INSIDE: l Senate resolution honors Revolution of Dignity – page 3 l At the heart of the Ukrainian Cultural Festival – page 11 l Our community: Oregon and Florida – page 15

ThePublished U by thekrainian Ukrainian National Association, Inc., celebrating W its 125th anniversaryeekly Vol. LXXXVII No. 31 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 2019 $2.00 Experts ask: After the elections, Zelenskyy and Servant of the People party what comes next in Ukraine? prepare for new Parliament’s convocation by Adrian Karmazyn government and Parliament on the by Bohdan Nahaylo nerability to internal fragmentation, reform process. requires consolidation, orderliness and a WASHINGTON – Speaking to audienc- As stated by Eugene Czolij, head of the KYIV – As the implications of the his- clearer sense of direction. es in the United States and Ukraine via Ukrainian World Congress International toric landslide victory by President Right now the question of who will be video link, experts in Kyiv said they see a Observer Mission to Ukraine’s 2019 elec- Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Servant of the President Zelenskyy’s chief officers in the window of opportunity for reforms now tions: “This was a watershed year. People party sink in, important clues and new Parliament and government is that the Ukrainian presidential and par- Ukraine has pulled [off] another incredi- details have been emerging about how its uppermost in minds of both his party and liamentary elections have been complet- ble feat. It has conducted three rounds of leaders see their next steps, priorities its potential allies and opponents. What is ed and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s elections – the two rounds of presiden- and challenges. at stake is not only the positions of speak- Servant of the People party has gained a tial elections and then parliamentary The crucial issue for them at this stage er of the Verkhovna Rada and two depu- majority in Parliament. elections – in a fair, democratic, trans- is to have the new Verkhovna Rada in ties, but also the head of the party’s par- The July 24 teleconference took place parent, free manner, notwithstanding the place as soon as is possible and for their liamentary faction, and chairs of various under the of the auspices of the fact that Ukraine is the object of Russian victorious and majority party to put its parliamentary committees. And then Transatlantic Task Force on Elections aggression for now over five years.” representatives in key positions both there are posts of prime minister and and Civil Society in Ukraine. Vasyl Babych of the Reanimation within the Parliament and in the new other members of the Cabinet. Since November of last year, this Package of Reforms (RPR), a coalition of government. Only then will it be possible According to the 24Kanal TV Channel, Transatlantic Task Force has conducted a leading civil society organizations, char- to move ahead with promised new laws at his first meeting with all the newly series of international video conferences acterized the post-election situation in and a revamping of institutions and poli- elected national duties from his party on aimed at encouraging Ukraine to stay on Ukraine as a “window of opportunities” cies. July 25, Mr. Zelenskyy “devoted quite a lot the path of reform during the 2018-2019 for change that can be guided by a President Zelenskyy and others have of attention to the question of unity and presidential and parliamentary election “visionary document” prepared by RPR expressed the hope that the new discipline.” This week, all of them were cycle. Two key components of that effort and others at the recent Ukraine Reform Verkhovna Rada could be convened on taken for a retreat in the Carpathian were helping make sure that the voices Conference in Toronto. Ukrainian Independence Day on August resort town of Truskavets, not only for a of Ukrainian civil society are heard in “We very much hope that this is the 24. But this now seems unlikely because crash course in governance and econom- Washington, Kyiv and Brussels, and time to reshape communication and part- several of the results in the parliamentary ics, but evidently also for team-building emphasizing the importance of conduct- nership between civil society, government elections are still being contested in purposes. ing free and fair elections in Ukraine. [and] business associations. We started court. The head of the Presidential Office, The question of appointments is linked In the latest discussion, held just three this process, we very much hope, with the Andriy Bohdan, said on July 30 that, to whether Servant of the People will days after Ukrainians elected a new Toronto Principles. And we as a coalition because of the lawsuits, he doubts the decide to enter into a formal coalition national legislature, the conclusion was now advocate it as priorities for reforms,” new Parliament will be able to start its with other parties in the Rada, the two that Ukraine had accomplished the latter expertise that will be available “to deci- work by September 1. logical candidates being rock star with flying colors. And that creates new sion makers in the office of the president In the meantime, the new president Svyatoslav Vakarchuk’s Holos party with opportunities for Ukrainian think tanks and, hopefully, with the new government and his lieutenants have acknowledged 20 seats and Yulia Tymoshenko’s and NGOs, as well as Ukraine’s Western that their hastily cobbled together party, partners, to engage with the Ukrainian (Continued on page 8) with its diverse composition and its vul- (Continued on page 14)

Ukrainian sailors in U.S. for training on Coast Guard cutters

by Eugene Z. Stakhiv Washington and Baltimore. All the crew members were required to WASHINGTON – On Sunday, July 21, one take a three-month immersion course in of the hottest days on record in English before their assignment to Washington, 34 sailors of Ukraine’s Military Baltimore. All the instrumentation and Naval Forces voted at the Embassy of machinery on the cutters are in English, as Ukraine in Georgetown, and followed up is their instruction. This is a very rigorous with an excursion to Arlington National training course, as each participant must Cemetery. They were accompanied by the take a series of proficiency exams in two military attachés from the Embassy, English before they can be certified in their Col. Andriy Ordynovych and Naval Capt. respective areas of expertise. The group is Oleksandr Korneichuk. led by Lt. Commander Ihor Trukhan. The sailors are here for 10 weeks of The two commanders of the cutters are training in Baltimore, learning how to oper- training with their crews. Lt. JG Pavlo ate the two Coast Guard cutters that the Hladchenko is from Zhytomyr, and Lt. JG U.S. had donated to Ukraine’s Navy for Damyr Aulin is from Kirovohrad. Both are patrolling Odesa’s coastal zone. married and are stationed in Odesa; they The two Ukrainian Coast Guard crews speak excellent Ukrainian and English. were selected because of their experience The two Coast Guard crews visited some and availability. They will man and operate of the well-known sites at Arlington, includ- the two cutters, and are already in their ing the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and fourth week of training. They are enjoying the Iwo Jima Marine Memorial. They also their stay in Baltimore and have enough Lt. Commander Ihor Trukhan free time for an occasional excursion to The Ukrainian crew’s flag-raising ceremony aboard а U.S. Coast Guard cutter. (Continued on page 13) 2 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 2019 No. 31

ANALYSIS

True to ‘tradition,’ Russia prepares to again change Court approves seizure of tanker Kyiv plans to launch a worldwide Russian- language television channel in an attempt A Ukrainian court has formally approved to counter Russian state-controlled media parliamentary election rules to keep Putin in power the seizure of a Russian tanker that was broadcasts to people living in separatist- detained by Ukrainian authorities at the stituency districts. All Federation Council controlled parts of eastern Ukraine and in by Vladislav Inozemtsev Danube River port of Izmayil last week, members were elected in two-seat elector- Russia. “It must be admitted that Ukraine Eurasia Daily Monitor Ukraine’s Chief Military Prosecutor al districts congruous with federal-level practically lost the information war for the Anatoliy Matios said on July 30. According Recent Western commentary suggests entities composing the Russian Federation. minds of people in the occupied territories to documents posted on social media by Mr. that Russian President Vladimir Putin is The next elections, in 1995, differed of Donbas and in occupied Crimea,” Kyrylo Matios, the court in Ukraine’s southern city preparing to change parliamentary election greatly from the first: the Duma was elect- Tymoshenko, newly elected President of Odesa issued the ruling on July 29 rules after his second two-term tenure in ed by generally the same rules but for a Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s deputy chief of regarding the seizure of the tanker Nika the Kremlin finally expires in 2024; but four-year term, but the electoral turnout staff, told the Interfax Ukraine news agency Spirit. “The court seized the said vessel,” Mr. such news is hardly revelatory. In Russia, requirement was lowered from 50 to 25 on July 29. “But there is still a chance to Matios said. “We did it legally.” The Russian this scenario has been debated by experts percent. The Federation Council, mean- turn the situation around.” He added, “We vessel was seized on July 25 by Ukraine’s since his return to the presidency in 2012 while, was completely reworked: it would have developed the option to launch a SBU security service and the Military (Vedomosti, March 6, 2012); and in 2013, now be composed of the governors and the Ukrainian Russian-language channel, with Prosecutor’s Office for its alleged involve- this author co-wrote a piece predicting that heads of regional legislative assemblies which we will be able to cover the Russian- Mr. Putin would stay in power until at least instead of separately elected representa- ment in an incident in November 2018 off speaking population throughout the 2030 (Cairn.info, 2013). tives. the coast of Ukraine’s Russia-occupied world.” The channel should be state-run But in recent months, leaks from multi- Further reforms were implemented Crimean Peninsula. The SBU says the but would source some content from pri- ple high-profile officials elaborating on var- between 1999 and 2001. And since then, Russian tanker is material evidence in a vate Ukrainian television channels, Mr. ious scenarios to perpetuate Mr. Putin’s the Federation Council is composed of indi- case over the November 2018 Kerch Strait Tymoshenko said. (RFE/RL, with reporting rule have appeared in the Russian media viduals sent there by the regional authori- incident, alleging that the tanker was used by Reuters) almost every week (Forbes.ru, June 21, ties – one selected by the governor and the to block three Ukrainian naval ships as they Trump, Zelenskyy discuss meeting 2018; RBC, April 23, 2019). Many insiders other by the local assembly (the terms of attempted to transit the Kerch Strait from the Black Sea to reach the Sea of Azov. The now indicate that the Constitution will defi- eligibility for these appointees have under- U.S. President Donald Trump congratu- nitely be rewritten prior to the upcoming gone further adjustments almost yearly). Russian Navy fired at the Ukrainian ships in the altercation and seized the vessels along lated his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr parliamentary elections of 2021 (T.me/rus- Since 2003, new electoral changes have Zelenskyy, on his parliamentary victory as sica2, June 13). applied mostly to the Duma. In 2003, it was with 24 Ukrainian sailors on board. Russia continues to hold the Ukrainian sailors in the leaders discussed the agenda of their And here, it is worth noting the “concep- elected by the same rules but with a first tête-à-tête. Presidents Trump and tual” article on constitutional “adjust- reformed Federation Council. But in 2007, detention and plans to put them on trial, despite a May 25 ruling by the United Zelenskyy spoke by phone on July 25 to dis- ments,” written on July 17 by the chairper- elections in single constituencies were cuss “ways to strengthen the relationship son of the State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, abandoned: the chamber was elected only Nations’ Hamburg-based International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea that Russia between the United States and Ukraine, in Parlamentskaya Gazeta, that the Kremlin by party lists, while the electoral threshold including energy and economic coopera- is reportedly now “acquainting itself with” rose to 7 percent, with the minimum par- must “immediately” release the sailors and Ukrainian ships. The Russian Embassy in tion,” the White House said in a statement. (Parlamentskaya Gazeta, RIA Novosti, July ticipation requirement completely termi- No date has yet been set for their first 17). nated. Furthermore, the previously avail- Ukraine told TASS on July 30 that Russia’s Consulate General in Odesa has lodged a meeting, which will take place in But Mr. Putin’s tenacious hold on power able option to vote “against all” was out- Washington most likely before the end of aside, the peculiarities of the Russian par- lawed. Then, in 2011, the tenure of the dep- note with Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Ministry demanding explanations for the the summer. Mr. Zelenskyy will come to the liamentary system also deserve a closer uties was extended from four to five years. White House with a strong mandate for seizure of the Russian tanker. Ukrainian examination because they suggest that the The threshold that year remained at 7 per- change after his Servant of the People party investigators seized documents on board legislature was never considered to be a cent; but any party that managed to win swept a majority of the seats in Parliament and questioned its 10 crew members. The meaningful branch of authority inside 5-6 percent of the vote would be entitled to during the July 21 elections, the first party 10 Russian crew members were later Russia. It was always seen as a tool for pre- a single seat, while a party with 6-7 percent in the history of independent Ukraine to released and were allowed to return to serving the ruling regime. And the legisla- of ballots could obtain two parliamentary control the Rada. Mr. Trump congratulated Russia. The Embassy said Russia has “not tive and administrative procedures carried seats (no faction fit into these ranges, how- Mr. Zelenskyy on his party’s success, the received any official documents” from out to ensure this date all the way back to ever) (Europarl.europa.eu, March 4, White House said. Mr. Zelenskyy’s office Ukraine concerning the seized tanker and the twilight of the Soviet Union. 2011; Cikrf.ru, accessed July 24, 2019). said in a statement that Mr. Trump voiced has not yet replied to the diplomatic note. Between 1989, when Mikhail In 2016, the old principle of composing confidence that the new Ukrainian govern- (RFE/RL, with reporting by Reuters, AFP, Gorbachev’s perestroika (“restructuring”) the chamber of both party candidates and ment could improve the nation’s image and Interfax and TASS) was in full swing, and today, Russians have individual deputies – in force before 2007 – complete the investigation of corruption gone to the polls eight times to elect their was restored with the same term of five Kyiv to launch Russian-language TV cases that have “held back U.S.-Ukrainian Parliament, which (to stress Russia’s “fed- years. And throughout the decades since eral” nature) consists of two chambers – the collapse of the Soviet Union, hundreds A senior aide to Ukraine’s president says (Continued on page 12) one representing the people, and another of minor changes were introduced into the the regions. electoral laws, with the aim clearly to During the 1990 elections to the reduce the ability of independent candi- Parliament (Supreme Soviet) of the then- dates to infiltrate ballot lists. The ongoing he krainian eekly FOUNDED 1933 Russian Soviet Federative Socialist battle and mass street protests over bans to T U W Republic, the ruling Communists designed opposition candidates registering for this An English-language newspaper published by the Ukrainian National Association Inc., a two-step voting system: 1,068 people’s year’s Moscow City Council elections a non-profit association, at 2200 Route 10, P.O. Box 280, Parsippany, NJ 07054. deputies were all elected in single-seat proves this quite well (RFE/RL, July 20). Yearly subscription rate: $90; for UNA members — $80. electoral districts by an absolute majority But, returning to the matter of the 2021 Periodicals postage paid at Caldwell, NJ 07006 and additional mailing offices. and requiring at least 50 percent turnout to national parliamentary election, the above- (ISSN — 0273-9348) make the vote effective. But of these, 252 mentioned leaks suggest the share of the Supreme Soviet members were chosen by Duma deputies elected by party lists would The Weekly: UNA: the people’s deputies, with 126 allocated to decrease to 25 percent, while the Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 644-9510 Tel: (973) 292-9800; Fax: (973) 292-0900 the Soviet of the Republic and another 126 Federation Council might be elected by the to the Soviet of Nationalities. popular vote – as had happened once, Postmaster, send address changes to: This system, however, was used only almost 30 years ago, in 1993. Assuming The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-chief: Roma Hadzewycz 2200 Route 10 Editor: Matthew Dubas once: afterwards, then-President Boris those changes are actually adopted, it P.O. Box 280 Yeltsin dissolved the Supreme Soviet and would mean that no Federal Assembly has Parsippany, NJ 07054 e-mail: [email protected] crushed the armed revolt of the deputies by ever been elected according to the same military force. A new bicameral Parliament rules. The Ukrainian Weekly Archive: www.ukrweekly.com (Federal Assembly) was created, consisting What all this illustrates is that the past of the lower State Duma and the upper three decades of constant parliamentary The Ukrainian Weekly, August 4, 2019, No. 31, Vol. LXXXVII Federation Council. election amendments have been a key tool Copyright © 2019 The Ukrainian Weekly The first elections to both chambers in assisting the executive in retaining power. occurred in December 1993; the Particularly (although not exclusively) since Parliament was thought to be an interim Mr. Putin’s rise to the Kremlin, the level of one, so 450 Duma members and 171 democratic access to the legislature has fluc- ADMINISTRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY AND SVOBODA Federation Council deputies were elected tuated with the relative power dominance of Walter Honcharyk, administrator (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 for only two years. Half of the Duma legisla- the presidency. When the president is more and advertising manager fax: (973) 644-9510 e-mail: [email protected] tors were elected from party lists (the elec- popular than is his trusted party, the share toral threshold was set at 5 percent), and Subscription Department (973) 292-9800, ext. 3040 e-mail: [email protected] another half via direct vote in single-con- (Continued on page 17) No. 31 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 2019 3

