February 13 that His comments echo remarks by of them by playing the game of integration Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, it would send samples to independent lab- Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov, with Russia and the European Union.” Washington DC 20036 (http://www.rferl. oratories abroad for analysis after who has accused Russian dairy producers Russia has repeatedly called on Ukraine org/content/russia_ukraine_cheese_ Rospotrebnadzor chief Gennady of initiating the dispute to discredit their to join its Customs Union with Belarus and war_/24483954.html). 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2012 No. 9

OBITUARY Peter Trimpolis, 100, deportation survivor and war veteran, author WINNIPEG, Manitoba – Peter forced labor and became a fugitive. camp, Mr. Trimpolis came to Canada in 1979. Surviving are daughters Helen and Trimpolis, who survived Soviet deporta- Mr. Trimpolis assumed several false 1947 with no money, family contacts or Lilly, two grandsons, one brother and tion and fought in the second world war identities while crisscrossing the Soviet knowledge of the English language. two sisters, and numerous nieces and before settling in Canada and publishing Union, working hard to send food parcels He first worked in a lumber camp in nephews in Ukraine. his memoirs, passed away on December to his still-imprisoned family. It was dur- Thunder Bay, Ontario, and through mutu- Over the decades Mr. Trimpolis had 5, 2011, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. ing these tough years that he learned the al friends began corresponding with a amassed a collection of notes, which he Mr. Trimoplis was born in 1911 in the electrical trade, which he would later Ukrainian girl from Winnipeg, whom he compiled into a memoir that he pub- village of Nyzhnia Pokrova in the Kharkiv practice in Canada. met during a brief visit and married in lished in 1998 in Ukrainian as “Ternystyi region. In 1929 his happy childhood was When the Germans invaded the Soviet 1949. Mr. Trimpolis took up construction Skhliakh Zhyttia” and “My Rocky Road of shattered when the Soviet regime confis- Union in 1941, he was conscripted into in Manitoba, and specialized in the elec- Life” in English in 2000. At the age of 96 cated the family’s farm in the “deku- the Red Army, trained as a medic and trical trade. He retired from Canadian he completed a second book, “My Life in lakization” campaign. deployed to the defense of Moscow. He National Railways in 1976 after 13 years Canada.” At the age of 18, along with his family survived four Nazi death camps and suc- of service, but kept himself busy by main- Readers interested in purchasing of 10, Trimpolis and many other residents cessfully avoided repatriation to the taining rental properties. either English-language book may con- of Nyzhnia Pokrova were deported to the Soviet Union at the end of the war. After Mr. Trimpolis was predeceased by his tact Mr. Trimpolis’s daughter, Lilly Burky, far north of Russia. Amazingly, he escaped two years in a displaced persons (DP) wife, Mary, in 1998 and his son, Walter, in at 204-269-1614. Maria Luciuk, former slave laborer and DP, Ukrainian patriot and community activist KINGSTON, Ontario – Maria Luciuk, a the Soviet empire fell and Ukraine recov- They lived in a boarding house on the former slave laborer and displaced per- ered its place in Europe. edge of the city’s immigrant and working son, Ukrainian nationalist and communi- Finding sanctuary in the Freiman class North End. ty activist, died here on February 10. She Kasserne Displaced Persons camp, near Wanting to start a family, they moved was 84. Munich, Ms. Makalo joined the to 68 Nelson St., infusing it with all things Born on July 17, 1927, in the western Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists, Ukrainian. Crossing their threshold you Ukrainian village of Kurnyky, Maria (née becoming a trusted underground courier. entered Ukraine as they remembered or Makalo) was press-ganged to work on a The times were dangerous. Soon enough, imagined it should be – a welcoming and Bavarian farm during the second world she came under surveillance. She was happy place. When their children were war. stopped in Munich’s English Gardens by born they named them Lubomyr, (Lover In May 1945 she found herself among Danylo Luciuk. Fortunately, he too was a of Peace) and Nadia, (Hope) evoking what millions of political refugees unwilling to nationalist. He became her unofficial they had found in their new homeland. return home, all of Ukraine having fallen bodyguard, eventually her husband, rare- Encountering fellow citizens who under Soviet occupation, the Stalinist ly leaving her side from then until she knew little, if anything, about Ukraine or regime brutally suppressing resistance died, peacefully, in his arms, in their bed, Ukrainians, Mrs. Luciuk dedicated her- into the 1950s. Maria’s father, Stepan, cap- in their home, after more than six self to overcoming that ignorance. She tured by the Communists, perished rather decades of happily married life. helped establish the Kingston and District Folk Arts Council, the Ukrainian than renounce the cause of Ukraine’s lib- Resettled from post-war Europe to Maky Dance Ensemble and the Ukrainian eration. The Iron Curtain then severed Kingston, Ontario, in 1949, Maria and Canadian Club of Kingston, and was the ties to her mother, three brothers and sis- Danylo Luciuk found work, she at Hotel ter, a chasm un-breached until 1991 when Dieu Hospital, he at Brock Jewellers. (Continued on page 13) Maria Luciuk

The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund: January Amount Name City Wasyl Wowchuk Hawthorn Woods, IL $15.00 Adriana Helbig Pittsburgh, PA $1,500.00 Micros Retail System Weehawken, NJ $30.00 Steve Ilkiw Montreal, QC Wasyl and Stanislawa Stratford, CT Inc. $25.00 William Adamshick Perth Amboy, NJ Kovach $125.00 Daria Pishko Chatham, NJ Tamara Cornelison Abington, PA Chrystyna Nebesh Parma, OH $105.00 Anna Maluca Dundas, IL Olenka and Jurij Silver Spring, MD Eugene Repeta Warren, MI $100.00 Alexander Chudolij Clifton, NJ Dobczansky Natalia Ripeckyj Eau Clair, WI Marta Farion Chicago, IL Mark Dushnyck Brooklyn, NY Peter Woloschuk Dorchester, MA Anna Maluca Dundas, IL Ihor and Natalie Columbia, MD Kristina Zaluckyj Hugo, MN Natalie Sluzar North Port, FL Gawdiak $10.00 Wolodymyr Bileckyj W. St. Paul, MN $90.00 Sophie Worobec Chicago, IL Bohdan Guran Venice, FL Daria Drobny Dearborn, MI $75.00 Alex Kramarchuk Jupiter, FL Oleh Karpenko Richmond, CA Peter Fedynsky Brooklyn, NY Chrystyna Sarachman Philadelphia, PA Oksana Koropeckyj Baltimore, MD Anatol Grynewytsch Newport News, VA $70.00 Myron Komarynsky St. Louis, MO John Koshikar Pisgah Forrest, NC Wolodymyr Hetmansky North Port, FL $55.00 George Horb Chicago, IL Anna Kowal Rochester, NY Damian Hruszkewycz New Haven, CT $50.00 Regina Carbon Foster, City, CA Ulana Kushner Lathrup Village, MI Olga Karmazyn Aliquippa, PA Zoryslava Gojaniuk Trenton, NJ Joseph and Martha Danville, CA Ihor Konrad Port Allegany, PA Pearl Holubowsky North York, ON Mazuryk Myron Pawlowsky Winnipeg, MB Damian Platosh Branford, CT Yaroslaw Leshko Northampton, MA Luba Melnyk Elmhurst, NY Halina Prytula Brighton, MI Marta Lopatynska Morristown, NJ Maria Oharenko Redondo Beach, CA Maria Rymaruk Herndon, VA Paul Luciw Davis, CA Helen Petryshyn Sarasota, FL Joseph Sachno Flushing, NY Luba Nowak Chicago, IL Walter Petryshyn Sarasota, FL Tania and Walter Yardley, PA Marta Petryna Arlington, VA Vera and Alexander Pickerington, OH Zinych Daria Zachar Redondo Beach, CA Pokora $5.00 Andrij Cybyk Woodside, NY $45.00 Halyna and Stan Brick, NJ Michael Sosiak Curitiba Parana, Brazil Bohdan Dombchewskyj Monroe, NC Jakubowycz Bohdan Sybydlo Mississauga, ON Mary Gaboda Belvidere, VT Katja Kolcio Higganum, CT Gregg Trendowski Detroit, MI George Gela Pittsfield, MA Zenon and Dozia Cleveland, OH Roman Voronka Maplewood, NJ Sophia Holyk Scranton, PA Krislaty Jarema Wolosenko Brookline, MA Marusia Jacus Holmdel, NJ Jaroslav and Vera Forest Hills, NY Ann Zinich Berwick, PA Zenia Kuzel Rochester, NY Kryshtalsky $20.00 Vera Andrushkiw Troy, MI Anna Sawchuk Jamaica, NY Stefan Peleschuk Stamford, CT Oleh Karawan Inverness, IL Stephania Tatchyn Timonium, MD $40.00 Ihor Chorneyko Dundas, ON Walter Lojik Kearns, UT Bo Kaluszyk Avon, OH Steven Macko Hoffman Estates, IL TOTAL: $4,577.50 Radoslav Zuk Montreal, QC Tamara Marchuk- Mt. Kisco, NY Sincere thanks to all contributors to $37.50 Raymon Badynskyj Phoenix, AZ Farrell The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund. $35.00 Peter Bencak Chicago, IL Irene Martyniuk Fitchburg, MA Basilius Hryb Hillside, NJ Genny Murskyj Troy, MI The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund is the only Jean Ochrym Etobicoke, ON Anna Pawliw-Mariani Port Charlotte, FL fund dedicated exclusively to supporting the Zdanna Skalsky Gaithersburg, MD Peter Romanyshyn Arvada, CO work of this publication. No. 9 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2012 5

Klitschko retains WBA title against Dereck Chisora PARSIPPANY, N.J. – World Boxing Council and two had him winning by six rounds. heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (44- Although Klitschko was always in control, it 2, 40 KO) retained his title on February 18 seemed that Chisora’s efforts were not in Munich against Dereck Chisora (15-3, 9 being recognized. Although Chisora missed KO) of Great Britain. The 12-round fight at the his opportunity to knock out Klitschko by sold-out 13,000-seat Olympiahalle Munich the eighth round, he gave Klitschko one of arena was scored unanimously in favor of the most grueling nights in many years. Klitschko 118-110, 118-110, 119-111. In a show of his age, Klitschko suffered a Klitschko’s 28-year-old challenger “small rupture of a ligament in his left attracted media attention to the pre-fight shoulder,” a Klitschko spokesman told weigh-in, when he slapped the 40-year-old ESPN.com, but the champion hopes to fight Klitschko. Chisora faces a $50,000 fine from again in September. Klitschko plans to the WBC and a scheduled a hearing before undergo physical therapy to rehabilitate the Britain’s Board of Control, and not for the shoulder. This derails his previous plans to first time, for his antics. fight three times this year. In the locker room prior to the fight, “Klitschko underwent an MRI on Sunday Chisora threatened to pull out of the fight and further medical examinations on Klitschko.com when he was ordered to re-wrap the hand Monday. Besides the ligament, a nerve in his Dereck Chisora of Great Britain covers up to avoid a barrage from Vitali Klitschko at bandages after they had been inspected by shoulder was affected in round 3.... As a the Olympiahalle in Munich on February 18. Wladimir Klitschko, the champion’s brother result, he was not able to use his left hand as and cornerman, who complained of taping he wanted to. First fears it could have been mer WBA title holder David Haye. It is not be allowed to box in Germany again. over the knuckles. And, in the ring, Chisora the same shoulder ligament that tore apart believed that a glass bottle was thrown at Although Klitschko told Die Welt news- spat water at Wladimir Klitschko. and made him stop the fight against Chris Chisora by Haye, and Chisora’s manager, paper he wants a rematch against Chisora The first four rounds were dominated by Byrd in 2000 have not been confirmed. Adam Booth, who tried to halt the scrap, to really punish him with a knockout, Klitschko, with Chisora adopting a Joe- Klitschko will have to pause for six to eight ended up with nasty cuts on his face. Klitschko’s management ruled it out. Frazier-style crouch. By the end of the weeks before he can get back into full train- Dr. Tomas Putz, president of the Wladimir Klitschko, who holds four eighth round all three ringside judges had ing,” Klitschko’s Facebook page noted. Federation of German Professional Boxers, other heavyweight titles, is scheduled to Klitschko more comfortably ahead. One During the post-fight press conference, a called for Chisora to be banned for life from fight against Jean-Marc Mormeck of France judge had Klitschko ahead by five rounds, brawl developed between Chisora and for- the sport. He said he believes the Briton will in Dusseldorf, Germany, on March 3. Ukrainian Days in Washington to promote Ukrainian American community’s concerns briefing session at the Charles Mott The Ukrainian Days program will also tered group within the U.S. House of Ukrainian National Information Service Foundation House on Capitol Hill and join include a gala reception on Wednesday eve- Representatives that is interested in WASHINGTON – The Ukrainian National other Central and East European communi- ning commemorating the 35th anniversary enhancing relations between Ukraine and Information Service (UNIS), the Washington ties who will also be in Washington for the of the Ukrainian National Information the United States. public-affairs bureau of the Ukrainian annual Central and East European Coalition Service. Founded by the UCCA during the Throughout the two-day event, partici- Congress Committee of America (UCCA), is (CEEC) Advocacy Day event. height of the Cold War in 1977, UNIS has pants will meet with their respective legisla- organizing Ukrainian Days in Washington Presentations by American government been instrumental in advocating the com- tors in the House of Representatives and on Wednesday and Thursday, April 25-26. officials and non-governmental organiza- munity’s concerns. Its unwavering commit- Senate in order to relate issues that concern The purpose of Ukrainian Days is to pro- tions (NGOs) are scheduled for the advocacy ment to securing independence for Ukraine the Ukrainian American community and mote the concerns of the Ukrainian participants. Of particular interest will be a and, since 1991, enhancing relations establish closer communications with their American community, as well as to establish discussion topics such as the upcoming par- between Ukraine and the United States, has offices. Such relations and contacts are criti- better relations with administration offi- liamentary elections in Ukraine; U.S. foreign earned it much respect throughout cally important this year as both Ukraine cials, think-tank organizations, and elected assistance to the region in fiscal year 2013; Washington. and the United States will hold elections in representatives in Congress. Briefing energy security in Central and East Europe; On Thursday morning, April 26, partici- the autumn, UNIS noted. papers on various topics will be supplied to NATO enlargement; continued advocacy of pants of Ukrainian Days will attend a For further information about participat- all Ukrainian Days participants by UNIS. the Ukrainian Genocide of 1932-1933; as breakfast meeting with congressional staff- ing, readers may contact the Ukrainian On Wednesday morning, April 25, well as the overall context of U.S.-Ukraine ers and members of the Congressional National Information Service at 202-547- Ukrainian Days participants will gather for a relations. Ukrainian Caucus (CUC), an officially regis- 0018 or at [email protected].