Ukrainian authorities seize Russian tanker implicated Lawmaking 101: Before Parliament convenes, in seamen’s detention Ukraine’s incoming freshmen are getting schooled RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service by Christopher Miller Verkhovna Rada, says Mykola Davydyuk, a RFE/RL No politician professors Holos political advisor who studied at A Russian tanker, now called Nika Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Spirit and formerly named Neyma, has KYIV – President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Teaching the lawmakers will be some 30 Government. The party will continue with been detained by the Ukrainian security Servant of the People party won Ukraine’s to 35 professors, faculty members and the training until the new Parliament is services in the port of Izmayil. first-ever majority in Parliament in elec- practitioners with expertise in necessary convened. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) tions this month, giving it unprecedented fields – none of whom worked previously The topics studied include those that said it seized a Russian tanker that power. as a member of Parliament. will be covered for Servant of the People Moscow allegedly used to block three But before its 254 deputies are seated in “We try to exclude those professors who lawmakers at KSE. Ukrainian naval vessels before detaining the Verkhovna Rada and get down to gov- are involved in politics,” Ms. Faryatyeva Also similarly, Mr. Davydyuk said Holos them and 24 Ukrainian seamen in erning, they’re going back to school. said. That also means former members of is not involving former members of November 2018 near Crimea. At the initiative and expense of the party, Parliament. Parliament in the exercises. The SBU said in a statement posted on the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) is One KSE official who will not be con- “Their experience is not so good for the its Facebook page on July 25 that an opening its doors, so to speak, in summer ducting any of the sessions is Inna Sovsun, future of Ukraine, because a lot of them investigation revealed that Russia’s to give Servant of the People’s incoming its vice-president, who was elected to the were very corrupt,” he said. “But it’s quite Federal Security Service and Border neophyte deputies a crash course on eco- Verkhovna Rada for the first time on the easy to find some good people who worked Guard Service used a tanker named nomics and lawmaking. Holos (Voice) party ticket of rock star in the Parliament and may share some Neyma to “illegally block the movement The endeavor is part of a broader Svyatoslav Vakarchuk. good experiences,” he added, referring to of the Ukrainian naval vessels Nikopol approach being undertaken by the some of But Ms. Sovsun is participating in her aides of past national deputies. and Berdyansk, and the military tug Yani the five parties that won seats in party’s own training course. Finishing fifth While the Holos training sessions have Kapu, in the Kerch Strait” before “illegal- Parliament to prepare first-time lawmak- in elections with 5.8 percent of the vote in been mostly kept under wraps until now, ly” detaining Ukrainian sailors and the ers, who account for about 75 percent of its party-list balloting, Holos will get 20 seats the KSE course for Servant of the People three vessels. make-up, for work inside of an institution in the Rada. lawmakers has been widely discussed since According to the statement, the tanker, that is among the country’s least trusted The party required that all its candidates Mr. Mylovanov’s announcement this week. which has since changed its name to Nika and is notorious for the fistfights that erupt had not previously been elected to Spirit, was seized by Ukrainian authori- in its session hall. Parliament in an effort to bring people Mixed reaction ties after it arrived under the Russian flag When the new Parliament convenes in without connections to establishment elites at the Ukrainian port city of Izmayil on late August or early September, these new- to the 450-seat legislature. It is seen as a Public reaction to the latter has been the Danube River on July 24. comers will have their work cut out trying possible ally or even a coalition partner of mixed. When contacted by RFE/RL, Olena to reform the country. Servant of the People, should the latter “Fine. But how can all this be learned in a Hitlyanska, a spokeswoman for the SBU, They will almost certainly face great decide to try and further strengthen its week?” one Facebook user commented on said she could not yet share information resistance from powerful tycoons in their position. Mr. Mylovanov’s post. about the sailors on board the ship. efforts to enact progressive policies, crack For at least one day a week over the “To save time and money, let’s just A source told Russia’s Interfax news down on endemic corruption and fix the course of the past month, Holos has been replace their pituitary glands,” quipped agency that the crew aboard the tanker economy. And they are likely to be targeted training its candidates and now-elected comprises approximately 15 Russian citi- by public criticism when making tough national deputies on the ways of the (Continued on page 19) zens. decisions about how to end the half- Russia’s human-rights commissioner, decade-long war with Russia-backed sepa- Tatyana Moskalkova, said the crew was ratists in eastern Ukraine. released without being charged and that Senate passes resolution marking they were to travel to Moscow via No political experience Moldova. Denis Golenko, the press atta- ché at the Russian Embassy in Kyiv, con- Like Zelenskyy, a former comedian who anniversary of Revolution of Dignity firmed their release to Interfax. Russia’s rose to prominence by playing a fictional WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate on July resolution in a strong, bipartisan manner,” Foreign Affairs Ministry said it was inves- president in a television comedy series 17 passed by unanimous consent S. Res. 74, said Sen. Portman. “This resolution honors tigating the incident and warned Kyiv of after which his party was named, many of “A resolution marking the fifth anniversary the courage of the thousands of Ukrainians a harsh response. Servant of the People’s new lawmakers had of Ukraine’s Revolution of Dignity by hon- who, five years ago, braved a fierce winter “If we are talking about taking no political experience before their history- oring the bravery, determination, and sacri- and even fiercer government repression to Russians hostage, this would be qualified making victory on July 21. fice of the people of Ukraine during and fight for a brighter future for their country. as a flagrant violation of international They include an actor, a wrestler, a wed- since the Revolution, and condemning con- Despite Russia’s attempts to destabilize law and consequences will come quickly,” ding photographer, a pizzeria owner and a tinued Russian aggression against Ukraine.” Ukraine, since 2014 Ukraine has made it said in a statement carried by state fitness-club director, as well as others from The resolution was co-sponsored by 20 great strides in tackling corruption and media. various non-political backgrounds. senators and resolves to: remember the strengthening the rule of law, and I urge the The incident follows negotiations over “We are trying to give the people who courage and resolve shown by the country to continue along this path to fulfill the release of the Ukrainian sailors that are responsible for our state the best Ukrainian people in the Revolution of the promises of the Revolution of Dignity. have gained momentum. Ukraine’s instruments and identify international Dignity; affirms the U.S. government’s The United States stands firmly with human-rights commissioner, Lyudmyla practices that will help address the chal- unwavering commitment to supporting the Ukraine, and I was pleased to reinforce this Denisova, told the Hromadske TV chan- lenges facing them now,” KSE President continuing efforts of the government of pledge on my recent visit to the country.” nel that “agreements have already been Tymofiy Mylovanov wrote of the upcoming Ukraine to implement democratic and free “I will never forget walking through the reached on returning the sailors.” training for the group in an announcement market reforms, restoring Ukraine’s terri- Maidan with Sen. [John] McCain shortly A United Nations maritime tribunal on on Facebook. He said the intensive, week- torial integrity, as well as providing addi- after the momentous events that occurred May 25 ruled that Russia must “immedi- long program was inspired by Harvard tional lethal and non-lethal security assis- there five years ago,” said Sen. Durbin. ately” release the 24 Ukrainian sailors University’s adult learning courses. tance to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capa- “Passage of this bipartisan resolution sends and three Ukrainian naval vessels that In a separate post, he said training bilities on land, sea and in the air in order a strong message that the U.S. Senate stands were captured. would be conducted in bucolic Truskavets, to improve deterrence against Russian with the many brave Ukrainians who lost On November 25, 2018, Russian forc- a resort city in western Ukraine’s Lviv aggression; condemns the Russian their lives in the hopes of a more democrat- es fired on, boarded and seized the three Oblast, since its classrooms in Kyiv are not Federation’s ongoing malign activities ic and open country – an aspiration we Ukrainian naval vessels near the Kerch big enough to accommodate 254 people. against Ukraine and renews its call on the should continue to advance and protect.” Strait. Russia has been holding 24 But with a grueling schedule, it will be no government of the Russian Federation to The Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ukrainian sailors, who face up to six summer vacation, he said. immediately cease all activity that seeks to had approved the resolution in May. Sens. undermine Ukraine and destabilize the years in prison if convicted, since then. His colleague, Olha Faryatyeva, head of Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Marco Rubio European continent; and, affirms the State Moscow claims the Ukrainian vessels KSE’s public policy and governance depart- (R-Fla.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Tammy Department’s Crimea Declaration, illegally entered Russian territorial ment, told RFE/RL that the course would Duckworth (D-Ill.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), announced on July 25, 2018, that rejects waters near Crimea, the Ukrainian penin- run all day, every day from July 27 to Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Richard Blumenthal Russia’s attempted annexation of Crimea sula that Russia now occupies after seiz- August 4, and that it would cover political (D-Conn.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ron Wyden and pledges to maintain this policy until ing it in 2014. strategy, budgeting, public policy, lawmak- (D-Ore.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Sherrod Ukraine’s territorial integrity is restored. The Kerch Strait is the sole passage ing and strategic communication. This resolution was advocated during Brown (D-Ohio), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), from the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov. It Depending on each lawmaker’s interests the Ukrainian Day advocacy event in Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Doug Jones runs between Russia and Crimea, the and planned focus once in parliament, they Washington in June. (D-Ala.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Ron Ukrainian peninsula that Russia took will also get training on issues such as regu- Johnson (R-Wis.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), lation, decentralization, education, and Sens. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Dick over by force in March 2014 after send- Durbin (D-Ill.), co-chairs and co-founders of James Inhofe (R-Okla.), and Pat Toomey ing in troops and staging a referendum security and defense. (R-Pa.) also co-sponsored the resolution. “The key is to build on what skills they the Senate Ukraine Caucus, praised the pas- already have,” Ms. Faryatyeva said. sage of S. Res. 74 Sources: Ukrainian National Information (Continued on page 17) “I am proud to see the Senate pass this Service, Senate Ukraine Caucus. 4 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 2019 No. 31 No. 31 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 2019 5

UNA CELEBRATES 125 YEARS: A snapshot from history, 1985

In 1985, Ukrainian National Association Branch 206, the Zaporozska Sicz Society, of Woonsocket, R.I., celebrated its 75th anniversary. Seen above (from left) with the branch’s anniversary banner are Russell Hreczuk, Alexander Kokolski, Peter Kindeforski, Dmytro Sarachmon and Leon Hardink. The jubilee was marked on May 18, 1985, with a social hour, banquet and dance at the Embassy Club in Woonsocket that was attended by more than 250 mem- bers and friends. Mayor Gaston Ayotte of Woonsocket expressed greetings to the members and guests, and read a proclama- tion declaring May 18 as “Ukrainian Day” in honor of the 75th anniversary of UNA Branch 206. The Rev. Myron Oryhon of St. Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Church gave a brief history of the Woonsocket branch, say- ing: “The Ukrainian immigrants who came to Woonsocket found a new commitment and inspiration which led them to continue to carry God’s love to all in the Ukrainian community.” The main speaker at the event was UNA Supreme President John O. Flis, who traced the history of the UNA, which began with the formation of self-aid associations in the coal mining regions of Pennsylvania. These associations became the nucleus of a national fraternal organiza- tion today known as the Ukrainian National Association. Mr. Flis also presented spe- cial awards for outstanding work to Mr. Hardink, Branch 206 secretary, and Dmytro Sarachmon, Branch 206 president. A photo archive of UNA history has been launched on the UNA website. It is a work in progress that will be expanded and refined. To take a look, go to unainc.org/una/the-una-is- 125-years-old/. 6 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 2019 No. 31

WINDOW ON EURASIA The Ukrainian Weekly A fund-raiser for UNA publications West’s mixed signals on Ukraine At the recent Ukrainian Cultural Festival at Soyuzivka, the traditional gala fund- raiser – the sixth such annual benefit – was dedicated to the two newspapers pub- make Russian aggression more likely lished by the Ukrainian National Association. The goal was to raise funds for the UNA by Paul Goble “In order to escape this contradiction,” he Publications Endowment Fund that exists under the aegis of the Ukrainian National continues, “the countries of NATO should give Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) organization that performs charitable activities on the The decision of the Parliamentary Assembly Ukraine and NATO some kind of alternative UNA’s behalf. of the Council of Europe to reseat the Russian guarantees of security, possibly not via full It is worth noting that this year, in celebrating the 125th anniversary of the UNA, delegation despite no changes in Moscow’s membership in the Alliance but for example at we are also celebrating the jubilee of Svoboda, the world’s oldest Ukrainian newspa- behavior and despite the fact that most the level of bilateral treaties as in the relations per, which has been published since 1893. Why? Because it was that Ukrainian- European countries continue to maintain a of the U.S. and South Korea or in the frame- language newspaper which gave birth to the UNA – in the beginning was the word. sanctions regime against Russian actions is not work of the Bucharest 10 or the Intermarium Already in its fourth issue, dated November 1, 1893, Svoboda stated in a front-page the only mixed signal the West is sending, jour- concept.” editorial, “We need a national organization.” The word became deed on February 22, nalists Kseniya Kirillova says. And Dr. Umland concludes that “to approach 1894, with the establishment of a Ukrainian fraternal organization then known as And while it has received vastly more the borders of Ukraine with forces without giv- Ruskyi Narodnyi Soyuz. attention, this may not be the most significant ing any guarantees of help looks in my view We are also celebrating The Ukrainian Weekly, which was born in 1933 with a dual one or the one most likely to lead the Kremlin inconsistent.” And such inconsistencies are mission: to keep new generations of Ukrainians born in America involved in commu- to conclude that it can divide the West and exactly the kind of thing that leads Moscow to nity life and – what was even more important – to inform the English-speaking public even get away with a new round of aggression assume it can exploit them to its advantage (ru. about the Holodomor decimating the population of Ukraine. The idea of an English- against Ukraine, the U.S.-based Russian jour- krymr.com/a/evropejskim-politikam-ne- language publication was proposed at the UNA’s 1933 Convention by Svoboda Editor- nalist continues (kasparov.ru/material. udastsa-zabyt-o-kryme/29984345.html). in-Chief Luke Myshuha, and the idea became reality less than five months later. php?id=5D24A17C3A17A). Indeed, Mr. Kirillova points out, Moscow is At the gala fund-raiser on July 12, wonderful words of support for Svoboda and That more dangerous mixed signal may doing two things which suggest it is more than The Weekly were offered by Honorary Member of the UNA General Assembly Taras come from a decision to have a NATO naval ready to do so in order to launch a new cam- Szmagala Sr., who for many years chaired its Publications Committee (previously exercise near Ukraine, something that infuri- paign against Ukraine from occupied Crimea. known as the Press Committee). In his message, read by UNA Advisor Irene ates Moscow without providing any guarantee On the one hand, it continues to build up offen- Jarosewich, who now chairs the Publications Committee, Mr. Szmagala eloquently that the alliance would in fact come to sive forces there that have no purpose except to posited that the UNA has always had a commitment to “maintaining a platform of Ukraine’s rescue. On that point, she quotes the be used to carry out such attacks. communication for Ukrainians in our community, even worldwide, …and to our words of Andreas Umland, an expert at Kyiv’s And on the other, the Russian authorities extraordinary fraternal legacy of maintaining Ukrainian identity and efforts toward Institute of Euro-Atlantic Cooperation. refuse to address the serious water shortages the building of an independent and strong Ukraine.” Therefore, its publications are Dr. Umland observes that he does not in Crimea, quite possibly so that they can use deserving of our support. And the UNA Publications Endowment Fund is the vehicle entirely understand “the logic of NATO’s pres- this to justify a move into southeastern for that support. ence for Georgia and Ukraine because, on the Ukraine. All too many people in the West might Calls for the establishment of an endowment for the UNA’s newspapers can be one hand, they are not members of the be quite willing to accept Moscow’s argument traced back to 2006, when such a fund was proposed at the UNA Convention. The Alliance and correspondingly, NATO has not that it had no choice but to attack in order to idea came up repeatedly and was formally adopted in a resolution at the 2010 assumed any obligation to defend them. But get water that Kyiv was denying the people of Convention that read: “Whereas, the official publications of the Ukrainian National on the other, their cooperation with NATO in Crimea. Association – Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly – represent a crucial public image the Black Sea angers Russia.” The Russian journalist cites the words of for the Ukrainian National Association and are indispensable for the organization in Ukrainian political analyst Taras Berezovets on the Ukrainian community at large, be it resolved that a UNA Publications Endowment this point. “Perhaps,” he says, “Putin is not hur- Paul Goble is a long-time specialist on rying to develop alternative sources of supply Fund be created to ensure the future of the UNA’s official publications – Svoboda and ethnic and religious questions in Eurasia The Ukrainian Weekly – via a permanent reserve fund.” In May 2014, the UNA estab- of potable water precisely because he needs a who has served in various capacities in the pretext for a future invasion.” Many would see lished the UNA Publications Endowment Fund by donating $10,000 of seed money. U.S. State Department, the Central It is that endowment which benefited from the gala at Soyuzivka. Proceeds from that as a sufficient reason not to oppose Intelligence Agency and the International Moscow (ru.krymr.com/a/taras-berezovec- the event, as well as generous donations presented that evening, are meant to help Broadcasting Bureau, as well as at the Voice secure the future of the two most important newspapers serving our community here dzheyson-smart-ob-obostrenii-situacii-v-kry- of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio mu/29994959.html). in North America and our nation worldwide. By donating to the UNA Publications Liberty and the Carnegie Endowment for And at the same time, he adds, perhaps Endowment Fund, supporters can help ensure that Svoboda and The Ukrainian International Peace. The article above is ominously, “Ukraine does not have a suffi- Weekly inform and engage succeeding generations for years to come. (Checks payable reprinted with permission from his blog cient number of forces on its southern bor- to UNF – UNA Publications Endowment Fund may be sent to: Ukrainian National called “Window on Eurasia” (http://windo- der because our main military formations Foundation, 2200 Route 10, Parsippany, NJ 07054.) woneurasia2.blogspot.com/). are concentrated in the Donbas.”