President Eugene Czolij. Ukraine’s conditions have even deterred UWC to monitor... The Ukrainian World Congress is an Euro-2012... national teams from setting up their bases international coordinating body for of operations in Ukraine. Of the 16 teams (Continued from page 1) (Continued from page 1) Ukrainian communities in the diaspora rep- competing in the European tournament, the UWC website at www.ukrainianworld- resenting the interests of over 20 million bureaucracy plagued by inefficiency and only two have their bases in Ukraine, the congress.org. Ukrainians. The Ukrainian World Congress corruption. UNIAN news agency reported. “The monitoring of elections in Ukraine has member organizations in 32 countries “The investment framework remains At such prices, it may become less expen- continues to be a priority for the UWC. The and ties with Ukrainians in 13 additional underdeveloped, and bureaucratic require- sive for European visitors to fly to Ukrainian right to vote in free and fair elections is a countries. Founded in 1967 as a non-profit ments deter much-needed growth in private cities rather than stay there overnight, Mr. fundamental democratic right that express- corporation, the Ukrainian World Congress investment,” the Heritage Foundation Kolesnikov said on February 17. es the political will of the people. The UWC was recognized in 2003 by the United reported. “Budget (airline) companies can fly from encourages all eligible voters to vote on Nations Economic and Social Council as a Hyatt, Holiday Inn and Radisson are Europe to Ukraine for $200 per match. October 28, 2012, during Ukraine’s non‑governmental organization (NGO) with among the only Western hotel chains to Three matches from each team would Parliamentary elections,” stated UWC special consultative status. open shop in Ukraine, with only five loca- amount to $600, yet living here will be even tions among them for the entire country. more expensive,” he said. “If the hotels don’t Moreover, the five-star Hyatt Regency reduce their prices, they won’t earn any- and Holiday Inn’s Intercontinental are also thing. There’s a good saying – greed gives some of the nation’s most expensive hotels, birth to poverty.” situated in the historical heart of Kyiv and Ukrainian civic activists have already unaffordable for most travelers. begun to urge their fellow citizens to consid- State officials plan to set up several tent er renting or subletting their apartments to campgrounds in Kyiv’s wooded areas, Euro-2012 visitors, or even hosting them, so including the Trukhaniv Island in the as to rescue their nation from international Dnipro River. disgrace. Private tent cities are surfacing as well. Real estate agents expect apartments in The price tag for a simple pup tent on Kyiv’s downtown locations, or near stadiums, will outskirts is $600 for six nights, with no rent for at least $100 to $125 per night, refund, as advertised by the Kiev Football 30-40 percent more than those further Fans Camp, a company advertising on inter- away, Delo reported. national websites but offering no contact “I think the biggest punishment for these info. hotel owners is that no one will come to In Donetsk, tents are renting for $93 a them,” said Markian Lubkivskyi, the director night, while a hostel room for two has of the Euro-2012 city organizing committee. UCCA UCC reached $175 per night, the 1+1 network “People will decline to live in rooms that don’t Tamara Olexy Paul Grod reported. live up to expectations in service or prices.” 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2012 No. 9

NEWS AND VIEWS The Ukrainian Weekly Yanukovych vs the UWC Promoting Holodomor Viktor Yanukovych and his cronies are at it again. Once again, they have chosen to belittle and disparage the Ukrainian diaspora. This time it is the National Institute awareness in Connecticut for Strategic Studies, which functions under the aegis of the president, and it is tar- by Myron Melnyk times and needed to quickly modernize an geting the Ukrainian World Congress. agrarian society. Having no colonies out- As noted on the NISS website, “The National Institute for Strategic Studies is the The Connecticut Holodomor Awareness side his borders, Stalin chose to “colonize main research organization, which provides analytical and prognostic support for Committee (CHAC), formed in 2008 to from within” and to exploit, to the maxi- the activity. For more than 15 years experts of Institute carry commemorate the 75th anniversary of the mum, available internal resources to make out strategic initiatives, analytical research and practical recommendations to meet Ukrainian Holodomor, is continuing its real his vision of a modern society. Food the full range of challenges of nowadays.” (Their English, not ours…) In an analysis cumbersomely titled “Technologies for Securing the Informational campaign of promoting awareness of this became the export currency to fund the Competitiveness of the State in the Modern World: Conclusions for Ukraine” (as great human tragedy. The campaign has effort, and state-driven collectivization translated from the original Ukrainian; the analysis may be found at http://www. seen a number of recent successes, includ- became the method for controlling this cur- niss.gov.ua/articles/466/), the NISS speaks of Ukraine’s image and the country’s ing raising awareness through work with rency, its production, distribution and “branding” in the international arena, and provides proposals on how to optimize local media and with educators. export. The ruthless enforcement of these policies, which escalated in the early Ukraine’s position in the “world informational space,” especially now as the Euro- Connecticut Public Radio program 2012 soccer championships approach. It speaks of such moves as hiring PR special- 1930s, resulted in peasant resistance, and ists, restructuring and modernizing Ukrainian state television and radio, as well as On December 13, 2011, Connecticut eventually death by forced starvation, or Ukrinform (the national information agency), and creating an official web portal for Public Radio, through its hourlong “Where what is now called the Holodomor. Ukraine, as well as the importance of “spin-doctoring.” We Live” program, marked the unveiling of In the course of the program, the host While the document says that Ukraine’s relations with the Ukrainian diaspora Yale University’s digital archive of Joseph raised the issue of the use of the term need to be “normalized,” it goes on to propose that the Ukrainian World Congress, Stalin’s personal documents. The program “genocide,” asking Mr. Kuzma if the word which has issued a number of statements and appeals to world bodies that “discred- explored the “controversial figure’s” life matters. it the actions of Ukrainian authorities in the eyes of the European and world commu- and shared new information revealed by Mr. Kuzma responded with an emphatic nities,” must be depicted, “at best, as a representative of only a specific segment, or the archive, including Stalin’s policy direc- “yes“ and went on to eloquently explain more accurately, certain circles of the Ukrainian diaspora.” tives and how the Holodomor was impact- why it does. He summarized the position of Thus, Ukraine’s spin doctors must make sure that the UWC, “which positions itself ed by them. Raphael Lemkin, who coined the term and as the ‘highest community coordinating body representing all organized Ukrainians The program’s guests included John authored the Genocide Convention adopt- who emigrated to or have been born in the diaspora,’ ” must not be perceived as such. Donatich, director of the Yale University ed by the United Nations General Assembly Therefore, the UWC’s well-justified criticism of the Yanukovych administration’s Press, which is charged with organizing the in 1948; in Dr. Lemkin’s view Soviet poli- selective prosecution of opponents, targeting of independent media outlets and uni- 28,000-document collection of Stalin’s per- cies toward Ukraine fit his own classic defi- versities, destructive policies regarding the Ukrainian language and history (to cite sonal letters, notes, and policy initiatives nition of genocide. just a few examples), must not be treated seriously – after all, these are the opinions and directives. Other guests were Yale While commending Prof . Snyder’s work, of only a “segment” of the diaspora. Ukraine’s image must be changed, not by altering University historian Timothy Snyder, Mr. Kuzma bolstered his Holodomor geno- its leaders’ appalling behavior, but by simply spinning a different story. whose area of expertise is Central and East cide argument by citing historical examples For the record, the UWC, founded in 1967, represents the interests of over 20 million Europe’s history of the 1930s and 1940s. of Russian and Soviet attempts to suppress Ukrainians, has member-organizations in 32 countries and has ties with Ukrainians in His 2010 book “Bloodlands: Europe Ukrainian culture and religious identity, 13 additional countries. It is hardly representative of a mere segment of the diaspora. between Hitler and Stalin,” has altered the including Pyotr Valuyev’s ban on Ukrainian UWC President Eugene Czolij reacted to the NISS analysis by stating: “The mainstream thinking about the history of language publications in 1863, the reversal Ukrainian World Congress calls upon Ukrainian government authorities to heed its that era. appeals which are consistent with the position of the international community. of Soviet nationalities policy in the 1920s, Instead of attempting to marginalize the Ukrainian World Congress, which has rep- Alex Kuzma, executive director of the the liquidation of prominent Ukrainian resented the interests of the multi-million Ukrainian diaspora for 45 years, Ukrainian Catholic Education Foundation intellectuals in the Great Purges of the late Ukrainian government authorities should change their current course and work and a CHAC member, was also a guest on 1930s, and the decimation of the Ukrainian actively toward making Ukraine a truly democratic European state.” the program, and presented the Ukrainian Orthodox and Ukrainian Catholic Churches. The NISS recommendation regarding the Ukrainian World Congress brings to perspective on the of events of this period. At the end of the program, an interesting mind a commentary that appeared last year in May on the official website of Mr. During the program, Mr. Donatich pro- exchange took place related to Stalin’s lega- Yanukovych’s Party of Regions of Ukraine in which the author castigated Ukrainian vided details about some of the documents cy and influence in Russia today. The pro- Canadians and Ukrainian Americans for “tell[ing] us how to live, what to do and whom that were obtained in the 1990s through gram’s host, John Dankosky, referred to to elect based only on the fact that their parents trace their roots to Ukraine.” The arti- collaboration with the Russian State Vladimir Putin’s recent depiction of Stalin cle also used a Soviet mode of attack – we suppose one would call that spin-doctoring Archives. These materials, annotations to as a “good manager.” Prof. Snyder agreed in today’s parlance – when he depicted members of the patriotic North American books read, personal letters and notes that Stalin’s rule left an indelible mark on diaspora as Nazi collaborators. (You can read our editorial on that issue by going to reveal a great deal about Stalin’s develop- the psyche of present-day Russians, but our website, www.ukrweekly.com and clicking on the issue dated July 17, 2011.) ment as a leader, his changing states of noted that, unfortunately, Stalin’s manage- The Yanukovych administration, it is clear, remains openly hostile to the mind, his use of the army and secret police, rial and administrative “talents” were best Ukrainian diaspora. And, it appears it has no intention of changing its spots. and the evolution of his thinking. applied to the annihilation of millions of Mr. Donatich cited a chilling example lives in the 1930 and 1940s. related to Stalin’s readings of Vladimir Mr. Kuzma noted the world’s ambivalent Lenin’s treatise “State and Revolution,” and passive attitude towards Mr. Putin’s which he read multiple times in order to remarks. He brought up an analogous March Turning the pages back... appropriate Lenin’s teachings. Each con- hypothetical situation, saying that if secutive reading was marked with margin German President Angela Merkel had com- Fifteen years ago, on March 2, 1997, Bishop Vsevolod, ruling notes of a different color, as if Stalin himself mented favorably today on Adolph Hitler’s 2 hierarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in America, was was recording a chronology of how his efficiency, leadership and managerial skills, enthroned as archbishop of the Western Eparchy of the thinking was evolving over the years. The the world would be “up in arms.” Yet Mr. 1997 Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A., at St. Volodymyr initial set of comments was quite benign. Putin’s remarks remain largely unnoticed Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Chicago. The move marked the Subsequent annotations became more and provoke little reaction. unification of the two Churches in the diaspora and was regard- ominous until, at the final reading, Stalin’s The program may be downloaded in its ed as a step toward Church unity in Ukraine. notes foreshadowed his willingness to use entirety at: http://www.yourpublicmedia. This was part of deliberate steps taken by the UOC-U.S.A. to fulfill Patriarch Mstyslav’s mass violence as a tool to promulgate org/content/wnpr/where-we-live-stalin-s- final will and testament: the acceptance by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A. of Communist revolution. soviet-union the omophor (spiritual authority) of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople; the The digital archives are currently in beta Working with the NERC creation of the Permanent Conference of Ukrainian Orthodox Bishops Beyond the Borders format, accessible only to a select group of of Ukraine; and the unification of the two largest Ukrainian Orthodox Churches in America scholars. They will be available online in In addition to its work with local media, – the UOC of America and the UOC-U.S.A. the spring of this year. the Connecticut Holodomor Awareness Patriarch Filaret, ruling primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Kyiv Patriarchate, Prof. Snyder underscored the detailed Committee (CHAC) has also been working in an interview with The Ukrainian Weekly, said: nature of Communist records. Lenin and with educators, in particular, with the “Well, first of all, this is their own decision. Of course, we would naturally like the Stalin believed that in order to document Northeast Regional Conference on the Ukrainian diaspora to belong to the Kyiv Patriarchate, but, they decided to join the the greatest transformation of society that, Social Studies (NERC). The annual confer- Patriarchate of Constantinople. This unification is beneficial to us, in the sense that a hier- in their minds, was under way, materials archy that Moscow does not recognize and does not regard as an Orthodox hierarchy has ence provides an opportunity for social should be meticulously preserved and been recognized and accepted by Constantinople. studies educators from the New England studied by future generations. “Thus, if the ecumenical patriarch has now recognized a Church and its bishops, which states, New York and New Jersey to learn in 1942 were declared uncanonical, this means that, from the point of view of Ecumenical Prof. Snyder summarized the events of about new teaching resources and new Orthodoxy, our Kyiv hierarchy also is canonical, as are all Orthodox Churches.” the early 1930s, stressing Stalin’s policies ways of presenting topics in history, geogra- In the interview, Patriarch Filaret also rebuked Moscow’s claim to Ukraine as its of industrialization and collectivization. In phy, citizenship and related social studies. his analysis, Stalin was building a rival sys- (Continued on page 16) tem to the prevailing capitalist model of the (Continued on page 16) No. 9 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2012 7

From a Canadian Angle by Oksana Bashuk Hepburn

Diaspora’s confused response Tango OUN in Argentina In April of 2000, Lesia and I traveled to Russia, the rise of the Ukrainian National to Ukraine’s ongoing woes romantic Buenos Aires. Tangos in the park. Republic, and the establishment of the There’s been grumbling by some about over illegally; over 300 citizens freeze to Gauchos on the pampas. Succulent steaks on Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church. the decision taken by the Ukrainian death without heat, while oligarchs make the grill. And, of course, Ukrainians. All kinds. Returning to his people in 1924, he placed Canadian Congress, the umbrella organi- billions on energy – to be relevant the Third wave. Argentine-born. Fourth wave. his parish and other parishes under the zation for some 1.2 million Canadians, to UWC leadership needs to morph historic Ukrainian Embassy officials. Melnykites. jurisdiction of Metropolitan Ioan pass up celebrations of Ukraine’s indepen- events into “action now” occasions. Banderites. Teodorovych of the United States. dence of 1918 and unification of 1919. The Ukrainian World Congress might I had the pleasure of speaking to many of The first Ukrainian cultural organization to Other Canadians of Ukrainian descent start by directing commemorations of his- them at the Prosvita Hall. At the time, the emerge in Argentina was Prosvita, the first consider historic celebrations of limited toric events to become pro-active by Banderites had taken over Prosvita. I had vis- branch of which was founded as a reading significance to issues confronting diaspora including petition-signings to govern- ited with fellow Melnykites at their hall earli- room in Missiones by Father Karpiak in 1910. Ukrainians or those in Ukraine today. ments around the world thanking them er and discovered that none of them, not even Other Prosvita branches were established in the Argentine-born Melnykites, would come Who is right? for their already stated support for Ms. subsequent years throughout Argentina. hear my presentation. Why? Because I was “Prosvita members in Argentina,” writes This may come to a head in light of the Tymoshneko, Yurii Lusenko et al and put- speaking at a Banderite venue. Amazing. Dr. Cipko, “were aware that they were part of Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) docu- ting forward further action. The UWC Ukrainian immigration to Argentina a wider Ukrainian emigration. Ties between could write to universities calling for hon- began in 1897 when 12 Ukrainian families Ukrainians in Argentina and those in the orary doctorates for the freedom fighters, from Galicia (Halychyna) settled in Apostoles United States...were close.” When requests don’tment standof January on the offering sidelines) “Україна as this кличеyear’s and letters supporting Nobel Prize and in the province of Missiones, a subtropical for financial assistance for the Ukrainian theme.– не стій What осторонь!” Ukraine is(Ukraine “calling is for” calling is not – other global nominations. This was done region in the northeast consisting of jungle pavilion at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair specified. Undoubtedly, the government of for leading democrats like Nelson and pampas. By 1914 there were some were received, for instance, Argentina’s President Viktor Yanukovych is calling for Mandela and, more recently, Myanmar’s 10,000 Ukrainian immigrants living through- Ukrainians donated $1,500. support of his actions at home and Aung San Suu Kyi. The diaspora leader- out Argentina. None of them were Following a path similar to that among abroad; Ukraine’s opposition leaders and ship must do this for Ukraine. Melnykites. None were Banderites. Religio- Ukrainians in North America, struggles for democrats – for robust criticism of the The UWC needs to address hot-button cultural differences dominated. the political identity of Ukrainian Argentines regime. issues and define its response to stated Many of Argentina’s early immigrants had erupted during the interwar period among The UWC theme “not to stand on the themes. Does its current call not to stand planned to settle in the United States but Communists, Nationalists and Hetmanites. sidelines when Ukraine is calling” – my on the sidelines when Ukraine calls mean immigration authorities here somehow The Communists were the best organized translation – is supported by seven histor- demonstrations before Ukraine’s steered them to Argentina, where they were and, for a brief period, were able to take over ic dates the community is to commemo- Embassies and Consulates to protest vio- welcomed with free land, food supplies, agri- Prosvita in Buenos Aires. They were eventu- rate. This is hardly a fiery response to lations of law? Acceptance or refusal by cultural implements and a small subsistence. ally ousted and in 1929 established the Ukraine’s woes, including the over 100 diaspora members of national awards Like their counterparts in the U.S. and Union of Ukrainian Worker’s Organizations incarcerated politicians and patriots call- from Ukraine’s repressive regime? A boy- Canada, they were bereft of a strong ethnon- (UUWO). They remained a thorn in the side ing out for justice. Most of the dates deal cott or support of Ukraine’s Embassy ational identity. of Ukrainian patriots for years. with events from over 100 years ago. In events? Here, direction is lacking at all lev- There were three initial waves to Under the leadership of Prosvita member stark contrast, there is no hint of how to els – global, national and local. And lack of Argentina: pre-World War I, interwar and post Ivan Kryvyi, who had established links with a fight persecution, illegal prison terms, leadership leads to a confused community. World II. In his recently published book, similar organization in Canada, the Ukrayinska abuse of power or poverty – all of which Take Canada. “Ukrainians in Argentina, 1897-1950” (2011), Striletska Hromada (USH), a pro-OUN organi- would serve as the ways and means of A farewell for Ukraine’s consul general Serge Cipko, coordinator of the Ukrainian zation, was created in downtown Buenos Aires responding to Ukraine’s today needs. As in Toronto – the invitation reads “Proschai Diaspora Studies Initiative at the Canadian in 1933. Following a visit by Organization of written, the document is a stand-aside Druzhe” (Farewell, Friend) – is organized Institute of Ukrainian Studies (CIUS), describes Ukrainian Nationalists leader Senyk- approach to the president’s backsliding on by, among others, Toronto’s Ukrainian all three immigrations in loving detail. Hribiwsky in 1938, USH changed its name to democracy. Mr. Yanukovych must feel Canadian Congress. (As nice as he might Unlike the United States, where the the Organization for the Rebirth of Ukraine comforted. be, one hopes organizers also sent him off Ukrainian religio-cultural wars during the and a year later to Vidrodzhennia (Rebirth). True, elsewhere, the UWC website with a stern reminder that Canadians, first immigration raged among Rusyns, Uhro- The Hetmanites, committed to the political shows letters from executive members to including Prime Minister Harper, are most Rusyns, and Russians, in Argentina the battles ideology of Viacheslav Lypynsky, established Ukraine’s leaders and international offi- for identity was waged primarily between their first branch in Buenos Aires under the cials seeking justice for Yulia Tymoshenko A Canadian member of the Friends of Ukrainian Catholics and the Ukrainian/ name Soyuz Ukrayinskyh Derzhavykiv, Pluh and other opposition leaders. However, Ukrainecritical of organization his country’s badaccepts behavior!) an award Russian Orthodox. ta Mech (UUMH) in 1936. Group membership the historic list muddles the message and from the regime. What is the message? Is Given the early absence of Ukrainian remained relatively small and all but disap- fails to provide leadership. What should the official policy of Friends to collaborate Catholic priests to serve the needs of the faith- peared after the second world war. ful, the Russian Orthodox Mission and the be the response of some 20 million dias- with a non-democratic regime? Whose In addition to organizational histories, Dr. Polish Catholic Church was able to convert pora citizens to Ukraine’s 2012 situation? “friends” are they anyway? Cipko references individuals. The most fasci- many of these early Rusyns. The situation A laundry list of remembering might fit This lack of clear diaspora policy nating for me were Vasyl Zhurkivsky, who improved following the arrival of Father better as a teaching aid for Ukrainian lan- regarding Ukraine is not new. Confusion earned a Ph.D. in the U.S., moved to China and Klementi Bzhukovsky in 1908 and Father India for further study, spent time in an guage schools or individual celebrants. surrounding President Viktor Yushchenko, Iaroslav Karpiak in 1909; they were able to Australian internment camp, and immigrated Does the Ukrainian Catholic Church, for for instance, continues. Should he be toler- convince Ukrainians who had strayed to return to Argentina; Hryhorii Matseiko, the assassin instance, need the UWC to remind it of the ated because he raised patriotic symbols 120th anniversary of the birth of Patriarch to their Catholic roots. The visit of Metropolitan of Polish interior minister Bronislaw Pieracki, the diaspora interprets as patriotism and Andrey Sheptytsky in 1910 cemented the Josyf Slipyj? Or Plast Ukrainian Scouting who escaped from a Polish prison and lived in good governance? Catholic presence. Metropolitan Sheptytsky’s Organization of its 100 years of work? Argentina under the pseudonym Petro Knysh; Clear policy is a must. Personal friends visit to Missiones, writes Dr. Cipko, was “corre- Bereft of direction on how to convert Oksana Drahomanov, whose father’s cousin take Embassy officials out for private din- lated with the need to strengthen the Greek- the motto “not to stand on the sidelines” was Mykhailo Drahomanov; and the master ners, but organizations devoted to Catholic Church at home by ensuring its sur- the UWC document fails Ukraine’s pro- of intrigue Oleksii Pelypenko, who posed as Ukraine’s democracy and representatives vival abroad as well and with the wider both a Ukrainian Catholic and Ukrainian Westerners, while Mr. Yanukovych and of odious regimes don’t mix. Accepting ongoing Ukrainian-Polish contest.” Russia keep getting their way with Orthodox priest in Argentina, undoubtedly awards from criminal states is tantamount Ukrainian Orthodox in Argentina were vul- played a role in “exposing” the “Nazis” of Ukraine. to endorsing their actions; and Ukraine’s nerable to Russian overtures. The arrival of Vidrozhennia, and eventually found his way In politics, historic celebrations are rel- leaders who promote national symbols the capable Father Tykhon Hnatiuk, who also to the United States to testify about “pro-Nazi” evant as springboards for today’s agenda. but ruin a country are wrong. Diaspora arrived in 1908, changed that. Fluent in both Ukrainians here. Dr. Cipko tracks him later to Modern leaders know this. Canada’s leaders must take clear decisions even at Ukrainian and Russian, he was assigned to an Bolivia exposing the danger of the “Red Prime Minister Stephen Harper refers to the risk that some may disagree. That’s established Russian Orthodox parish in Tres Menace.” My dad, Stephen Kuropas, knew the historic occasions briefly, then ties their leadership. Capones. By the time of his arrival, some 600 guy and originally believed he was a Soviet values to today’s policies. President The Ukrainian World Congress is right Ukrainian Catholics had already converted to agent. Later Dad came to believe Pelypenko Barack Obama’s speeches on Martin to call for greater involvement in Ukraine. Russian Orthodoxy. was a wretched opportunist. Luther King Jr. Day never fail to address However, it needs more than sloganeering. It was the defections to Orthodoxy that For those interested in Ukrainian history, today’s needs of Blacks and other Celebrating historic events for their own prompted the Roman Catholic nuncio in Dr. Cipko’s treatise makes for an enjoyable Americans. sake is not the answer. Buenos Aires to urge the Vatican to find a read. As Ukraine’s democracy is imploding – Byzantine Catholic priest. Fortunately, Father opposition leaders in jail; Prosvita, Oksana Bashuk Hepburn may be con- Hnatiuk visited relatives in Volyn in 1914, Myron Kuropas’s e-mail address is Spadshchyna and other facilities taken tacted at [email protected]. where he witnessed the collapse of imperial [email protected]. 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2012 No. 9 No. 9 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2012 9

Fifteen essays on the making Anna Yaroslavna, queen of France of modern Ukrainian identity and princess of Ukraine – a history “Making Ukraine: Studies on Political historiography, from the 17th century “Anna Yaroslavna: Queen of France and Culture, Historical Narrative and Identity” “Sypnosis” and the Kozak chronicles to the Princess of Ukraine,” by Andrew by Zenon E. Kohut. Edmonton: Canadian 20th century state school, is analyzed in Gregorovich. Toronto: The Basilian Press, Institute of Ukrainian Studies Press, 2011. detail. 2011. 148 pp. ISBN: 978-0-921537-81-6. $30. 340 pp. $34.95 softcover. $59.95, cloth. Among the topics singled out for atten- tion are the Kozak struggle for rights and This historical treatment on “Anna The making of modern Ukrainian iden- liberties, the ambiguous role of the con- Yaroslavna: Queen of France and Princess tity is often reduced to a choice between cept of Little Russia, the Ukrainian elite’s of Ukraine,” by Andrew Gregorovich “Little Russia” and “Ukraine.” In this collec- integration into the Russian nobility, the attempts to use all available resources to tion of 15 essays, Zenon Kohut, a professor development of a stereotypical image of chronicle the life of the Ukrainian princess. of history and director of the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies (CIUS) at the Jews, and post-independence relations Born in 1032, Princess Anna Yaroslavna University of Alberta, shows that the pro- between Ukraine and Russia. – or Anne de Kiev as she was known to the cess was much more complex, involving Prof. Volodymyr Kravchenko of Kharkiv French – was the daughter of King Yaroslav Western influences and native traditions National University said Prof. Kohut’s work the Wise of Ukraine. In marrying King that shaped a distinct Ukrainian political “studies the related phenomenon of the so- Henry I of France (she was his second culture and historiography. called ‘all-Russian nation’ as the union of wife), she was crowned Queen of France in He stresses the importance of the early three branches – Little Russian, Great 1051 and served until 1071. modern period, in which the Ukrainian Russian and Belarusian. He seeks particu- The book, the first English-language elite adapted the legacy of Kyivan Rus’ into larly to establish the Ukrainian origin of book about Queen Anna, features over 90 its conception of Kozak Ukraine as its that idea, the motives and goals of its co- illustrations, photographs, portraits and fatherland. The development of Ukrainian creators, and its subsequent transforma- maps. All of the existing portraits of Queen tion. …In practice this amounts to the Anne are included in the book, with the demythologization of widespread notions exception of a very small one in the of age-old Ukrainian-Russian unity and, by Bibliotheque Nationale in Paris. Mr. Gregorovich has served as chairman the same token, the need to further differ- Other daughters of King Yaroslav included of the Toronto Historical Board, president of entiate the national history of each of these Queen Elizabeth of Norway, Queen Anastasia the Ontario Library Association, president of people.” of Hungary and Princess Agatha of England the Canadian Multilingual Press Federation Prior to his work at the CIUS, Prof. and Scotland. Also included in the text is a and a member of the Governing Council of Kohut was a senior research analyst at the brief overview of Medieval Kyivan Rus’ and the University of Toronto and executive Library of Congress and editor of the the story of Evpraksia, empress of the director of the Ukrainian Canadian Research “American Bibliography of Slavic and East Germanic Holy Roman Empire. and Documentation Center. European Studies.” He is a renowned spe- The book also aims to correct the birth He is a member of the Shevchenko cialist in the and year of Anna from 1024, as listed by the Scientific Society and the Order of St. Ukrainian-Russian relations, whose mono- Library of Congress, to 1032, since as Mr. Andrew, and is president of the Taras graph “Russian Centralism and Ukrainian Gregorovich notes, when she married King Shevchenko Museum in Toronto. Mr. Autonomy: Imperial Absorption of the Henry I she would have been an old Gregorovich also served as editor of Hetmanate” and subsequent articles on woman, instead of a young woman as Forum: A Ukrainian Review for 43 years Ukrainian history have received interna- records indicate. (1967-2010). tional recognition and acclaim. Mr. Gregorovich is a librarian emeritus Readers may purchase copies of “Anna “Making Ukraine” is part of the English- of the University of Toronto and is the Yaroslavna” for $30 from the author: language monograph series of the Petro author of many articles and eight books, Andrew Gregorovich, 195 Martin Grove Jacyk Center for Ukrainian Historical including “Chronology of Ukrainian Road, Toronto, ON, Canada M9B 4L2. The Research. It is available from CIUS Press Canadian History” (1974), and the “Anna book can also be purchased at Ukrainian via its website, www.ciuspress.com. Yaroslavna Bibliography” (2002). bookstores and museums.