Aug Turning the pages back... IN THE PRESS: Zelenskyy’s chance Sixty-five years ago, on August 9, 1954, the Select “Ukraine has an extraordinary chance end its members’ immunity from prosecu- Committee on Communist Aggression, U.S. House of to turn things around,” editorial, The tion, authorize the prosecution of officials 9 Washington Post, July 26 (https://www. for graft and approve the replacement of Representatives, issued its Second Interim Report, based on 1954 oral testimony of 122 witnesses (and sworn written state- washingtonpost.com/opinions/global-opin- the chief prosecutor. He has suggested ments from many more) detailing Soviet aggression and mass ions/ukraine-has-an-extraordinary-chance- that he will nominate an economist with murders of Ukrainian people in their native land. to-turn-things-around/2019/07/26/ no political history as prime minister; The nine-man committee, headed by Rep. Charles J. Kersten (R-Wis.), with Edward e2dda3ac-ae2d-11e9-bc5c-e73b603e7f38_ reports say he is considering a couple of M. O’Connor as committee staff director, had recently returned from its hearings held story.html?utm_term=.c24e3ccc1f8e): respected technocrats known for their in London, Munich and Berlin. Previously, the committee held a series of hearings in pro-reform views. … Chicago and New York, where Ukrainian witnesses also gave testimony, as did repre- Ukraine’s political elite has repeatedly … If he succeeds, he could transform the sentatives of other peoples behind the Iron Curtain. Other members of the committee blown chances to stabilize the country and region’s political climate and deal a poten- included Reps. Fred. E. Busbey (R-Ill.), Alvin M. Bentley (R-Mich.), Edward J. Bonin ensure its independence from Russia. Now, tially crippling blow to Mr. Putin’s authori- (R-Pa.), Patrick J. Hillings (R-Calif.), Ray J. Madden (D-Ind.), Thaddeus M. Machrowicz a whole new group will have a chance. On tarian model and his imperalist ambitions. (D-Mich.), Thomas J. Dodd (D-Conn.), Michael A. Feighan (D-Ohio), and Chief Counsel July 21, frustrated voters replaced more The United States, which under the Trump (Committee on Communist Aggression) James J. McTigue. than 60 percent of the Parliament, rele- administration has been supportive of The report was forwarded to the House by Rep. Kersten so “that the members of the gating the parties that have run the gov- Ukrainian sovereignty, should do whatever House will find it useful and that it will be carefully studied by those branches of the ernment in the past to the margins. The it can to help. But it will be up to Mr. government concerned with the security of the United States.” big winner was neophyte President Zelensky and the new political elite he has Among the testimonies the committee heard were witnesses’ recollections of the Volodymyr Zelensky, who called the snap created to show that Ukraine can succeed. massacre of over 10,000 people in 1937-1938 by Communist secret police in the election after taking office in May. His Vinnytsia region of Ukraine. In all, a total of 38 mass graves were discovered contain- party, stocked with first-time candidates, * * * ing the remains of not only Ukrainians, but Poles and other nationalities as well. won an absolute parliamentary majority … The Ukrainian Weekly uses the English- The Vinnytsia Massacre, as it became known, was only one of some 19 similar … Mr. Zelensky could transform his language spelling of the Ukrainian presi- examples of Communist mass murder in Ukraine during that period. Estimates at the country and ensure its future if he uses his dent’s last name – Zelenskyy – that is used time put the death total from 1937-1938 at more than 200,000 Ukrainians. A large unprecedented authority to push through on the official website of the president of number of the victim’s remains were found with their hands tied behind their backs long-overdue legal, institutional and eco- Ukraine (president.gov.ua). President and gunshot wounds to the back of the head, typical of Communist executions. nomic reforms. He should act quickly. Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s last name has also The president has sent some positive been rendered as Zelensky, Zelenskiy and (Continued on page 14) signals. He already asked parliament to Zelenskyi by various sources. No. 31 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 2019 7

COMMENTARY HR 3047: interim alternative President Zelenskyy’s visit to Canada: to NATO for Ukraine League of Ukrainian Canadians’ view democracy, civil society, respect and toler- by Bohdan Shandor The special status conferred on a major by Roman Medyk and Orest Steciw non-NATO ally of the United States dates ance, economic development and social In what is perhaps the single most back to 1989 when the so-called Nunn Ten representatives of the organized justice. We provide humanitarian assis- important action by the United States since Amendment was enacted, authorizing the Ukrainian Canadian community came tance to the needy and support for the war the recognition of Ukraine in 1992, HR secretary of defense with the concurrence together under the auspices of the effort. 3047, titled the U.S.-Ukraine Security of the secretary of state to designate key Ukrainian Canadian Congress, to meet with Our mission is to support the process of Cooperation Enhancement Act, has been military allies as non-NATO allies. The first Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy nation-building in Ukraine. We work introduced in the House of countries to be so designated by President in Toronto on July 2, 2019. As President of directly with government officials and Representatives. The bill’s purpose is “To George H.W. Bush were Australia, Egypt, the League of Ukrainian Canadians (LUC) I institutions, civic activists, and non-govern- provide support to Ukraine to defend its Israel, Japan and South Korea. In 1996, attended the meeting and had the opportu- mental organizations that share our values. independence, sovereignty, and territorial major non-NATO allies received additional nity to ask the first questions of the new Our hope and expectation are that the integrity, and for other purposes.” Most benefits when they were excluded from President: The Institute of National LUC and our partners in Ukraine will be Importantly, HR 3047 goes on to declare in compliance with the Arms Export Control Remembrance is considered to be the lead- able to work with the new President and unequivocal terms that “Ukraine shall be Act, the same as NATO countries. ing state institution for the further develop- his administration on priority issues in treated as a major-non-NATO ally.” Since then, three countries were added ment of Ukraine as a political nation. The securing a brighter future for Ukraine. The act was introduced on May 30 by under President Bill Clinton (Jordan, New director of the institute is Volodymyr However, today, Ukrainian territory is Rep. Michael McFaul (R-Texas) and co- Zealand and Argentina); seven countries Viatrovych. Do you support the work of the under direct foreign military occupation sponsored by Rep. Elliot Engel (D-N.Y.), by President George W. Bush (Bahrain, the Institute and its leader? and revanche in key sectors of government chairman of the House Foreign Relations Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Kuwait, Also, a follow-up question arose: What and society. Russia is conducting a ruthless Committee. The following representatives Morocco and Pakistan); two by President is your position on Ukrainian as the single hybrid war to bring Ukraine under its con- have joined as co-sponsors of the bill: Barack Obama (Afghanistan and Tunisia) state language, and on legislation adopted trol. Russia’s rulers continue to speak William Keating (D-Mass.), Adam and one to date by President Donald to strengthen the positions of the openly about Ukraine as a fake country, Kinzinger (R-Ill.), Robert J. Aderholt Trump (Brazil). A surprising number of Ukrainian language? eliminating Ukrainians as a political nation, (R-Ala.), Timothy Walberg (R-Mich.), Greg these designations have followed visits by On the language question, the President and melding Ukraine into Russia. Russia Pence (R-Ind.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), foreign leaders with the U.S. president at stated that he has no intention to change has mounted a sustained campaign to John Ratcliffe (R-Texas) and Mullin the time. the constitution where Ukrainian is the break the West’s will to stand with Ukraine. Markwayne (R-Okla.). In March of this year, during White state language. He added that any consid- Hence, our concern and that of many The bill is receiving strong bipartisan House meetings with Brazilian President eration of regional languages would com- others in the diaspora and Ukraine is that support, as has been the case for most leg- Jair Bolsonaro, the Brazilian leader port to constitutional norms and that his during his trip, President Zelenskyy made islation on Capitol Hill pertaining to expressed the desire to purchase U.S. administration supports protecting minor- scant reference to Russia’s designs on Ukraine’s sovereignty, defense and assis- weapons systems. Afterwards, President ity rights. President Zelenskyy chose to not Ukraine, even to identify Russia as the tance. In 2014 a similar bill was introduced Trump announced his intention to name comment on the recent legislation adopted aggressor country. His reluctance to state in Congress to name Ukraine, Moldova and Brazil a major non-NATO ally of the U.S., by Parliament on affirmative action mea- his administration’s national security and Georgia as major allies, but it was dropped which he did on May 9. Also, last month sures for the Ukrainian language. defense policies, including his position on following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Sen. John Cornyn added an amendment to Concerning the Institute of National pending legislation to reform the defense the annexation of Crimea – yet another the 2020 Defense Authorization Act that Remembrance, President Zelenskyy said and security sectors is no less disturbing. example of timidity in the face of adversity. will assure India’s designation as an he is not personally familiar with The LUC and the entire Ukrainian diaspora Once passed by both houses of Congress MNNA. Viatrovych but noted that at a time of war support the position of leading Ukrainian and signed by the president, HR 3047 will Being named a major non-NATO ally of the Institute’s work might be too radical, MPs, including Andriy Levus, on national grant Ukraine “Major non-NATO ally” the United States should be the most but that later patriotism can be in full dis- security issues. Extensive work was carried (MNNA) status enjoyed by other non-NATO important foreign policy objective of the play. out with representatives of NATO, the EU friends of the United States like Australia, Zelenskyy administration with respect to For the LUC and many other Ukrainian and the United States on the Basic Law on Japan and South Korea, to name but a few. the United States; it should be raised as a organizations, these issues are central to National Security adopted in June 2018. The State Department has reportedly taken priority issue during any upcoming meet- Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence Unfortunately, President Zelenskyy has yet a favorable position on the legislation. It ings with President Trump. At the same and its place as a European political nation. to state his position on further reform leg- should be noted that the bill as submitted time, the Ukrainian American diaspora Perpetuity of one’s language, culture, islation before parliament, as required by in the form of HR 3047 is a “final” bill and needs to encourage and lobby members of traditions, religious rites, and liberation the basic law. At the same time, we contin- not a “draft,” as reported by some news the House of Representatives to co-spon- history are central to any nation and for a ue to hear a steady stream of disturbing sources. Of course, bills submitted in both sor and support passage of HR 3047, and diaspora its raison d’etre. For Ukrainian proposals from his administration about houses of Congress for enactment may be to urge their senators to introduce a com- Canadians, it was their sine qua non, since referendums on the war, NATO, EU, etc. We modified or amended before passage, panion bill in the Senate. throughout almost the entire 20th century, also are deeply concerned about President although that does not always happen, Ukraine’s designation as a major non- their brethren in the ancestral homeland Zelenskyy’s reluctance to speak clearly especially where there is broad bipartisan NATO ally is equally important to the were under direct threat of being wiped off about his administration’s commitment to support. United States and its strategic interests in the face of the earth by crimes against restore Ukrainian sovereignty in Donbas Under the Foreign Assistance Act of Europe – especially, in dealing with Russia. humanity, including genocide, ethnic and Crimea on Ukrainian terms. 1961 and the Arms Export Control Act, a Ukraine’s recent presidential election, with cleansing, forced mass migration, the Our reticence is also because President country’s status as an MNNA of the United a 62 percent voter turnout, was closely gulag’s concentration camps and the rest. Zelenskyy rarely speaks about Ukraine’s States comes with many important bene- monitored by the Organization for Security The Ukrainian language and history, centuries-long quest for nation statehood fits to the recipient country. These benefits and Cooperation in Europe and other inter- banned by numerous laws and regulations or, since 1991, the arduous path of consoli- include: priority delivery of military weap- national observers, with both rounds hav- of the Czars and Commissars, and its advo- dating its sovereignty and independence. ons and supplies (both offensive and ing been undisputedly found to be “fair and cates and practitioners were severely pun- What have we heard from him about the defensive); participation in weapons democratic elections.” The same was true ished. These atrocities were hidden from Orange Revolution and how subversive research and development projects with of the more recent parliamentary elections. the people and the world. and seditious entrenched interests worked the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD); pos- Ukraine is at the top of the former repub- Throughout the seven decades of Soviet to undermine the people’s will? He makes session of war reserve stockpiles of U.S. lics of the Soviet Union in electoral democ- Russian occupation of Ukraine and since no mention of Russia’s puppet Yanukovych, Defense Department weapons and sup- racy. Since the break-up of the USSR in the demise of the USSR and the restoration who was brought down by yet another plies in the host country; access to U.S. 1991, Ukraine has had six presidents as of Ukraine’s independence, the LUC and the uprising – Revolution of Dignity and the financing of weapons purchasing; expedit- compared to two for Russia and one for diaspora as a whole have dedicated Heavenly Hundred or the volunteer fight- ed export processing of space technology; Belarus. The other former republics have resources to research and document ers from Maidan, who were the first to and, the right to bid on DoD contracts for not fared much better. Ukraine’s centuries-long legacy as a politi- fight in Russia’s war against Ukraine. For building and maintaining U.S. and mutual As in the case of Israel, which remains cal nation and struggle for national inde- President Zelenskyy, it seems Russia is not weapons systems. The benefits of major the only democracy in the Middle East, the pendence. Since Ukraine’s independence, bent on total domination. He sees it as non-NATO ally status are more delineated United States needs to support and defend the LUC and its like-minded partner organi- more of a dispute with a disagreeable under U.S. law than in NATO treaty obliga- the burgeoning democracy of Ukraine as a zations have worked to share with their neighbor. It also seems that for President tions, albeit without NATO’s formal Article counterweight to the ever-growing malign brethren in Ukraine a wealth of research, Zelenskyy Ukrainian is not the bedrock of 5 commitment (mutual assistance in the threat from Russia. As a despot, Russian documentation and scholarly studies, liter- national identity, despite ethnic Ukrainians face of aggression). President Vladimir Putin is likely to be ary works and cultural productions. We making up over 80 percent of the popula- threatened by Ukraine’s democracy at his also are engaged in programs promoting tion. For him it seems to be more of a hybrid identity of two people’s “shared his- Bohdan Shandor is an attorney and pres- border as much if not more than U.S. mis- siles in Poland. History and the fall of the tory” and that the deformations of ently serves as Chairman of the Ukrainian Roman Medyk is president and Orest Ukrainian society are not the product of American Bar Association’s Committee on Berlin Wall in 1989 have taught us that Steciw is managing director of the League democracy can be contagious. Legislative Affairs. of Ukrainian Canadians. (Continued on page 17) 8 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 2019 No. 31