importance in modern times, and the ability including its representation at the Vatican, “Ukrainica in ” released to see the better side of human nature even the consular section of the Embassy of during catastrophe.” Ukraine in Rome, and the Consulate General in updated second edition Prof. Markus was a well-respected com- offices in Milan and Naples. munity activist and the associate editor of The 139-page softcover book is available “Ukrainica in Italy,” by Daria Markus. being presented during the 20th anniversa- the Encyclopedia of the Ukrainian for $20, which includes postage, from the Lviv-Rome-Chicago: Ukrainian Catholic ry of Ukraine’s independence, the declara- Diaspora. She was a full member of the Ukrainian Catholic Education Foundation. It University Press, 2011 (second updated edi- tion of which brought Daria Markus great Shevchenko Scientific Society and active in can be ordered by sending an e-mail to tion). 139 pp., softcover, $20. joy and which she was able to witness in her the Ukrainian National Women’s League of [email protected], or by calling and sending a lifetime.” America. She was the founder and inspira- check or money order to UCEF, 2247 W. The second edition of “Ukrainica in Italy” “With the publication of this new edi- tion behind Friends of the Consulate Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60622. is now available from the Ukrainian Catholic tion,” he continues “Ukrainians will have a General of Ukraine in Chicago – Club 500, a All proceeds from the book benefit the Education Foundation. First released in greater opportunity to reflect and compre- grassroots effort in Chicago to open the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv. 1988 by Prof. Daria Markus (1935-2008), hend their role in Italy. During the last 25 first Ukrainian Consulate in the United this new edition, in Ukrainian and English, years, both Rome and Italy have undergone States. with color photos, updates information a great transformation with regard to researched by Prof. Markus. It is an espe- Ukrainians. In 1988, there were probably She worked in Kyiv in 1993-1995 as the cially useful guide for those interested in no more than 200 Ukrainians living in Italy; director of the Kyiv Office of the International historical places and valuable monuments today this number reaches almost 1 million Research and Exchanges Board (IREX). Prof. associated with Ukrainians in Rome and who live and work throughout the country.” Markus completed a doctorate in founda- Italy. In the first edition of the book, released tions of education, at Loyola University in The publication was prepared for print in 1988, Prof. Markus explained that it was Chicago. She was the director of the ethnic by the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv her “wish to contribute to the Millennium studies project at the University of Illinois in and supported by the Religious Association celebration of Christianity in Ukraine with Chicago. A published author, her special of St. Sophia and the Markus family. The this modest work, that hopefully will con- interest was in cultural history and problems English translations were done by the tribute to a better knowledge and under- of ethnicity. Ukrainian Catholic Education Foundation. standing of Ukrainian ties to the Eternal City The second edition of Prof. Markus’ In the foreword to the newly released and to the beautiful country which is Italy.” book includes new color photos (the first book, Rev. Borys Gudziak, the rector of the In the new edition of the book, the bio- book was in black and white) and updates UCU, writes: “I see a particular symbolism in graphical note on Prof. Markus provides the through the summer of 2011 regarding the publication of the new edition of Prof. following comment: “Perhaps no one was some of the historical places researched by Markus’ work at this time. This book was better suited to write a guidebook to the author. first released when Ukrainians were cele- Ukrainica in Italy than Daria Markus. Much This new edition also includes the brating the Millennium of Christianity in like Italy itself, Daria Markus always had a addresses and telephone numbers of Ukraine-Rus’ in 1988. This new edition is sunny disposition, a sense of history and its Ukraine’s diplomatic missions in Italy, 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2012 No. 9

“Chornobyl Songs Project” presented at The Ukrainian Museum by Ihor Slabicky NEW YORK – With the sound of a rung bell still rever- berating through the room, five women entered, one of them nestling a fiddle. As she started playing a familiar koliadka, in unison they sang: “Oy pan khaziayin, chy ye ty vdoma...” Thus began the “Chornobyl Songs Project” con- cert on Friday, December 2, 2011, at The Ukrainian Museum in New York City. Organized by Maria Sonevytsky, with Eileen Condon of the Center for Traditional Music and Dance, this concert was the second stop of a four-day tour. The group had per- formed in Princeton University’s Taplin Auditorium on

Alannah Farrell Yevhen Yefremov, Maria Sonevytsky, Willa Roberts and Eva Salina Primak present songs from the Chornobyl region. Thursday, December 1, and they were at the Washington Under the musical direction of Mr. Yefremov, the group pre- Ethical Society Meeting Hall in Washington on Saturday, sented a song cycle of traditional and ritual songs that would December 3, and at the Calvary Church in Philadelphia on have been performed in almost any Polissian village up until Sunday, December 4. April 26, 1986. On that day, the nuclear disaster at Chornobyl The concert showcased village songs from the Chornobyl changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. and Polissia regions that had been collected between 1979 The work of Mr. Yefremov has been transformed into and 1998 by ethnomusicologist Yevhen Yefremov, a found- the preservation of a way of life that has been lost to “the ing member of Ensemble Drevo from Kyiv. Zone.” Working with the ensemble, he explored polyphonic The performance featured the Ensemble Hilka: Suzanna and heterophonic singing traditions of that region, incor- Dennison, Brian Dolphin, Cherrymae Golston, J.R. Hankins, porating the variation and improvisation that are so essen- Julian Kytasty, Eva Salina Primack, Ethel Raim, Willa tial to a living folk song tradition. Virlana Tkacz and the Yara Arts Group put together the Roberts, Caitlin Romtvedt, Maria Sonevytsky, Nadia visual projections with Mikhail Shraga. Many of the strik- Tarnawsky, Shelley Thomas and Yevhen Yefremov. Virlana Tkacz ing visuals showing scenes from Chornobyl region were by Joining them at this New York City performance was the A wedding song – “We’ve done what we set out to do: trans- Jim Krantz or Mykola Seminoh. formed a girl into a young woman” – with Caitlin Romtvedt Ukrainian Women’s Voices: Alexandra Myrna, Julia and Maria Sonevytsky. (Projected photo by Jim Krantz.) Pivtorak, Oksana Rosenblum and Odarka Stockert. (Continued on page 16) No. 9 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2012 11 Ukrainian folklore in Kazakhstan by Natalie Kononenko

PART I Pavlodar is on the other side of the earth – quite literally. There is a 12-hour time dif- ference between Edmonton, Alberta, where I live, and Pavlodar, Kazakhstan, where I spent a month of my summer. Thus, when it is 6 a.m. in Edmonton, it is 6 p.m. in Pavlodar. Getting to Pavlodar takes a full day. I left on the evening of June 15 and, had I made all my connections, I would have arrived on the morning of June 17. Coming home, my travel time, with plane changes, was 23 hours and 45 minutes. So why go to Pavlodar? Part of it is the adventure of it all. But it is not just the risk- taking side of my nature that took me to Pavlodar. There were many other reasons. The personal ones revolve around a desire to see Central Asia, to compare the Kazakh steppe to the Ukrainian one and to the Natalie Kononenko Canadian prairies, to learn more about the Greeting folklorists in Krasilivka. Liubov Yosipivna Loban holds the bread she Bayterek, the observation tower in Turkic world. baked. Next to her is Vira Afanasivna Shpyrt. Astana. Like many Ukrainians born outside of going to Pavlodar. Many of the villages to ology dictated a certain interpretation of ry department who were documenting the their home country, I had an imagined the north and east of Pavlodar, villages with folklore and allowed collection of only sacred heritage of the Canadian prairies, Ukraine – a constructed and romanticized names like Khmelnitskye, were settled by those genres that supported a Soviet- photographing rural churches that had fall- picture of my homeland that I had formed Ukrainians at about the same time that approved world view. Thus, genres that en into disuse and might soon disappear. in my mind and that begged to be com- Ukrainians came to Canada. Studying folk- might be construed to extol Ukrainian Working with this group I asked the histor- pared to the real thing. I have been able to lore in these villages would do a great deal nationalism, such as historical poems or ical questions that they wanted answered satisfy my desire to see the real Ukraine, towards helping me understand Ukrainian dumy, were taboo, and I felt that it was my and, for the folklore component, I asked having done extensive fieldwork there folklore in Canada. I had learned over my duty to write about these poems and other about rituals. I asked about holidays such since a few years after Ukrainian long academic career that comparative historical genres and about the profession- as Christmas and Easter. I gathered infor- Independence and having travelled to work is enormously rewarding. If one can al minstrels who performed them, which I mation about weddings and funerals and many regions of the country. look at a phenomenon such as adaptation did. baptisms. I also did some documentation of Unlike many Ukrainians, however, I also to a new setting from more than one per- The Second All-Russia Folklore Congress material culture, namely embroideries and had an imagined Central Asia. I am not sure spective, then the insights one gains are was not all-Russian by any means. In fact, other textiles, and interviewed collectors of how I acquired this image. Perhaps it was multiplied many-fold. there were many colleagues from Ukraine Ukrainian folk art. my work on Ukrainian “dumy,” epics in So, when the opportunity to do field- and other nation-states that had once been My work in Ukrainian Canada was most which Turkic warriors come charging from work in Kazakhstan presented itself, I part of the Soviet Union. The papers these enjoyable and rewarding, but I knew it the steppe. Perhaps it was the time that I accepted. I will not pretend that I did not folklorists, and those from Russia itself, could be better still with a comparative spent in Turkey working on my doctoral hesitate. I knew that the trip would be diffi- presented were very good. Listening to dimension. Here too the Second All-Russia dissertation. Whatever the cause, I had cult and that the circumstances under them I got no sense that something was Folklore Congress came into play, for it was acquired my imagined Central Asia – and I which I would work would be trying. Later, being left unexplored or that scholars were there that I met Alevtina Cvetkova, a folk- had never seen the real thing. Thus, my when things went wrong and a money forcing an interpretation onto their data. lorist from Pavlodar Toraygyrov State curiosity was great. transfer I sent was not accepted, when Their folklore work was of the highest University. She invited me to join her on a There were also academic reasons for e-mail failed to function, when I was unable quality. field trip to the Ukrainian villages of to reach any of my contacts by phone, my At the same time it became painfully Kazakhstan. For her, inviting me was an Natalie Kononenko is professor and Kule doubts about the wisdom of my decision to clear that similarly good folklore work was opportunity to learn about Western Chair of Ukrainian Ethnography at the travel mounted. But I went nonetheless. not being done in Canada. People would approaches. She perhaps also saw a chance University of Alberta. She received her Ph.D. The catalyst for the trip was the Second ask me about the study of Ukrainian and to advance her own position at her univer- from Harvard University in Slavic and All-Russia Folklore Congress in Moscow, other Slavic traditions in Canada and I had sity and to push for more attention to the Turkic folklore under the direction of held in February 2010. A friend talked me to admit that much of the collecting work study of Slavic folklore in a political atmo- Omeljan Pritsak and Albert B. Lord, and into going – then cancelled her trip so that I here was done by students. The sort of sphere that promoted all things Kazakh at taught for 30 years at the University of ended up being the only person from North detailed and systematic research that was the expense of other nationalities. For me it Virginia before coming to Canada. She is the America at the meeting. But the adventures being done in the post-Soviet world was was that chance to go to Central Asia. author of “Ukrainian Minstrels: And the of that meeting are the topic of another sadly lacking in Canada. It was this realiza- Academically, the Kazakhstan project Blind Shall Sing” and “Slavic Folklore: A story. tion that led me to commit myself to was to be similar to my work in Canada: it Handbook” and has edited books on Prior to that Congress I had felt that one Ukrainian Canadian folklore research. was to be the collection of ritual informa- Ukrainian dumy and “The Magic Egg and of my tasks as a scholar was to present the I started on Ukrainian Canadian field- tion. The comparative part was to include Other Tales from Ukraine.” Her trip to folklore of the Slavic world, specifically work in the summer of that same year. I both Canada and Ukraine, because my Kazakhstan was sponsored by the Kule Ukraine, in a manner that my Soviet headed out to the Peace country of north- many trips to Ukraine had also produced Endowment. Ukrainian colleagues could not. Soviet ide- ern Alberta with colleagues from the histo- extensive documentation of ritual. I must thank Ms. Cvetkova for giving me my Kazakh opportunity and I must also com- mend her for having the courage to invite a woman she had barely met to come and live with her for a month. I learned a great deal in Kazakhstan. I learned about ritual processes and adapta- tion to a new environment, the academic purpose of my trip. I also learned about possible reactions to the post-Soviet world and variation in the creation of new nation- states from old Soviet fabric. I learned about ethnic tensions. I learned about the role that folklore plays in the lives of people no matter who or where they are. My trip began with official duties. Bureaucracy and proper procedure are very important in Kazakhstan, perhaps as much as they were the Soviet Union, and this was brought home to me time and Alevtina Cvetkova in Pavlodar. She is a again. My flight into Kazakhstan was Peschanoye was once a Kozak outpost on the River Irtysh. Shown are the remnants of a professor at Pavlodar Toraygyrov State Kozak grave marker. University. (Continued on page 17) 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2012 No. 9