UCCA statement UCCA welcomes Manor College

UCCA independent institution of higher Banning all political predecessors learning founded by the Ukrainian NEW YORK – The Executive Board Sisters of St. Basil the Great. not the norm in democracies of the Ukrainian Congress Committee Originally chartered as a junior col- of America (UCCA) on July 12 lege, today’s Manor College offers On July 12, ambassadors representing the stitutional principles on which it is founded.” announced that Manor College has associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, seven largest advanced economies in the world President Yanukovych and his henchmen jeop- been accepted as a member organi- reflecting its growth, expansion and – the G-7 – issued a joint statement in response ardized the national security and defense of zation of the UCCA National Council. place in the Philadelphia suburban to a recent video address by President Ukraine, leaving the territorial integrity of The highest ruling body between community. Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine. In his Ukraine at risk, and consistently violating the UCCA’s quadrennial conventions, the As an institution of higher learning address, the president announced amend- human rights and freedoms of its citizens. National Council comprises over 20 with ties to the Ukrainian Catholic ments to Ukraine’s “lustration” laws, which In sharp contrast to this lawless era, the gov- national Ukrainian American organi- Church, Manor is committed to pre- would ban most high-ranking government offi- ernment officials now targeted by President zations. serving its spiritual and ethnic heri- cials from holding important official positions Zelenskyy presided over a historic rebirth of On June 15, members of the UCCA tage and believes that personalized for up to 10 years, including all members of the Ukraine’s national defense structure, and National Council gathered for their education in the Judeo-Christian tra- Cabinet and all 450 members of turned around what was a contracting econo- biannual meeting to develop and dition generates a commitment to a Parliament who had held positions from my following Russia’s invasion, into GDP approve the UCCA’s plans of action peaceful world, which inspires confi- February 23, 2014, to May 19, 2019. In their growth of 3.3 percent in 2018. Instead of leav- and activities of its Executive Board. dence in the present and hope for the joint statement, the G-7 ambassadors remind- ing the country vulnerable to further invasion Presided over by National Council future. ed their Ukrainian ally that while “electoral by Russia, Ukraine’s leaders succeeded in gar- Chair Stefan Kaczaraj, who is presi- “As UCCA continues to work change and political rotation are the norm in nering world support for Ukraine’s territorial dent of the Ukrainian National towards unifying the Ukrainian- democracies…, indiscriminate bans on all par- integrity and non-recognition of Russia’s illegal Association, the meeting of represen- American community, I am delighted ticipants in executive and legislative gover- annexation of Crimea. These leaders also con- tatives of Ukrainian American orga- to welcome Manor College as our nance are not,” adding that “the situation in vinced the United States to provide Ukraine nizations and local UCCA chapters newest member organization, and Ukraine today is, in our conviction, not compa- with lethal defensive weapons, rebuilt the heard reports from various Executive look forward to their active involve- rable to that after the Revolution of Dignity.” Ukrainian Armed Forces and established a for- Board members and committee ment and to the many contributions The Ukrainian Congress Committee of midable, homegrown armaments industry. Chairs. they will make,” said UCCA President America (UCCA), the largest representation of The lustration of Yanukovych-era govern- The highpoint of the afternoon Andriy Futey. Americans of Ukrainian descent, stands with ment officials, including the newly appoint- was when, on the recommendation “I would also like to thank UCCA’s the ambassadors of Canada, France, Germany, ed head of Ukraine’s Presidential of the UCCA’s Membership Philadelphia Branch for its leader- Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United Administration, was a well-reasoned, legislat- Committee, which is authorized and ship in working with Manor College. States in reminding President Volodymyr ed response to the demands of the Euro- required to review each applicant for It is a prime example of how in work- Zelenskyy that the lustration laws which took Maidan demonstrators. Instead of tearing the membership, the National Council ing together we can wield much effect following the Revolution of Dignity were country apart with political retribution, the unanimously voted to admit Manor more influence on the political pro- necessitated by the historic nature of President UCCA strongly urges President Zelenskyy and College as its newest member orga- cess in the United States, and have a [Viktor] Yanukovych’s high crimes and derelic- his government to remain focused on fight- nization. greater ability to assist our vibrant tion of duty. As the European Court of Human ing the enemy currently occupying Ukraine’s Founded in 1947, Manor College is community and our brethren in Rights declared, “a democratic state is entitled territory and to build upon the successes of the a private, Catholic, co-educational, Ukraine,” Mr. Futey added. to require civil servants to be loyal to the con- past five years. Ukrainians deserve no less.

voted for Mr. Zelenskyy. despite Russia’s war. Decentralization, explained that she does not see the Experts’... In his remarks, Jonathan Katz, senior education and health-care reforms that president, his advisors, and the Servant fellow at the German Marshall Fund and are already well under way need to be of the People party and those who voted (Continued from page 1) co-chair of the U.S. Ukraine Foundation’s bolstered, and existing laws on decom- for them as a monolithic force. and new MPs,” he said. Friends of Ukraine Network (FOUN) munization and on supporting the Andreas Umland, senior research fel- Besides creating this roadmap for Democracy and Civil Society Task Force, Ukrainian language and culture should low at the Institute for Euro-Atlantic reforms for the next five years, Mr. called the Ukrainian elections “historic not be revisited. Cooperation, voiced a bit of skepticism Babych noted that during the campaign in many ways,” noting that a year ago no Ms. Hopko sounded the alarm about about the sweeping change of elites in season RPR member organizations pro- one was predicting that we would have a the electoral successes of Viktor Ukrainian national politics and whether vided polling data, media monitoring President Zelenskyy and that his party Medvedchuk’s pro-Russian Opposition they will be different from their prede- and served as watchdogs of the election would have a majority in the Verkhovna Bloc – For Life and their effective control cessors. Providing members of the process. Others held meetings with lead- Rada. of several major TV channels in Ukraine. Verkhovna Rada with a respectable sala- ers and representatives of leading par- “So we are really in uncharted waters On one of those channels you can see ry would be a good step toward helping ties to shed light on their policies regard- both here in Washington and elsewhere Vladimir Putin more often than Mr. them avoid being pulled into the corrup- ing such issues as decentralization, bat- in trying to understand the new political Zelenskyy, she said, adding that “it tion schemes that have plagued tling corruption, de-oligarchization of landscape in Ukraine and what it means requires probably radical steps from the Ukraine’s Parliament for decades, he the economy, and integration with the for Ukraine going forward, but also for National Council on Security and suggested. European Union and NATO. Ukraine’s partners in the United States, Defense... I think it’s really important to Mr. Umland seemed confident that we Taras Shevchenko, director of the the EU, what it means for its regional stop this occupation of media space” in will not see Ukraine turn toward author- Center for Democracy and Rule of Law, relationships, including with Russia,” he Ukraine. Ms. Hopko also talked about itarianism, saying that Ukrainian civil says that with President Zelenskyy’s said. her efforts to conduct an orientation for society is too strong and the influence of Servant of the People party winning an During the discussion, Mr. Katz raised incoming members of the Foreign Western partners too great for that to overwhelming majority in Parliament, the question of what new approaches Affairs Committee. occur. “we will, as civil society, be in quite a Ukraine’s partners in the West might In trying to explain the unexpected The co-organizers of the video confer- new and challenging situation.” Whereas take when engaging the new govern- electoral success of Mr. Zelenskyy and ence were the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation’s Ukrainian civil society has become ment and Parliament – bearing in mind his party, Iryna Bekeshkina, director of Friends of Ukraine Network (FOUN) accustomed to working with a number that these elections brought in a wave of the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Democracy and Civil Society Task Force, of parliamentary factions to get support newcomers to politics who lack govern- Foundation, highlighted opinion polls the German Marshall Fund, the for reform legislation, the new political ing experience. indicating that voters lacked confidence Reanimation Package of Reforms, the landscape will necessitate focusing As for supporting the new president in the future and were looking for a Ukraine Crisis Media Center and the advocacy efforts on one party, which and government, Hanna Hopko, the out- leader who was not corrupt, was honest Ukrainian World Congress. will have the ability to act quickly and going chairperson of the Parliamentary and was willing to protect the interests Other civil society organizations that decisively in passing laws. Committee on Foreign Affairs who was of the people. Professionalism, on the have joined the Transatlantic Task Force Mr. Shevchenko said he believes that not on the ballot this year, called on the other hand, was not a leading criterion. on Elections and Civil Society in Ukraine the window for adopting reforms will West to maintain sanctions and princi- Polls also indicate that 60 percent of task include Transparency International last about a year and he had three piec- pled positions in terms of not granting people believe that President Zelenskyy Ukraine, Center for Democracy and Rule es of advice to his colleagues in civil Russia any concessions in its military could be a driver of reforms, with over of Law, Center for Policy and Legal society: first, your organization should aggression against Ukraine. Russia’s 40 percent placing such faith in the Reform, OPORA Civil Network, decide if you will be a watchdog moni- invasion of Ukraine in 2014 had initially future government and Parliament. Democratic Initiatives Foundation, toring government activity or if you will brought Ukraine to the verge of econom- People are in a very optimistic and DEJURE Foundation, EIDOS Center, take on a cooperative role, helping and ic collapse, she noted. hopeful mood in the aftermath of this Center for Economic Strategy, Anti- supporting the government; second, Ms. Hopko encouraged the new year’s “electoral Maidan,” she said. And Corruption Action Center, and Center constantly be on the lookout for win- Ukrainian president, government and anti-corruption, law enforcement, UA. dows of opportunity; third, forget about Parliament to build on what she health care, pensions/social safety net Notably, Orest Deychakiwsky, co-chair idealism and have realistic expectations. described as the significant foreign poli- and the army top the list of reform pri- of the FOUN Democracy and Civil He also seemed to be a bit critical of cy, defense and national security accom- orities in the eyes of voters. Society Task Force, served as an interna- Kyiv-based NGOs, suggesting that they plishments of the last five years and the Despite their new dominance in tional election observer in Ukraine are “disconnected” from the people who economic stability that was achieved Ukrainian politics, Ms. Bekeshkina twice this year. No. 31 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 2019 9 REFLECTIONS: Pope Francis meets with Ukrainian Church leaders over two days

by Archbishop-Metropolitan of the other leads to pervasive interpersonal distrust, ren- Borys Gudziak dering family, social, economic and political life all the more difficult. An unprecedented event took place in Rome on July 5-6. Widespread post-Soviet poverty and social injustice, Desiring to demonstrate support for the Ukrainian Greek- substandard medical care and social services, high levels of Catholic Church at a time of war, shifts in interconfessional abortion, alcoholism, AIDS, divorce, family violence and relations, fluctuating hopes amid heightened tensions, and infant mortality, and low average life expectancy have been humanitarian and social crises, Pope Francis invited the aggravated by five years of hybrid war combining military head, metropolitans and members of the Permanent Synod methods with economic undermining, infiltration of the of the UGCC to a personal meeting at the Vatican. political system, and various types of cyberattacks. The The pope himself, the cardinal secretary and leading offi- Russian invasion has occasioned a veritable humanitarian cials of the Vatican Secretariat of State, and prefects of four crisis. Now, enduring the sixth year of foreign invasion, curial departments together with their assistants, dedicat- Ukraine is the poorest country in Europe. A million emi- ed two full days of fraternal conversation and reflection to grants and refugees are leaving the country annually, often the challenges and mission of our Church – in Ukraine and without documentation. The holy father wanted to hear the in its global presence. truth about what is taking place. To recognize the uniqueness of this format it might help This is not a dry geopolitical calculation on the pope’s to imagine the American president – a political leader of part, but attention that flows out of true evangelical love: 300 million, as compared to the pope, who leads a billion for the despair of the refugee, for the loneliness of the Catholics – invited Ukrainians to meet for two days with the young person, for the traumas of those who because of war leaders of the U.S. government. It is an apt comparison, have lost their relatives, for the sufferings of families bro- since the relative percentage of Ukrainians in America ken by alcoholism, for wounds to the soul caused by more or less corresponds to the proportion that Ukrainian divorce, separation, and enmity. Greek-Catholics constitute in the Catholic Church. In order to better understand Pope Francis, it is worth- For the Vatican dignitaries and for us 11 bishops, who while to know how to read signs, gestures and symbols. represent the global Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church in During a meeting at the Vatican on July 5: Pope The pope has emphasized a number of times that he North and Latin America, Oceania and Europe, including Francis, Patriarch Sviatoslav and Archbishop- begins and ends his day with Ukraine, in prayer before the Ukraine, these were 12 hours of concentrated mutual lis- Metropolitan Borys Gudziak. icon that His Beatitude Sviatoslav gave him. He recalled this tening. at the meeting in Rome: To take time to listen and to learn to know one another dream, the Ukrainian Catholic University, established ini- “You know that every morning and every evening my in tranquility are true luxuries in the modern world. Today tially in Rome. gaze turns to the icon of the Mother of God which His everyone is rushed, demands everything here and now, The Roman Catholic Church has played an active role in Beatitude gave me when he left Buenos Aires to assume the wants immediate results and gratification, and is impatient practically all pastoral, charitable and educational projects ministry of major archbishop which the Church entrusted for quick and simple black-and-white decisions. We have of the Greek-Catholic Church in Ukraine. Over the last 100 to him. Before this icon I begin and end my day, trusting in somehow lost the understanding that life is complex and years more than 1,000 Ukrainian priests received a full the graces of the Mother of God, who is the Mother of us all that, in order to fathom the human person, place and situa- higher education and often earned doctorates in institu- and your Church. One can say that I begin and end my day tion, it is necessary to devote a significant amount of time, tions run by the Holy See. ‘Ukrainian style,’ beholding the Mother of God.” sometimes weeks or months. We have forgotten how to lis- Support for the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church on the To the attentive eye and heart, these words of the pope ten. part of Rome has a long tradition, and now a new format demonstrate how personal the question of Ukraine is for In this bustle, how many people have succumbed to the has appeared – deep listening. Its leader is Pope Francis. him. populism of politicians! How many children have grown up It is unbelievably difficult today to carry the responsibili- For two days, other Vatican leaders also had the oppor- feeling unheeded, ignored! How many women have felt ty for unity and general leadership of the Catholic Church, tunity to come to better know, and more deeply appreciate their voices unheard whether in family or society! How in particular because of the instantaneous nature of mod- Ukraine, Ukrainians and our Church. We strove to be good many men are afraid to be truly open about their fears and ern communications and our nervous impatience that communicators. concerns! In various countries, even the most developed demands immediate responses and reactions to every Was everything that should be said – said? Was every- democracies, we witness profound divisions, alienation and question. Speed and brevity are the desired currency. thing heard? Obviously, not. However, there is encouraging deep, even if well-concealed, wounds. The pope offers a different style, a different set of rela- hope that a new format for discussion has emerged. There The Catholic Church is a global community of a billion. In tions. was a sincere dialogue or, rather, a polyphony – without historical secular terms, this is the most enduring organiza- Benefitting from several opportunities for personal con- dialectic and fakery – in which respect, hospitality and the tion on earth, with two millennia of uninterrupted if stormy tact with him this year, I can attest that the pope knows desire to comprehend one another reigned. We prayed history. It has spread to every country. Its principles are how to listen, and with attention and sincerity. Attention together and listened. incarnated in every culture and, even more, it has been a and sincerity, and closeness to those in need, and aware- The Catholic Church is an institution both divine and creative force within these various cultures. No other insti- ness of our specific pain shines in his eyes, regardless of the human. It works with the soul and the heart, not with steel tution has done so much for the development of education, fact that the pontiff must hold in his heart the cares of the or stone. Its weapons are soft: above all, prayer, words and relief of humanitarian and social needs, promotion of world whole world. His directness, simplicity and goodness sometimes silence. To understand the strength of prayer, peace, and care of human souls as has the Catholic Church. impress. This pope wants the human being to be close to words and silence is not easy, especially when rockets are For two days, as we frankly communicated to the pope God. He does not tolerate pomposity, formalism and cleri- exploding and passions raging. and Vatican officials our difficulties and challenges, our calism. Over the two days with Pope Francis and his co-workers, local and global achievements, we also had the opportunity Pope Francis is not a politician, though his status in the we felt a mutual communion, from heart to heart. I am con- to re-examine ourselves. A SWOT [strengths, weaknesses, world community demands certain actions that involve the vinced that the pope suffers over the fate of all people in opportunities and threats] analysis of the UGCC was pre- political arena. He is, above all, a pastor who deeply cares this mysterious, dramatic, deeply wounded but beloved by sented; the successes and failures of the pastoral work of about people’s fates. He and his assistants demonstrated God corner of the world. He strives, intensively and directly, the Church were discussed. The Holy See wanted to under- this yet again over these two days. to grasp the needs of Ukrainians from the Carpathians to stand how it can help the UGCC not only develop but “flour- It would be good if other world leaders dedicated as the Donbas, from Chornobyl to Crimea, the desires of all the ish” as was emphasized in the final communiqué. much time and attention to Ukraine, the Ukrainian war, faithful following the Kyivan tradition in various countries I thought about the fact that three Galician bishoprics human suffering and aspirations. and on various continents. from a provincial corner of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in The Russian invasion has already taken the lives of God is close, especially where there is pain. His witness- 1900 were able to transform into a Church that now boasts 13,000 people according to United Nations estimates, es are always close when things are difficult for us. They do 34 eparchies (dioceses) and exarchates (mission dioceses) injured and maimed some 30,000 (including 9,000 civil- not waste time on arguments. They do not waste effort on all over the world. ians). There are already some 400,000 combat veterans, convincing the mighty of the world of this, but directly and I thought about the role the Holy See has played to make many of them traumatized, more than 1,000 have commit- sincerely they listen, standing near us in solidarity. this development possible. ted suicide. That is just on the Ukrainian side. No statistics We could see this in the pope’s eyes, his attitude and During the time when the Soviet regime seemingly erad- are available on Russian casualties – because officially directness, when he quietly drank espresso, allowing His icated the very existence of our Church and tried to destroy Russian soldiers “are not involved.” The war has directly Beatitude Sviatoslav and all of us to speak in the name of the unique individuality of Ukraine’s nationhood, culture, affected 5.2 million Ukrainian citizens, 3.5 million of whom globally dispersed Ukrainians – from Argentina to and language, the Holy See lifted up the name of the UGCC, require humanitarian assistance. Some 2.5 million have Australia, from Los Angeles to Montreal, from Dublin to Ukraine and Ukrainians on the international arena, and become internally displaced persons or refugees. The Warsaw, from the Sian to the Don. provided structural support and legitimacy to Ukrainian Russian invasion transformed the Donbas, a compact, That was also the attitude of his co-workers. ecclesiastical and community life. urbanized and industrialized region, into a conflict zone rife That of Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the secretary of state and The Vatican itself in 1950 bought property in Sarcelles with criminality and with ruined industry and infrastruc- second in charge at the Vatican. Quiet, smiling, friendly. He near Paris for the Taras Shevchenko Scientific Society to ture – houses, hospitals, schools, water, electricity and gas is not afraid to admit that he may not know something. A enable researchers there to edit and publish the monumen- supply systems. tested diplomat who wants to build bridges. He personally tal “Encyclopedia of Ukrainian Studies.” It was possible to explain to the leaders of the Holy See visited Ukraine after the start of the war in order to see up At a different time and in a different way, the Vatican how the war exacerbated the historical wounds caused by close what was happening. financially supported the Ukrainian Free University in decades of genocidal totalitarianism. In the 20th century That of Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, who is responsible for Munich. between 12 million and 15 million people were killed on the Vatican’s relations with the Eastern Catholic Churches, It was Roman Catholics who provided financial backing Ukrainian territory. The system killed systematically, and for Patriarch Josyf Slipyj and the material basis of his fear became deeply lodged in the collective DNA. This fear (Continued on page 17) 10 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 2019 No. 31 No. 31 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 2019 11

Marta Farion Marta Farion At the Friday night gala: UNA President/Chief Executive Officer Stefan Kaczaraj with his wife, Ukraine’s Ambassador to the U.S. Valeriy Chaly addresses Swiatoslawa, UNA Advisor Bohdanna Puzyk and UNA Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer Roma gala attendees. Lisovich. At the heart of the 2019 Ukrainian Cultural Festival by Adrian Bryttan lenges: infrastructure upgrades, new kitchen, spa, and a Ukraine’s Ambassador to the U.S. Valeriy Chaly personal- concert shell. But he stressed: “Soyuzivka is more than a ly congratulated the UNA and both publications, thanking business. It is a focus for maintaining culture and history, everyone for their support of today’s warriors at the front. Festival at the Ukrainian National Foundation’s Soyuzivka and our rich heritage should be shared with everyone. Our He stated: “the great support from the diaspora is the rea- HeritageKERHONKSON, Center onN.Y. July – Тhe 12-14 13th annualfeatured Ukrainian many belovedCultural community cannot take it for granted. We must all help son why Ukraine has attained respect. We are an honorable Ukrainian artists from around the world, and also hosted a finance these projects and become direct participants. nation – where over 13,100 soldiers have laid down their variety of stimulating artistic and cultural programs. Everything is in our hands.” lives so Ukraine could proceed on its own direction. We will These annual festivals provide popular entertainment, “In the beginning was the word…” With that phrase, the never allow Russian to be the second official language. yet they are so much more. They are a focus for sharing editor-in chief of Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly, Roma Ukraine depends on you. Glory to the Heroes!” mutual concerns over the future of the Ukrainian heritage. Hadzewycz, began her overview of the contributions and Mr. Chaly presented gifts to UNA President/CEO Stefan This year’s festival celebrated a landmark anniversary: significance of these important publications that have Kaczaraj, Dr. Szeremeta and Ms. Lisovich. 125 years of continuous service to Ukrainian communities served the Ukrainian community and nation for a combined in the United States and Canada by the Ukrainian National total of over 210 years. Performers and programs Association (UNA). The aim of the gala was to honor the Established in 1893, Svoboda is the world’s oldest con- important work by the UNA’s two newspapers, Svoboda tinuously published Ukrainian-language newspaper. Ms. Three stage shows over the first two days culminated in (published since 1893) and The Ukrainian Weekly (since Hadzewycz quoted longtime Editor-in-Chief Anthony the Saturday evening main stage show. The Friday evening 1933), and to support the UNA Publications Endowment Dragan, who wrote in his history of the UNA that Svoboda show was devoted to the Ukrainian Dance Workshop. Many Fund that exists under the aegis of the Ukrainian National was “a true beacon of light in the prevailing darkness of performers and ensembles appeared in both the Saturday Foundation (UNF). Also in celebration of the UNA’s jubilee, a hopelessness and despair among Ukrainian immigrants in afternoon and evening shows. At the Saturday afternoon special display was presented in Soyuzivka’s Main House. America.” show, Swiatoslawa Kaczaraj delivered a stirring rendition of UNF Treasurer Roma Lisovich, who is also the chief In 1933, Stephen Shumeyko, age 25, became the first edi- the American and Ukrainian national anthems. financial officer/treasurer of the UNA, spoke with this tor of The Ukrainian Weekly. This English-language newspa- New York State Sen. Jen Metzger appeared on the main author about the foundation’s previous fund-raising goals: per kept new generations involved in community life, but stage on Saturday evening to greet the audience; she fondly raising money to renovate an entire wing of a Ukrainian was also dedicated to informing the English-speaking world recalled her son attending Soyuzivka soccer camp. Earlier in rehabilitation center, to aid families of the fallen and injured about the truth regarding Ukraine. Under Mr. Shumeyko, the day, she took in the festival’s offerings, including an victims of Russia’s war against Ukraine, and to help the The Ukrainian Weekly gave a voice to the people who built opportunity to learn how to make a pysanka. Ukrainian Catholic University establish graduate programs churches, schools, sport centers, who exposed the plight of Returning again this year was Vasyl Popadiuk, jazz/gypsy to train doctors treating post-traumatic stress disorder. World War II refugees, and who led the charge to document violin virtuoso, to electrify the crowds with his mix of soul- the Holodomor and the fight for national and human rights. ful ballads and flashy pyrotechnics. The Ukrainian Chorus 2019 UNF gala fund-raiser Ms. Hadzewycz closed her talk by quoting Dr. Myron Kuropas: “Where would we be without the UNA and their (Continued on page 16) On Friday evening, gala fund-raiser attendees were greet- publications?” ed by Dr. Wasyl Szeremeta, UNF president. He stated that because maintaining tradition and heritage is difficult, Tributes Ukrainian immigrants created the UNA and founded its two newspapers. He concluded with a plea for everyone to sup- UNA Advisor Irene Jarosewich read accolades from port the UNA and the UNF. Honorary Member of the UNA General Assembly Taras In a later interview, Dr. Szeremeta detailed future chal- Szmagala Sr., who spoke about the need to look to the future. Speaking on behalf of the Selfreliance Foundation and the New Jersey Advisory Board of Selfreliance Federal Credit Union, Dr. Andrew Hrechak added his congrat- ulations and well-wishes. Valentyna Tabaka offered her tribute from Branch 137 of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (UNWLA). Marta Farion, president of the Kyiv- Mohyla Foundation of America, travelled from Chicago to extend her con- gratulations. The dinner’s musical entertainment featured Adrian Bryttan singers Taras Petrynenko, Ukrainian National Foundation President Dr. Wasyl Szeremeta (left) with Tetiana Horobets and Tonya Adrian Bryttan Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-Chief Roma Hadzewycz and UNF Matvienko, and violinist At the Ukrainian “Selo” (Village), Halyna Shepko board member Taras Sochan. Vasyl Popadiuk. demonstrates traditional weaving techniques. 12 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 2019 No. 31

Danylyuk have traveled to Washington for work on [former Ukrainian President as the chief of the Kyiv City State NEWSBRIEFS meetings. Kurt Volker, the U.S. special envoy Petro] Poroshenko.” He told Hromadske TV, Administration. “I will not give in, ever. I to Ukraine, traveled to Kyiv this week with “I think their main goal was... to give me a will do everything to protect local self-gov- (Continued from page 2) U.S. Ambassador to the European Union signal to make me slow down my activities erning institutions. This is a matter of prin- cooperation.” The United States has repeat- Gordon Sondland. During his trip to against Poroshenko. We will not slow ciple that our city must have,” Mr. Klitschko edly called on Ukraine to tackle corruption Washington, Mr. Zelenskyy will also meet down... There is no point in trying to fright- said. President Zelenskyy is believed to and weaken the influence of business with members of Congress. The en us.” Mr. Portnov, who fled Ukraine after have close ties with Mr. Kolomoisky, and tycoons that control power behind the Congressional Ukraine Caucus has asked President Yanukovych was toppled in late Mr. Kolomoisky’s former lawyer, Andriy scenes. The Ukrainian president’s office House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to invite February 2014, returned to the country on Bohdan, led the Zelenskyy presidential said that Mr. Trump expressed U.S. support President Zelenskyy to address both cham- May 19. After coming back a day before campaign and is now the head of the Office for the country’s large-scale reform pro- bers during his visit to Washington. Pelosi President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s inaugura- of the President. (RFE/RL’s Ukrainian gram as well as its territorial integrity. Mr. has yet to answer. (RFE/RL) tion, he filed several lawsuits against Mr. Service) Poroshenko, accusing him of crimes includ- Zelenskyy thanked Mr. Trump for keeping Portnov questioned over Maida Probe suspended in Handzyuk killing and strengthening sanctions against Russia, ing economic misdeeds and illegal attempts which annexed Ukraine’s Crimean peninsu- Andriy Portnov, a former deputy head in to retain power. (RFE/RL, with reporting A decision by Ukraine’s prosecutor gen- la and backed militants in eastern Ukraine, the administration of ex-Ukrainian by Hromadske TV) eral to suspend an investigation against a kicking off a five-year war that has killed President Viktor Yanukovych, has been Klitschko sues Kolomoisky’s TV channel high-ranking regional official charged in around 13,000 people. Ukraine and the questioned by the Prosecutor General’s the death of a Ukrainian anti-corruption United States have held high-level talks Office as a witness about obstruction of jus- Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko says he has activist has sparked concern in the country. over the past few weeks in preparation for tice allegations against his former boss filed a libel lawsuit against the 1+1 TV Kateryna Handzyuk, a 33-year-old civic the meeting. Ivan Bakanov, first deputy stemming from the deadly response to the channel for “launching a widespread cam- activist and adviser to the mayor of the chief of the Security Service of Ukraine, Euro-Maidan protests. Mr. Portnov wrote paign” to discredit him and his former box- Black Sea port city of Kherson, died in presidential assistant Andriy Yermak, and on Facebook that his questioning on July ing champion brother, Wladimir. Vitali November 2018 – three months after she potential prime minister Oleksandr 29 was an attempt to “distract me from my Klitschko announced the lawsuit at a press was severely injured in an acid attack. conference on July 26, questioning the fair- Prosecutors in February arrested Vladyslav ness of the channel, owned by tycoon Ihor Manher, head of the regional council in the Kolomoisky, at a time when the govern- southern region of Kherson, and charged ment is rumored to be considering replac- him with ordering the Handzyuk attack. Mr. ing Mr. Klitschko as chairman of Kyiv’s City Manher was later released on bail. He has State Administration with the station’s denied any involvement in the attack. In a TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL WALTER HONCHARYK (973) 292-9800 x3040 General Director Oleksiy Tkachenko. July 25 statement, the Prosecutor General’s or e-mail [email protected] “There is not a single day when this, one of Office announced that the probe into Mr. the most popular television channels, does Manher and a second suspect, Oleksiy SERVICES PROFESSIONALS not attack the Kyiv mayor. Lies, manipula- Levin, had been suspended because Mr. tion, fabricated information,” Mr. Klitschko Levin’s whereabouts remain unknown. The said. “How can one say the television chan- statement was published shortly after the nel is unbiased when its leader has been news portal Slidstvo.info reported the named a key nominee to the post of Kyiv’s move, revealing that the prosecution’s deci- city state administration?” he added. sion was in their possession. The statement According to Mr. Klitschko, the station said Mr. Manher and Mr. Levin’s involve- broadcast incorrect information about him ment in the case is connected, and cited as when covering the alleged mishandling of legal basis for the suspension paragraphs 2 some construction projects in the and 3 of Article 280 of Ukraine’s Criminal Ukrainian capital. Mr. Klitschko also said Procedural Code. The two paragraphs that he disagrees with the government’s allow the suspension of an investigation decision, initiated by President Volodymyr when a suspect’s whereabouts are Zelenskyy, to divide the duties of the Kyiv unknown and/or an international arrest OPPORTUNITIES МАРІЯ ДРИЧ Ліцензований Продавець mayor and the chief of the Kyiv City State warrant was issued. Yevhenia Zakrevska, a Страхування Життя Administration. The positions are usually lawyer for the Handzyuk family, on July 25 EARN EXTRA INCOME! МАRІA DRICH held by the same person, though the law publicly challenged the decision to suspend The Ukrainian Weekly is looking Licensed Life Insurance Agent allows for the seats to be held by two differ- the investigation, saying the justification for advertising sales agents. Ukrainian National Assn., Inc. ent people as Kyiv’s mayor is elected by city was unconvincing and the move could help For additional information contact 2200 Route 10, Parsippany, NJ 07054 residents, while the chief of the city state the two men evade justice. The Kharkiv Walter Honcharyk, Advertising Manager, Tel.: 973-292-9800 ext. 3035 The Ukrainian Weekly, 973-292-9800, ext administration is appointed by the presi- Human Rights Protection Group, a 3040. e-mail: [email protected] dent. Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman Ukrainian watchdog, also questioned the said on July 26 that the issue of Mr. prosecutor-general’s move, arguing on July Klitschko’s removal from the post of city 26 that Mr. Manher’s whereabouts are state administration chief will be discussed known. In June, five men were sentenced to HOUSE FOR SALE: at an upcoming government session. prison terms between three and six and 5521 Route 23C, Jewett, NY Talking to RFE/RL later on July 26, Mr. 1/2 years for organizing and executing the Klitschko called Mr. Zelenskyy’s idea “an attack, after they pleaded guilty and made near the Ukrainian Catholic Church at Hunter Mtn. attempt to gain control over Kyiv’s mayor, deals with investigators. (RFE/RL’s 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, bi level with wrap around who was elected by the people.” He noted: Ukrainian Service, with reporting by “A key clause in the law on the Ukrainian Gordon, Ukrayinska Pravda and UNIAN) porch. Hot tub and mountain views. The house is in capital says that the mayor elected by the very good condition with essential furniture. $250,000. city residents is appointed as the chairman Former president’s car is attacked of the Kyiv city state administration. That is At least four men rushed toward the Contact Romana Rainey, 518-589-1024. made for the executive and legislative vehicle of former Ukrainian President Petro branches of the city power to unite, so that Poroshenko, with one of them jumping on No agents, pls. the efforts of the elected mayor are as effec- the hood, after the ex-president was ques- tive as possible.” Mr. Klitschko added that tioned as a witness on July 25 over the sale “the influence of the president and the gov- of his shipbuilding plant. Video footage ernment on local administration contradict from local media show the ex- president’s European Charter.” He also said he will fight to preserve his duties as Kyiv’s mayor and (Continued on page 13)