team filed a complaint against a ruling of guilty verdicts in Ukraine is an unhealthy ny. The state holding lacks $500 million each NEWSBRIEFS Kyiv’s Administrative Court of Appeal situation. It needs to be corrected,” he month to cover losses. (Ukrinform) upholding the ruling of the District added. According to President Yanukovych, (Continued from page 2) Administrative Court of Kyiv on the legality the situation may be corrected through Yushchenko to run for Parliament 1M hrv for Holodomor memorial of penalties introduced by the tax inspector- new laws, in particular on advocacy, which KYIV – Former President Viktor ate against Ms. Tymoshenko in 2001 for the must be adopted this year. The president Yushchenko has said that he will not run for KYIV – The Cabinet of Ministers of nonpayment of taxes on $914,000 from the noted that the state should be ruled by law, the in a majoritarian dis- Ukraine approved the allocation of funds accounts of the offshore company Somolli and it will also be necessary to develop trict, but is ready to participate in the parlia- from the state budget to boost the positive Enterprises Ltd. (Ukrinform) democratic standards so that other coun- mentary elections on the list of the united international image of Ukraine and for the tries see that Ukraine is a state governed by Polish envoy: Ukraine should be in EU opposition. “My party and other political implementation of measures to support con- law. For this purpose, according to Mr. forces will undergo the consolidation pro- tacts with Ukrainians living outside of KYIV – Ukraine should sooner or later Yanukovych, it is necessary to improve the cess and act as a unified political platform. Ukraine, it was announced on February 21. become a member of the European Union, work of law enforcement agencies and I’ll act in the place and in the capacity that According to the adopted resolution, 1.13 which will help expand the zone of stability crack down on disgraceful events, such as will be needed for this political movement. I million hrv are to be allocated for the con- on the entire European territory, Polish torture and violations of human rights. will accept any answer to the question, struction of a Holodomor memorial in Ambassador to Ukraine Henryk Litwin said According to statistics, Ukrainian courts whether this will be for me to be first on the Washington, and 50,000 hrv are to be ear- on Ukraine’s TVi channel on February 17. acquit approximately 0.2 to 0.3 percent of list, 101st or no number at all,” he said. marked for financial support of the Ukrainian “Since Ukraine has always been a part of all defendants. (Ukrinform) (Ukrinform) community living abroad for the organiza- Europe, it must sooner or later be a part of Peacekeepers sent to the Congo tion and holding of foreign scientific and edu- the European Union. And only then we will Filaret against transfers of sacred property cational activities such as forums, congresses, all be safe and secure, all in the EU, when the KYIV – Ukraine has begun to send KYIV – The leader of the Ukrainian conferences and seminars. In addition, whole European territory will be in the EU, in peacekeepers to the Democratic Republic Orthodox Church – Kyiv Patriarchate, 50,000 hrv will be allocated for cultural the zone of stability, in the zone of economic of the Congo, the press service of the Patriarch Filaret, has called on President events and 15,000 hrv for financial support prosperity,” Mr. Litwin said. The diplomat Ministry of Defense reported on February Viktor Yanukovych to prevent the transfer of Ukrainian schools abroad. The websites of said that such arguments were the reason for 17. Four Mi-24 helicopter gunships were by Parliament of national holy places to the the Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Ministry and Poland supporting all steps by Ukraine sent from the Brody military airfield (Lviv Moscow Patriarchate. “I’m addressing you as Ukraine’s foreign diplomatic institutions will towards European integration. “There is only region) to Hostomel (Kyiv region) to fur- a guarantor of constitutional rights on behalf be upgraded at a cost of 100,000 hrv, with one positive prospect for Ukraine, which ther carry out United Nations mission tasks of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Kyiv the posting of information in foreign lan- gives a guarantee of stability in the European among the 18th Separate Helicopter Patriarchate with a strong request to take all guages in order to popularize Ukraine on region – the economic and political accession Detachment of the Ukrainian armed forces. of the measures foreseen by the law to pre- the international level. (Ukrinform) of Ukraine and Belarus to the European zone An An-124-100M Ruslan will deliver the vent the adoption and implementation of a of stability,” he said. And this zone of stability, Tax officials demand payment from Yulia helicopters to the African continent, first to provocative bill, No. 9690,” reads the open is guaranteed by the European Union. At the Uganda and from there by U.N. Mission letter from Patriarch Filaret to the president KYIV – The office of the State Tax Service same time, Mr. Litwin said that it was C-130 Hercules and IL-76 cargo aircraft to published on the website of the Ukrainian of Ukraine for the Dnipropetrovsk region Ukraine’s choice. “We can only help, suggest the Congo. Ukrainian peacekeepers in the Orthodox Church. According to the letter, has demanded that former Prime Minister and share our experience. We think that it is Congo will conduct aerial reconnaissance behind “its nice name” bill No. 9690, on Yulia Tymoshenko pay 2 million hrv in indi- useful and interesting for Ukraine,” he said. and surveillance, hold containment mea- amendments to some laws of Ukraine vidual income tax, according to a statement The ambassador also focused on common sures and provide fire support for ground (regarding the transfer of cultural heritage posted on the office’s website on February Ukrainian-Polish history. In his opinion, this forces, as well as support the troops of the to religious organizations), is intended “to 20. “The court has found that in 1996-1998 is what helps Poland – better than other U.N. peacekeepers and escort humanitarian expand the privatization of Ukrainian Yulia Volodymyrivna Tymoshenko received countries in Europe – to understand that supplies. Crews and other professionals of national holy places, such as the Kyiv nearly $1 million that was transferred to an Ukraine is part of Europe. (Ukrinform) the detachment were scheduled to be sent Pecherska Lavra, Pochayiv Lavra and offshore company. However, she paid no to the region on February 18. (Ukrinform) Bohoyavlensky monastery in Kremenets, by individual income tax for the money President displeased with acquittals IMF could end agreement with Ukraine the Moscow Patriarchate.” The letter notes, obtained outside the country. Given this, Ms. KYIV – President Viktor Yanukovych is “There is no legal guarantee that the Tymoshenko owes the Dnipropetrovsk concerned about the low number of not KYIV – The World Bank (WB) on Ukrainian holy places that were formally region 676,954 hrv in tax and 1,355,908 guilty verdicts brought by courts in February 17 noted the risk of the termina- passed to the ownership of the Ukrainian hrv as financial sanctions, which totals Ukraine. He said this during a meeting with tion of a Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) Orthodox Church – Moscow Patriarchate 2,030,862 hrv,” said the statement. On officials in Kremenchuk on February 17. “I between Ukraine and the International will not become the property of the Russian January 16, Ms. Tymoshenko’s defense am convinced that a small number of not Monetary Fund (IMF), according to the structure – the Moscow Eparchy.” The letter bank’s Country Partnership Strategy for also states: “Numerous examples, including Ukraine for the period covering 2012-2016, the price of natural gas and the fight against which was approved by the World Bank’s Ukrainian cheese, demonstrate to us the board of directors. “A key macroeconomic unfriendly policy of the current Russian risk is related to access to external financing. leaders toward Ukraine. I think that the wish TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL WALTER HONCHARYK (973) 292-9800 x3040 The existing Stand-By Arrangement with of the Kremlin to seize control over or e-mail [email protected] the IMF is at risk of being discontinued, and Ukraine’s gas transport system, join it to the rollover risks are exacerbated by large debt enslaving Customs Union and the initiative service repayments falling due in 2012, to privatize Ukrainian holy places by the SERVICES PROFESSIONALS including to the fund,” reads the document. Moscow Patriarchate are similar.” Patriarch According to the World Bank, “sustaining Filaret also said that the authors of the bill progress in critical areas such as fiscal con- argue that it is in line with European recom- solidation is predicated on politically diffi- mendations regarding the restitution of the cult reforms such as energy tariff increases Church’s property. “But their references to for households and utilities, and addressing these recommendations have no grounds, as structural problems in the gas sector will their bill is aimed not at finding a full solu- severely test the government’s resolve, tion to the issue of restitution, but at trans- especially ahead of the parliamentary elec- ferring holy places of the Ukrainian people tions in 2012.” In addition, the World Bank to a specific Church,” reads the letter. The noted that the exposure to European banks patriarch sent the same letters to the was high and Europe’s banking crisis or Cabinet of Ministers and the Ukrainian bank deleveraging could cause financial Parliament. Last month bill No. 9690 on the instability in Ukraine. “These risks cannot return of cultural heritage to religious orga- be mitigated by the World Bank; however, nizations was registered in the Parliament. the experience during the 2008-2009 crisis According to the bill, the Cabinet of Ministers also suggests that the authorities can and do within three months has to tackle the issues act quickly at times of crisis to regain access of transferring the facilities in Kremenets to financing,” reads the document. Earlier, district, the Sviato-Bohoyavlensky nunnery Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said that of the Ternopil Eparchy and the Holy Ukraine should not wait for the receipt of Dormition Pochayiv Lavra, and the Holy external financial resources. The Dormition Church and the Pecherska Lavra OPPORTUNITIES Presidential Administration said that in Kyiv to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Ukraine would not face default, even with- Moscow Patriarchate. Party of Regions Insure and be sure. out the IMF money. The Ukrainian govern- National Deputies Andrii Derkach, Vasyl EARN EXTRA INCOME! Join the UNA! ment is now in talks with the International Horbal and Dmytro Shentsev, People’s Party Monetary Fund on the provision of the next National Deputy Serhii Hrynevetsky, The Ukrainian Weekly is looking tranche of the Stand-By Arrangement. Communist Party National Deputy for advertising sales agents. However, the IMF is continuing to insist that Oleksander Holub, and the head of the For additional information contact Run your advertisement here, Ukraine raise gas prices for the public in Reforms for the Future deputies’ group Maria Oscislawski, Advertising Manager, in The Ukrainian Weekly’s The Ukrainian Weekly, 973-292-9800, ext 3040. CLASSIFIEDS section. order to balance the financial position of Ihor Rybakov are the authors of the bill. Naftohaz, Ukraine’s state oil and gas compa- (Interfax-Ukraine). No. 9 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2012 13

everyone knew she was a Ukrainian, and Maria Luciuk... what that meant to her, Mrs. Luciuk was equally keen on learning from all the (Continued from page 4) other people she met. She was genuine in heart and soul of the Lviv, Ukraine pavil- her advocacy of multiculturalism. ion during the annual Folklore festival, In Mrs. Luciuk’s memory donations for 42 years. may be sent to the Luciuk Family Her commitment to her culture and, in Endowment, (c/o Ukrainian Canadian particular, to Ukrainian embroidery and Foundation of Taras Shevchenko, 202- traditional cooking, were a delight within 952 Main St., Winnipeg, MB, Canada, her own community and for the thou- R2W 3P4, www.shevchenkofoundation. sands of Kingstonians she met over sev- com), a trust fund supporting research eral decades. travel and graduate scholarship on 20th And yet, while she always made sure and 21st century Ukrainian issues.

Annabelle Borovitcky June 10, 1029 – February 11, 2012

The Executive Committee of the Ukrainian National Association regrets to announce to the members of the General Assembly, to members of Branch 230 and to the UNA membership at large that Annabelle Borovitcky, Secretary of Branch 230 for 28 years, passed away on February 11, 2012.

The Executive Committee and the entire UNA membership wish to express their deepest sympathy to her four children and their families — Deb and Tod Nagy, Diane and Jim Behmer, and Donna Saadey and Mike Schoen, and son Terry Borovitcky; four grandchildren; sister Delores Kovacich and brother Raymond. Mrs. Borovitcky was a very active and long-time supporter of the UNA; her loyalty and dedication to the Ukrainian National Association will not be forgotten.

Eternal memory!

With deep sorrow we announce that Roman Hezzey of Ipswich, MA, Knight of St. Gregory the Great and beloved husband of Mary (Burbela) Hezzey, died in his home On Monday, February 20, 2012, at the age of 79, on February 7, 2012 at the age of 88, surrounded by his family. Daria Alexandra Pushkar Shust peacefully entered into eternal rest. Born and educated in Ukraine, he was the son of the late Demetro and Julia (Smolnetska) Hezzey. He came to the United States in 1949, became engaged A member of Plast and the 90th branch of the Ukrainian National to his wife of sixty two years within a month, and then resided for many years in New Haven, CT, before moving to Ipswich, MA. Women’s League of America, as well as chairman of the Mittenwald A mechanical engineer by training, at sixty five, Roman retired from his posi- Gymnasium Alumni and former teacher at St. Basil Academy, Daria was tion as Vice President with the Handy & Harmon Company and embarked on a active in the Ukrainian American community – especially in her help for new career as a professor, teaching computer aided design at Waterbury State orphaned children in Ukraine. Technical College in Waterbury, CT, until he enjoyed his second retirement. Roman was known for his dedication to his family, his church and the Funeral services took place on February 24, 2012, at the Annunciation of Ukrainian Community. He was a founder of the Ukrainian State Day in the B.V.M. Ukrainian Catholic Church in Melrose Park, PA. Connecticut, participated in the establishment of the Ukrainian Heritage House Daria leaves behind: Museum in New Haven, CT, sat on the Ethnic Archives Committee, and support- ed many outreach and educational programs. • her beloved husband of 56 years, Ihor; His many years of service to his church, through the Parish of St. Michael the • her three devoted children: Christine with husband Andrew Fylypovych; Archangel in New Haven, CT, and through many significant capacities, were rec- Tanya Shust-Temnycky; and Dr. Mark with wife Dr. Helene Kaiser; ognized by Pope John Paul II who ordained him as a Knight of St. Gregory the • her loving grandchildren: Laryssa and Natalie Temnycky, Andrea and Great in 1992. When he relocated to the Ipswich, he continued his dedication to Alexandra Fylypovych, Victoria and Markian Shust, Jr.; his new Parish, St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Church in Salem, serving as • her sister Christina Pushkar Majewski and children Zorianna Altomaro Cantor. (Robert) and Dr. Alexander Majewski (Susan) with son Alexander, Jr.; In addition to his loving wife, Roman is survived by his daughters, Anne Hezzey and her husband Thomas Reardon and Christine Hezzey, his grand- • her brother Oleh Pushkar with children Larisa and Olesia; son, Tim Hezzey - all of Ipswich, his niece Katherine Ellis of San Diego, CA, and • her brother-in-law Nestor Shust (Nina) with children: Roksolana nephew Joseph Burbela of Madison, CT. He was also the brother of the late Santone, Dr. Nestor Shust, and Adriana Lovell with their families; Orest Hezzey. • as well as the extended Shust family and the Krushelnytskyj, Oransky, Panakahyda was held on Friday, February 10, at O’Donnell Funeral Home in Malaniak, Petyk, Balij, Hodowanec, Kokhanowsky, and Chabursky families. Salem, MA. Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 11, in St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Church in Salem, followed by a private burial. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Roman’s memory Ukrainian Catholic or Sister Bernarda’s Orphanage Fund to the St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, P.O. Box 206, Salem, MA 01970. Please note on your donation that it is for the Roman Hezzey Memorial Education Foundation (UCU) Sisters of St. Basil the Great Fund with which he intended to support the building of a new Cathedral in Kyiv, 2247 West Chicago Avenue 710 Fox Chase Road Ukraine. Chicago, IL 60622 Fox Chase Manor, PA 19046 52B 63B 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2012 No. 9