Run your advertisement here, in The Ukrainian Weekly’s CLASSIFIEDS section. No. 31 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 2019 13

nel. (RFE/RL, based on reporting by RFE/ will give clear signals that the rules have detained in the southern region of NEWSBRIEFS RL’s Ukrainian Service, Interfax, Ukrayinska changed,” Mr. Honcharuk said. Kyiv cur- Zaporizhzhia on suspicion of spying for Pravda and Reuters) rently is targeting yearly economic growth Russia. In a statement on July 31, the SBU (Continued from page 12) of 5 percent, an improvement on the past said that the ex-officer, whose name was Zelenskyy team wants new IMF loan bodyguards pull the assailant down from three years when the economy increased not disclosed, “collected data on the social, the car. He, in turn, sprayed gas in the face Ukraine wants a new, longer-term on average by 2-3 percent. To unlock political and economic situation in of one of the guards. Another bodyguard is International Monetary Fund (IMF) pro- growth, creating a farmland market by lift- Zaporizhzhia and regularly visited Crimea” seen defending himself with an umbrella gram with an emphasis on attracting for- ing the moratorium could add $15 billion a following Russia’s seizure of the Ukrainian from the other attackers. A scuffle ensued, eign investment, selling state-owned year to economic output and increase year- Black Sea peninsula in 2014. In Crimea, the after which the assailants fled when some assets, and lifting the ban on the sale of ly gross domestic product by about 1.5 per- suspect “handed the collected data to a rep- two dozen police officers arrived at the farmland. Oleksiy Honcharuk, who leads centage points, according to the World resentative” of Russia’s Federal Security scene, giving chase. In the background, a Ukrainian President Volodymyr Bank. Mr. Honcharuk said talks are under Service (FSB),” it said. The announcement group of people could be heard shouting, Zelenskyy’s economic team, told way with the World Bank on whether to comes after the SBU said on July 18 that it “Poroshenko, shove off.” Mr. Poroshenko Bloomberg in an interview published on allow foreigners to purchase farmland or had arrested an unidentified former lost his re-election bid in April. Mr. July 30 that he wants to pursue market- limit the size of sales. Ukraine has more police officer in the central Ukrainian Poroshenko’s party ran on a pro-European, based policies. To help do that, Mr. than 40 million hectares of fertile farmland region of Poltava on similar charges. Russia anti-Russian ticket in the July 21 parlia- Honcharuk, 35, said he wants to replace that covers nearly 70 percent of its territo- seized and annexed Crimea in March 2014 mentary elections, winning 25 seats. Local the current 14-month, $3.9 billion IMF pro- ry. “We’re looking for the least painful but after Moscow-friendly Ukrainian President media report that Mr. Poroshenko is being gram that expires at the end of this year. most efficient version,” Mr. Honcharuk told Viktor Yanukovych was pushed from power questioned on matters related to tax eva- Instead he wants a staff-level agreement Bloomberg. (RFE/RL, with reporting by by the pro-European Maidan protest move- sion and money laundering when he sold a for up to four years as early as September. Bloomberg) ment the previous month. Moscow has also fomented unrest and backed militants in shipbuilding plant to a Ukrainian business- “When we show changes in the approach Ex-police officer suspected of spying man. Mr. Poroshenko, a billionaire confec- to privatization, farmland sales, when we eastern Ukraine, where more than 13,000 tioner, has said several of his businesses are attract a couple of big companies to extract The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) people have been killed in the ensuing con- being investigated, including his TV chan- natural resources – all of these examples says a former police officer has been flict since April 2014. (RFE/RL)

mph). then-President Poroshenko visited Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Coast Ukrainian sailors... The two commanders agreed that both Baltimore and toured the two vessels with Guard. Ukrainian law gives this right only to cutters, though built in 1988, are superior Admiral Ihor Voronchenko. Ukraine finally the state giant Ukroboronprom.” (Continued from page 1) to any of the Ukrainian Coast Guard vessels signed the agreement for refurbishing the According to the Atlantic Council article, visited the gravesites of two notable they currently operate, in terms of maneu- vessels and training of the two crews need- it turns out that former President Petro Ukrainian American warriors – Lt. Roman verability and reliability. ed to man the vessels. Poroshenko owned a major shipyard with a Kupchinsky and four-star Marine Gen. In 2014, the United States offered to give Though the Coast Guard cutters were contract to build equivalent Coast Guard Samuel Jaskilka. Ukraine two Island-class ships free of donated to Ukraine, they needed refurbish- patrol boats. Apparently, there was not Kupchinsky was a decorated Vietnam charge in an effort to rebuild Ukraine’s ment and the crew needed training. Under enough funding in the Ministry of Defense veteran and became director of the Navy. In 2015 Ukraine and the U.S. signed the agreement, Ukraine paid $9.8 million budget to accomplish both aims – delivery Ukrainian section of Radio Liberty in an agreement to transfer two small Island- for the renovation and upgrading of the of the U.S. donated cutters, which needed Munich in 1991. He later moved to Kyiv as class cutters to Ukraine as part of its non- main computer and guidance systems, as $10 million for refurbishment and training, head of Radio Liberty. paid aid under the Excess Defense Article well as living quarters, engine and arma- along with the approximately $30 million Jaskilka retired as assistant commandant Program (EDAP). ments. for Mr. Poroshenko’s shipyard order of com- of the U.S. Marine Corps, and was a highly For some reason, the deal to transfer the According to an investigation by RFE/ parable cutters. decorated veteran of World War II, the vessels to Ukraine took four years to mate- RL, as cited by Valeriya Yegoshyna in an It took the looming Kerch crisis of Korean War and Vietnam. Gen. Jaskilka was rialize, and the vessels were moored in April 25, 2018, article for the Atlantic November 28, 2018, and the approaching active in the Ukrainian American Veterans, Baltimore harbor for the past four years, Council, the reason it took so long to final- presidential elections, to finally break the and addressed their annual meeting at awaiting a resolution. ize the deal that was initiated in 2014 was logjam Soyuzivka in June 1977. Russia began ratcheting up its harass- that it was embroiled in potential corrup- The military attachés at the Ukrainian Each hero was saluted by the entire crew ment of commercial vessels in the Azov Sea tion. Correspondence about the fate of the Embassy are preparing a series of addition- with a moment of silence and a hearty in April of 2018. Few people noticed that cutters between the relevant authorities in al events involving the crew that will be “Slava Ukrayini – Heroyam Slava.” President Petro Poroshenko’s speech to the Ukraine and the United States, obtained by hosted by the Ukrainian community in The Island-class U.S. Coast Guard cutters United Nations General Assembly on RFE/RL, revealed that discussions had Baltimore and Washington during the are 110 feet long and are lightly armed, September 26, 2018, focused on the illegal gone on for several years without resolu- remaining weeks of training. with one 25mm deck gun and two .50-cali- actions of Russia in the Sea of Azov – two tion. The crew will be returning to its home ber machine guns. They can stay at sea for months before the assault on Ukraine’s Ms. Yegoshyna wrote that “[o]ne of the base in Odesa on September 15, and the five days, with a range of 3,300 miles, and naval vessels in the Kerch Strait. main obstacles is that the U.S. side insists on cutters are expected to be delivered approx- have a maximum speed of 30 knots (34 The following day, September 27, 2018, a direct contract between Ukraine’s imately one month later.

Lt. Commander Ihor Trukhan Ukrainian crews in training at U.S. Coast Guard facility in Baltimore. 14 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 2019 No. 31

orities for the new Parliament will be to Zelenskyy... complete the work left undone by the pre- vious Verkhovna Rada, namely to lift the (Continued from page 1) immunity from the deputies, proscribe Batkivshchyna party with 26 seats. the illegal enrichment of officials and Servant of the People has 254 seats, and adopt a law allowing for the impeachment Collected poetry of Hryhory Skovoroda only 226 votes are needed for a simple of the president. After that, their empha- majority. But to push through constitu- sis will be on more effective legal reform, “The Garden of Divine Songs and tional amendments, 300 votes are needed. stepping up efforts to curb corruption, Collected Poetry of Hryhory Skovoroda,” So far, Servant of the People’s leaders enhancing legislation dealing with decen- by Hryhory Skovoroda, translated by have indicated that, with their strong tralization and liberalizing the economy. Michael M. Naydan. London: Glagoslav majority, they do not need to form a coali- President Zelenskyy has made it clear Publications, 2015. 134 pp. ISBN: 978-1- tion or share posts with others. For that for prime minister he wants an econ- 911414-03-2 (paperback), $21.40. instance, President Zelenskyy’s represen- omist, technocrat and political newcomer. tative in the Cabinet of Ministers, Andriy This has undoubtedly dashed the hopes Hryhory Skovoroda (1722-1794) is Gerus. told the media on July 29 that his of former Prime Minister Tymoshenko considered by many to be the first great party intends to fill all the ministerial and of current Prime Minister Volodymyr Slavic philosopher. Written over a period posts. He thinks that some of the parlia- Groysman. Several names have been stretching from the 1750s until 1785, mentary committees might be given to floated, but no favorite has been identi- “The Garden of Divine Songs” is a unique the opposition, “so that no one has any fied. The position of prime minister is all collection of 30 poems featuring a com- doubts about the democratic nature of the more important because, according to plex system of strophic structures, with the new power…” Article 113 of the Ukrainian Constitution, only a few of the songs written in a tradi- According to experts, the leader of the in the event of the president being unable tional way. According to writer and schol- Servant of the People Party, Dmytro to fulfill his duties, the prime minister ar Valery Shevchuk, it functions as a Razumkov, 35, is the clear favorite to serves as interim president with limited “practical guide to the art of poetry,’” become the new speaker of the powers. exemplifying all the meters and strophic Verkhovna Rada. This calm, young and In the case of a replacement for Yuriy patterns that were possible in Ukrainian highly intelligent political technologist Lutsenko as prosecutor general, poetry at that time. quickly rose to prominence during the President Zelenskyy himself has pointed As demonstrated in “The Garden of presidential election as Mr. Zelenskyy’s to Ruslan Ryaboshapka as his preferred Divine Songs and Collected Poetry of advisor and main spokesman. candidate. But Mr. Lutsenko has refused Hryhory Skovoroda,” Skorovoda’s originali- Servant of the People has not yet said to go and is hanging on for as long as pos- ty and his ability to approach the most car- definitely whether it will want the first sible. dinal problems of human existence stem deputy speaker’s post, and many observ- While President Zelenskyy’s team has from his capacity to combine known ers believe the party will not concede it. been focusing on preparing for the chal- motifs, borrowed from literary sources The translator of this collection of poet- The professorial Ruslan Stefanchuk, con- lenges ahead, other noteworthy develop- such as classical texts, the Bible and ancient ry by Skovoroda, Michael M. Naydan, is a sidered the party’s “ideologue,” is the ments have made the news. Several of Ukrainian poetic works, with his own sys- Woskob Family Professor of Slavic leading candidate, though some observ- them involve Mr. Poroshenko. Firstly, he tem of thinking that focuses on his philoso- Languages and Literature at Pennsylvania ers think he might become head of the has had to appear at the office of the State phy of the heart. State University. parliamentary faction instead. Bureau of Investigation to provide evi- The more intriguing question is dence in the first of 11 cases of corrup- whether Servant of the People will yield tion that are being investigated. the second deputy speaker’s position to Secondly, Mr. Poroshenko has been tar- Correspondence of philosopher another party. Mr. Razumkov has indicat- geted in two separate mudslinging exer- ed this is under consideration. If so, the cises involving his former political col- and poet Hryhory Skovoroda pro-Russian Opposition Platform – For leagues, Minister of Internal Affairs Arsen Life, which obtained the second largest Avakov and Prime Minister Groysman. “The Complete Correspondence of number of seats (43), will hope to get it. Both have confirmed their complete Hryhory Skovoroda: Philosopher and And that could lead to Viktor break with him, accusing him in public of Poet,” by Hryhory Skovoroda, translated by Medvedchuk, the notorious associate of being dishonest and self-serving. Both Michael M. Naydan and Eleonora Adams. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, being ministers will probably soon be without London: Glagoslav Publications, 2016. 244 proposed for the position. jobs and apparently want to distance pp. ISBN: 978-1-78437-990-2 (paperback), According to political analyst Maksym themselves from the Poroshenko era. $22.65. Vozniak, Mr. Zelenskyy is still “too angry” Meanwhile, after the election, the with former President Petro Poroshenko Zelenskyy team has tempered its own The religious philosopher and poet after the acrimonious presidential elec- rhetoric and menacing warnings. Most Hryhory Skovoroda is described by many tion, and Mr. Medvedchuk is “too toxic” a notably, it appears to have backed down as the Ukrainian Socrates and was one of figure to be accepted. On the other hand, on its threat to lustrate all the officials the most learned men of his time. He was a giving the post to the Holos party could who had served during the Poroshenko polyglot who knew the Bible, as well as the cement a valuable tacit alliance. administration – a move that was writing of the Church fathers and the litera- Representatives of Servant of the promptly condemned by Ukraine’s Euro- ture of Greek and Roman antiquity, virtual- People have confirmed that the first pri- Atlantic friends. ly by heart. The impact of Skovoroda’s life and works has been well documented on major writers in future generations such as KGB) knew what had happened to their Leo Tolstoy, Andrei Bely and Pavlo Tychyna, Turning the pages... relatives and friends, one witness replied: “The mother of my daughter-in- to name a few. (Continued from page 6) None of Skorovoda’s works were pub- law, after her husband had been arrested lished during his lifetime. The texts of his Further examples of Communist plan- for crimes unknown to her, inquired of writings were preserved mostly by his life- ning in the murders were described by the NKVD why he was arrested and long friend Mykhailo Kovalynsky, to whom witnesses of how one mass grave location when would he be released. She was he had given the manuscripts. “The was turned into an amusement park in given only the answer that he had been Complete Correspondence of Hryhory Translator Michael M. Naydan is a Vinnytsia. sentenced to 10 years without the right Skorovoda: Philosopher and Poet” presents Woskob Family Professor of Slavic Zenon Pelensky, whose testimony was of correspondence…” the letters of Skorovoda in their entirety in Languages and Literature at Pennsylvania supplemented by voluminous documents Other witnesses corroborated the fact English for the first time. State University. He is a prolific translator and authenticated photographs and that this was the standardized answer Hryhory Skovoroda was born in 1722 to of poetry and prose from Ukrainian and charts of the mass graves in Vinnytsia, given by the NKVD to friends and rela- a poor Kozak family in the village of Russian with over 30 books and more than told in remarkable detail the story of tives of those who were murdered at Chornukhy in Ukraine. He studied at the 100 articles and translations in literary these crimes and why they had been vis- Vinnytsia. famed Kyiv-Mohyla Academy at various journals. ited upon the people of Vinnytsia. The Ihor Zhurlyvy’s testimony summa- times in his life but never completed his Translator Dr. Eleonora Adams teaches Ukrainian people always refused to sub- rized the experiences of many when he described the arrest of his father by the studies in theology. He traveled throughout German and Russian at Penn State mit to and acknowledge the Bolshevik NKVD: “My father was arrested just as Eastern Europe, working as a musical Abington, but holds her tenure in the rule in Ukraine, he said. The terror thousands and millions of other director and private tutor for many years German Department at University Park. imposed on Ukrainians by the Ukrainians, for the reason that he loved and, later, taught poetics, syntax, Greek and She received her Ph.D. from University of Communists was an effort to break the Ukraine too much. Such Ukrainians were ethics at the Kharkiv Collegium. After Pennsylvania, with a comparative study of national spirit and to discourage the peo- called bourgeois nationalists by the undergoing a spiritual crisis, he decided to Franz Werfel and Lev Tolstoy. Her scholar- ple from any hope that one day they may Bolsheviks.” devote his life entirely to God and to a life ship includes publications and conference be liberated from Communist rule. Source: “Kersten committee reports on of poverty. Before he died in 1794, he presentations on Werfel, Tolstoy, When asked if the relatives of those Communist aggression in Ukraine,” The asked that his tombstone read, “The world Hoffmannsthal Arthur Schnitzler and people who were arrested by the NKVD (Soviet secret police, predecessor to the Ukrainian Weekly, August 14, 1954. tried to catch me but never could.” Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyj. No. 31 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 2019 15

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE UCCA president visits Ukrainian community in Oregon

UCCA UCCA President Andriy Futey with board members of the Ukrainian American The UCCA president in the studio of “Nashe Radio” in Portland. Cultural Association of Oregon and Southwest Washington.