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE “Souper Bowl” helps Ukraine’s elderly Winter traditions PALOS PARK, Ill. – On February 5, “Super Bowl Sunday,” Ss. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church’s parish at St. Andrew’s Parish community and its Ukrainian Orthodox League chapter hosted a “Souper Bowl” event for St. Andrew’s Society, which runs soup kitchens for the elderly in Ukraine. in Orange County A $10 donation paid for the bowl and then participants could feast on all the soups, as many times as they desired. by Luba Gensior Sadnytzky Ten parishioners prepared their best recipes. The selec- tions were: Ukrainian borsch – the Rev. Vasyl Sendeha; New CAMPBELL HALL, N.Y. – St. Nicholas visited the children Orleans gumbo – Howard Brooks; cabbage with pork – Gayle and parishioners of St. Andrew Ukrainian Catholic Church, Woloschak; stuffed pepper – Janet Ganske; Italian wedding located here on the grounds of the Holy Spirit Cemetery, on soup – Andrea Manson; cauliflower and fennel puree with Sunday, December 18, 2011, during the annual Christmas bacon – Harry Oryhon; Baba Lidia’s green borsch – George bazaar. Cepynsky; vegetable – Karoline O’Neil; chili – Noreen Children waited in anticipation as St. Nicholas greeted Neswick; and chicken tomato rice – Lydia Cepynsky. them while they kept eagerly eyeing the presents under Bob and Pat Lewandowski donated several loaves of the Christmas tree. The many talents of the children – tasty rye and wheat bread. Anatol and Kathy Bilyk, who poetry recitations, piano playing and even gymnastics – coordinated the event, brought all of the necessary sup- entertained St. Nicholas. plies, the bowls and spoons, as well as Super Bowl decora- The two-day Christmas bazaar was a huge success as tions. They did all the set up, got all the soups piping hot people bought delicious Ukrainian food prepared by Maria and helped with the clean-up. Other parishioners also Kostyk, assisted by her daughter Natalia. Shoppers brought breads and sweets. browsed through the beautiful displays of Ukrainian and Christmas arts and crafts, books, CDs, icons, embroidery Ss. Peter and Paul parish collected $875 and plans to Parishioners of Ss. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox send St. Andrew’s Society a check for $1,000 for its project Church in Palos Park, Ill., fill up on a variety of soups and Christmas tree ornaments from Ukraine. of feeding the needy in Ukraine. at its “Souper Bowl Sunday” fund-raiser on February 5. Parishioners Rose Marie Pawluk and Leocadia Snihur organized the display. Irene Cholewka sold store gift cards to benefit the Church Building Fund. Guests lingered over lunch and enjoyed Christmas music. On Sunday, January 15, parishioners and guests gath- UMANA Illinois celebrates annual “Yalynka” ered for the “Prosphora” and “Vertep” after the 11 a.m. lit- urgy. The vertep was directed by Ludmilla Naydan. With a membership of over 50 families, St. Andrew’s Parish is the center of Ukrainian community life in Orange County, N.Y. The trustees, Helen Duss and Raymond Cholewska, keep affairs running smoothly. The Very Rev. Jaroslav Kostyk keeps the doors open to welcome new members and guests. For information readers may call 845-496-4156.

Children decorate gingerbread men during the “Yalynka” of the Ukrainian Medical Association of North America, Illinois chapter.

by Maria Hrycelak popular Ukrainian restaurant Shokolad. SUAFCU President Bohdan Watral greeted the participants, welcoming them to CHICAGO – The Illinois chapter of the Ukrainian Medical the credit union’s conference facility and wishing them con- Association of North America (UMANA) held it’s traditional tinued success in their chapter activities. “Yalynka” on January 8 at the Selfreliance Ukrainian This year the chapter president’s wife, Katherine Charuk, American Federal Credit Union (SUAFCU) corporate confer- launched the first UMANA Children’s Winter Clothing Drive ence center in Chicago. benefiting the St. Nicholas Orphanage Fund. Oksana Leseiko, Over 100 members and guests attended the Ukrainian co-director of the fund, thanked the donors for their gener- Christmas event, which was preceded by a short business osity. She explained that the fund supports 38 orphanages, meeting chaired by President George Charuk. Following the orphan rehabilitation centers, halfway houses for street chil- meeting, members enjoyed a delicious lunch catered by the dren (many of whom are orphaned or abandoned), a TB hospital for orphans near Lviv, and smaller family-type homes for orphans throughout Ukraine. Ms. Leseiko said she feels that “The fund develops strong relationships with the orphaned and abandoned children, St. Nicholas during his visit to St. Andrew Ukrainian as well as the directors and administrators. This contact Catholic Church in Campbell Hall, N.Y. builds trust and cooperation, gathers in-depth knowledge as to their yearly needs, and leads to success with joint proj- ects, bettering the orphans’ lives as a result.” Nearly 100 coats, pairs of boots, hats and scarves were Whether they’re 15 or 50, donated by UMANA members. This needed winter clothing will supply children at the Oriana Orphanage in Boryslav, give your children and the Oranta Orphanage in Drohobych. a gift subscription to The remainder of the afternoon was spent with children of the UMANA members enjoying decorating gingerbread men and singing carols with the visiting carolers from Plast The Ukrainian Weekly. Ukrainian Scouting Organization. The Illinois Chapter of UMANA plans to hold several edu- To subscribe call 973-292-9800, x 3042 cational meetings in the spring and fall. For more informa- Ms. Oksana Leseiko and Dr. George Charuk at the tion about UMANA readers may call 773-278-6262 or visit or e-mail [email protected]. clothing drive for orphaned children. or website at www.umana.org. No. 9 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2012 15

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE

One of the CPR classes sponsored by the UMANA Foundation was this one in Seattle. Plast Chicago members who attended a CPR class. UMANA Foundation supports students, camp counselors CHICAGO – The Foundation of the Ukrainian Medical Scholarship Fund supports medical students of Ukrainian international organizations. The conference attendees Association of North America (UMANA Foundation) con- descent studying medicine in the United States and Canada. were nurses and physical therapists from Level 3 and 4 tinues to fund projects directed at improving medical In 2011 the Foundation awarded a $1,000 scholarship to orphanages throughout Ukraine. The UMANA Foundation, knowledge and healthcare of Ukrainians worldwide. Ukrainian Canadian medical student, Artem Luhovy. along with the Starving for Color Fund, and the Dr. Tetiana The foundation’s Dr. Walter and Olga Prokopiw Mr. Luhovy began his first year in an M.D.-M.B.A. pro- and Omelian Antonovych Foundation, is supporting the gram at McGill University in Montreal after completing a translation of 1,000 copies of a pediatric nutrition textbook masters of science in experimental medicine. Despite his to be distributed at no cost to pediatricians, medical busy schedule, he has been president of the Ukrainian schools and hospitals in Ukraine. Canadian Students’ Union (SUSK), worked as an assistant The UMANA Foundation also provided financial support film editor, and is the marketing and sales director of MML for Irene Zabytko’s documentary film project “Life in the Inc., which produces documentaries about Ukrainian histo- Dead Zone.” The film is about elderly survivors who ry. He remains active in Plast Ukrainian Scouting returned to their irradiated and abandoned villages within Organization and has been the recipient of many scholastic the 30 kilometer radius surrounding the Chornobyl Nuclear and community awards. Power Plant. The UMANA Foundation’s CPR and first aid training The UMANA Foundation has partnered with the courses for camp counselors is now in its third year. In the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, UNWLA, spring of 2011 the foundation sponsored free CPR and first and Doctors Collaborating to Help Children in support of a aid classes for over 80 camp counselors from Plast and the project to improve pediatric burn care in Ukraine. Working Ukrainian American Youth Association. In preparation for with Harvard Medical School and Boston Shriner’s hospi- the upcoming summer camp season, the counselors tal, a plan has been developed to expose Ukrainian physi- received basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation training cians to the latest medical education in the areas of burn (CPR) and Red Cross certification. They also reviewed care. The UMANA Foundation has partially funded the vis- principles of basic first aid. The classes were held in April iting observership/professorship of Dr. Vasyl Savchyn, and May at Ukrainian centers in Chicago, Philadelphia and director of Lviv Hospital No. 8 Burn Unit, at Massachusetts Seattle. The UMANA Foundation plans to expand this proj- General and Shriners in Boston. The long-term goal of the ect to other geographical centers, covering all expenses project is to create a network of trained physicians in related to obtaining certification. Ukraine who would be able to treat the majority of pediat- The UMANA Foundation also supports worthwhile ric burn patients in Ukraine, while referring the most medical education projects in Ukraine. It helped supply severe cases to Shriner’s Hospital in Boston. program materials for the participants of a first of its kind To support the work of UMANA Foundation, readers three-day nutrition conference held in Kyiv in the spring of may visit www.umana.org for more information, or call Artem Luhovy, UMANA Foundation scholarship award 2011 sponsored by the Starving for Color Fund and other 773-278-6262. recipient.

UNWLA Branch 98 convenes annual meeting, seeks new members by Irene Krawczuk through the attendance of its members. In order to fulfill its obligations to the HOLMDEL, N.J. – Ukrainian National UNWLA headquarters, including sponsor- Women’s League of America Branch 98 of ing students through the UNWLA Holmdel/Middletown, N.J., started the new Scholarship Program, the branch fund- year with its annual meeting on January 11. raised during the year by conducting an The agenda included a look back to annual picnic, a Christmas party and a gift- 2011 with officers and committee mem- wrapping event at a local Barnes & Noble bers providing reports on their activities, bookstore. starting with President Victoria Mischenko. Although many of its members are bilin- UNWLA New Jersey Regional Council gual, we are the only English-speaking President Olha Lukiw presided over the UNWLA Branch in New Jersey. Our mem- well-attended meeting. Two new members bership is scattered throughout the state, were warmly welcomed. mostly in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Regular meetings and activities were Ukrainian American women wishing to join held during the year, but the highlight of the branch may write to UNWLA Branch 98, B. Krawczuk 2011 was the 29th UNWLA national con- P.O. Box 172, Holmdel, NJ 07733-0172, At the annual meeting of UNWLA Branch 98 are: (first row, from left) Anna vention that was held in New Jersey in May. e-mail [email protected] or call 732- Krawczuk, Victoria Mischenko, Olha Lukiw, (second row) Irene Krawczuk, Elisabeth Branch 98 had the responsibility for the 441-9530. More information about the Barna, (third row) Helena O. Pawlenko, Orysia Jacus, (fourth row) Nadia Jaworiw, exhibits and showed further support UNWLA, Inc., at www.unwla.org. Luba Bilowchtchuk, (fifth row) Maria Ilczenko and Natalie Pawlenko. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2012 No. 9

Branch 108 of New Haven, Conn., a state- very effective method for attractions media the University of Manitoba, which dealt Promoting... wide committee was formed heeding then- attention to the Holodomor. with the pedagogy of human rights abuses. President Viktor Yushchenko’s call to Upon completion of the program, she Notable events (Continued from page 6) action: “Ukraine Remembers, the World wrote an extensive article about the effec- Acknowledges.” In recent years the committee, under the tive publicity and teaching techniques pre- Recently, representatives from the Throughout the course of its existence, direction of Lidia Choma, has organized sented at the institute. (See The Ukrainian Ukrainian American community in Boston the CHAC has enjoyed the active support of many events to promote Holodomor Weekly, October 9, 2011.) presented a two-hour clinic at NERC that the Ukrainian Church hierarchy in the awareness. Among the most notable was a The past and the future introduced the Holodomor via the film United States; Ukrainian Catholic Bishop statewide anniversary observance in the “Harvest of Despair,” handouts, and a Q & A. Paul Chomnycky of Stamford, Conn., and State Capitol building in Hartford in 2008. Much can be learned from the work of Last year Maria Walzer, who works with Archbishop Antony of the Ukrainian Ukrainians and guests from throughout the the CHAC. One lesson is that, to be success- the Massachusetts group, encouraged Orthodox Church of the U.S.A. have partici- state attended a solemn memorial service ful, it is important to marshal and coordi- CHAC to participate. The CHAC proposal to pated in all of its major events. This assis- led by Bishop Paul and Archbishop Antony nate all available resources for the task at conduct a workshop on the Holodomor tance was crucial to gaining the coopera- at St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church hand. The committee’s ongoing efforts was accepted by the NERC organizers for tion of Connecticut parishes and communi- in Hartford. Following the service, a mile- depend on the strong support of Churches the spring 2012 conference to be held in ties. long procession took place from St. and community organizations, as well as Sturbridge, Mass. Also important was the guidance and Michael’s to the Capitol State Grounds for individuals. Financial assistance and ser- The proposed workshop, titled “Turning support of the Ukrainian Congress the remembrance ceremonies, which were vices in kind have been provided by The a Blind Eye,” will present the history of the Committee of America, which provided led by Ms. Choma. Ukrainian Museum, the Ukrainian National Holodomor, address the reasons that it publications, contacts and leads, and valu- Among the distinguished speakers were Home in Hartford, Selfreliance Ukrainian occurred and explain why it is still a rela- able advice. The CHAC is most grateful for Rep. Rosa DeLauro, Ukraine’s Ambassador American Federal Chicago Credit Union , by tively unknown chapter of European histo- the ongoing assistance provided by Michael to the U.S. Dr. Oleh Shamshur and former other organizations and by countless indi- ry. The goal of the workshop is to demon- Sawkiw and Tamara Gallo. Rep. Lawrence DeNardis, who gave the key- viduals who perform small deeds of sup- strate how teaching the Holodomor is rele- The committee understood well the note address. Representatives of Bosnia, port. vant to understanding our 21st century need for credibility outside the Ukrainian Cambodia, Darfur, and Ireland actively par- In addition to this internal support, it is world. community. Members worked hard to gain ticipated in the commemoration ceremo- critical to solicit help from outside the com- Methodologically, the Holodomor as a sponsorship from Sens. Joseph Lieberman nies. munity. This assistance does not come easi- case study can be integrated into a number and Frank Dodd from Connecticut, who are In 2010, committee member Ihor Rudko ly and is often the result of contacts and of different teaching contexts. These also co-sponsors of the Senate resolution initiated a very successful event in the State relationships that have been painstakingly include: 20th century European and U.S. on the Holodomor. Longtime Legislative Office Building. This edifice is an cultivated over many years by many differ- history, the study of genocide and human Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro of the New excellent venue for numerous exhibits ent people – relationships with the press, rights, the role of media in our society, and Haven Congressional District is an honor- which are displayed throughout the year. political leaders, scholars, civic groups and the study of civic and global responsibility. ary committee member. The committee capitalized on the location human rights organizations. The workshop presenters are preparing a Buttressed by its broad-based commu- and staged a commemorative Holodomor Another takeaway is that success in a complete instructional module using the nity support, its inclusive working manner photo exhibit. To open the exhibit, key campaign like this one is measured by how latest research methods and instructional and member enthusiasm, the CHAC has Connecticut legislators from throughout many people are reached. Here the media technologies. achieved notable success. the state were recruited to speak and to be play a special role. An event can draw hun- Workshop participants will receive co-sponsors. The opening ceremony, con- dreds or even thousands of visitors, yet one handouts and links for accessing additional Using the media sisting of a brief prayer led by Bishop Paul, favorable, well-timed, and well-written digital resources, and educators will have From the outset, a major CHAC goal has a bandura concert organized by Irena article about that event can reach many an opportunity to simulate the integration been to engage the media to promote Kuzm, and speeches by legislators, was thousands more. of the Holodomor case study into their Holodomor awareness. To accomplish this, broadcast live to each legislator’s office. Work to promote awareness of the teaching of history, media studies, and civic a public relations team, under the leader- The recorded event was rebroadcast Holodomor is painstaking on many differ- and social studies. ship of Myron Melnyk in New Haven and repeatedly in the following weeks on CT-N , ent levels. Certainly the Holodomor is not Drawing upon the collective experience Natasha Sazanova in Hartford, was assem- Connecticut’s public affairs network. in the mainstream of current public inter- and professional expertise of educators bled to work on the campaign. Natasha For years committee member Lana Babij est. And yet it is possible to gain traction on and presenters Lidia Choma, Borys Krupa developed a website (www.holodomorct. has leveraged her professional and aca- the goal of awareness and education: there and Lana Babij, the teaching unit will be org) to serve as a reference not only about demic contacts at the University of are many who are open to the truth and consistent with national and state of the Holodomor but also about CHAC’s Connecticut to organize Holodomor- eager to understand and learn from histo- Connecticut standards for social studies. ongoing activities. The site has proven to be related exhibits and speakers at the univer- ry. Much more can and should be done. After the conference, appointments will invaluable in dealings with the press and sity’s campuses throughout the state, at * * * be scheduled with social studies supervi- other media outlets. Sacred Heart University, and at other local Members of the Connecticut Holodomor sors throughout the state to present and The team effectively utilized the stories colleges, schools and libraries. She has Awareness Committee include: Lidia assist with integrating the “Turning a Blind of Holodomor survivors to spread its mes- hosted film screenings of “Genocide Choma (chair), Christine Melnyk (secre- Eye” unit of study into their curriculum. sage. By identifying survivors in different Revealed,” “Harvest of Despair,” and the tary), Ihor Rudko (treasurer), Myron parts of the state and approaching them for “Soviet Story,” and has successfully encour- Melnyk (public relations), Natasha The CHAC: background interviews, the committee was able to pitch aged local film festivals to screen these Sazonova (webmistress), Lana Babij, At the 2008 initiative of Ukrainian their stories to local newspapers. This films. Most recently she attended the two- Myron Kolinsky, Alex Kuzma, Boris Krupa, National Women’s League of America emphasis on the local angle proved to be a week Summer Institute on Social Justice at Julie Nesteruk and Natalka Rudko.