UCCA and employees of two Pacific Northwest sented on the UCCA Executive Board – Mr. Futey also appeared on two live radio pro- branches of the Ukrainian Federal Credit Futey emphasized how important it is for grams on “Nashe Radio,” where he once NEW YORK – The President of the Union, located in Portland, Ore., and the community to continue to invest in again underscored the importance of unity Ukrainian Congress Committee of America Federal Way, Wash. Highlighting the UCCA’s Ukrainian credit unions, as these institu- within the Ukrainian American community. (UCCA), the representative organization of long collaboration with the Ukrainian tions continually reinvest their earnings During the radio call-in portion of the show, over 1 million Americans of Ukrainian National Federal Credit Union Association – into community projects and initiatives. Mr. Futey addressed the various ways the descent, traveled to Oregon on July 9-10 to a UCCA member organization that is repre- Over the course of his two-day visit, Mr. UCCA supports the community and its meet with representatives of the Ukrainian issues of concern. American community. On the final evening of his visit, Mr. Futey During his two-day visit, Andriy Futey addressed the parishioners of the met with the leadership and members of Ukrainian Bible Church, a large Ukrainian the Ukrainian American Cultural Pentecostal Christian congregation located Association of Oregon and Southwest in Fairview, Ore. He outlined the historical Washington (UACA), a non-profit, educa- role the UCCA played in advocating for reli- tional and cultural organization that pro- gious freedom in Ukraine, and how it con- motes Ukrainian heritage and traditions in tinues to work with the various religious the Pacific Northwest, and which provides denominations in Ukraine, specifically the assistance to Ukrainians in the greater Christian community. Portland metropolitan area as well as to “It was an honor to meet so many mem- Ukrainians in Ukraine. bers of this active and vibrant Pacific During their discussions, Mr. Futey out- Northwest ‘hromada.’ I hope UCCA will be lined the work of the UCCA, emphasized able to strengthen its cooperation with this the importance of unity within the 80,000-strong community, because together Ukrainian American community, and we can wield much more influence on the encouraged the UACA to join the UCCA, United States political process, and have a which unites fraternal, educational, veter- greater ability to assist our brethren in ans, religious, cultural and humanitarian Ukraine” remarked Mr. Futey. “I’m grateful to Ukrainian American organizations under the Ukrainian American Cultural Association one national umbrella organization. of Oregon and Southwest Washington for During his visit to the area, the UCCA inviting me to Oregon, and I look forward to president also met with the management Andriy Futey at the pulpit of the Ukrainian Bible Church in Fairview, Ore. a fruitful relationship going forward.” Ukrainian Independence Day is proclaimed in Southwest Florida by Vira Bodnaruk proclamation was read by Commissioner Vanessa Carusone in the presence of VENICE, Fla. – Sarasota County other commissioners and members of Commissioners at their July 9 meeting in the Ukrainian American community. It Venice, Fla., presented a proclamation was accepted by Ms. Tomashosky of the which declared that August 24, 2019 is to Ukrainian American Club. be celebrated as Ukrainian Independence Representatives of other Ukrainian Day. American organizations present at both The proclamation was accepted with ceremonies were Ukrainian American thanks on behalf of the Ukrainian Veterans Ihor Hron (post commander), American community of Southwest Roman Rondiak and Eugene Florida by Daria Tomashosky, president Tomashosky; Vira and Bohdan Bodnaruk of the Ukrainian American Club. She (Ukrainian Language Society); Alexandra stressed the importance of this procla- Popel (Ukrainian National Women’s mation not only to the Ukrainian League of America); Doris Horbachevsky American community, but to the people and Halia Lisnychyj (Ukrainian American of Ukraine who are fighting against Club); Victor Lisnychyj, Vlad Szpiczka, Russian aggression to maintain their Olia Babchuk and Mykola Weremijenko country’s territorial integrity and who (St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and are working toward creating a true Cultural Center); Roman Czajkowsky democracy in Ukraine. (Ukrainian Holodomor-Genocide Similarly, on July 11, the city commis- Committee); Larissa Shpon (St. Mary’s sioners of North Port, Fla., designated Ukrainian Catholic Church) and Mr. and Steve Dawson and Victor Lisnychyj August 24, 2019, as the 28th anniversary Mrs. Bystrianyk (Ukrainian Village Representatives of Ukrainian American organizations in front of the Sarasota County of Ukrainian Independence Day. The Condos). Commission Chamber. 16 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 2019 No. 31

The genial pair of masters of ceremonies for the 2019 At the heart... festival were Larysa Bajus of Ontario and Bogdan Tabaka of New Jersey. (Continued from page 11) Dumka of New York under Vasyl Hrechynsky featured songs Some who make a difference with Lemko rhythms, exuberant dance-like tunes and some with more modernistic harmonies. Two arrangements One soul can move mountains. Here are thumbnails of included instrumentalists playing sopilka and mouth harp. seven diverse people at the festival who really made a differ- Singer-songwriter Taras Petrynenko is a true living ence. legend for Ukrainians, noted for his many hit songs and Maksym (Max) Lozynskyj revved up the crowds all his active participation in the Orange Revolution and the weekend, belting out his songs while accompanying himself Revolution of Dignity. (He performed his stirring song on guitar. Mr. Lozynskyj was a Ukrainian baby who was “Ukraino!” at Soyuzivka over Labor Day 1991, mere days adopted by Ukrainian American parents. Displaying a love after Ukraine’s Declaration of Independence on August for singing and theater, he performed in plays and musicals 24.) Mr. Petrynenko especially delighted listeners with in high school and college, graduating as a music composi- his early retro songs. He was often joined in duets by his tion major from Drew University in Madison, N.J. An ardent Adrian Bryttan wife, singer Tetiana Horobets. advocate for Ukraine, he frequently leads crowds in song at Gloria Horbaty at the food tent with grandchildren Tonya Matvienko’s heartfelt songs easily connected rallies and marches. Justyna and Tristan. with listeners throughout the festival. Her vocal timbre On Saturday and Sunday, Mr. Lozynskyj also spoke to film carries strong echoes of her mother, Nina Matvienko, a enthusiasts about his leading role in a new Ukrainian movie. the iceberg. noted folkloric stylist. Maksym Lozynskyj energized “Hutsulka Ksenia” was originally a 1938 operetta by She serves as an advisor of the UNA General Assembly, audiences with his impassioned singing and guitar play- Yaroslaw Barnych, who emigrated to Cleveland. It was and was regional chair for the UNWLA in New England and ing. based on his enormously popular tango song of the same cultural chair for UNWLA Branch 108. She has taught class- Mr. Lozynskyj is also the lead actor in the new film es at “Ridna Shkola” (School of Ukrainian Studies) and con- “Hutsulka Ksenia.” In the Main House library, he ducted pysanky demos on TV. This year will be her 52nd divulged many details about the movie’s production. year at the Connecticut Ukrainian Festival in Stamford, Also in the film portion of the festival program, director Conn., where she is known as the “egg lady.” Roman Brygider screened his many-layered documenta- A fourth-generation Ukrainian, Halyna Shepko counts ry film “Our Ukrainian American Legacy.” Myron Surmach (whose Surma store in New York City was a Saturday afternoon included the good-natured fun of center of the Ukrainian community) as her godfather. Ms. the annual varenyky-eating contest hosted by the ebul- Shepko’s love for traditional textiles and embroidery led her lient Alex Gutmakher under a tent on the Veselka patio. to start her own farm in New Paltz , N.Y., and raise sheep The instrumental folk quartet Udych performed at and goats to make yarns (colored naturally), cheeses and the Saturday evening stage show and at Friday’s “zaba- soap. She explored the Hutsul region in Ukraine to study va.” The ensemble Anna-Maria played for the second techniques and instruments of weaving and decorating. dance on Saturday evening, following the grand concert. She has conducted courses and tours for weavers at The Ukrainian Museum in New York and was a finalist at the Dancers on stage NYSCA/NYFA Artist Finals for Folk Artists. For years, she has been bringing the Ukrainian “Selo” (Village) to the The Roma Pryma Bohachevsky Ukrainian Dance Ukrainian Cultural Festival to demonstrate weaving, pottery Workshop performed varied and complex programs making and pysanka decorating. during both evening shows. All eye-catching costumes Marta Farion of the Kyiv Mohyla Foundation of Hearkening back to wise Ukrainian oral traditions, she were meticulously researched and tailored, including America with Taras Petrynenko at the fund-raiser related advice given to young maidens when handed a knot- multi-colored feathers on the women’s exotic head- for the UNA’s two newspapers. ty and twisted bunch of wool: “Once you can untangle this dresses. In his new choreography for “Volynska Zabava,” ball of yarn, only then you’ll be ready for marriage!” title. The 2019 movie closely follows the operetta’s original Tireless choreographer/director Orlando Pagan began and included high kicks for the ladies, something you plot and just like the true-life story of Mr. Lozynskyj, exalts his dance training at the age of 13, later studying with the almostаrtistic neverдirector find Orlando in ethnic Pagan dances. let his imagination fly the protagonist’s struggle to preserve his heritage, while Alvin Ailey School of Dance and the School of American Mr. Pagan also leads the 90-member Zolotyj Promin buffeted between Ukraine and America. Expect the U.S. the- Ballet. He was also invited to join the international tour of Ukrainian Dance Ensemble from Hartford, Conn., which ater release for this film in the fall. the Dance Theater of Harlem. Along the way, he was attract- performed in both shows on Saturday. According to A film introduced by its author and screened this week- ed to Ukrainian dance, and in 1987 was engaged as a soloist original founder Bohdanna Szafran, over half of the old- end was the documentary “Our Ukrainian American with the Syzokryli Dance Ensemble. Founder Roma Pryma est group work at full-time jobs, and there are now Legacy.” A multiple Emmy Award-winning PBS producer/ Bohachevsky (RPB) expressed her wish that Mr. Pagan many second-generation dancers. The ensemble has director, Mr. Brygider was born in New York City, but when would be the ensemble’s new artistic director. He assumed appeared at universities like Connecticut State and Yale, his family moved out to Long Island he began to lose contact this position in 2006, and became head instructor for all and at the Bloor Street Festival in Toronto. On Saturday, with his Ukrainian roots. schools of the RPB Foundation. Zolotyj Promin presented a humorous choreography by Working at PBS during the Orange Revolution, the Since 1995 he has also held the position of artistic direc- Mr. Pagan titled “The Seamstress.” Maidan and subsequent Russian invasions and wars, he tor of the Zolotyj Promin Dance Ensemble and School in began to feel the need to produce a film that would docu- Hartford and currently also teaches Ukrainian dance in ment the lives and activities of the Ukrainian diaspora, and Yonkers , N.Y., and Passaic, N.J. Mr. Pagan has created works explain to all viewers the context of current developments. for the Ukrainian ensembles Kashtan in Cleveland and With archival footage and fresh interviews, he fashioned Cheremosh in Minneapolis, as well as choreography for a beautifully edited and educational film, in which many Ukrainian pop star Ruslana. viewers will recognize their local communities, friends or All these passionate people are radiant examples for all even themselves. of us. Echoing Dr. Szeremeta, Gloria Horbaty said it all: “You Much of the success of the festival’s stage shows was due want a festival? Come help!” to the professional work of both emcees. An actress from Kyiv, Ms. Bajus co-founded Studio TM Olijnyk in Toronto in 2010. There, she works with children of different ages and levels, fashioning a musical stage production. Over three months, she rewrites the eventual musical to all their varied strengths. She enthused over how diction, dramatic sense and stage movement can make any child comfortable on stage, and also instill a general self-confidence. Born in Ukraine but growing up in New Jersey, Bogdan Tabaka has enjoyed an elite dance and vocal career. He holds several regional dance titles, was a Fred Astaire National Winner and All-American National Ballroom Champion. He was lead choreographer for the 2016 Tony Awards and master of ceremonies at many prestigious events. With his infectious smile and dazzling outfits (self- designed), Mr. Tabaka charmed the festival audiences. He has also assisted UNWLA Branch 137 by generating its fly- ers, newsletters, mass mailings and contributing to its pres- ence on social media. Anyone browsing the Ukrainian Arts and Crafts Vendors Plaza would be lured by the aromas of pastries and hot dogs to the central food tent. A second-generation Ukrainian and UNA Chief Operating Officer/National Secretary a proud member of UNA Branch 414 of New Haven, Conn., At the film festival, Roman Brygider, director of “Our Yuriy Symczyk and his wife, Nataliya, on the way to Gloria Horbaty has run this busy oasis for over 10 years at Ukrainian American Legacy,” and Maksym the gala. Soyuzivka. But all her hot summer labor is merely the tip of Lozynskyj, star of “Hutsulka Ksenia." No. 31 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 2019 17

or with the pope, because they do not have sive factor in the demise of the USSR, so too, REFLECTIONS: Pope Francis... the fullness of grace, which is only with the President... Ukraine’s quest for mature nation statehood living God. will determine the demise of Russia’s imperi- (Continued from page 7) (Continued from page 9) Nevertheless, their witness deeply affect- al ambitions. Therefore, we will not obviate who always expressed deep respect for the ed us. The simplicity of sharing conversation Czarist and Commissarist social engineer- our very real concerns about President UGCC. Last summer he was in the gray zone and coffee. The pope encouraged us to be ing cloned through unspeakable imperial- Zelenskyy’s devaluation of the continuing in the Donbas, he prayed with us in pastors who do not look at our watches but ist oppression and violence. impact of the Revolution of Dignity, and Zarvanytsia, and a few weeks ago he met who give time. He gave us a lot of his. Indeed, The League of Ukrainian Canadians was instead, his resort to vague platitudes served with our faithful in North America. time will tell how these discussions will bear the first in the diaspora to raise the alarm up as policies. These are not times for ambi- We saw this attitude as well in all those fruit. about the Yanukovych regime as a puppet of guity. Already, Russia is taking advantage of cardinals, archbishops and bishops present Moscow and mobilized Canadians to support the confusion and discontent among at the meetings. Borys Gudziak is Ukrainian Catholic civic opposition to Yanukovych. Then as now, Ukraine’s international partners. Ukraine It is impossible to say and hear everything archbishop of Philadelphia, metropolitan of we heard similar commitments about shared needs a commander in chief and statesman in two days. It was a first step toward a deep- Ukrainian Catholics in the U.S., president of western values and investment opportuni- who will speak clearly to the Ukrainian peo- er acquaintance and understanding. Clearly it the Ukrainian Catholic University and head ties. What disturbs the LUC is that we did not ple, to Ukraine’s friends and to its enemies was not full, but the Lord fills everything and of the Department of External Church hear from the new President a commitment alike. will be with us all. This process is ascending – Relations of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic to complete the goals set out by the As the LUC celebrates our 70th anniversa- it is symbolic and does not stop at the curia Church (UGCC). Revolution of Dignity. Instead, at the events ry, and as it has since its founding in 1949, the in Toronto we heard high ranking foreign then Canadian League for the Liberation of government officials from Europe, the US, Ukraine and, since 1991, the League of The same can be expected regarding the and Canada make more references to the Ukrainian Canadians will continue to foster True to ‘tradition”... 2021 parliamentary election, thus ensuring goals and achievements of the Revolution of and promote Canadian values and to share that Russia’s authoritarian political system Dignity than President Zelenskyy or his dele- our Ukrainian cultural heritage with our fel- (Continued from page 2) can perpetuate itself beyond Mr. Putin’s gation. low Canadians. We will work to marshal sup- of deputies elected by party lists declines, “last” presidential term. Ukrainians are at war. The invader, Russia, port for Ukrainians to build a secure, demo- and vice versa; when the opposition gains is insisting on terms for peace that fit its cratic and prosperous, sovereign and indivisi- momentum or the “power vertical” system The article above is reprinted from hybrid war strategy to dominate Ukraine ble, independent Ukrainian nation-state. To feels excessive pressure, the electoral Eurasia Daily Monitor with permission from from within. The Revolution of Dignity set these ends, the LUC stands ready to support threshold rises, while in “secure” times it its publisher, the Jamestown Foundation, the long term goals for victory in this existen- policies of President Zelenskyy and his may go down. In other words, each new www.jamestown.org. tial struggle. Just as Ukrainians were a deci- administration. electoral rule change was implemented to preserve the ruling regime’s ability to stay in power indefinitely.

Ukrainian authorities...

(Continued from page 3) deemed illegitimate by Kyiv, the United States and a total of at least 100 countries. Russia moved swiftly to seize control over Crimea after Moscow-friendly Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych was pushed from power by the pro-European Maidan protest movement in February 2014. Russia has also fomented unrest and backed militants in eastern Ukraine, where more than 13,000 people have been killed in the ensuing conflict since April 2014.

With reporting by Christopher Miller in Kyiv. Copyright 2019, RFE/RL Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington DC 20036; www.rferl.org (see https://www.rferl.org/a/ukrainian-authori- ties-seize-russian-tanker-/30075130.html). 18 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 2019 No. 31 Ukrainian Art Song Summer Institute spotlights eight emerging artists TORONTO – The third Ukrainian Art Song Summer recognition they deserve in the world of classical vocal many of the emerging artists have already included Institute being held August 12-18 at the Royal music. Ukrainian art songs in their repertoire. They are also help- Conservatory of Music in Toronto. The 2019 Summer Institute is a significant milestone for ing to broadcast knowledge and awareness of Ukrainian Eight very talented artists, on the cusp of breaking into the Ukrainian Art Song Project. In the words of Artistic composers and Ukrainian classical vocal music. the world of professional vocal music, will attend with the Director Pavlo Hunka: “Reaching out to the youth of the The lead sponsors of the Ukrainian Art Song Summer intent of honing their already significant skills. Their talent world to introduce new music is a paramount aim of the Institute 2019 are: SUS Foundation of Canada, the is impressive; so is their appreciation of Ukrainian art Ukrainian Art Song Project.” Shevchenko Foundation and the Ukrainian Canadian War songs, which provide new repertoire and are gaining the Since the first Ukrainian Art Song Summer Institute, Veterans Fund.

Emerging artists of 2019 Yurii Hryhorash is a master’s graduate Teryn Kuzma is a Ukrainian American Westminster Choir College. Through from the Lviv National Music Academy. He soprano, hailing from Hartford, Conn., Westminster, he has performed with the Ukrainian Canadian Alexandra Beley is was also a member of its Opera Studio. where she studies voice with Dr. Constance world’s leading conductors and orchestras quickly establishing herself as an up and He has had considerable success in singing Rock. Ms. Kuzma is a member of the at venues such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln coming young mezzo-soprano. She recently competitions achieving: first place at the Women’s Bandura Ensemble of North Center. Mr. Skitko sings regularly with the completed two years at L’Atelier Lyrique Teren-Yushkiv competition in Lviv; second America, where she also serves on the artis- Opera Philadelphia Chorus, The with Opéra de Montréal, where she made place at the Malaniuk competition in Ivano- tic committee. She is a recent graduate of Philadelphia Symphonic Choir and The her debut with the company singing Berta Frankivsk; and second place at the University of Connecticut with a bache- Same Stream Choir. He has participated in in “Il Barbiere di Siviglia.” The following the 21st Century Art competition in Kyiv. lor’s degree in vocal performance. While at The Oxford University Choral Institute as a year, she sang Second Maid in Strauss’s Mr. Hryhorash has performed as a soloist at school, she performed with the Opera member of the Grammy-nominated ensem- “Elektra” under the baton of esteemed con- the Lviv National Opera and the Lviv Theater and Opera Outreach programs in ble Williamson Voices. He is a professional ductor and current Music Director of the National Philharmonic. He made his debut several roles, including Belinda in ”Dido and cantor for the Byzantine-Ruthenian Church Metropolitan Opera Yannick Nézet-Séguin. in 2016 in the title role in ”Le Nozze di Aeneas,” Amalia Balash in ”She Loves Me,” and is also the artistic director of Theoria Prior to her time in Montreal, Ms. Beley Figaro,” a joint project with the Lviv Opera Una Novizia in ”Suor Angelica” and a Fairy Chamber Choir, which performs Slavic cho- completed a year in Calgary Opera’s and Lviv National Music Academy. In 2018, Sprite in Massenet’s ”Cendrillon.” Most ral repertoire. Additionally, Mr. Skitko is an Emerging Artist Program, where she made he appeared as a guest artist in the Jan recently, she appeared with The Ohio Light assistant producer, singer and member of her debut singing the title role in ”The Rape Kiepura International Festival in Poland. His Opera in Wooster as an ensemble member the Ukrainian Art Song Project. of Lucretia.” Other roles include Gertrude repertoire includes roles in operas by and featured soloist. Last year, she attended (“Roméo et Juliette”), Suzuki (“Madama Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Donizetti and Hulak- the SongFest Program in Los Angeles as a A native of Toronto, Olenka Slywynska Butterfly”), Dorothée (“Cendrillion”), Artemovsky. Young Artist and won the University of has been praised for having “a lush, honey- Dorabella (“Così Fan Tutte”), Cherubino Connecticut Concerto & Aria Competition. colored sound filling the hall, singing every- (“Le Nozze di Figaro”), Hänsel (“Hänsel und Kateryna Khartova moved to Canada one else under the table” (Opera Gretel”), Dinah (“Trouble in Tahiti”) and from Ukraine in 2007 at the age of 18. Praised as a “sophisticated artist” with a Canada). She performs in opera, oratorio Stéphano (“Roméo et Juliette”). During her first year in Saskatoon she start- “gorgeous voice” and “stratospheric vocals” and does recital work, and has enjoyed ed taking voice lessons and immediately (Winnipeg Free Press), soprano Katherine interesting recital opportunities at the Tangl Julie Anna Gulenko is praised for her fell in love with opera. In 2011 she was Mayba, native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, has ewood Music Festival, Hamilton graceful soprano voice and sensitive musi- accepted into the Music Department at the performed with Manitoba Underground Philharmonic’s What’s Next festival, cal interpretations. The northeast Ohio University of Saskatchewan, where she has Opera as Ilia (“Idomeneo”) and Amore and ARC festivals. Ms. Slywynska has per- native is an alumna of Oberlin been studying under the tutelage of Dr. (“L’incoronazione di Poppea”) and with formed oratorio with the Hamilton Conservatory of Music, where she studied Garry Gable and Kathleen Lohrenz Gable. In Manitoba Opera (“Don Giovanni,” “Falstaff,” Philharmonic Symphony, Toronto Classical with Marlene Rosen and performed in sev- 2016 Ms. Khartova graduated with an hon- “Madama Butterfly”), and has made regular Singers, Vesnivka and many others. She has eral Oberlin Opera Theater produc- ors bachelor’s degree in voice performance. appearances with Flipside Opera. She has enjoyed singing in operas with the tions. ClevelandClassical.com noted the During her school years she has been a cho- also performed as a soloist with the Highlands Opera Studio, Opera Chai and singer’s delightful approach to the role of rus member of numerous opera produc- Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and operas at the Glenn Gould School of Serpetta in Oberlin’s modern staging of ”La tions with the Saskatoon Opera through the Orville J. Derraugh Scholarship Music. She has also sung in the Canadian Finta Giardiniera” by Mozart. Ms. Gulenko Association. She has won the Wallis Silver Competition, and has competed in the Opera Company Chorus. She recently has made multiple appearances with both Memorial (2014) and Bronze Grand Winnipeg Music Festival, winning several earned a master’s in pedagogy from the Canton Comic Opera and the Summit Awards (2015) at the Saskatchewan Music awards including the Rose Bowl. Ms. Mayba University of Toronto and is presently Choral Society and recently collaborated on Festival. She had her orchestral debut in studies at the University of Manitoba and is teaching voice. performance projects with the Cleveland March 2017 with the Saskatoon Symphony a student of Tracy Dahl. A multidisciplinary Ballet, the Western Reserve Historical Orchestra as a soprano soloist for the musician, she holds her ARCT Performance Masterclasses may be audited Society and the Tuesday Musical Ukrainian oratorio “Golden Harvest” by Diploma in voice, piano and violin from The Association. She has participated in master Larysa Kuzmenko. She is now continuing Royal Conservatory of Music. The public may attend a masterclass classes with Serbian mezzo-soprano her education at the Glenn Gould School of and experience the process as the emerg- Milena Kitic and Venezuelan soprano Inés Music in Toronto in the class of Monica Andrew Skitko earned his bachelor’s Salazar. Whicher. and master’s degrees in music at (Continued on page 19)

Emerging artists of the 2019 Ukrainian Art Song Summer Institute (top row, from left): Alexandra Beley, Julie Anna Gulenko, Yurii Hryhorash, Kateryna Khartova, (second row) Teryn Kuzma, Katherine Mayba, Andrew Skitko and Olenka Slywynska. No. 31 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 2019 19

August 8 through Art exhibit, “Blue Collar” by Cleveland Dean and August 18-25 Dance Workshop, Rodovid Academy of Ukrainian Dance, October 6 Anthony Adcock, Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, Hepburn, SK Bethany College, www.rodovidacademyofukrainiandance.com Chicago 773-227-5522 or www.uima-chicago.org August 19-25 Folk Camp immersion in Ukrainian culture, August 9-11 Softball tournament weekend, Ukrainian American Grafton, ON www.folkcamp.ca Ellenville, NY Youth Association camp, www.cym.org/us-ellenville or 845-647-7230 August 22 Ukrainian American Day flag-raising ceremony and Hempstead, NY celebration, Ukrainian Congress Committee of America August 11-17 Choral Workshop, Kobzarska Sich Bandura Camp, All (Long Island Chapter), Hempstead Town Hall, Emlenton, PA Saints Camp, www.banduracamp.org [email protected]

August 12-17 Icon Workshop III, “Archangel Icon,” Archangel August 23 Khmel Zabava fund-raiser dance for Plast camps, Carnegie, PA Studios, [email protected] Wildwood, NJ Khmelnychenky Plast fraternity, featuring DJ Orest, Wildwood American Legion hall, www.facebook.com/xmeli August 13-15 Ukrainian Dance Camp, Svoboda Dancers, Dance North Battleford, SK Connection Studio, 306-490-7586 or 306-480-7729 August 23-25 Instructor Intensive Workshop, Rodovid Academy of Hepburn, SK Ukrainian Dance, Bethany College, August 15-17 Saskatoon Folkfest, Ukrainian Karpaty Pavilion, www.rodovidacademyofukrainiandance.com Saskatoon, SK Prairieland Park, www.saskatoonfolkfest.com August 24 Memorial concert in honor of Lubomyr Krushelnytsky, August 15-18 46th annual St. Josaphat Ukrainian Festival, Jewett, NY with cellist Natalia Khoma and pianist Volodymyr Rochester, NY St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church, Vynnytsky, Music and Art Center of Greene County, www.rochesterukrainianfestival.com [email protected] or www.grazhdamusicandart.org

August 17 Hamilton Ukrainian Day on the Bay, Ukrainian Canadian August 24 Ukrainian Food Sale, Ukrainian Women’s Association of Hamilton, ON Congress – Hamilton Branch, Hamilton Waterfront Saskatoon, SK Canada, (Olha Kobylianska Branch), Holy Trinity Ukrainian Dock, [email protected] or www.ucchamilton.ca Orthodox Cathedral hall, [email protected] August 17 Piano recital, Serhii Salov, Music and Art Center of Greene August 24 Ukrainian Day in the Park, Ukrainian Canadian Congress Jewett, NY County, www.musicandartcenter.org or 518-989-6479 Saskatoon, SK (Saskatoon Branch), Kiwanis Park, August 17-18 Ukrainian Festival, Ukrainian Homestead, www.ukrainiandayinthepark.ca Lehighton, PA www.ukrhomestead.com or 610-377-4621 August 24 Ukrainian Independence Banquet, featuring keynote speaker August 18 Ukrainian Day, Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, Montreal Victor Rud, Ukrainian Canadian Congress (Montreal Branch), Tofield, AB www.ukrainianvillage.ca Ukrainian Youth Center, 438-764-9392

August 18 Registration for Religious Education (ages 3-18), Entries in “Out and About” are listed free of charge. Priority is given to events Hillside, NJ Immacualte Conception Ukrainian Catholic Church, advertised in The Ukrainian Weekly. However, we also welcome submissions www.byzcath.org/immaculateconception or from all our readers. Items will be published at the discretion of the editors 908-322-7350 and as space allows. Please send e-mail to [email protected].

“This is just the first week of a broad plan Lawmaking 101... that the party plans to take” to educate their lawmakers, he added. JACQUES HNIZDOVSKY (Continued from page 3) Svyatoslav Yurash, a Servant of the PRINTS DRAWINGS PAINTINGS another. People lawmaker who may be Ukraine’s But experts have applauded the econom- youngest ever at age 23, told RFE/RL that William Greenbaum Fine Prints has been in business now ics and lawmaking courses. he and his colleagues entering Parliament “I think it’s a great idea and indeed a very need the lessons “to understand how to for more than 50 years. We currently have 25 signed prints necessary one as three-quarters of the new avoid the pitfalls” that torpedoed the agen- by Mr. Hnizdovsky for sale and we are seeking to purchase Parliament have never been MPs before and das of previous reform-minded lawmakers more of his prints as well as his drawings and paintings. most of them are completely newbies in the who failed to get re-elected and “to confront ‘big politics,’ ” Volodymyr Ishchenko, a corruption and the difficult realities facing senior lecturer at the Kyiv Polytechnic us.” Institute Department of Sociology, told RFE/ “We are all clearly novices as far as law- RL. making in Parliament is concerned,” he said. “I am in favor when photographers, pri- “This is a chance to learn the procedural mary school teachers and pizzeria owners realities of parliament.” can vote in the Parliament,” he said. Moreover, Mr. Yurash added, “learning Defending the course, KSE’s Mr. new things is a part of life whether you’re Mylovanov, welcomed “the desire of 20 or 50 years old.” [Servant of the People] lawmakers to devote ​ a week to intensive training instead of tak- Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty © 2019 ing a summer vacation!” RFE/RL, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

website, https://uaspsponsor.square- Ukrainian Art Song... space.com/auditing/. (Continued from page 18) Artists’ performance ing artists learn to bring gems of art songs to life; they may watch the coaching pro- All eight emerging artists will showcase cess as the singers learn to understand their talent as well as the skills they have ALL PRINTS NOW ILLUSTRATED ONLINE AT: and express the spirit and soul of mastered during the week at a final recital www.greenbaumprints.com Ukrainian art songs as well as the inten- on Sunday, August 18, at the Temerty tion of the composers. Theater at the Royal Conservatory's TELUS Please email us at [email protected] Public auditing opportunities are avail- Center For Performance and Learning, 273 or phone us at 508-284-7036. able during the week at the Conservatory Bloor Street West in Toronto. Tickets are in the Temerty Theater on Wednesday, $40 for adults and $20 for students with ID William Greenbaum Fine Prints August 14, at 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.; Thursday, and are available on the Royal Conservatory 98 South Street August 15, at 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.; and Friday, website, https://www.rcmusic.com/event- Rockport, MA 01966 August 16, at 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. There is no calendar/artists-in-performance-ukrainian- Open By Appointment cost for attending, but interested persons art-song-summer-institute. are asked to register in order to audit the For further information, readers may Member: International Fine Print Dealers Association classes on the Ukrainian Art Song Project e-mail [email protected]. 20 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 2019 No. 31

Subscribe to PREVIEW OF EVENTS Friday, August 23 “Celebrate Liberty and Unity” and will fea- WILDWOOD, N.J.: The Khmelnychenky ture another collaborative effort of Voloshky Plast fraternity is sponsoring a fund-raising Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, Iskra Ukrainian dance for camps of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Dance Ensemble, violinist Innesa Tymochko Organization at the Wildwood American Dekajlo and Vox Ethnika orchestra. This Legion, 4200 Atlantic Ave. Doors open at 8 year’s special guest performers are the p.m. Entertainment will be provided by DJ Korinya Ukrainian Folk Band and Master Orest. Admission: $20 for adults age 21 and Yang’s School of Martial Arts. A social dance over only; includes open beer bar 8 p.m.-1 to the live music of the Vox Ethnika will fol- a.m. Mixed drinks also available. Valid IDs low at 4:30 p.m. Delicious Ukrainian foods required for wrist bands that will be sold at and baked goods, picnic fare, cool beverages the beach and at the door. For more info – and refreshments will be plentiful. Vendors visit the Facebook page: https://www.face- are welcome. An arts and crafts bazaar and book.com/Xmeli/. a children’s fun area will be open all day. Admission: $15; students, $10; children Sunday, August 25 under 15, free; parking is free. A limited HORSHAM, Pa.: Tryzub Ukrainian number of discount tickets is available American Sport Center will host the online. For further information: 267-664- 28th annual Ukrainian Independence Folk 3857, [email protected], or www.tryzub.org. Festival and Outdoor Summer Concert at The sponsor is a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt non- Tryzubivka, County Line and Lower State profit charitable organization; proceeds roads, Horsham, PA 19044. Doors open at benefit youth and adult amateur sports and noon. The concert at 1:30 p.m. is titled cultural, fraternal and community programs.

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