by the married women for the young woman about to “Chornobyl Songs Project”... be married, but also to witnessing a small portion of the Turning the pages back... wedding ritual. During this wedding song cycle, one of (Continued from page 10) the Ensemble Hilka members sat at a bench. The other (Continued from page 6) The song cycle began, appropriately, with two winter singers – the women of the wedding party – unplaited canonical territory, “for in 1448 the Moscow Metropolia split off songs: “Oy Pan Khaziayin,” a carol for the head of the her long braided hair, combed it out, put it up, and from the Kyiv Metropolia. So, in this case, Kyiv is the Mother household from Vilshanka, Polissia, and “Oy na Richtsi wrapped it with not one but three “khustky” (ker- Church and Moscow is the daughter.” Yordani” a church song performed by the men. chiefs), signifying her transition from a maiden to a Ukrainian Churches in the West have worked to bring unity to Moving to the spring cycle, the groups performed married woman. the Orthodox Churches in Ukraine and for the Ecumenical “Oy Dai Bozhe Vyesnu Pochat,” a “vesnianka” (spring As after most weddings, then came family life. Ethel Patriarchate of Constantinople to recognize the autocephaly of the song) from Lubianka, Polissia region, in which the Raim performed a loving version of the lullaby “Koty, Orthodox Church in Ukraine. women go to the highest point in the village and call out Koty, Kotochku,” while holding in her arms a baby Archbishop Antony, Eastern eparch of the UOC-U.S.A., said: for spring to begin. This was followed by four other wrapped in a “rushnyk,” or embroidered ritual cloth. “All Ukrainian Orthodox Christians, from those in the loftiest The yearly cycle was completed with a return to “Oy of Episcopal positions to the poorest of worshipping grandmoth- selections. pan khazyayin.” ers, who make up the Body of Christ – His Holy Church – must be Harking back to the spring of 1986, “Khto Letyt u Listening to the songs, one was immediately aware prepared to compromise, to be ‘poor in spirit’ as we strive for Nochi?” was an excerpt from “May” by Natalka that not only were these songs sung loudly, they were the unification of the Church in Ukraine. Ancient hatreds and Bilotserkivets which asked who is it that flies at night, sung with power. Besides seeing the performers, and personal ambitions must be set aside for the glory of God. In the referring to the helicopters and the efforts to bury the hearing them, one could also feel them. Their voices true spirit of Christ’s love, I believe with every fiber of my being nuclear reactor at Chornobyl. expressed the energy and the power of the songs. that we shall see a united Church in Ukraine as we close this sec- Next was a set of rare songs about “rusalky.” Stories The songs’ transcriptions are true to how the songs ond millennium and enter into the third millennium of about these mythical figures (water nymphs) are well were sung – in the dialect of the Polissia and the Christianity. May the Holy Spirit enlighten us all.” known, but the songs “rusalni,” are very rarely heard. Chornobyl regions. When Mr. Yefremov collected these Archbishop Vsevolod passed away in 2007 and was replaced Hearing “Provedu ya Rusalochky do Brodu,” a rusalna songs, he kept them in the forms in which they had by Bishop Daniel as Western eparch of the UOC-U.S.A. The from Vilshanka, Polissia; “Rano, rano” from Richytsia, been sung, truly preserving these traditions. Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church and the UOC-KP (the Chornobyl; and “Nasha Khata na Pomosti” from Traditions are lost as the world gets smaller, and this two Ukrainian Orthodox Churches in Ukraine) have tried to Korohod, Chornobyl, was a very special treat. process was hastened here by the Chornobyl nuclear unite multiple times, most recently in 2011. In the latest With summer over, the harvest songs were brought disaster that took place 25 years ago. That event creat- attempt, the UAOC demanded as a condition that Patriarch forth, including summer field songs and a hay mowers’ ed an uninhabitable area – a zone whose residents, cus- Filaret resign, which the UOC-KP refused. song. toms and traditions have been scattered about the Source: “Ukrainian Orthodoxy outside Ukraine undergoes fun- The wedding song cycle was the highlight of the eve- world. These artists beautifully brought them back damental changes in striving for church unity,” by Irene ning. Not only was the audience privy to hearing songs together so that they may live on with us. Jarosewich, The Ukrainian Weekly, March 9, 1997. No. 9 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2012 17

was a foreigner and decided to kidnap me and hold me for Ukrainian folklore... ransom. I faced no such dangers in Kazakhstan. In addition to the bureaucracy and the close monitoring (Continued from page 11) of my activities, there were many other things in plagued with problems from delayed take-offs to missed Kazakhstan that reminded me of my times in the Soviet connections and lost luggage. Union. One was the lack of consumer goods, especially When I finally arrived in Pavlodar I was allowed to rest Western ones. There are no McDonalds in Pavlodar, or briefly and then sent to perform bureaucratic chores. I was even in the capital, Astana. You cannot buy a Coke, though told I had to register my residence, something I have not Ukrainian juices and horilka were available, and the local had to do in Ukraine since Soviet times. After standing in beer was quite good. There are some imported goods, like line for a long time to learn that Canadians did not need a clothing and appliances, but most are from neighboring residency permit, my hostess and I went to Pavlodar China or the Middle East, with a few things from Europe Toraygyrov State University, where I had to pay my and nothing from the United States. respects to myriad officials. We went in reverse order, first The official reason for lack of consumer goods is a policy the various lesser officials and then the higher-level digni- of isolationism, keeping out foreign products that might taries. compete with Kazakh-produced merchandise. There may After that I went to pay my fees, a process that was in also be some attempt to keep the local population from itself a bureaucratic nightmare. I could not simply sign an knowing about life in the West, much as there was in the agreement saying that I would pay a certain price for my Soviet Union. I cannot speak to this because this was not transportation and lodging; before I left Canada I had to mentioned by anyone, but I can say that most television send a letter from my university, complete with an official shows featured local or Russian programs. Foreign films signature and a stamp. Since stamps are not part of dubbed into Russian seemed more scarce than in Russia Canadian bureaucracy, as onerous as it may be, finding itself. something that would pass as a stamp proved to be a chal- While people in Kazakhstan got little chance to learn Mykhail Serfiiovych Paripsa, the head of the Ukrainian about life in the West, they could potentially see economic lenge. Once stamped, this letter had to go to Kazakhstan in organization in Pavlodar and all Kazakhstan. prosperity rivalling that of any Western city right in their hard copy; a fax would not do and, since registered mail is own capital. There is a stark contrast between the country- seldom sent between Edmonton and Pavlodar, this official side and the opulence of Astana. Many villages lack roads, letter (in three copies) took almost a month to reach its and one simply drives across the steppe to get to where destination, something that made both me and my hosts one is going. Electricity was available in all locations that I very nervous. But the letter did arrive shortly before I did visited, but there was no gas except that sold in canisters, and I paid the agreed-upon fees. and there was no plumbing expect in a few houses where The pressure to follow protocol did not end with my day the owners had installed water pumps. of bureaucratic formalities at the university. In every vil- Meanwhile, Astana has gorgeous and literally shining lage we visited I had to check in with the local “akim,” or buildings, coated with colored glass to reflect the sun. government head, and I had to pay my respects to every There are stunning flower beds with flowers planted to district akim as well. If the akim was not there on the day look like Kazakh decorative motifs. There are recreation of my arrival, I had to go back and pay my respects at a and amusement areas with such frivolous attractions as an later date, even if it interfered with my work, but not fol- indoor wave pool and miniature replicas of world heritage lowing proper procedure was not a option. When my trip monuments such as the Statue of Liberty. And there is an was over, I had to return to the university for a round of observation tower from which one could survey the whole An interesting embroidery in Krasilovka, The words formal farewells, something that I found quite burdensome glittering panorama. read: “Ukraine is our dear mother. Kazakhstan is our since I was trying to pack and to make copies of all of my People did not seem to resent the Astana/village con- father.” data. trast. Rather, they seemed to take pride in what had been can be cooked for the midday meal and reheated for the The formalities were time-consuming. I also got the accomplished in Astana and to feel that improvements evening meal and for breakfast. But it is a very monoto- uncomfortable feeling that I was constantly under surveil- would eventually come to villages. nous diet and I had no idea how tasty something like corn lance, that my every move was being watched. This too Man-made factors are not the only thing that deter- or broccoli would seem until I had spent a month in reminded me of Soviet times. mines life in Kazakhstan. Climate and topography are very Kazakhstan. But as unpleasant as the formalities may have been, important. The land is harsh. The area where I was is flat There was also a lack of fruits. Villagers did have berries they did have their benefits. Because the whole trip was and gets little rain. Lakes or ponds are few, and many of the such as strawberries and raspberries in their gardens, but I quite formal and official, there was always a place for us to ones that do exist are salt lakes and not potable; little seemed to be one of the few people interested in eating stay. Sometimes there was transportation to the next vil- grows around them. In the summer, the temperature can them raw. Most people saw them as suitable for conversion lage. People were ready for us, and we did not have to reach 100 degrees; in the winter, it can be minus 40. into jam which would be eaten with the enormous quanti- spend several hours explaining what we were doing. Often Winds blow with no impediments and are strong ties of tea with milk that everyone drank. local officials had identified several people for us to inter- enough to virtually knock you off your feet. A particularly Kazakhstan is a very large country – the ninth largest in view. If I compare this to my field experiences in Ukraine fierce storm is the winter “buran,” a white-out snow storm the world – but it is sparsely populated. It has mineral where everything was quite free-wheeling and where my characterized by horizontally blowing snow. Trees grow resources and oil and gas, but it is just not that wealthy. field partners and I would arrive in a village with no notice, only on river banks and in villages where they get some Kazakhstan’s low population density and its flat landscape, no contacts and no certainty that we would find a place to shelter from the wind. Attempts to plant rows of trees as probably along with its remoteness from Moscow and its stay for the night, I can see that the formality of my windbreaks, something that was done successfully on the non-European indigenous population, prompted the Soviet Kazakhstan arrangements did have its advantages. Ukrainian steppe, has, on the Kazakh steppe, produced government to select it as the site for its atomic bomb test- Even being constantly tracked and monitored had its rows of blackened tree stumps. ing program. The area around Semipalatinsk, not that far plus side. In Ukraine I had been taught not to let people It is difficult to convey the overwhelming feeling of iso- from Pavlodar, was the location of some 460 nuclear explo- know that I was a foreigner. I was told not to register or lation that one gets in the wide open spaces of Kazakhstan. sions between 1949 and 1989. Nuclear testing has check in with village officials because that might make the The horizons are endless and the land featureless. But the stopped, but its legacy lingers. people whom I wanted to interview nervous, and I got very strongest impression was the feeling of falling off the edge Kazakhstan is still an area where pollution is tolerated. good at blending in and virtually disappearing. This almost of the world that I got when I reached the end of a village. In Pavlodar itself there is an aluminum plant with three led to a real disappearance on one occasion when a couple Inside a village one is surrounded by houses and vegeta- enormous smoke stacks that constantly spew toxins over of thugs in a particularly poor village did discover that I tion. There are streets and animals and people. But when the city. Concerns about its health effects surface constant- you come to the end of a street, as I did while walking ly, and time and again the choice between the population’s around villages looking for the homes of people I had been health and economic prosperity is resolved in favor of the told to interview, you are confronted with nothing. The vil- latter. lage ends; the street ends – and there is steppe, just steppe, As I drove around Kazakhstan, I saw other factories an endless expanse of brownish, sunburnt grass stretching with smokestacks touching the clouds and adding a brown as far as the eye can see. There are no houses, no trees, no streak to them. I could not help but notice the general ill animals – nothing. Sometimes far, far in the distance I health of the population, the high blood pressure, the aches could see a black mass – the village cattle herd. Sometimes and pains, the mobility problems. Was this caused by pol- closer by there would be the lone silhouette of a horse on lution? It is almost impossible to tell without a systematic the horizon – a beautiful picture, but one that emphasized study. What I saw could also be the result of lack of health the isolation of the steppe. care: medical services, especially in villages, are difficult to Needless to say, this is not an easy place to grow any- obtain. thing. All garden plants such as tomatoes are surrounded What was striking was that people had an almost by little dams meant to trap the precious few drops of macho approach to the situation. Pollution was one of the water. The most successful farm products are wheat, cattle many adversities that the harshness of life in Kazakhstan and sheep. The latter are consumed primarily by Kazakhs; presented and the country’s residents took a certain pride the Slavs prefer beef to mutton or lamb. The diet consists in facing adversity. The climate was a challenge and pollu- of various dough products and meat, which may not sound tion was another aspect of the environment that needed to bad until one has eaten meat, often fatty meat, with vari- be dealt with and overcome. The attitude toward pollution ous forms of boiled dough and virtually no vegetables for a was analogous to the attitude toward the economy. There Map of Kazakhstan indicating the location of its capital month. This is a very practical diet. The “manty” and “pil- was optimism that, now that Kazakhstan was independent, and Pavlodar. meni,” two forms of dumplings filled with chopped meat, the problems would be solved. 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2012 No. 9

Two singers from Ukraine to debut at the Met by Helen Smindak While Mr. Kotscherga is new to New title of National Artist of Ukraine in 1999. Kochubey in Tchaikovsky’s “Mazeppa” is York audiences, Mr. Didyk appeared at the Mr. Kotscherga, born in the village of considered one of his finest roles. NEW YORK – Just a month after bass New York City Opera in two roles – Rodolfo Samhorodok, Vinnytsia Oblast, studied at This season, in addition to his appear- Paul Plishka gave his farewell performance in “La Boheme” and the Duke of Mantua in the Tchaikovsky Conservatory of Music in ances at the Met, Mr. Kotscherga is per- at the Metropolitan Opera, two singers “Rigoletto” – during the 2000-2001 season. Kyiv in 1968-1973 and joined the Kyiv forming in Munich in “Don Carlo” and in from Ukraine will make their Met debuts in Born in Kamianets-Podilsky, Opera while still a student. Under an agree- Madrid in “Lady Macbeth of Mtensk.” leading roles in Mussorgsky’s epic Russian Khmelnytsky Oblast, Mr. Didyk is a graduate ment that then existed between La Scala Mr. Bilyy, who made his Met debut in opera “Khovanshchina.” of the Tchaikovsky Conservatory of Music in and the USSR, he spent 1975-1976 appren- 2007 as Col. Vaska Denison in “War and Bass Anatoli Kotscherga, as Prince Ivan Kyiv. He began his career in 1994 as a solo- ticing at La Scala. Peace,” has also appeared at the Met as Khovansky, and lyric tenor Misha Didyk as ist at the National Opera of Ukraine with a He made his international debut as Ivan Count di Luna in a production of “Il his son, Prince Andrei Khovansky, will per- repertoire that included Pinkerton in Khovansky at the Vienna State Opera in Trovatore.” This season he will perform at form alongside Olga Borodina, Vladimir “Madame Butterfly,” Lensky in “Eugene 1989 and that same year received the USSR Padua’s Teatro Verdi, singing the role of Galadine and George Gadnidze in the four- Onegin” and Alfredo in “La Traviata.” State Award for his performances in “Boris Enrico in “Lucia di Lammermoor,” and at La hour opera, sung in Russian with Met titles Ghermann, the central character in Godunov” and “Don Carlo.” Since then he Scala as Miller in “Luisa Miller.” in English, German and Spanish. Tchaikovsky’s tragic story “The Queen of has sung the title role in “Boris Godunov” at The Metropolitan Opera stage has been Ukrainian baritone Vitaliy Bilyy, who has Spades,” became one of his signature roles, the Salzburg Festival and the Vienna State graced in the past by several Ukrainian- appeared at the Met in other productions, serving him well for his debuts at La Scala Opera, and the title role of “Falstaff” at born artists, among them the late bass- will sing the role of Shaklovity in the March in Milan and the San Francisco Opera. Munich’s Bavarian State Opera. baritone Andrij Dobriansky, who held the 10 performance. Mr. Didyk was invited to perform at the Mr. Kotscherga was due to make his Met distinction of having the longest continu- “Khovanshchina” will open on February Bolshoi Theater in Moscow, singing Alfredo Opera debut in December 1997, shortly ous term of service of a Ukrainian-born art- 27, with later performances scheduled for in Verdi’s “La Traviata” for two seasons, after appearing with the San Francisco ist with the Metropolitan Opera Company. March 1, 6, 10 and 13. The final perfor- then toured with the Bolshoi to St. Opera. That event was not realized; a He sang in Met productions for 27 years. mance – the March 17 matinee – will be Petersburg, where he reprised Alfredo at month before the scheduled appearance, Other artists from Ukraine who have broadcast live from the Metropolitan Opera the Mariinsky Theater. he was held up at gunpoint in Mexico City appeared at the Met include bass Dmitry stage in the Toll Brothers Saturday matinee Mr. Didyk has won critical acclaim in the and shot in the leg. Belosselsky, who made his Met debut last broadcasts on PBS Radio. U.S. and in many foreign cities, including In the 1980s he learned that Soviet fall as Zaccaria in “Nabucco,” sopranos The story of “Khovanshchina” concerns Marseilles, Berlin, Helsinki, Tel Aviv and authorities had suppressed 17 requests Maria Guleghina, Victoria Loukianetz and the rebellion of three factions – Prince Ivan Tokyo. In March 1999, he was invited to from world-renowned Austrian conductor Larissa Shevchenko, and mezzo Ludmila Khovansky, a radical religious minority accompany the Ukrainian governmental Herbert von Karajan, inviting him to Schemtschuk. The male contingent known as the Old Believers, and units of delegation to Sweden during the official visit appear with his orchestra. In fact, Soviet includes tenors Volodymyr Grishko, Viktor Russian guardsmen armed with firearms of President Leonid Kuchma, and performed authorities had kept from Mr. Kotscherga a Lutsiuk and Andriy Solovianenko, bari- called Streltsy – against Peter the Great, for King Carl Gustav and Queen Sylvia. total of 190 invitations to perform in coun- tones Vassily Gerello, Georgy Zastavny and who was attempting to institute The tenor was awarded the Taras tries outside the USSR. Mikhail Kit, and basses Vitaliy Kowaljow Westernizing reforms to Russia. Shevchenko State Award in 1998 and the As one of the world’s leading contempo- and Alexander Tsymbaluk. rary bassos, Mr. Kotscherga has performed Mr. Plishka, who gave his last perfor- with such distinguished companies as the mance at the Met in January, and bass Stefan Paris Opera, Vienna State Opera, Bavarian Szkafarowsky, currently appearing as Bonze Ukrainian National Federal Credit Union looking for State Opera in Munich, La Scala, the in “Madame Butterfly,” are the company’s Deutshe Oper in Berlin, the Bolshoi and La best-known Ukrainian American singers. Compliance Officer Monnaie in Brussels. The Met’s evening performances of His roles have ranged from Prince Gremin “Khovanshchina” begin at 7 p.m. except for Job Description: Designs and implements programs, policies, and prac- in “Eugene Onegin” and the Commendatore the performance on March 10, which is tices for the Credit Union to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements; in “Don Giovanni” to Field Marshal Kutuzov scheduled for 7.30 p.m. The March 17 mati- in “War and Peace.” His performance as nee performance will begin at noon. Tracks laws and regulations that impact the Credit Union’s policies; Conducts training to Credit Union staff of updates and new policies; Prepares compli- ance reports to present to management and the Board of Directors (“BOD”); organized crime past. Yanukovych provides... Political corruption in Ukraine’s Qualifications to include a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance Parliament and the judiciary is growing at (Continued from page 3) with significant years of experience in the field. an alarming rate and has deep roots. This is a salaried full time position with benefits and possible other Ivaniuschenko, who “is a key player in the Political corruption will grow following the compensation. family group,” is from Yenakiyeve and may October elections, which will use a mixed have “a criminal past” (Korrespondent, election system last used in 1998 and 2002. Send resumes to [email protected] and bkramarchuk@ukrnatf- November 11, 2010; Kyiv Post, April 29, The article above is reprinted from cu.org or mail to UNFCU, 215 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10003, 2011). “Yuriy Yenakovo,” as he has been Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from Attention – SEARCH COMMITTEE nicknamed by the Ukrainian media, has its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, been dogged by allegations that he has an www.jamestown.org.

DISTRICT COMMITTEE OF UNA BRANCHES Ukrainian National Federal Credit Union looking for OF DETROIT, MI announces that its Internal Auditor ANNUAL DISTRICT COMMITTEE MEETING Job Description: Lead risk assessments and audits across the credit will be held on union to ensure the adequacy and effectiveness of key financial, operational, and technology controls; Ensures accounting and financial data are in com- Sunday, March 25, 2012 at 1:00 PM pliance with accounting principles and guidelines; Identifies control gaps and At the Ukrainian Cultural Center improper accounting or documentation; Researches issues and makes rec- 26601 Ryan Rd., Warren, MI ommendations to improve policies or procedures; Works with external audi- tors to support the external auditing function; Prepares audit reports to Obligated to attend the annual meeting as voting members Supervisory Committee and BOD. are District Committee Officers, Convention Delegates and two delegates from the following Branches: Qualifications to include Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting with possible other relevant certifications – CPA, CISA, CIA, or other; minimum 5 years 82, 94, 165, 174, 175, 292, 341 experience in the public accounting or internal auditing function. Experience with credit unions or other financial institutions and a broad understanding of All UNA members are welcome as guests at the meeting. technology audit concepts is preferred, but not required. Meeting will be attended by: Anatole Doroshenko – Honorary Member This is a salaried full time positions with benefits and possible other of the UNA General Assembly compensation. Send resumes to [email protected] and bkramarchuk@ukrnatf- DISTRICT COMMITTEE cu.org or mail to UNFCU, 215 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10003, Dr. Alexander Serafyn, District Chairman Attention – SEARCH COMMITTEE Vera Krywyj, Secretary Michael Shumylo, Treasurer 60B No. 9 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2012 19

February 28 Lecture by Oksana Yurkova, “The Institute of the History March 8 Conference, “Quo Vadis Ukraine?” Canada Ukraine New York of Ukraine: History and Activity,” Columbia University, Ottawa Foundation, Chair of Ukrainian Studies, University of 212-854-4697 or [email protected] Ottawa, 613-562-5800, ext. 3692

March 3 Performance, “Got Kapusta?” by Spaleniy Teatr, Ukrainian March 8 Presentation by Oksana Kis, “Reclaiming the Political Chicago American Youth Association, UAYA Center, New York Meaning of International Women’s Day: Feminist www.cym.org Activism in Ukraine Nowadays,” Columbia University, 212-854-4697 or [email protected] March 3 Concert featuring Trio Cavatina and violist Samuel Rhodes, New York Music at the Institute concert series, Ukrainian Institute March 9 Varenyky dinner, Ukrainian American Youth Association – of America, 212-288-8660 Whippany, NJ Whippany branch, Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey, 973-713-6956 or 973-479-8715 or March 3 Indoor soccer tournament, Chornomorska Sitch, Ukrainian [email protected] Whippany, NJ American Cultural Center of New Jersey, [email protected] March 10 Taras Shevchenko concert, Ukrainian American San Francisco Coordinating Council of Northern California, St. Michael March 3 Pierogi and Vodka Night, Ukrainian Students’ Club and Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 650-281-6927 or Ottawa the Polish Students’ Society, University of Ottawa, www.stmichaeluocsf.org/shevchenko_concert.aspx [email protected] March 10 Taras Shevchenko concert, featuring the Canadian March 3 Lenten retreat, St. Demetrius Ukrainian Orthodox New York Bandurist Capella, Ukrainian Congress Committee of Carteret, NJ Cathedral, St. Demetrius Community Center, America – New York branch, St. George Ukrainian 732-541-1530 or www.stdemetriusuoc.org Catholic School, 212-228-6840 or www.banduristy.com

March 5 Lecture by Robert Kravchuk, “Independent Ukraine March 10-11 Pre-Cana conference, St. John Ukrainian Catholic Church, Cambridge, MA 1991-2011: The Trajectory of Ukraine’s Post-Soviet Newark, NJ 973-371-1356 Economy,” Harvard University, 617-495-4053 March 11 Taras Shevchenko concert, featuring the Canadian March 7-8 Conference, “Ukraine at the Crossroads,” Ukrainian Jenkintown, PA Bandurist Capella, Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Ottawa Canadian Congress and the Canada Ukraine Foundation, Center, 215-663-1166 or www.banduristy.com University of Ottawa, 204-942-4627 or http://cuf.eventbrite.com/ Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events March 8 Presentation by Brian Dedora, “Kurelek in the Workshop: advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions Hamilton, ON Craftsman, Framer and Artist,” Art Gallery of Hamilton, from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors www.artgalleryofhamilton.com or 905-527-6610 and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected].

65B 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2012 No. 9

PREVIEW OF EVENTS Attention March 11-April 1 telephone, 212-228-0110; website, www. ukrainianmuseum.org. NEW YORK: Interested in taking up a new hobby? Honing your arts and crafts Sunday, March 18 Debutante Ball Organizers! skills? The Ukrainian Museum has just ALEXANDRIA, Va.: The Washington Group the courses and workshops for you Cultural Fund Sunday Music Series will between March 11 and April 1. Get ready present an afternoon of music devoted to for Easter by making your own tradition- the classical work of composer, musician As in the past, al pysanka, learn to bake Easter breads and songwriter Boris Skalsky. Mr. Skalsky while learning about Ukrainian Easter will be joined by a number of Washington- The Ukrainian Weekly traditions, or watch pysanka artists in and New York-based musicians, including action during live demonstrations of the MIVOS Quartet, guitarist Anthony will publish a special section pysanka-making techniques. Pre- Pirog, cellist Rubin Khodeli, and pianist – registration is necessary for some work- and mother of the composer – Zdanna devoted to the Ukrainian shops – see details in the ad in this edi- Krawciw-Skalsky. The concert will take tion of The Ukrainian Weekly, or check place at the Lyceum, 201 South community’s debutantes. the museum’s education section online. Washington St., Alexandria, Va., at 3 p.m. Fees include all materials and access to Suggested donation: $20; students, free. the exhibition galleries. The Ukrainian For further information call 301-229-2615 The 2012 debutante ball section Museum is located at 222 E. Sixth St.; or e-mail [email protected]. will be published on March 25. PREVIEW OF EVENTS GUIDELINES Preview of Events is a listing of community events open to the public. It is a service provided at minimal cost ($20 per listing) by The Ukrainian Weekly to the Ukrainian community. Items should be no more than 100 words long. The deadline for submission of stories and photos Information should be sent to: [email protected] or Preview of Events, The is March 12. Ukrainian Weekly, 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054; fax, 973-644- 9510. NB: If e-mailing, please do not send items as attachments; simply type the text into the body of the e-mail message.

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